Business Edge 19 by Distinctive Media Group Ltd

MARCH/APRIL 2014

the magazine for sussex enterprise members

British Chambers of Commerce

17/03/2014 14:35

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE BRIGHTON MARATHON WEEKEND 2014

Telephone: 01903 223 400 Website: www.rossetts.co.uk Twitter: @TeamRossetts

Aldershot • Crawley • Eastbourne • Worthing BE 19.indd 2

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contents 3

this month

Sussex Enterprise is the Chamber of Commerce for the county and currently represents over 2,100 member businesses. Membership of Sussex Enterprise offers access to invaluable business advice, money saving benefits, networking opportunities and provides a voice for businesses at a local, regional and national level. Business Edge is delivered free of charge to all Sussex Enterprise members as well as key business decision makers across the county. It has a circulation of 4,000 copies per issue.

05 Crunch Accounting

employs 100th staff member

Hove-based Crunch, the UK’s fastest growing accountancy firm*, has celebrated the recruitment of its 100th staff member.

n 04 welcome n 05 business matters n 07 business matters n 08 successful sussex n 10 business matters

28 A UK manufacturing success story. One man’s vision.

John Patrick has built a remarkable UK manufacturing success story on the south coast of England, in Worthing.

Business Edge is a Sussex Enterprise publication.

regulars

n 12 focus n 15 the expert n 17 business matters n 19 what makes me mad n 21 upstarts n 28 cover feature

If you have any stories you would like to tell us about or any comments please drop us an email at businessedgeenquiries@ sussexenterprise.co.uk

36 UK GDP to exceed

pre-recession peak earlier than expected in 2014, says BCC

SUSSEX ENTERPRISE Unit 4, Victoria Business Centre, 43 Victoria Road, Burgess Hill RH15 9LR

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Distinctive Publishing Unit 6b, Floor B, Millburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 1lE Tel: 0845 884 2384 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today (Monday) upgraded its growth forecasts for the next two years – from 2.7% to 2.8% in 2014 and from 2.4% to 2.5% in 2015.

MARCH/APRIL 2014

n 30 inspirational leaders n 36 business matters n 38 chamber benefits n 48 new members n 52 business matters n 53 diary n 54 five minutes with ...

ON THE COVER Photograph Courtesy - Studio

ADVERTISING  John Neilson, Business Development Manager, Distinctive Publishing Unit 6b, Floor B, Millburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 1lE Tel: 0845 884 2343 Email: john.neilson@distinctivegroup.co.uk

the magazine for sussex enterprise members

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Publishing or Business Edge cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Business Edge.

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Feedback

Please let us know if there are any burning issues you want us to take up. Send your letters to the Editor to businessedgeenquiries@sussexenterprise.co.uk march/april 2014 business edge

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4 welcome

Chris Goulding

Membership Account Executive

Welcome TO THE MAGAZINE OF SUSSEX ENTERPRISE

Welcome to the latest edition of Business Edge

Wendy Bell General Manager at Sussex Enterprise

Welcome to the March/April Edition of Business Edge, we’re delighted this month to be sharing the latest quarterly economic survey results with you along with the facts and figures about Gatwick Airport and their bid for a 2nd runway, no matter what side of the debate you sit on it certainly makes for some interesting reading! So what’s new at Sussex Enterprise? Well we have a lovely new office based in the heart of Burgess Hill’s Victoria Business Park and despite being here only a month it feels like we’ve been here forever! Do pop in and say hello if you’re in the local area, we really like seeing members. But as we all know time is money, so if you’re not in Burgess Hill please do come to one of our events, we’ve got so much packed in over the next year that we are bound to be near you at some point during the year!

30 Years Experience With over 30 years experience in the foreign languages business, we offer the Complete Translation Service for Commerce & Industry. Columbia House – Columbia Drive – Worthing – West Sussex – BN13 3HD www.hattonanderson.co.uk E-mail: translations@hattonanderson.co.uk

Tel: 01903 263 888

The Man in the office writes: Hopefully we’ve now seen the last of the rain, it was particularly noticeable when we had our first construction forum group meeting of the year last week, held at the Alias Seattle we had a fantastic view of the marina and it was very beautiful in the sunshine! But the main talks by Councillor Geoffrey Bowden and Spiros Tarazis of Coast to Capital meant that there was no marina gazing going on! It was amazing to hear how much work is going on just around the Brighton area and the impact that Coast to Capital is having on kick-starting some really exciting projects. We are in the process of researching and delivering more sector specific groups which are proving very popular but if you have any suggestions that you would like us to incorporate please do let me know. We’re very keen to hear from members in these fields, so please don’t hesitate to contact me here in the office for full details chris.goulding@sussexenterprise

What We Do l Translation l Interpreting l Voiceovers l Project Management l Typesetting/DTP l Language Consultancy

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business matters 5

Crunch Accounting employs 100th staff member Hove-based Crunch, the UK’s fastest growing accountancy firm*, has celebrated the recruitment of its 100th staff member to their rapidly expanding team, with eight individuals joining this month. Newly appointed community manager Mel Berry will oversee the company’s social media activity and regularly interact with the Crunch customer base. Mel, 27, from Brighton joins the team following three years in the charity sector and is this month joined by eight other recruits across the development, human resources, accountancy and customer service divisions. Founded almost five years ago, Crunch’s team of accountants now supports over 4,500 micro and small businesses through their powerful and easy to use online accounting software. Crunch now has an annual fee income of over £3.5m and boasted 71 per cent growth in the last financial year, making it the fasted growing firm in the country (Accountancy Age, 2013). This rapid success has attracted funding from high level investors, including Bebo’s co-founder Paul Birch and former Skype Chairman Michael van Swaaij, who now also holds the title of Chairman in the Crunch boardroom.

Darren Fell, managing director and founder of Crunch Accounting, said: “The 100th team member is a big landmark in the Crunch company history - but it’s also just the first of many successes we expect in 2014. “Not only are we committed to doubling the size of our business, but we will also complete a massive refurbishment of our Hove headquarters, expand into new offices next door and add a new, educational training service.” Other recruits joining the Crunch team include senior accountant James Grantham, test analyst Kim Knup, HR manager Kate Roper and office coordinator Rochelle Medford. Sales advisor Joshua Browne and account managers Lisa Davies and Ryan Webb also joined the Hove offices. Crunch combines cloud software with expert accountants to provide a complete business accountancy service for freelancers and micro businesses - all for a flat monthly fee. See http://www.crunch.co.uk/ for more details.

New Chief Executive sought for Sussex Enterprise One of the largest business membership and support groups in Sussex is looking for a new chief executive. Sussex Enterprise is the only accredited chamber of commerce for Sussex with 1,000 members. The successful candidate needs to be an inspirational leader who can quickly establish best in class performance. He or she will be an expert networker who can communicate the benefits of Sussex Enterprise to a wider audience and encourage more individuals and organisations to work together to the benefit of its member businesses and the wider Sussex economy. Success in managing step change, performance improvements and driving further growth and profitability are also essential selection criteria. Sussex Enterprise Chairman Nick Handley said: “The appointment of the CEO is critical

to our growth and development as we look to provide a greater range of benefits and services to existing members and recruit new members”. “2014 sees one of the busiest schedules ever planned for our members that will help give them the competitive edge they need in a growing economy”, says Nick Handley.

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6 advertorial

Working hard, studying hard: Claire Cooper

Constructing her own learning curve When Claire Cooper left school aged 16 she was sure of only one thing. She had no idea what job she wanted to do but she wanted to be really good at it. Claire is a project surveyor at Harsco Infrastructure UK Ltd having risen through the ranks alongside gaining two degrees from the University of Portsmouth – one at foundation level and the other a Master’s. A passion for construction and seeing buildings rise from the ground has driven her since her first day at Harsco, a global provider of construction and industrial maintenance services, nine years ago. She said: I have always been fascinated by construction and engineering. Seeing the transitions of a project from a drawing to an actual building site is very rewarding.”

Claire graduated from the University of Portsmouth last summer with an MSc Project Management with distinction. She had studied part-time for three years while working full-time. Before studying for her Master’s she had studied for a Foundation Degree in Business

and Management, which also took three years part-time. She said: “I have always been very enthusiastic about learning, but when I left school, I had little idea of what I wanted to do, except that I wanted to do well for myself.”

Show you mean business. Go back to school. Portsmouth Business School’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) will provide you with the opportunity to develop your strategic problem-solving skills whilst mastering the latest business knowledge and practice: • • • • •

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To find out more about our wide range of degrees, come along to one of our regular open evenings – details of which can be found at www.showyoumeanbusiness.com.

‘Since graduating, I’ve applied much of what I have learnt through new challenging roles in the UK and internationally.’ Marc Gray, Performance Excellence Manager, BAE Systems

www.port.ac.uk

For more information or to apply: T: +44 (0)23 9284 4888 E: mba.admissions@ port.ac.uk W: www.port.ac.uk/mba

march/april 2014 business edge

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bizbites

business matters 7 A look at business news in brief

Geography, Travel and Tourism Sixth Form engaged by local company n British Chambers of Commerce voted a Business Superbrand The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has been officially named as a Business Superbrand in an annual survey that identifies the UK’s key businessto-business brands. Independently co-ordinated by The Centre for Brand Analysis, the survey considers thousands of brands that are judged by both an expert panel and 2,000 individual business professionals. The brands are assessed on three key criteria: quality, reliability, and distinction. Dr Adam Marshall, Executive Director of Policy and External Affairs at the BCC, said: “It is fantastic to once again be recognised as a UK Superbrand. Our Accredited Chamber Network is trusted by thousands of businesses to deliver support and services at the highest level, to enable them to thrive in today’s economy. This prestigious award is testament to the hard work of our dedicated Chambers of Commerce in all parts of the United Kingdom. The strength of our brand will also help as we embark on an ambitious programme to develop and accredit a network of overseas British Chambers and Business Groups in 41 high growth markets across the world, to provide key in-country support to businesses as they look to break into new markets.”

n No Room for Error Every year the managers and staff on Eastbourne Pier plan for an annual Flying Show. Thousands of visitors flock to the Pier and open beach to enjoy a spectacular display.Public safety measures require the precise and timely co-ordination of resources. This case study shows the vital importance of radio communications to ensure thefast effective provision of first class services. Eastbourne Pier operations manager Lee Wilkinson works with Cuerden Leisure, a national service provider for over 20 years who have established partnerships with Bourne Leisure, Warners, Pontins and Leisure Parcs. WE NEED FAST RESPONSE AT GROUND ZERO Lee has 10 years experience in managing public safety for very large groups and he has used radio communications to prevent the escalation of a wide range of challengingsituations. He has managed quick control of an arcade fire on Air Show day at thepeak of the summer season, and Xmas and New Year storm conditions with windsgusting over 60 miles an hour with waves over 15 feet high next to his office.

East Grinstead’s Sackville School has completed an intriguing commercial project in collaboration with local website design company The Bureau. Keen to develop the local credentials of its online insurance directory The Bureau engaged the help of Sackville’s Geography, Travel and Tourism Sixth Form to write descriptive summaries of major towns and counties throughout mainland Britain. The project is part of a Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) programme aimed at Google, Bing, Yahoo and the others and their Website ranking regimes. Packed full of local landmark names, references and Web links it is hoped that each town and county summary will secure its own search engine page ranking. Since a growing number of online searches are for companies, products and services within a local area, the addition of these descriptive pages will improve the accuracy of their results. “Involving our local school in our work was a good and interesting way to fulfil the project. We gain unique and specific content for our online directory and the Sixth Form learn more about British towns and counties. Nic Robinson, the school’s Curriculum Leader for Geography, Travel and Tourism briefed his students well as the work was done to spec and on time for which I am very grateful.” said Alastair Murray, director of The Bureau. A financial donation has been made to the school in recognition of the efforts of the Geography, Travel and Tourism Sixth Form.

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8 successful sussex

Nick Handley Executive Chairman at Sussex Enterprise

One Member, Two Organisations

Entrepreneur of the Year goes to Veritek Veritek’s Jim Edgar scooped Entrepreneur of the Year at the Insider Dealmakers Awards]. Jim was applauded for leading Veritek since 2007 and increasing the turnover of the technical service and support company, to a remarkable £25 million per annum. Together with Jonathan Briant, finance director, he completed a successful MBO last year. In 2012, under Jim’s skilful management, Veritek also received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. Jim said: “It is always a great honour to receive an award, and even more of a thrill to be awarded for doing something that I am truly passionate about. Veritek has a wonderful team of people throughout the UK, Europe and beyond, and it is testament to the staff’s commitment to delivering outstanding service that we are recognised in this way.” Speaking about the Awards, Philip Cunliffe, Insider’s specialist publications editor, said: “This is an opportunity to recognise and reward the people behind the successful deals. To give a slap on the back to those whose professionalism,

innovation and sheer tenacity has got deals through to completion.” Jim has also been nominated for Director of the Year Award with the EVENTS Institute of Directors London and the South East. Headquartered in the UK, Veritek boasts fully owned and controlled operations in the UK, Europe, and Australia. It continues to strengthen its proposition through growth and diversifi cation. LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT For more information, visit:

uccessful

www.veritekglobal.com

uccessful

SUSSEX

When a business or other organisation becomes a member of Sussex Enterprise, they automatically become a member of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) the national voice of local business. We sometimes forget to tell our new members this. The BCC sits at the heart of a nationwide network of 54 local Accredited Chambers of Commerce, serving tens of thousands of business members across the UK. The BCC is a strong campaigning voice for the interests of business, delivers services that help business grow, and is the premier private sector source of advice and support for international trade. In fact, the BCC network of chambers of commerce worldwide is synonymous with trade. In the UK, the British Chambers of Commerce network of accredited chambers supports and advises businesses in all areas of international trade and exporting. We also offer links to British bi-lateral and international chambers of commerce, providing UK exporters with connections in new markets. At the time of writing, the BCC has just been featured on Radio 4’s Today programme with new forecast growth figures for the UK. And by the time you read this, the BCC Annual Conference will have taken place in London with the UK’s top politicians and businessmen as speakers. Wherever your business is in Sussex, as a member, you can join two organisations. Not many business organisations offer the scale of events and services across Sussex that we do. We look forward to members taking advantage of our local and national benefits and of course welcoming new members. Nick Handley Executive Chairman

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The Business EU Barometer from the British Chambers the UK’s relationship with the EU. This quarter, respond the impact of different scenarios for Britain’s future rel asked about the Working Time Directive. The key poin • Business wants more decisions made in the UK: the scenario

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3rd QUARTER 2013 3rd QUARTER 2013

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• But further integration is also viewed by many as bad for bus

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• A third of respondents make use of the UK opt-out of the Wo

3rd QUARTER 2013

opt-out of the Working Time Directive 48-hour weekly working

About the BCC

the BCC 33% ofAbout the businesses that responded.

British businesses continue to remain pragmatic in the face of ever-escalating conThe British Chambers of Commerce is the British businesses continue to remain in the face of ofEU ever-escalating con- the British Chambers% The British of Commerce is the on fusion from politicians and the media overpragmatic Europe. The The majority UK firms are Business Barometer from ofbody Commerce gaugesand business sentiment The Business EU Barometer from national for Chambers a powerful influential fusion from politicians and the media over Europe. of UK are determined toChambers see a revamped relationship between theThe UK majority and the rest of firms the Eubody forChambers a powerful influential 60 national the British of Commerce Network of Accredited ofand the UK’s relationship with the EU. This quarter, respondents were again asked to give their view on determined to see a revamped relationship the UK andthan the Brussels. rest of the European Union, with more powers exercised frombetween Westminster rather Network ofwith Accredited Chambers gauges business onexercised the UK’sfromthe Commerce across the the UK,EU. a Network thatofthey were British continue to future impact ofbusinesses different for Britain’s relationship Additionally ropean Union, withsentiment more powers Westminster rather thanscenarios Brussels. 50 Commerce UK, a Network that serves notacross only itsthe member relationship with the EU. This the quarter, For the quiet majority of companies, status quoasked is simply not an option. Nor Time are about the Working Directive. points to emerge were: remain pragmatic in the face The keydirectly not only its member 40 directly businesses, butserves the wider business respondents were again asked tothe give For the quiet shrill majority of companies, status quo is simply not an option. the increasingly noises from the hardline pro and anti-lobbies. Ministers mustNor are ofthat ever-escalating confusion • Business more decisions made in the UK: the scenario viewed most positively for business the UK to remain in the businesses, but the was wider pursue reform andthe renegotiation asdifferent a the priority, and pro ensure awants firm timetable is inmust the increasingly shrill noises of from hardline and anti-lobbies. Ministers community. their view on impact 30 Brussels to Westminster. 57% of respondents believe place for renegotiation and for any referendum to and follow. Businesses greater European Union, but timetable with specific transferred back from pursue reform and renegotiation as a priority, ensure that a need firm ispowers in

siness EU ometer

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% Methodo

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Methodology

e Working Time Directive. The key to emerge were: to Westminster. 57%points of respondents Director General John Longworth

know-how. onand your business? period 26 August to 16 September. % In the80manufacturing sector 1,041 firms, employing . 70 approximately 95,000 people responded (32% of the No change 60 total number of responses). In the services sector 2,208 simply not an option. Nor are 40 Integrate 50further Nolan, Policyresponded Adviser s think withdrawal from would be bad for Tom Britain: that full withdrawal from the thethe EU EU would be bad for Britain: 58% 58% businesses with approximately 245,000 employees Written and researched by Mike Spicer, Head of Research, and the increasingly shrill noises 40 30 Ramain in EU but return powers responded full withdrawal from would impact negatively on theirthat business (up fourBritish points on Q2 2013). Tom Nolan, Policy Adviser responded (68% of the total). Chambers of Commerce 30

Brussels.

deliver viewed a positive % was for the UK to remain in the more decisions Director madebelieve inGeneral the this UK: would the scenario most positively impact for their business (down four 60 the quiet majority of For Further information , but with specific powers transferred back from Brussels to Westminster. 57% of respondents believe points on Q2 2013). 50 companies, the status quo is er a positive impactn forMost theirbusinesses business (down four points on Q2 2013). Further information Written and researched by Mike Spicer, Head of Research, and think withdrawal from

from the hardline pro and anti20 the European Union would impact 65 Petty France, London SW1H 9EU gration is also viewednegatively by many on as bad business: theirfor business (up 46% four believe that remaining in the European

Withdrawal & new trade deal

Q1 Q2 Q3

80 n A third of respondents make use of . 70 the UK opt-out of the Working Time No change Directive: UK employees 60 are allowed to opt-out of theIntegrate Working Time 50further Directive 48-hourRamain weekly working 40 in EU but return powers hours limit. The survey 30 found that Withdrawal & new trade deal the opt-out is used in 33% of the 20 businesses that responded. Withdrawal

on your business?to follow. Businesses referendum need greater clarity in order to plan ahead to invest, and explore international markets both within and outside the EU.

For all the public bluster, our survey shows that business continues to support the 10 Prime Minister’s objective of a 0 Methodology Q2 13 Q3 13 renegotiated settlement with The BCC’s Business EU Barometer for Q3 safeguards for the future and a 2013 received Q3 Base:3,249 3,249 business responses. Q3 Base: 3,249 reformed Europe. For this to be The respondents were surveyed by postal Which scenario will have the biggest positive impact on your ario will have the biggest negative impact successful the European Union and online questionnaires over the period 26 August to 16 September. business? ness? must believe that the UK is In the manufacturing sector 1,041 firms, serious in its desire for change. employing approximately 95,000 people The Prime Minister should responded (32% of the total number of be given the support, time, responses). In the services sector 2,208 space and patience required businesses with approximately 245,000 employees responded (68% of the total). to negotiate a credible deal in Britain’s national interest. Q1 Q2 Q3

Withdrawal

Withdrawal, & new trade deal

Remain in EU, but transfer powers back

Integrate further

No change

British Chambers of Commerce

BE 19.indd 9

Q2 Q3

Q1 Q2 Q3

Withdrawal & new trade agreement

Remain in the EU, but transfer powers back

Q1 Q2 Q3

Integrate further

Q2 Q3

Q1 Q2 Q3

Q2 Q3

business?

Does your comp ‘opt-out’?

8.5% 33% Yes

58.5%

No Don't Know

Q2 Q3

No change

John Longworth Director General

lobbies. Ministers must pursue Withdrawal British Chambers 10 of Commerce United Kingdom 10 rating further would be a negative points on Q2 2013). points on Q2outcome 2013). too (down 65five Petty France, London SW1H renegotiation 9EU T +44 (0)20 7654 5800 0 reform and as 0 Q1 13 Q2 13 Q3 13 United Integrate No change Remain in Withdrawal Withdrawal & n the ButUK further integration is also viewed ondents make use of opt-out of the Working Time Kingdom Directive: UK employees are allowed to further the EU, but new trade a priority, and ensure that a Withdrawal No change Withdrawal, Remain in EU, Integrate transfer agreement T +44 (0)20 7654 5800 www.britishchambers.org.uk Q3 Base: 3,249 & new trade but transfer further powers back by many as bad for business: 46% powersopt-out back Working Time Directive 48-hour weekly working hours limit. The survey founddealthat the used Q3 Base:in 3,249 Q3 Base: 3,249 firm timetable is in placeis for Which scenario will have the biggest positive believe that remaining in the European www.britishchambers.org.uk nesses that responded.Union and integrating further would impact on your Which scenario willbusiness? have the biggest positive impact on your Which scenario will have the for biggest negative impact renegotiation and any be a negative outcome too (down five points on Q2 2013). %

Base: 3,189

Does your company make use of the Working Base: 3,189 Time Directive ‘opt-out’?

Does your company make use of the Working Time Directive ‘opt-out’?

Further Information Written and researched by Mike Spicer, Head of Research, and Tom Nolan, Policy Adviser British Chambers of Commerce 65 Petty France, London SW1H 9EU United Kingdom

T +44 (0)20 7654 5800 www.britishchambers.org.uk

17/03/2014 14:35

10 business matters

Survey highlights unnecssary red tape hindering small business community Regional business leaders have voiced their approval for an online portal designed to make easier for local small businesses – as a new survey reveals the lengths some small firms mistakenly go to trying to comply with health and safety. One business completed a risk assessment for using a tape measure and another introduced written guidelines for walking up stairs. These bizarre and unnecessary actions were uncovered by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which is encouraging small and medium sized employers to use its free online tools and guidance, specifically designed to help them get their risk management right. The H&S ABC – www.hse.gov.uk/ abc - provides simple information to help small firms save time, effort and money by identifying the things they really do and don’t need to do. HSE’s survey shows how myths about health and safety could cause unnecessary confusion and flagged some of the most absurd things employers had been advised to do. One in five people (22 per cent) surveyed believed they weren’t capable of managing health and safety themselves and needed to hire a specialist consultant. Eleven percent believed that a qualified electrician must test electrical appliances, such as kettles and toasters, every year – another persistent myth. Nearly a third of small businesses surveyed classed themselves as ‘hopefulhave-a-go’s’ when it came to health and safety - aware they have to take some action but unsure where to start or if what they are doing is correct. HSE’s small business lead Kate Haire said: “Health and safety is all about taking reasonable steps to manage serious risks of ill-health and injury in the workplace. If something sounds completely unreasonable, more often than not it will be totally unnecessary too. “What’s great about H&S ABC is that it contains all the information smaller businesses need to know to manage health and safety sensibly and comply with the law. It highlights the real risks in a workplace and how to put reasonable precautions in place.

“We have worked with some key industry partners who have regular contact with SMEs to make them aware of the benefits of using the free online tools and guidance HSE has to offer. We hope employers will realise health and safety does not have to be complicated or cost lots of money.” Wendy Bell, general manager of Sussex Enterprise, believes the online support is extremely useful. She commented: “So many SMEs are inundated with offers that they don’t need or want, but they still want to ensure that they are taking good care of their team. Using the ABC toolkit they are able to assess risks without wasting time or money. It’s great to see such practical help and support available to all sizes of business.” Stewart Dunn, Chief Executive Officer at Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “It aids a practical approach in taking health and safety seriously in highlighting real risk, and how to put practical measures in place without the unnecessary paperwork and complicated procedures.” John Allan, National Chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: ““The fear factor forces many businesses to adopt unnecessary health and safety procedures, which costs time and money. So to introduce a new resource to give small businesses a way of clearly identifying guidance and information designed for them can only be a good initiative. “It’s a tool which will not only help to sense check compliance, it will also avoid ‘gold plating’ and show how health and safety need not be a burden on their business.” Whether a business employs one or two people, or is expanding to multiple locations, the free online guidance will help even complete beginners get health and safety right. Visit www.hse.gov.uk/abc to get started with sensible health and safety.

SMEs can get free, easy to use H&S advice using these guides - bit.ly/17I2w3Z #easyasABC

Our survey reveals 1in5 SMEs think they need a H&S specialist With our guides you can do it yourself bit.ly/17I2w3Z #easyasABC

If you’re an SME get your free H&S guides to learn more about how to make it #easyasABC bit.ly/17I2w3Z

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business edge march/april 2014

BE 19.indd 10

17/03/2014 14:35

advertorial 11

Build Your Business The Government is urging businesses to get involved and employers up and down the UK are now onboard with Apprenticeships having recognised the benefits an Apprentice can bring to their business. National Apprenticeship Week 2014 demonstrates and champions the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. As the National Apprenticeship Service says “Great businesses are made by apprentices and Apprenticeships lead to Great prospects”. As an employer it is essential to ask yourself upfront what skills does your business need in order to succeed and to consider how taking on an apprentice can answer those needs.

Simple and stress free Training providers like JACE can make recruiting an apprentice straight forward and stress free. You know how you like to work and what you expect of your workforce and JACE will listen to you and match you with an apprentice that is passionate about the

industry you’re in, willing to take direction from you and share your strategy and vision.

Saves you time and money Recruiting an apprentice can save you money. It can cut recruitment costs, make the application and interview process smoother and in many cases funding is available which you can apply for and can go directly towards your apprentice’s training.

Win-Win Situation It’s not only you that can benefit from taking on an apprentice. Your clients will also see the rewards when they receive excellent customer service from your team. You’re offering a real job with training prospects to an apprentice, nurturing their skills and building your own home grown empire.

A company that invests in training shows it is adaptable and diverse and committed to its employees whether they are long serving or at the start of their career. In return you will develop a dedicated loyal workforce who learn from and compliment one another. If you are passionate about your business get in touch with JACE Training today. Telephone 0845 241 7738 and ask for the Business Development Team or email:

apprenticeships@jace-training.co.uk www.jace-training.co.uk

march/april 2014 business edge

BE 19.indd 11

17/03/2014 14:35

12 focus

London Gatwick announces ‘most innovative’ noise mitigation scheme in Europe London Gatwick has announced it is significantly expanding its noise insulation scheme, making it the most innovative of any airport in Europe. The new scheme will cover over one thousand more homes across Surrey, Sussex and Kent. They will be able to apply for up to £3,000 towards double glazing for their windows and doors as well as loft insulation. This will mean that over 40% more homes will be protected from noise than are covered with the old scheme. The major changes to the scheme are two-fold. First the noise boundary for the scheme has increased by using a lower level of noise from 66 Leq to 60 Leq as a baseline with the boundary line drawn flexibly to ensure entire roads and communities are included. Secondly the noise contour

boundary has been drawn along the flight paths by 15km to both the east and west of the airport. We are not aware of any other airport in world offering a scheme of this magnitude. Crucially the scheme takes into account both the increased sensitivity people have towards noise levels as well as the frequency of how many times they might be overflown. If the new scheme is taken up by all eligible households in the Gatwick area it would cover around 2,000 homes. As a comparison, if the same scheme was applied to Heathrow it would have to cover around 70,000 homes due to the fact aircraft have to overfly densely populated areas of London.

THE LEADERSHIP POSITION WE HAVE TAKEN ON AIRCRAFT NOISE TODAY SHOWS THE IMPORTANCE WE ATTACH TO OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY AS WE CONTINUE TO COMPETE AND GROW FROM A SINGLE RUNWAY, BUT ALSO AS WE PLAN TO BUILD A SECOND. WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE PUBLIC’S TOLERANCE TO NOISE IS MUCH LOWER THAN IT WAS WHICH IS WHY WE ARE NOW EXTENDING OUR NOISE INSULATION SCHEME TO COVER THE 30KM FLIGHT PATH EAST AND WEST OF THE AIRPORT.

business edge march/april 2014

BE 19.indd 12

17/03/2014 14:35

focus 13

YOUR LONDON £1 billion invested Over

35 million passengers… and climbing

200 destinations worldwide

Serves 45 of the top 50 EU business

Serves high growth markets: Russia, Turkey, Indonesia, Vietnam A380 ready

routes daily

Around 40 long haul destinations: New York, Beijing, LA and more… Direct connections to

1 in 5 passengers are travelling on business – and growing

129 rail stations

World’s most efficient runway - 55 aircraft movements an hour, up to 800 a day

Only airport with legacy, charter and low cost airlines Up 6 places in the European airport passenger service

- ranking to no.6

95% of passengers through security in under 5 minutes

Leading the way in noise reduction

30 minutes to Victoria and 28 minutes to London Bridge

- 99% of Gatwick’s fleet have the quietest possible ranking

Another £1 billion to invest...

£2 billion economic contribution each year

“It is crucial that the UK has a deliverable, quick and affordable solution to where the next runway will be. Gatwick can give the UK the economic benefits it needs at an environmental cost it can afford. The role of local communities is critical and must not be over looked. As Heathrow starts to consult its local communities about a third runway they should break their silence about noise and think seriously about following our lead.” Independent noise expert Dr Ian Flindell said: “Extending the boundaries of Gatwick’s new noise insulation scheme to include more people at lower sound levels is a very

innovative departure from existing practice, and demonstrates a huge commitment to the surrounding community. It appears to be among the most generous of similar schemes I have seen across other European airports and possibly worldwide. Aircraft noise can be a very serious issue for many people living near airports, and anything that the airport can do to mitigate this problem is entirely worthwhile.” The extended noise insulation programme will roll out from 1 April 2014.

Better for

the Environment

London and the South East

A new runway at Gatwick would have a far lower environmental impact than most of the other options.

Two major international gateways would better serve the needs of London and the UK. – Expansion at Gatwick would spread the economic benefits more widely around the region.

13,800 households

– Noise affects 256,000 households around Heathrow today. A second runway at Gatwick would impact around 5% of this number – up to 13,800 households. Heathrow already exceeds the noise impact of all other EU hub airports combined even without a third runway.

– A two runway Gatwick would meet legal air quality standards which Heathrow breaches today.

Better for

QUICKER

SUPPORTED

Expansion at Gatwick would provide the economic benefits we need more quickly than any other option. It is also deliverable. There would be no need to build across the M25, relocate reservoirs or close Heathrow airport.

PRIVATELY FUNDED EASIER

EXPANSION AT GATWICK BEST FOR THE UK

– It would mean more people would have to travel less distance to take off. It would also prevent the disruption and traffic gridlock around London that would inevitably come with one Mega Hub.

Better for

the Economy

CHEAPER

A similar scheme at Heathrow would extend to Windsor in the west and Putney in the east, covering landmarks such as Windsor Castle and Kew Gardens. The impact of both the level and frequency of aircraft noise on local communities needs to be a critical issue for the Airports Commission’s assessment of the Heathrow and Gatwick runway proposals. Gatwick’s noise impacts are already significantly lower than at Heathrow. With a second runway, the number of people impacted by noise at Gatwick would be up to 11,800. This is equivalent to less than 5% of the people Heathrow impacts today. Heathrow currently impacts more people than all of the other major European airports combined and under their current expansion plans over 700 additional flights could use the airport each day. Stewart Wingate, London Gatwick CEO, said: “The leadership position we have taken on aircraft noise today shows the importance we attach to our local community as we continue to compete and grow from a single runway, but also as we plan to build a second. We understand that the public’s tolerance to noise is much lower than it was which is why we are now extending our noise insulation scheme to cover the 30km flight path east and west of the airport.

LESS DISRUPTIVE

Passengers

Spreading capacity around London rather than concentrating it in a Mega Hub means passengers win.

Better for the Future

– A second runway could be completed by 2025 – years before other options – giving business certainty and the country the connections to established and emerging markets it needs. – It can be delivered at a cost of £5-9 billion with private funding – a fraction of the cost of the Heathrow and Estuary options. As well as widespread business backing, it has support in principle from its home council – West Sussex – and other neighbouring councils. No other option has this level of local support.

Gatwick is the only London airport that can cater to legacy, charter and low cost carriers – the fastest growing sector in the market.

– It guarantees competitive lower fares rather than reinstating a monopoly and high fares forever.

– Expanding Gatwick means London can meet all the short and long haul destination needs of the future at an affordable cost.

– It is the option that best serves the needs of all passengers – both business and leisure – giving them greater choice of airlines and destinations. It also means that London’s airports are better able to deal with disruption.

– Heathrow already has some of the highest passenger charges of any airport in the world. As a result, it rules itself out of catering to the largest aviation growth market of the 2020s and 2030s – affordable short and medium haul travel.

WHERE will people fly?

HOW will they fly?

WHAT capacity will we need?

WHO is best placed to deliver?

Whilst demand to travel long haul will always be important and will grow, the majority of future growth is likely to be short and medium haul. You don’t need a Mega Hub for that.

The vast majority of passengers will be flying direct to their destination. Only around 13% of passengers are transferring today through London’s airports. This proportion is likely to stay the same as more people fly longer distances on larger planes. The biggest growth area by far is the low cost airlines which are now starting to fly long haul.

We will need new runway capacity that can best cater to the needs of all passengers – business and leisure. That means choosing an airport that can cater to all airlines – legacy, charter and low cost.

Gatwick flies to over 200 UK and international destinations – more than any other UK airport. It flies long haul to China, Vietnam and Indonesia for example, but it is unique as it alone can cater for both low cost and full service airlines.

march/april 2014 business edge

BE 19.indd 13

17/03/2014 14:35

DEVELOP A POSITIVE REPUTATION Keep an eye out for personal views and comments that may be posted online and damage your reputation. Your business needs more than a website to represent you. “72% of consumers said that they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, while 52% said that positive online reviews make them more likely to use a local business.” According to a survey conducted by Local Consumer Review Survey (2012). Every business has an occasional customer who may not be fully content. In an ideal world all issues are settled before they reach a point where the customer feels the need to air their views to the public. Remember there are few obstacles to post a blog or review via a social networking site, in a few clicks of a button a comment can travel across the internet to millions of viewers. The answer is to be prepared: respond swiftly to any negative criticism to minimise the impact. Highlight the good comments and also respond to these. If you do nothing, a few searches could have a direct impact on your bottom line. Be proactive in managing your reputation by posting positive messages. n Invest in some form of social media such as Twitter, Google+, Facebook and LinkedIn are the most obvious. Ongoing, you can build and interact with customers to influence and engage. n Use encouraging and helpful messages about your products/services. Include customer experiences to help to engage others. n Always listen to customer feedback and react in a positive manner. A good reputation can help your business not only drive down bad reviews but also help to push up online search results. Used in a constructive way, it can highlight your most important news, latest products/services and client interactions. We manage the reputation of many businesses both large and small. If you need some advice to develop a positive reputation for your business please contact us for more information at info@mediawordwaves.com Lorraine Nugent Managing Director, Media Word Waves

Paul Smart, MD Compatibility Ltd

Smart Talking on IT Halve Your IT Costs If you have a server-based IT system in your business, when the time comes to replace it, it could cost you £7-£10,000. That money is normally found out of capital, or financed by debt. In the current climate, where the former is under pressure and the latter is tough to find, there has to be a better way. Now you can have your IT provided as a service. For a cost of as little as £269 per month, you can replace your server, all of its software and have up to five new PCs as well. Over one year, that equates to less than half of the equivalent capital outlay. And it’s not just the reduction in up-front investment that you can benefit from. If you take our SYSTEMRent service we will not only supply you with the latest hardware and software, but we will also look after the maintenance of your system and provide a UK-based dedicated help-desk to support you if anything goes wrong. Moving to a service-based system which is paid for as an operating expense is gaining momentum across the IT business, due predominantly to operations in the Cloud. It is helping many businesses to have enhanced peace of mind, knowing their systems are fully taken care of, whilst saving money and freeing up time to focus on their core business. Call our Sales Manager, Ross Sinclair on 01892 665326 to see how SYSTEMRent can help you save and grow.

T: 01892 665326

01293 817248 Lorraine@mediawordwaves.com

www.mediawordwaves.com

E: enq@compatibility.co.uk W: www.compatibility.co.uk Compatibility Ltd, Park Road, Crowborough TN6 2QX

business edge march/april 2014

BE 19.indd 14

17/03/2014 14:35

the expert 15

You ask the questions Our panel of experts tackle your burning issues

“ How can I reward and encourage my team when we have no money for pay increases or a bonus?”

answer

Pauline Young

Syder and Young Ltd

Business may not be as brisk as it was, but your staff are almost certainly working very hard still, perhaps even harder than before. In tougher times we all have to do more with less, providing better outcomes with fewer resources. You want to show your appreciation, but pay has been frozen and bonuses cut. Here are a few ideas that will be welcomed and won’t require much money or ongoing expectations. Let’s start with the cheapest, but not always the easiest. Say thank you for individual and team efforts. Make sure it’s well timed and sincere. Private and public congratulations for a job well done will always be well received. Send flowers to someone who works hard behind the scenes and is rarely made a fuss of. For more pizzazz, hand the flowers to the staff member at a meeting so that colleagues can join the fun. A small gift to thank an employee is always appreciated, but almost more beneficial is a hand written letter from the boss that thanks an individual for their contribution to a specific project or just to thank them for long term commitment or cheerful behaviour. Show interest in your colleagues lives. Ask about their families and their hobbies… and remember some details so you can follow up in the future. Knowing your colleagues interest can also provide clues for good rewards … a facial or make-up session before a female member of staff is attending their child’s wedding, a shrub in a pot for someone moving house, cinema tickets for a movie buff etc. Most people appreciate food. It’s easy to remember to buy birthday cakes and Easter eggs. Celebrate winning a new account or just because it’s Wednesday .. if you make the food yourself it will have even more impact. A box of chocolate truffles for an individual or a big cake for the team. Perhaps you prefer to provide support to live more healthily. Provide free bottled water, bags of

nuts and bowls of fruit to reduce the reliance on the trip to the cake shop. Build safe cycle parking to encourage staff to come to work on a bike. Build a small gym in an unused space or invite a pilates or yoga teacher to run a class at lunch time or after work. What about offering a mid-week shoulder massage for anyone who sits at their desk all day? Consider providing annual health checks, or a visit from a chiropodist on a quarterly basis. We all know about the tradition of Secret Santa, but what about a Cheer up February dip that provides staff with a new tradition. Get involved in a local charity. This provides staff with a chance to do something worthwhile, but it’s also great fun and a good way to build the team that doesn’t seem artificial. Activities might include sponsored walks, fancy dress competitions, even clearing a local beauty spot of rubbish. Reward an employee with responsibility for a large project or a special task, but make sure they understand why they were chosen. Finally, but possibly most importantly, provide your team members with opportunities to learn. Training and development programmes are easily available and not all of them are expensive. Sometimes it’s more cost effective to bring a trainer to your workplace and offer workshops for individuals or teams. Pay for staff to do a qualification to confirm your commitment to their long term development. If staff don’t value training, or have a lot of mandatory training provided as part of their contract, then what about offering them membership to a trade association or business group. If you work in a complex organisation, give people a chance to work with other teams, the secretary could find out what happens in the warehouse, a driver could spend a few hours with the sales staff. Think about how staff can feel closer to the business, an afternoon shadowing the CEO might be fun!

Banner stands - Literature holders Outdoor - Pop-up systems - Retail D I S P L AY Custom, Modular & Portable Exhibition Stands

www.freshdisplay.co.uk

0845 0945 749 march/april 2014 business edge

BE 19.indd 15

17/03/2014 14:35

_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY Q4Q4 2013 QUARTERLY QUARTERLY ECONOMIC ECONOMIC SURVEY SURVEY 2013 Q42013 2013 QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY Q4 2013 QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY Q4 2013 QUARTERLY QUARTERLY ECONOMIC ECONOMIC SURVEY SURVEY Q4 2013 Q4 QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY Q4 2013 QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY Q4 2013 QUARTERLY QUARTERLY ECONOMIC ECONOMIC SURVEY SURVEY Q4 Economic 2013 Q4 Survey 2013(QES) The British Chambers of Commerce’s Q4 2013 Quarterly

_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

The British Chambers of Commerce’s Q4 2013 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Chambers The British of Chambers ofCommerce’s Commerce’s Q4 Q42013 2013 Economic Quarterly Survey Economic (QES) Survey(QES) (QES) The British The Chambers British of Chambers Commerce’s of Q4 2013 2013 Quarterly Quarterly Q4 Economic Quarterly Survey Economic (QES) Survey resultsThe areBritish positive and point toCommerce’s continued economic growth in the short term. The British The Chambers British Chambers of Commerce’s of Commerce’s Q4 to 2013 Q4 Quarterly 2013 Quarterly Economic Economic Survey (QES) Survey (QES) _____________________________________________________________ results are positive results are and positive point to and continued point economic continued growth economic in the growth short term. in the short term. results are positive results are and positive point to and continued point to economic continued growth economic in the growth short in term. the short term. The British Chambers of Commerce’s Q4 2013 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) 7,992 businesses responded the during the2013 period 10 November to The British Chambers ofsurvey Commerce’s Q4 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) resultsbusinesses are results positive are positive andtopoint and to point continued to continued economic economic growth in growth the short in the term. short term.to 7,992 7,992 responded businesses to responded the survey toduring the survey the period during 10 the period 10 to November results are positive and point to continued economic growth in the short term. 7,992 businesses 7,992 businesses responded responded to the survey to during the survey the period during 10 the November period 10 to November to The British Chambers The British of Chambers Commerce’s of Q4 Commerce’s 2013 Quarterly Q4 2013 Economic Quarterly Survey Economic (QES) Survey (QES) results are positive and point to continued economic growth inNovember the short term. 1 December 2013. results are positive and point to continued economic growth in the short term. 7,992 businesses 7,992 businesses responded responded to the survey to the during survey the during period the 10 period November 10 November to to 1 December 1 2013. December 2013. results are positive results and are point positive to continued and point to economic continued growth economic in the growth short term. in the short term. 1 December 1 2013. December 2013. 7,992 businesses responded tosurvey the survey during periodto10toNovember to businesses responded to the during the period 10the November 7,992 businesses responded tosurvey the during the period 10 November _____________________________________________________________ 1 7,992 December 1 December 2013. 2013. 7,992 businesses 7,992 responded businesses toresponded theQ4 survey during the survey theEconomic period during 10 the November period 10 to November to _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ The Chambers of Commerce’s 2013to Quarterly Survey (QES) 1British December 2013. 1 December 2013. 1 December 2013. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ QES results are presented as balance 1 December 2013. 1 has December results areQES positive andbeen point2013. to continued economic growth inpresented the short term. The QES results QES are results are as presented balance asbalance balance _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ QES results QES are presented results are as presented balance as figures (the percentage of are firms that _____________________________________________________________ QES results QESfigures are results presented as as The QES has The been QES has been _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 7,992 businesses responded to the survey during the period 10presented November to balance The QES The has QES been has been figures (the percentage (the of percentage firms that ofbalance firmsthat that figures (the figures percentage (the percentage ofpercentage firms that of firms The QES The has QES been has been a reliable indicator QES results are presented as balance QES results are presented as balance reported an increase minus the figures (the figures percentage (the percentage ofpresented firms of that firms that 1 December 2013. The QES has been aaThe reliable indicator reliable indicator QES results are QES presented results are as balance as balance QESaa has been QES results are presented as balance reported an reported increase minus an increase the percentage minus the percentage reliable indicator reliable indicator reported an reported increase an minus increase the percentage minus the percentage figures (the percentage of firms that figures (the percentage of firms that that reported a decrease). 1 9_____________________________________________________________ 8 9 to 2 0 1 3 The a reliable a reliable indicator indicator The QES has The been QES has been the UK economy Chambers of Commerce’s Q4 2013 Quarterly Economic (QES) reported reported an increase anSurvey increase minus the minus percentage the percentage QES has been figures (the percentage figures (the of percentage firms that of firms that that reported that aaan decrease). reported aminus decrease). 11 99 88 99 1to 1 99 2288 0 11of to 33British 0 1The that reported that reported decrease). a decrease). reliable 99 to 22of 0 33UK figures (the percentage of firms that the of economy theindicator UK economy reported increase percentage a reliable indicator of the UK of economy the economy reported an increase minus the the percentage results and point toUK continued economic growth the short term. that reported that reported aindecrease). a decrease). 1 9 8 9 1 9to to8 9 2 0 0 to 1since 3 2 are 0 1positive 31 a a reliable indicator a reliable indicator + represents an expansion of the of UK the economy UK economy QES results are presented as balance 1989 reported an increase reported minus an increase the percentage minus the percentage that reported a decrease). 1 99 8to9 2to07,992 21 30 1since 3 a reliable indicator that reported a decrease). 1 9 8 of the UK economy The QES has been businesses responded to the survey during the period 10 November to reported an increase minus the percentage + represents + an represents expansion an expansion 1989 since 1989 of the UK economy + represents +decrease). represents an expansion an expansion since 1989 figures percentage of firms that reported that a reported decrease). 1 9 8 9 to1 92 80 9 1December 3to of 2since 0 1 UK 31989 the economy of the UK economy +(the represents +contraction represents an expansion anathat expansion since 1989 since 1989 represents a 1 2013. a reliable indicator + represents an expansion reported a decrease). since 1989 1 9 8 9 to 2 0 1 since 3since reported an increase the percentage represents an expansion 1989 of the UK1989 economy arepresents represents contraction contraction --+represents represents --that aminus contraction aaexpansion contraction + -represents + an represents expansion 1989 since represents -decrease). represents a contraction a an contraction that reported arepresents 1 _____________________________________________________________ 9 8 9 to 2 0 1 3 of the UK represents the change on economy a contraction - the represents a contraction represents anthe expansion represents the represents change on the changeon on since 1989 are presented as balance represents represents the change on change - results represents -a contraction represents a contraction previous quarter. +QES represents anrepresents expansion since 1989has been represents the change the on change on The QES figures (the percentage of firms that the previous the quarter. previous quarter. represents the change on the previous the quarter. previous quarter. represents the change on the previous the previous quarter. quarter. the represents change on change on represents athe contraction a reliable indicator an represents increase minus the percentage -reported represents a contraction the previous quarter. the previous quarter. the previous quarter. the previous quarter. that reported a decrease). 1 9 8 9 to 2 0 1 3 of the UK economy

QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY Q4 2013 QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY Q4 2013

2424 YEARS YEARS 24 YEARS 24 YEARS 24 24 YEARS YEARS 24 YEARS 24YEARS YEARS 24 24 YEARS

24 YEARS 24 YEARS

+ -

represents the changerepresents on Domestic Sales the change on Export Sales + represents an expansion Domestic Domestic Sales Sales since 1989 Domestic Domestic Sales Sales Export Sales Export Sales the previous quarter. Export Sales Export Sales Domestic Domestic Sales Sales Growth in manufacturing domestic sales the previous Export Sales Export Sales Export sales increase for the service quarter. Domestic Export Sales -Export represents a contraction Growth in Growth manufacturing in manufacturing manufacturing domestic domestic sales sales Domestic SalesSales Growth in manufacturing domestic sales Growth in domestic sales Export sales Export increase sales for increase the service for the the service service Sales Domestic Domestic Sales Sales Export sales Export increase sales increase for service for Export Sales Export Sales Growth Growth in manufacturing in manufacturing domestic domestic sales sales slows slightly but the balance is stilldomestic near Export sales increase for the service Export salessales increase for the the service sector and remain steady for Growth in manufacturing sales Export increase for the service slows slightly slows but slightly the balance but the is balance still near is still near represents the change on Growth in manufacturing domestic sales slows slightly but the balance is still near slightly but the balance isExport still near Growth inslows Growth manufacturing in manufacturing domestic sales domestic sales sector and sector remain and steady remain steady for Export sales increase for for the service sector and sector remain and steady remain for steady Export sales Export increase sales for increase the service for thefor service Domestic Sales Sales slows slightly slows slightly but the but balance the balance is still is still near an all time slows high sector and remain steady sector and remain steady for manufacturing slightly but the balance isnear still near the previous quarter. sector and remain steady for for an all time an high all time high slows slightly but the balance is still near slows slightly slows but slightly the balance but the is balance still near is still near an all time high an all time high manufacturing manufacturing sector and remain steady for sector and sector remain and steady remain for steady for manufacturing manufacturing Growth in manufacturing domestic sales Export sales increase the service Domestic Sales an all an time anall allhigh timehigh high Exportfor Sales manufacturing manufacturing time manufacturing an time an high all time high 6 anall all time high ptsnear sector manufacturing manufacturing manufacturing slows slightly but the balance is still and remain steady for

24 YEARS

6 6 pts pts 66pts pts 66 pts pts

2 pts Growth in manufacturing domesticExport salesSalesExport increase Services Domestic Sales an all time Services high 22sales pts 2 pts pts for the service manufacturing 2 6 pts to +38% Services Services Services to +36% pts 2 pts 6 pts 6 pts 2 pts Growth in manufacturing Services Services to +38% tonear +38% slows slightly but thedomestic balance is still Export sales increase for theremain service tosales +38% to +38% Services sector steady for +36% to +36% 2 to pts 2to pts to +36% +36% 2and pts Services Services to +38% +38% toto +38% Services to +36% to +36% Services to +36% 6 pts slows slightly but the balance is still near to +38% to +38% sector and remain steady for to +38% to Services +36% +36% Services 2 pts to +36%toServices an all time high Services manufacturing Services Services Services Services an all time high manufacturing to +36% to +38% Services ServicesServices Services Services Manufacturing

Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing

Manufacturing

6 pts 6 pts 2 pts 22 pts 2 pts pts 2 +38% 22pts pts pts to +38% 2to pts 2 pts to +36% 2 pts to to +36% +36% to +36% +36% to 2 pts toto +36% +36% +36% toto +36% to +36% to +36%

to +36%

2 pts

Services

2 pts

to +36% Services

no change no change no change change no change no +35% no no change no change change no +35% change no change +35% +35% +35% no change +35% +35% +35% to +36%

2 pts

Manufacturing no change +35% +35% +35% Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing +35% Manufacturing Manufacturing Services Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing no change

Confidence - Turnover Confidence - Profitability +35% Manufacturing no change Confidence Confidence Turnover Turnover Confidence Profitability Confidence -- Profitability to +36% Confidence Confidence Turnover Turnover Confidence Confidence --Manufacturing Profitability Confidence - -Turnover Confidence -are Profitability Confidence Confidence Turnover Turnover Confidence Confidence - Profitability Profitability - -Profitability FirmsConfidence in both sectors are more Firms in both sectors more confident Confidence --Turnover - Turnover Confidence Confidence - Profitability Profitability +35% Firms in both Firms in both both are sectors more are more moreConfidence Firms in both both sectors are more confident Firms in both are more confident Confidence -sectors Turnover Confidence -sectors Profitability Firms in both Firms sectors in are sectors more are Firms in both Firms in are sectors more are confident more confident Confidence - in Turnover -Firms Profitability Firms both sectors are Firms insectors both sectors are more confident Firmsthat in Firms both in sectors both sectors are more aremore more Firms in Firms both insectors sectors sectors are more are more confident confident turnover will increase Firms in both Firms sectors in both are sectors more are more thatFirms profitability will increase in both inboth both are sectors more confident areconfident more confident Manufacturing confident confident that turnover that will turnover increase will increase that profitability will increase that profitability will increase Firms in both sectors are more Firms in both sectors are more confident toincrease +36% confident confident that turnover that turnover will increase will that profitability that profitability will increase will increase Firms in both sectors are more Firms inprofitability both sectors are more confident confident that turnover will increase that profitability will increase Manufacturing confident confident that turnover that turnover will increase will increase confident that confident turnover that will turnover increase will increase that profitability that profitability will increase will increase that that profitability will increase will increase confident that turnover will increase confident that turnover will increase that profitability will increase that profitability will increase Confidence - Turnover Confidence - Profitability

2 pts

6 pts

2 pts

Firms in both sectors are2 more 6 6 pts pts 2 pts pts Firms in both sectors are more confident pts 2 6 pts 22pts 6+45% pts pts 2pts pts 2 pts to +60% 6 pts pts 666 pts 2 pts pts Services to Services 6 pts 2 confident Services that turnover will increase that profitability will increase to +60% to +60% Services 6 pts to +60% to +60% 2 pts to +60% Services Services Services to to +45% to +45% +45% +45% to +45% toto+60% to +60% Services Services Services Services Services Services +60% to +60% Services to +45% toto +45% Services Services +45% to +45% Services Services to +60% Services Services Services to +45%to to +60% Services Services to +45% Confidence - Turnover Confidence Profitability Services

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2 pts 2 pts2 pts 22 pts pts pts2 2 pts pts to +31% 2 ptsto2+31%

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1 pt

Services BE 19.indd 16

www.britishchambers.org.uk orcontact contact BCC at +44 (0)20 7654 5800 www.britishchambers.org.uk the BCC at +44 (0)20 7654 www.britishchambers.org.uk or the contact the+44 BCC at +44 (0)20 76547654 58005800 Find out Find more out at more or at www.britishchambers.org.uk www.britishchambers.org.uk or contact or BCC contact at the (0)20 BCC 7654 at5800 +44 5800 (0)20 www.britishchambers.org.uk www.britishchambers.org.uk or orcontact BCC contact at the(0)20 BCCat 7654 at +445800 (0)207654 76545800 5800 Find out out moremore at www.britishchambers.org.uk www.britishchambers.org.uk or contact contact the the or BCC at +44 +44 the (0)20 BCC 7654 +44 5800 (0)20 Find at www.britishchambers.org.uk www.britishchambers.org.uk or contact or the contact BCC the at +44 BCC (0)20 at +44 7654 (0)20 5800 7654 5800 Bewww.britishchambers.org.uk part of of Britain’s biggest and most influential survey: #joinyourchamber or contact themost BCCbusiness at +44 (0)20 7654 5800 BeBritain’s part of Britain’s biggest and influential business survey: #joinyourchamber Be part of Britain’s biggest most influential business survey: #joinyourchamber Be part Be part biggest ofand Britain’s and most biggest influential and most business influential survey: business #joinyourchamber #joinyourchamber www.britishchambers.org.uk or contact the BCC at +44 (0)20 7654survey: 5800 Be Bepart partbiggest ofBritain’s Britain’s and biggest most andmost most business influential survey: business #joinyourchamber survey:#joinyourchamber #joinyourchamber Be part part of of Britain’s Britain’s Be biggest of andbiggest most influential influential and business influential survey: business #joinyourchamber survey: part of BeBritain’s partbiggest of biggest Britain’s and biggest mostand influential most influential business business survey: #joinyourchamber survey: #joinyourchamber to +27% BeBe part of Britain’s and most influential business survey: #joinyourchamber Be part of Britain’s biggest and most influential business survey: #joinyourchamber

2 pts

17/03/2014 14:35

business matters 17

fine print

Wake Up and Sell the Coffee A new book by the founder of the Coffee Nation brand tells ambitious entrepreneurs how to start, build and sell a high-growth business Author: Martyn Dawes Publisher: Harriman House Price: £14.99

Britain has a strong enterprise culture and the number of new businesses started in the UK continues to grow yearby-year, but while new business start-ups reached almost 500,000 in 2012, for example, the odds of survival, let alone growth, are not high. Wake Up and Sell The Coffee has been written to help ambitious entrepreneurs think big and become tomorrow’s high growth successes. The author, Martyn Dawes, knows plenty about aiming high, having grown Coffee Nation to one of the nation’s favourite brands that he eventually sold for £23million less than ten years later. Most businesses start small and stay small, only 1.5% of start-ups reach 20 employees, and Martyn said: “What really encouraged me to write Wake Up and Sell the Coffee is the need to help more entrepreneurs not just start a business but to survive and grow. I noticed that so much of what is written and talked about relates to start-ups, not what comes later. Beyond survival towards growth gets little coverage. If you can start from the right place then your chances of success may be greater. “We need more ambitious entrepreneurs who want to start high quality enterprises that go on to become high-growth global success stories.“

Award winning extech expands overseas to open Tunisian arm Expansion has reaped unexpected rewards for an enterprising IT company, while highlighting an offshore sector skills opportunity. Sussex-based extech, which specialises in delivering IT outsourced solutions, recently acquired ISO9001 accredited Electronic Workplace Solutions (EWS), the latest of three corporate buy-outs it has completed in the last two years. London-based EWS also ran a branch in Tunisia, leading to further overseas growth prospects for extech, founded in 1988 before its acquisition by IT entrepreneurs Andrew Hookway and Paul Estep in 2008. Since then, the pair have grown the business 25% pa but the expansion has thrown up a challenge for them, reveals director Andrew Hookway. “We had been looking overseas for some time for qualified technicians to supplement our UK workforce. We need our employees to be committed and highly qualified to meet the needs of our growing customer base.” Hookway and fellow director Estep both command many years’ experience of outsourced technology and back-office administration activities and offshoring to India when they worked at Fidelity Investments and Colt Telecom, so understand the benefits of utilising overseas staff. “But,” says Estep, “we wanted to work with a country closer to home so started looking in Spain, which is when we came across EWS and its Tunisian branch.” Tunisia is a highly educated country, children learn English from an early age, along with Arabic and French, Estep explains. “Majority of Tunisians are educated to at least a degree standard if not MA or even a PHD qualification” Hookway adds: “Their attitude and ethos really impressed us. They are hard-working, reliable and committed, as well as highly qualified - just what we were looking for.”

Extech acquired EWS in August with expert guidance from M&A specialist Malcolm Coomber a partner at Clarkson Hyde. Since acquiring the Tunisian base with its six employees, extech have taken on an additional 9 staff to complement the 25 workforce in the UK, who now have the opportunity to work in the overseas office. The primary function of the Tunisian office is working on background tasks such as software upgrades, migrations, commissioning new IT equipment; along with proactive maintenance activities such as checking the integrity of backups and responding to IT warnings and alerts. ”However, we are already identifying many other functions that can be performed effectively from our Tunisian base, such as back-office finance administration and software development.” said Hookway. With the help of UKTI’s Michael Axelrod, he introduced the pair to the British Embassy in Tunisia and arranged meetings, workshops and seminars; “He even highlighted a gap in the Tunisian market for our software product called ‘NetRoster’, which is a fully managed 24/7 Security Guard Rostering system controlled from our Tunisia office,” said Hookway. “The Embassy are in the process of organising a trade show where extech can showcase the product to western organisations who reside in Tunisia.” Adds Estep: “The acquisition of ISO9001 accredited EWS enables us to scale our business both on and offshore, without compromising on quality and service delivery. We hope to grow further and are always interested in new acquisition opportunities.” For more information on extech’s products and services please visit www.extech.co.uk or call 01444 443200.

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18 advertorial

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leaders in the supply of a comprehensive range of Mesh Security Products, and the UK stockist & distributor of Foldboxes, (the famous range of collapsible boxes) Stakrak Limited provide the ultimate in convenience. To further simplify the process, they also offer a nationwide installation service for mesh and shelving products. Talking directly with business owners and regular liaison with architects, builders and contractors on brand new installations, Stakrak help to ensure the premises are completely storage-efficient from day

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what makes me mad 19

“The customer is always right”

Throughout my career (and it’s been a long one as I’m getting a bit older now!) I was always trained and taught the following mantra “The customer is always right” no matter what occurred; for great customer experience this had to be the foundation. When I’ve trained new people into my organisation I have taken this a step further by explaining that we’re the experts that’s why we’re paid to deliver whatever service we happen to be delivering so even

if the customer sometimes appears to be wrong, we can help them understand the error of their ways without making them feel stupid or a lesser human being from their interaction with us.... But recently we were on the receiving end of such terrible customer service I still can’t really believe it (apologies for sounding a bit like Victor Meldrew but I just can’t!). From start to finish it really felt as if they thought “oh well, we’ve sold it to them now so we don’t need to care” and it continued even after complaining the first time, they still just continued to be rude, patronising, clock watching and shoulders so ‘slopey’ that we’ve started to call them Teflon... I can’t lie I have to say engaging this company to deliver their service (their name is withheld to protect the guilty) has been a frustrating and disappointing experience to say the least, and not once

has anyone provided anything like an apology, it would’ve gone a long way. The sad thing is that I will be telling anyone and everyone how dreadful their service is so they will not only lose our future business but they will also lose my contacts business but if that wasn’t bad enough they are also letting down others in their industry. One of the other lessons I learned from training, was that if you have a bad experience you will generally tell at least 12 other people, but if you have a good experience you will tell approx 7. So to be completely balanced we received absolutely outstanding customer service from another company at the same time, really first class and I aim to tell as many people about this experience as I possibly can just to prove that there are some businesses out there that do care about their customers and prove it through their actions.

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20 advertorial

Windows XP SP3 and Office 2003 Support Ends April 8, 2014 WHY? Why is Microsoft ending support for Windows XP and Office 2003? Microsoft Windows XP was launched in December 2001 and Office 2003 in October 2003, both will no longer be supported after 8th April 2014. Microsoft has a policy of supporting these products for a minimum of 10 years hence the announcement has been made. It is therefore very important that any organisation using these versions start to make plans to upgrade their PC/Laptops with either Windows 7 or 8 and Office 2013.

WHAT? What does end of support mean to you and your business? After April 8, 2014, Microsoft will not release any new security updates, nonsecurity hotfixes or online technical content updates. Running Windows XP SP3 and Office 2003 in your business after April 2014 may expose your company to potential risks because

there may be vulnerabilities in the operating system or the Office programs. This may lead to a higher risk of harmful viruses, spyware and other malicious software trying to steal your personal information. CNC is able to identify all the PC/Laptops which have this version of the software and advise you on the best course of action.

THEY CALL IT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, WE THINK IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE. We’ve been living and breathing technology for over seventeen years but what we really care about is our people and our customers. Extensive, up to the minute knowledge allows us to help our clients achieve productive and reliable systems that power their thriving businesses. We believe the advisory relationship we build with our clients supports their success. We would love to talk to you about your technology and offer a free IT audit with no obligations to use our services.

Gary and Graham—our directors

0845 0700 585 — sales@cnc-ltd.co.uk — www.cnc-ltd.co.uk

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upstarts 21

Complementary Collaboration For any new business starting up (particularly sole traders and entrepreneurs), finding professional collaborators is beneficial for support, camaraderie, sharing experiences and developing new ideas where professional networking is essential. There is a sense of optimism for improved economic growth this year. With unemployment falling, emerging trades, and industries on the increase, technological enhancement, a vast number of new career options and with a many incentives encouraging ‘would be’ entrepreneurs – building a start-up has never seemed like such a viable option. Savvy people from all walks of life appear more likely to source the relevant investment required for launching their business. Collaborating with others enables greater penetration into the market, increased brand awareness and opportunities for reaching more clients/consumers. Business owners Cherry Cannon and Anne Johnson launched Advantage Business Consultants last autumn following a successful 10-year history of working together in the social care sector. They knew they had the necessary and complementary skill set to build their own company and offer a complete and bespoke HR and Business Consultancy firm. Advantage Business Consultants (ABC) offer a unique combination of business support, HR management advice and tailored quality recruitment from two highly qualified, professional businesswomen who have 30 years of combined relevant experience. There are fundamental issues for business owners to consider in order to build a successful company: good systems, reliable staff, interpretation of legislation, development of policies, seeking efficiency within tighter margins, aspiring to be a market leader, offering a unique selling point, and having awareness of consumer requirements (or indeed exploiting the gaps that can be found). As a result, there is no need as a new business owner, to feel isolated, overburdened, alone or highly secretive (unless manufacturing the very latest, must have product of course!). Cherry and Anne have found that by good networking, joining worthwhile organisations such as Sussex Enterprise, Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce and Women in Business Sussex, excellent professional relationships can be forged between likeminded business people. The sharing of experiences can improve future planning and action. The odd ‘freebie’ is very welcome for new owners who can reciprocate when properly established.

Associates, colleagues, mentors or just people in professional networks can make a significant difference to improving attitudes and morale, and ultimately profit margins. Making an effort to push your company into the public arena takes time and energy, however by not doing so, you are less likely to reach coverage through sustainable relationships. James Caan is perhaps one of the most well know networking gurus and will seize any opportunity to seek out the next deal, such as finding his ultimate office space, in the perfect location for his company’s expansion. He achieved this whilst in an airport lounge waiting for a flight at 4 am, bumping into a commercial property owner wanting to sell!! Competition is extremely important in business. It provides consumers with greater choice, lower prices, innovation, higher quality and accessibility. However, for the small business owner, sometimes it is healthier to work with complementary competitors, than work against them in a guarded and secretive way. Winning a large contract for example that a small business would struggle to deliver alone is far better shared with a colleague than going it alone and under-performing or under-delivering. That said the key to successful work collaboration is based on clear parameters and tested relationships, allowing parties a share in the joint achievement. By having associates with a range of decision makers, recommendations and referrals keep everyone sharing the increasing market space. ABC meet a number of organisations that offer different products and services. They are happy to make recommendations and from such mutual arrangements, there is far greater chance of reciprocity. Attending a networking meeting recently, a business owner commented they have just secured a large contract, based on a chance recommendation some 18 months previously, culminating in the management of a national platform of holiday properties. A tasty bottle of Tattinger was a welcome thank-you for the recommendation! An example of how this could work for your business, ABC have built a professional, friendly and like-minded working relationship with local employment law solicitor Nighat Sahi of PDT Solicitors based in Horsham, West Sussex. Through exchanges, it is clear that there is plenty of work the two companies can share, ABC can offer HR

procedural and management advice, whilst Nighat specialises in employment litigation. This means that a cross-referral arrangement is managed between the two businesses and both can co-facilitate, for example, HR clinics to local decision makers experiencing every-day staffing issues. Whilst doing so, ABC and PDT gain brand exposure through marketing in a targeted way and are securing new clients as a result. They have also agreed to split resources budgeted for overheard costs to publish materials, merchandise and advertising. Similarly the manpower for producing information is divided between three business professionals, rather than doing this separately. New professional collaborations can help to widen a client base, although some caution should be exercised when ‘cold calling’ electronically as the sharing of third party data may be illegal, particularly if consent has not been achieved to send email correspondence for example. However, building your own database from each and every business card personally collected from networking is a perfect way to remind, nudge or provoke new interest from recently established relationships. Technological collaboration is unavoidable and a must-do for new start-ups. LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook (some also add Google+) being absolutely essential for those ‘viral’ marketing opportunities. Providing information, which is easy to read, informative, enticing and interesting in short bite-sized data for hundreds of consumers to access, simply and quickly is an effective way to dramatically increase your brand and ultimately market share. Be generous to others, endorse people, re-tweet their information, ‘like’ their pages, offer positive comments, show you are interested and at some point your effort will be rewarded with a fruitful referral, an increase in sales or a new contract. For any small businesses requiring support to improve systems, planning and organisation; or to manage employee relations, issues or disputes; and find the perfect person for a competitive fixed fee to fit into not only a particular role you may have but also your business culture, contact ABC today for a friendly, professional conversation and hopefully we can work collaboratively with you in the future! For complex employment litigation, contact PDT and speak to Nighat for frank and helpful advice.

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22 advertorial

Do you want to take your business forward in 2014? Get involved with the Day Release Degree in Business Studies from the University of Chichester. Does your business want to: n Grow and develop the skills of your existing employees in line with your business needs? n Ensure your business is fit for the future through the introduction of new ideas and creativity into new products and services? n Create a talent pool of existing staff and new entrants to support your succession planning and organisational development? n Recruit and retain high-quality staff The BA (Hons) Day Release Degree in Business Studies from the University of Chichester is an exciting, innovative, and flexible way for students to gain a full honours degree while in work. Our programme currently has students from a wide variety of employers in the hospitality, travel, construction, engineering leisure, retail, marketing, and social enterprise sectors. The University of Chichester is inviting existing employees who want to develop their potential by gaining a degree relevant to their work to contact us. We also want to work with committed and forward-thinking employers who want a part of this exciting and flexible programme.

What is in it for employers? The Day Release Degree is an excellent opportunity for you and your organisation to develop your own existing talent, while allowing your employee to receive a recognised qualification. It is aimed both at existing employees and new entrants. Direct business impact: Your business will benefit directly from work-related projects focused on your objectives and enables the students to make a real difference. Increased loyalty: Supporting staff development is widely proven to have a positive effect on employee motivation and retention. Cost-Effective: costs are typically shared between the employee and the employer Innovation: Bring the latest ideas, approaches, and research into your business. Talent management: Grow your own employees as high performers of the future.

What do students get out of the degree?

both an academic tutor and a work-based mentor.

You may be an existing employee and want to develop your career and move into more senior roles. The Day Release Degree will help you do this. You may also have completed a BTEC or A-Levels and want a degree, but may not want to go to university full time. Either way, the Day Release Degree is perfect for you. The programme is an excellent opportunity to achieve a recognised degree, while gaining valuable work experience. As it is completed while in work, there is a good chance you will have a reduced student debt - most costs are shared between the employer and the employee.

What the students say:

How does it work? Students will learn at the University one day a week during three ten-week terms for the first three years. The fourth year is a tutor-supported management project studied during two semesters – from September to May for example. Study is a mix of generic business and skills-based modules, while most assignments are work-related projects agreed in advance with the employer. Subjects covered include finance, sales negotiation, management, marketing, HR, and operations. The programme is very practically-based with students bringing their own work issues and challenges to each session. Students are supported by

“The Day Release Degree is an amazing experience. It gives you the vital experience that employers look for alongside your qualification,” Anna-Marie Hillard, current student, working at Classic Collection Holidays Ltd. “Working directly with a corporation allows you to get vital work experience for future career progression,” Jay, current student, working at Bourne Leisure. What the businesses say: “It is about investing in the young of today to give you the managers of tomorrow. We are really pleased with our student, Anna-Marie, she has exceeded expectations and is already making an impact. We definitely plan to recruit two more for this year’s programme,” Nick Munday, Managing Director of Classic Collection Holidays Ltd. To find out more: Call Andrew Adams at the University of Chichester on 07796 655 247 or email a.adams@chi.ac.uk or visit

www.chi.ac.uk/day-release-degree

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advertorial 23

How to get the best learning solution for you and your business Choosing the perfect learning solution is not just a case of picking a course from a list. Training requirements are as unique as individuals. Learning should always be treated as a bespoke, “from– 6 queen’s road scratch” training requirement. Glide Training’s Tips:

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6employees Queen’s 6 Queen’s 6 Queen’s RoadRoad Queen’s Road 6Road is located within the City Skills6 & Jobs ✓City Skills for your new and existing Skills &conveniently Jobs shop by the Clock tower on City Skills &bySkills Jobs shop by the Clock ontower CityCity Skills &training Skills Jobs shop & Jobs shop the Clock the tower Clock on tower on &by Jobs shop by thetower Clock on City Skills & Jobs shop by the Clock tower on CityApprenticeships Skills & City Jobs shop byCity the Clock tower on queen’s road drop in Queen’s andRoad talk to us or give us a call. 6-Queen’s Road Highly experienced, friendly, helpful Apprenticeship Consultants ✓City Skills & Jobs by tower on queen’s road -the drop in to usand orus give uscall. ato call. queen’s road -and drop in and talk to orus give us call. queen’s queen’s road - drop road inClock - talk and drop talk inus and toor talk or to give us orus atalk give us agive call. queen’s road -us drop in or agive a call. queen’s road -talk drop in talk to orus us aus call. queen’s road - shop drop in and to give us aand call. 6 Queen’s Road 6 Queen’s Road

queen’s road - drop in and talk to us or give us a call.

01273 667770 or 01273 66option 77 56 option 1option Tel: 01273 667770 or 01273 66 77 56 1option Tel: Tel: 01273 Tel:667770 01273 or 667770 01273 or 01273 77 56 66 option 77 56 1option Tel: 01273 667770 or 66 771option 56and Tel: 01273 667770 or 01273 66 77 56 1 1existing employees Tel: Skills 01273 667770 or 01273 66 7766 56 101273 ✓ training new Tel: 01273 667770 or 01273 66 77 56 for option your 1

Tel: 01273 667770 or 01273 66 77 56 option 1 Open: mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm Open: mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm AOpen: working partnership for Brighton & Hove Open: mon-Thurs Open: mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm Fri 9am-4.30pm Open: mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, 9am-4.30pm Open: mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri Fri 9am-4.30pm Open: mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm ChurChill Square Square ChurChill Square ChurChill Square ChurChill ChurChill Square ChurChill Square ChurChill Square

ChurChill Square

/CityApprenticeships ChurChill Square

email: cityapprenticeships@ccb.ac.uk email: cityapprenticeships@ccb.ac.uk email: cityapprenticeships@ccb.ac.uk email: cityapprenticeships@ccb.ac.uk email: cityapprenticeships@ccb.ac.uk email: cityapprenticeships@ccb.ac.uk

email:cityapprenticeships@ccb.ac.uk cityapprenticeships@ccb.ac.uk email:

Open: mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm email: cityapprenticeships@ccb.ac.uk

A working partnership for brighton & Hove

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Pop-in &@cityappsccb talk to us @cityappsccb City apprenticeships @cityappsccb City apprenticeships @cityappsccb City apprenticeships @cityappsccb City apprenticeships City apprenticeships @cityappsccb City apprenticeships @cityappsccb City apprenticeships @cityappsccb City apprenticeships

@cityappsccb

Brighton Station

A working partnership for brighton & &Hove City Skills Jobs

City Apprenticeships is conveniently located within the City Skills & Jobs shop by the Clock tower on

6 Queen’s Road

queen’s road - drop in and talk to us or give us a call.

Tel: 01273 667770 or 01273 66 77 56 option 1 Open: mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm email: cityapprenticeships@ccb.ac.uk BE 19.indd 23

@cityappsccb

A working partnership for brighton & Hove

ChurChill Square

City apprenticeships

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BORN LEADER? PROBABLY NOT. FEW OF US ARE.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some situations call for managers and others for leaders. The critical factor is CHANGE. Change throws up the need for leaders; it is leaders who bring about change effectivelyâ&#x20AC;?. John Adair

Is your business going through change? Of course it is. Are you leading that change or reacting to it?

Is your team motivated and excited by change? Our Sussex-based leadership development programmes are created to provide real-life solutions to workplace problems. They are also accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), so you also get a nationally and internationally recognised qualification. An Award programme at Levels 3, 5 and 7 only involves 3 to 4 workshop days. For further details please contact us at:

07712 194117 admin@syderandyoung.co.uk

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RP_Fullp

Leadership and Management Organisational Development Human Resources Roffey Park is an internationally renowned leadership institute based in the UK and Singapore. We develop people who develop organisations. With 65 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience of leadership, organisational development, human resources and coaching, we provide executive education and research to many of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading companies and organisations.

Roffey Park is one of the most respected and credible practitioners within the HR field so it was clearly the ideal partner. Barbara Thurston, EDF Energy

We offer tailored leadership development programmes, management consultancy and coaching, training courses and research services. Our qualifications are accredited by the University of Sussex. Visit our website to find out more. www.roffeypark.com march/april 2014 business edge

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26 advertorial

Research reveals emerging category of high growth business New research has found empirical evidence of what is fuelling above average levels of innovation among a new generation of business radicals. The Brighton Fuse Report provides evidence of the economic impact of arts and humanities skills as drivers of innovation and growth in the digital economy. The findings identify a new type of business known as ‘superfused’, combining creative, digital and business skills to achieve growth figures almost three times as fast as other businesses and ten times that of the British economy overall. The Brighton Fuse project mapped and measured the activity and performance

of Brighton’s creative, digital, and IT businesses. According to this research, 65 per cent of the Brighton sector is fused or superfused, breaking down traditional siloes between arts and ICT. Firms are creating an interdisciplinary workforce to harness the best of arts and humanities graduates (32 per cent) and scientists and computer engineers (21 per cent). Principal Investigator, Dr Jonathan Sapsed from the University of Brighton, said: “The Brighton Fuse project shows hard

evidence of the interdisciplinary mix that drives economic growth and innovation in the creative-digital economy. We find the arts and humanities are just as important as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and business skills in this mix, both in resourcing firms and in starting up companies in these high-growth sectors.” More details: www.brighton.ac.uk/bbs

Fast-track your career Our part-time courses will help expand your career options and increase your earning potential. They allow you to combine work and study, and will develop and update your professional skills. Take your career to the next level with: • The Brighton MBA (CMI accredited) • Professional Accounting (ACCA accredited) • Management and Leadership Diploma (CMI accredited) • Human Resource Management Diploma (CIPD accredited) • Diploma in Law (Law Society accredited)

Open evenings

Our open evenings provide an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about our part-time courses. See website for details.

01273 642974 business@brighton.ac.uk www.brighton.ac.uk/bbs/parttime

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Build YOUR Business How an Apprentice can help your business grow. Whether you are a small, medium or large sized business now is the time to take on an Apprentice, filling your skills gaps and growing your workforce. An Apprentice can bring you fresh ideas, enthusiasm, plus a willingness and openness to the way you like to work. With supportive training, development and focus you and your customers will see the rewards.

Call us now to find out more

0845 241 7738 If you are passionate about your business get in touch with JACE Training today, email apprenticeships@jace-training.co.uk, or call 0845 241 7738 and ask for Business Development Team.

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28 cover feature

A UK manufacturing success story. One man’s vision. John Patrick has built a remarkable UK manufacturing success story on the south coast of England, in Worthing. Success story developing on the south coast n Vision the key to growth n Acquistions play important role n

The story begins in the early 1980s when his parents established C-Tech Electronics,a specialist PCB assembly company, Taking over from his parents in the early 1990s, John successfully re invented the company to withstand the pressure from offshore manufacturing in the Far East. C-Tech now employs 32 full time staff and has a 60 strong, well established customer base including major local and national companies. C-Tech’s reputation for the quality and reliability of their manufacturing ensured strong customer loyalty and, with ISO9001 accreditation and

the recently achieved ENISO14001, the company continues to go from strength to strength and is looking to increase its full time staff to 40 in the short and medium term. Always one to spot new opportunities, in 2004 John invested in Seward Ltd, a manufacturer of food analysis and life sciences laboratory equipment and an existing customer of C-Tech. Seward had stagnated, but along with his co-directors and through sheer hard work and good business practice the company’s outlook was transformed to the current day turnover of more than £2m. More than 80% of sales are exported and all the manufacturing is supplied by C-Tech, creating new jobs within both companies. With an eye for a business and a market place with potential for growth, in August 2013, John spotted another opportunity. After extensive market research, John and C-Tech acquired JD

Technical services, a small, dedicated manufacturer of air sampling pumps for the asbestos industry. This was, literally, a one man band operating from a home workshop in North Wales, but JD, with no marketing, no website and no sales force, was successfully supplying pumps to a number of very large asbestos management companies in the UK. Seeing the potential to develop the product portfolio, expand UK sales and explore the overseas markets John and JD shook hands on a deal. A new company Airbox Sampling Products Ltd was formed and a new manufacturing story began.

ALREADY, WITHIN FOUR MONTHS GREAT STRIDES HAVE BEEN MADE WITH A COMPLETE REBRAND, A NEW WEBSITE AND AN ECOMMERCE SITE BEING LAUNCHED. THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS HAS BEEN ANALYSED, STREAMLINED AND IMPROVED. THE CUSTOMER BASE SECURED AND NEW CUSTOMERS CONTACTED.

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cover feature 29

Already, within four months great strides have been made with a complete rebrand, a new website and an ecommerce site being launched. The manufacturing process has been analysed, streamlined and improved. The customer base secured and new customers contacted. John then spent the time gaining valuable customer feedback and insight into the industry, the products and how to improve them. It was very obvious to him that there was a huge potential to improve and develop the product and services that were being offered and that by doing this new customers and new markets could be opened up both in the UK and across the world. Using a specialist product design company the design process for a new product has started and this is the exciting beginning of a new range of

Airbox products, accessories and spares. Prototypes are already close to completion and the expected launch for the first new product is mid 2014. To accommodate the new Airbox product build and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own growth in manufacturing activity, C-Tech have invested in a new 5000 sq ft factory and are continuing to invest in new electronic assembly equipment, new staff and training. Following the launch of the new product, sales for Airbox of ÂŁ1,000,000+ per annum are forecast. Having listened to the market place, the company is developing a range of innovative new products for the asbestos testing and management industries and this will provide the platform for the anticipated growth both in the UK and overseas.

To go from acquisition, understanding and consolidation, to launching a brand new product into what for John is effectively a new market place, takes an incredible amount of foresight and business acumen. It also requires a professional, efficient and motivated team of people working together to make it happen, particularly in such a short space of time. Having recognised the potential, the vision is to grow the business substantially over the next five years, to increase staff and to safeguard all jobs for the long term. Having successfully done this with C-Tech Electronics and Seward Ltd the future for Airbox Sampling Products Ltd, with John at the helm, looks very rosy indeed.

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30 inspirational leaders

Delivering the news in a changing world Few sectors have experienced such dramatic changes in recent years as newspapers, something that Dawn Sweeney knows only too well.

Newspaper experiencing dramatic change n Being part of the community remains the priority n Confidence in the future n

The Managing Director of Newsquest Media (Sussex) Ltd, publishers of The Argus , Leader Series and Society Magazine based at Argus House in Brighton, has seen The Argus develop from purely a newspaper into a multi media channel disseminating news on a variety of print, online and mobile platforms. Dawn began her career in the media industry more than 25 years ago, developing through the commercial sector which lead to Sales Director positions for two of the largest media sales teams in the UK at the Birmingham Post and Mail and Yorkshire Post Newspapers . Dawn’s first MD role was running two media businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, which included the very well respected Derbyshire Times and Mansfield Chad brands. Before taking the helm at The Argus, she ran her own commercial and sales leadership consultancy. She said that breaking news combined with being a supportive and active part of community life remains crucial for The Argus in the changing world of news delivery. She said: “The media landscape is far different from the one I joined over 25 years ago.

“For more than 130 years, The Argus has been reporting, debating and campaigning on the issues that really matter, and I can promise you that will not change. “We will use our print, online and social media platforms to be the focal point for the issues that really matter. “We will not shy away from controversy but at the same time we will be supportive wherever we can. “The Argus is synonymous with partnerships and that is something I am keen and also determined to develop. Whether it is a business, an organisation a school or a charity we will be happy to work with you.” The big change for the paper has been the growing importance of the web as a news provider and Dawn said: “Recent changes in newspapers have happened as quickly as any other industry and we have risen to the challenge. “The Argus is a multimedia business reaching a growing audience through a mix of traditional print, online and social media. “You can consume our news, sport and features and access a wide range of advertisers by buying the newspaper, following us on line through your mobile phone or by opening our App. “This transformation means that our readers and consumers can now access our information far faster and easier. “They can also engage with us more quickly than they have ever done before and, as a consequence, our readers and consumers are

WE WILL NOT SHY AWAY FROM CONTROVERSY BUT AT THE SAME TIME WE WILL BE SUPPORTIVE WHEREVER WE CAN. THE ARGUS IS SYNONYMOUS WITH PARTNERSHIPS AND THAT IS SOMETHING I AM KEEN AND ALSO DETERMINED TO DEVELOP. WHETHER IT IS A BUSINESS, AN ORGANISATION A SCHOOL OR A CHARITY WE WILL BE HAPPY TO WORK WITH YOU. better informed and able to have their voices heard like never before.” That has meant finding new ways of measuring readership, said Dawn, adding: “If we were measured purely on newspaper sales, the landscape would be very different but we are not. Today, we have a multitude of platforms that allow us to reach out to almost 43,000 print readers every

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inspirational leaders 31

continues t o GROW Visitors to theargus.co .u January 2014 k

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grant.elgin @theargus.c o.uk ** Source: Omn iture January 2014

*** Source:

JICREG Oct 2013

Dawn Sweeney, Managing Director Newsquest Media (Sussex) Ltd

day and during February The Argus website visited by almost 730.000 unique website visitors. “As our audience increases it so important that we don’t forget why we are here and that is to support our readers and the communities that they live in. “The Argus is proud to be the Daily voice of Sussex , proud to be the eyes and ears , watching and listening wherever we can to ensure that our readers and on line audience views are heard. “The focus of my role is driving strategic change to deliver outstanding results.”

Dawn is keen to embrace the challenges, saying: “The word most often used to describe my operating style is dynamic. “I approach everything I do with lots of energy, changing and adapting my approach along the way to ensure success. “I am naturally someone who enjoys working at pace - when I see an opportunity or an issue I am passionate about I like to work through the options and implement a plan to maximise the opportunity. “The big challenge is the pace at which the media landscape is changing and ensuring that we

maintain our position as the first port of call for information in print and on line. “2014 is all about ensuring that we continue to be relevant in print and on line and that our audience continues to grow.”

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32 finance

Getting the finances right Good financial advice is crucial if businesses are to survive and the good advisers are the ones who pride themselves on working with their clients in a way which makes them feel comfortable. Their role is particularly important as firms seek the funding they need to survive and thrive. Advisors start by finding out what a business needs; it may be help with better financial management or it may be support applying for loans or grants to buy equipment or take on new staff. With the world of finance support changing all the time, and new Government-backed funds being created, bringing in the services of an expert makes a lot of sense. Specialist advisers are crucial because they are the ones who know what opportunities are available. The way they work means an initial meeting when the adviser, be it a specialist financial services company or based within a bank, sits down with the client and draws up a detailed plan based not just on current needs but also looking to the future - maybe even doing a little dreaming with the client! Key to that is agreeing priorities. What does the client want to achieve in the short term, where do they want to be in the mid-term, what is the long-term vision? Where do they see their company in ten years and what kind of finance is required to make that possible? Are the newly-created funds applicable, are there other avenues to explore? Through talking things honestly and sensibly, adviser and client can work together to come up with an action plan which is based on a solid financial platform. And the good advisers are flexible: they know that, as life progresses and businesses meet changing situations, their clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs and priorities will change. That means a

financial plan that can be adapted when necessary. Once that initial plan has been drawn up, the process moves onto the next stage, obtaining the finance to make things happen. One way of obtaining finance is going to the banks and Government-backed funds but another way for businesses requiring injections of finance is approaching venture capitalists, who are well versed in assessing prospective partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; financial needs and dovetailing them with their own. Even in difficult economic times, such an approach should not be dismissed out of hand because a bright idea remains a bright idea and can attract funding to turn it into reality. Indeed, there are those who argue that difficult economic times are the most important time to invest in new ideas because innovation is a key way of bringing the country out of recession. The history of British business has been scattered with tales of innovations that arose out of the need to create new markets. None of it can happen without finance - and that means calling in expert help.

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Call us today on 01243 776938 to book your F REE meeting and see how we can help to ensure you and your business succeeds! Our expert team are on hand to provide you with more than just the financial information you expect from Chartered Accountants. As well as taxation, accounts and audit services, we can provide: * Free training in the first year to give you complete financial control * In house Payroll and Bookkeeping or 1 to 1 Payroll training * Up to date training on SAGE and Management Accounts * Full support for your business’ development * Pre-arranged fixed fees so you can budget with peace of mind and monthly payment plans

talk: 01243 776938 write: info@jamestoddandco.co.uk read: www.jamestoddandco.co.uk James Todd & Co: 1&2 The Barn, Oldwick, West Stoke Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 9AA

Why Why choose choose Crawford Crawford Davis Davis and and Brighton Brighton Insurance Insurance (Brokers) (Brokers) Group Group for for your your Why choose and Crawford Davis and Brighton Insurance (Brokers) Group for your Commercial Business insurance? Why choose and Crawford Davis and Brighton Insurance (Brokers) Group for your Commercial Business insurance? Commercial and Business insurance? • Over 40 years trading in the Sussex area Commercial and Business insurance? • Over 40 years trading in the Sussex area We also provide Personal and • • • • • • • • • •

Offices Brighton, Lancing Peacehaven Over 40inyears trading in the and Sussex area Offices Brighton, Lancing Peacehaven Over 40inyears trading in the and Sussex area Part of Cullum Capital Ventures a major insurance broker within the UK Offices in Brighton, Lancing and (CCV), Peacehaven Part of Cullum Capital Ventures a major insurance broker within the UK Offices in Brighton, Lancing and (CCV), Peacehaven Access to a range of insurance by some of the UK’s largest insurers Part of Cullum Capital Venturessolutions (CCV), abacked major insurance broker within the UK Access to a range of insurance solutions by some of the UK’s largest insurers Part of Cullum Capital Ventures (CCV), abacked major insurance broker within the UK Professional, helpful, local qualified staff backed by some of the UK’s largest insurers Access to a range of insurance solutions Professional, helpful, local qualified staff backed by some of the UK’s largest insurers Access to a range of insurance solutions Professional, helpful, local qualified staff Professional, helpful, local qualified staff

Crawford Crawford Davis Davis Tel: Tel: 01903 01903 875420 875420 Crawford Davis Tel: 01903 875420 www.crawford-davis.co.uk Crawford Davis Tel: 01903 875420 www.crawford-davis.co.uk www.crawford-davis.co.uk www.crawford-davis.co.uk

We also provide Personal and Household Insurance and We also provide Personal and Household Insurance and We also provide Personal and access to Pension, Mortgage Household Insurance and access to Pension, Mortgage Household Insurance and andto Healthcare advice access Pension, Mortgage andto Healthcare advice access Pension, Mortgage and Healthcare advice and Healthcare advice

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Crawford Davis and Brighton Insurance (Brokers) Group are proud to be part of Cullum Capital Ventures Limited, a Chartered Insurance Broker. Crawford and Towergate Brighton Insurance (Brokers) are proudRdtoMaidstone be part of Kent Cullum Capital Limited, a Chartered Broker. RegisteredDavis address: House, Eclipse ParkGroup Sittingbourne ME14 3EN.Ventures Authorised and regulated by Insurance the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered address: House, Eclipse ParkGroup Sittingbourne ME14 3EN.Ventures Authorised and regulated by Insurance the Financial Conduct Authority. Crawford Davis and Towergate Brighton Insurance (Brokers) are proudRdtoMaidstone be part of Kent Cullum Capital Limited, a Chartered Broker. Crawford and Towergate Brighton Insurance (Brokers) are proudRdtoMaidstone be part of Kent Cullum Capital Limited, a Chartered Broker. RegisteredDavis address: House, Eclipse ParkGroup Sittingbourne ME14 3EN.Ventures Authorised and regulated by Insurance the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered address: Towergate House, Eclipse Park Sittingbourne Rd Maidstone Kent ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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Confused about your finances? Talk to PSG Financial Solutions • Business Financial Planning for comprehensive Independent • Auto Enrolment Financial Advice including: • Pension Planning • Life Assurance • Investments/Regular Savings Contact Petra Griffiths DipPFS® for more information on: 01273 579486 www.psgfinancialsolutions.co.uk The value of the investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back as much as you put in.

FOR YOUR FAMILY, FOR YOUR BUSINESS, FOR YOUR FUTURE BE 19.indd 34

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advertorial 35

Look After Your Business Tax Reliefs Most business entrepreneurs wish to see the fruits of their labours rewarded with a maximum payout when they come to sell or retire. For this to happen it is important that they fulfil the requirements of the Entrepreneurs Relief (ER) rules which will reduce their Capital Gains tax rate from the standard 28% to only 10%. This is normally not a great problem as long as the basic rules are complied with:n You will need to be a director or employee n Hold a minimum 5% of the ordinary share capital and voting rights n Have held the shares for at least one year n The company must be a trading company or the holding company of a trading group

This becomes more difficult to control if you are offered a share swap which has the advantage of not being treated as a chargeable event for Capital Gains and will defer the tax liability. In this situation the tax treatment will depend on the sellers situation when the new shares are disposed of, by which time some of the rules may have been breached, in particular the requirement to hold 5% of the equity where you are selling out to a larger company. In this situation you can elect to pay the tax on the first sale so ensuring that you secure the lower 10% tax rate. This will then give you a higher base value for your new share holding

and reduce the extra cost in the event that you cannot comply with the conditions prior to a second sale. Mike Scott - Partner Moore Stephens (South) LLP Chichester, West Sussex Telephone: 01243 520602 www.moorestephens.co.uk/south

Small enough to care, yet large enough to cope We understand how lonely it can be to run a business. So weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to support you and make your life easier by taking care of your financial matters, leaving you to do what you do best.

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36 business matters

UK GDP to exceed pre-recession peak earlier than expected in 2014, says BCC n BCC upgrades GDP growth forecasts from 2.7% to 2.8% in 2014 and from 2.4% to 2.5% in 2015 n UK GDP expected to exceed its prerecession peak in Q2 2014 – one quarter earlier than we forecast in December n The first increase in UK interest rates expected in Q3 2015 to 0.75% n BCC predicts that wage growth will exceed inflation from mid-2014 n The youth unemployment rate is expected to remain almost three times the national average over the forecast period (2014 – 2016) The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today (Monday) upgraded its growth forecasts for the next two years – from 2.7% to 2.8% in 2014 and from 2.4% to 2.5% in 2015. For 2016 (included in our forecast for the first time) we are expecting growth of 2.5%. The Q1 2014 Economic Forecast conveys increasing business optimism, with GDP expected to exceed its pre-recession peak in Q2 2014 – a quarter earlier than we predicted in December 2013. John Longworth, BCC Director General, says that the economy is ‘gaining momentum’ and pays tribute to businesses across the UK that have fought hard to grow and create jobs. However, Mr Longworth also warns that major issues remain as the economy still faces long-term challenges despite recent progress.

Economic Forecast - Overview n The BCC is raising its GDP growth forecast to 2.8% in 2014 and to 2.5% in 2015. The upgrades for 2014 and 2015 are mainly due to upward revisions to historic GDP data by the ONS. For 2016 (included in our forecast for the first time) we are expecting growth of 2.5%. n GDP is likely to exceed its Q1 2008 pre-recession peak in Q2

2014 – one quarter earlier than we predicted in December 2013. n UK GDP quarterly growth is forecast at 0.7% in Q1 2014, easing slightly to 0.6% in Q2 2014, before averaging 0.6% per quarter until the end of 2016. n The main contributors to UK GDP growth in the next three years will be household consumption and output from services. n After reaching 2.4% in 2013, growth in household consumption will continue at 2.4% in 2014, and will edge up to 2.5% in 2015 and 2016. n Service sector output is forecast to record growth of 2.9% in 2014, 2.7% in 2015, and 2.7% in 2016. n BCC expects the unemployment rate to fall from 7.2% in Q4 2013 to 6.0% in Q4 2016. The youth unemployment rate (16-24 yearolds) will remain close to three times the national average, falling from 19.9% in Q4 2013 to 17.8% in Q4 2016. n Business investment is expected to record strong growth of 6.6% in 2014, 5.7% in 2015, and 5.7% in 2016. Even so, business investment in 2016 will still be slightly lower than in 2008. n We are predicting that the first increase in official UK interest rates will be in Q3 2015 to 0.75% – one quarter earlier than previously forecast. We expect this will be followed by modest increases in 0.25% steps to reach 1.50% in the second half of 2016. Commenting, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Our economic recovery is gaining momentum. Businesses across the UK are expanding and creating jobs, and our increasingly sunny predictions for growth are a testament to their drive and ambition. Our new forecast shows that the service sector is performing

particularly well, and is likely to be a key driver of growth. And the manufacturing sector, although small, is pulling its weight too, and will play an important role in sustaining our recovery. “But it’s not time to break out the champagne glasses just yet. Major issues remain, such as the unacceptably high level of youth unemployment. We urge the Chancellor to use this month’s Budget wisely by incentivising businesses to hire young people so that the next generation of workers are not left behind. “Crucially, Britain is simply not investing enough. While business investment is expected to grow, it will remain way below pre-crisis levels for some time. There is also more to do in securing access to finance for growing firms – as this too will be crucial to securing our economic future. So is getting public and private sector funding together to address the crippling gaps in our transport, digital and energy infrastructure. “We just hope that as the General Election gets closer, politicians are not tempted to abandon a drive for long-term economic security in favour of short-term vote winners. No government over the next decade can afford to get distracted – and our leaders must do everything in their power to ensure the economy goes from being merely good, to being truly great.” David Kern, Chief Economist at the BCC, added: “The upgrades to our growth forecasts are largely due to revisions to historic GDP data by the ONS. The good news is that GDP growth is expected to remain well above 2% for the next three years, and is likely to exceed its pre-recession peak in the second quarter of 2014 – a quarter earlier than we predicted in late 2013. This shows that the economy is on the right track, but we mustn’t be fooled into thinking that it is back up to full strength just yet.

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business matters 37

“The UK’s current account deficit remains excessive, and without a stronger rebalancing towards net exports, we could face serious risks to our long term economic health. In addition, while business investment is set to pick up, it is still far behind our pre-crisis peak. If we are to better this, we need higher productivity. What’s more, businesses will only increase their capital if the current environment of low inflation and low interest rates persists. “The revamped forward guidance policy goes some way to easing business concerns, and the long-term security will encourage them to invest. However some MPC members seem to be signaling early interest rate rises. This kind of unhelpful speculation will only prevent business from investing and put pressure on an already strong pound, which could put the recovery at risk.”

Other Elements From Within The Forecast Main components of demand n We are expecting household consumption to grow by 2.4% in 2014, before edging up to 2.5% in 2015 and 2016. The new forecasts are lower than in Q4, reflecting the sharp slowdown in Q4 2013. n We forecast business investment to record relatively strong positive growth of 6.6% in 2014, 5.7% in 2015, and 5.7% in 2016. However business investment in 2016 will still be lower than in 2008, both in absolute terms and as a proportion of GDP.

n The trade balance: the overall trade deficit is now smaller than before the financial crisis, largely due to trade surpluses in the services sector. The total trade deficit is forecast to fall from 1.6% of GDP in 2013 to 1.0% in 2016.

Main sectors of the economy n Total industrial output is forecast to grow by 1.5% in 2014, 1.1% in 2015 and 1.2% in 2016. n Manufacturing output is unchanged from our previous forecast, with expected growth of 2.0% in 2014, 1.4% in 2015. We are predicting manufacturing output of 1.4% in 2016. n Construction output is expected to grow by 4.0% in 2014, 3.0% in 2015, and 2.8% in 2016. n The services sector, the longstanding driver of the economic recovery, is forecast to grow by 2.9% in 2014, 2.7% in 2015, and 2.7% in 2016 – slightly stronger than anticipated GDP growth.

Unemployment and productivity n We forecast that the unemployment rate will fall from 7.2% in Q4 2013 to 6.8% in 2014, 6.4% in Q4 2015 and 6.0% in Q4 2016. n We are expecting UK unemployment to fall from 2.3 million in Q4 2013, to 2.2 million in Q4 2014, to 2.1 million in Q4 2015, and to 2 million in Q4 2016 – a net overall fall if 330,000 over the next three years.

n We expect youth unemployment (people aged 16-24) will fall from 917,000 (a jobless rate of 19.9%) in Q4 2013 to 818,000 (a jobless rate of 17.8%) in Q4 2016, a modest fall but still far too high. n Productivity: over the next three years we forecast that output per worker is expected to increase in total by 3.4% and output per hour by 2.8%. This will still be marginally below its Q1 2008 level.

Public finances n UK public finances: the forecast outlined by the OBR in the December 2013 Autumn Statement is realistic in predicting steady falls in borrowing, but their timetable is slightly too ambitious. n While the OBR is forecasting that the UK would reach a small budget surplus in 2018/19, we feel that this would take one-two years longer.

Inflation n In annual average terms, we are forecasting annual CPI inflation to be 2.0% in 2014, 2.0% in 2015, and 2.0% in 2016. In Q4 2013 we predicted 2.5% in 2014 and 2.3% in 2015.

Official interest rates n We expect the first increase in UK official interest rates to occur in Q3 2015 to reach 0.75% - one quarter earlier than previously envisaged in the last forecast. n Further modest increases can then be expected, in 0.25% steps, to reach 1.50% in the second half of 2016.

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38 chamber benefits

Membership Benefits Mailserve

Chamber Vehicles

This Service is provided in partnership with MailServe, based in Haywards Heath. Every member that signs up receives a free starter pack that consists of an ink cartridge, a full box of labels and £50 worth of free postage. This has a total value of £194.99.

Vehicle leasing for both businesses and private individuals. n Fleet management software FleetCheck.

n Franking offers savings of between 17p per item and as much as £1.40 for packets/parcels.

n Free fleet audit.

n Current lease will be looked at to identify all payments being made. n Full postal audit to identify each company’s exact requirements.

n Protection cover with GAP and RTI Insurance. n Maintenance and accident management.

Telecoms n Cheaper calls guaranteed. n Up to 65% cheaper than BT’s line rental. n Free line installations available.

n Minimum of 2 offers, one of which will be a cost reduction compared to current payments.

n Calls billed to the tenth of a penny.

n Cheque provided to settle outstanding payments on current lease agreement(s).

Over 5,000 businesses currently benefit from using Focus Telecom for their calls and lines. You may think you are already getting a good deal on your telephone bill, but by taking the time to speak to one of our account managers, you will find that we can save you money by switching to us as your provider.

n New Royal Mail license implemented, and installed and full training with new equipment. n Guaranteed same day service call back.

n 24/7 Fault reporting.

AXA PPP Medical Insurance Direct savings through subsidised Sussex Enterprise membership (50%) or cash back on premiums (10%). Chamber Roadside Assistance (provided by the AA) Save up to 61% off Standard Price. Legal Expenses Nine areas covered offering over £670,000 worth of protection per year. Campaigning Lobby on issues that are important to business. Contacts with key decision makers at a local, regional and national level. Fund Finder Tool Access over 3,000 funding opportunities Regus Preferred Card Access to 1,500 business lounges globally, further information to follow soon.

n Contract comparison meeting.

Health Care Cash Plan The product can save money by managing risk and absenteeism, promoting quicker return to work. It is a low-cost employee reward, which helps recruit and retain staff. Moreover, it can form part of a Health & Safety strategy, reducing the risk of stress and musculoskeletal related litigation. Flexible packages mean the product can suit all businesses. • Service operated in partnership with Westfield Health. • Includes (to varying degrees depending on the level of cover chosen): • cash benefits towards routine treatments • diagnostic scanning facilities • 24/7 advice line operated by GP’s • Employee Assistance Programme • subsidised gym membership

contact

Chamber Utilities ENER-G The service helps save energy by highlighting inefficiencies and proposing solutions. • Audit bills to ensure current rates are competitive. • Compare the energy market and find the most competitive prices and suppliers. • Explain your contract obligations and clarify your T&C’s. • Liaise with suppliers throughout the contract saving time and resource. • Validate every bill to ensure you only pay for the energy you use. • Measure and analyse your energy usage to identify cost savings. • Help save energy by highlighting inefficiencies and proposing solutions e.g. behavioural change and energy efficient technologies.

Sussex Enterprise Insurance Services The benefit can help save money and protect your business by: • In 90% of Sussex Enterprise businesses, guaranteeing to reduce or match your premium rates from 2012. • Fixed premium rates for three years (provided claims do not exceed 35% of the premiums paid in each year). • 0% monthly direct debit payments so the cost can be spread over 12 months without any instalment charge. • Support from dedicated Account Personnel with direct dial, direct email access and faceto-face meetings throughout Sussex. • Help when you need it most the claims notification line open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. • Risk Management Support to help protect your business against the unexpected.

For additional information on any of the above member benefits, please visit our website www.sussexenterprise.co.uk or call 0844 371 5404

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chamber benefits 39

Training Courses Recruit your way to Success

Professional Presentation Skills

When: 09:30am – 12:30pm 4th April 2014

When: 09:30am – 16:30pm 7th May 2014

Where: the King’s Centre, Burgess Hill

Where: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill

One of the biggest costs to any organisation is staff, and recruiting them can be tough. There is fierce competition for talent, little incentive for people to stick around and a minefield of regulation to get through before you even get to the interview stage!

Do you get a buzz out of presenting, or do you avoid it at all costs? In business there are few people who don’t have to make a presentation as part of their role: it may be a manager imparting information or encouraging their team; it may be an individual presenting at a seminar or conference, it may be a sales person pitching to win a big contract. However, most people are not born with innate presentation skills, they have to be learned and practised. With practical exercises and clear feedback, this course can ensure your presentation is delivered to maximum impact. You may even begin to enjoy public speaking!

Candidates can sometimes be dishonest or appear to be ideal until they actually start work and it can be hard to retain the ones that might actually add value to the Company. There are, however, basic steps that you can take to give yourself the best chance of success.

Customer Service Excellence When: 09:30am – 16:30pm 14th April 2014 Where: The King’s centre, Burgess Hill Customer service expectations are rising and your company needs to keep up and exceed expectations if you are going to maximise repeat business and referrals. This course will help your staff to enjoy giving the best service they can and to feel confident dealing with problems well when things go wrong.

A Foundation Course in Importing When: 09:30am – 16:30pm 28th April 2014 Where: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill The seminar will offer practical guidance on the latest procedures, terminology and documentation required for successful importing. It will highlight some of the pitfalls that often cause importers to incur unnecessary costs and delays in arrival of goods and suggest some ways of avoiding these. It will examine Customs rules and compliance procedures and look briefly at some of the duty reliefs available.

Export Controls and Licensing When: 09:30am – 16:30pm 15th May 2014 Where: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Export Control restrictions have been greatly expanded in recent years. Control has always been applied to goods that are specifically designed or adapted for military use, but increasing control is now applied to “dual – use goods” ie those that could possibly have both a civil and military purpose. This incorporates a vast range of goods.

An Introduction to Export Procedures When: 09:30am – 16:30pm 19th May 2014 Where: Barnsgate Manor, Nr Uckfield The course is designed to provide an overview of the Terminology, Procedures and Documentation used in the exporting process and to promote awareness of the responsibilities and obligations of all parties. Attendees should gain an overview of the exporting process from first enquiry to arrival of the goods at destination and the course will highlight the possible pitfalls that can await the unwary.

People & Team Management - Stage 2 When: 09:30am – 16:30pm 28th April 2014 Where: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill This course builds on the topics covered in Stage 1 to give a more complete overview of people management best practice. These topics can also be seen as more advanced or involved for experienced managers.

contact

For additional information on any of the above member benefits, please visit our website www.sussexenterprise.co.uk or call 0844 371 5404 march/april 2014 business edge

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40 advertorial

Growing Your Business Needn’t be a Mountain Climb

On 15th September 2008 Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy, bringing into sharp focus the perilous nature of the global economy. What’s happened since has been widely chronicled. But amongst the rhetoric one thing’s for sure - that the golden era of unbridled lending has ended. The resulting shockwaves put a hard brake on two fundamental economic drivers: consumer spending and business investment. The latter in particular is largely dependent on borrowing and this means that the need for businesses to pay serious attention to the lifeblood of their company – cashflow – is greater than ever before. You can’t be in control of a business if you don’t know what is going on. Bad numbers or, worse, no numbers, are equivalent to setting off up Mount Everest without a map, a weather forecast or a Sherpa to lead the way. Within the numbers themselves, it’s important to get a balance between looking in the rear view mirror and anticipating what lies ahead. Many businesses fail to accurately plan for future scenarios – good or bad – by too much focus on the backward view. Cash is king here, too: in the inevitable ebb and flow of the business cycle, a cash cushion to smooth volatility can make the difference between a tough but survivable few months and the end of

business as usual. So it’s important to make risk management and resilience an essential element of overall business planning. It’s also important to not spin too many plates at once. Competition for business is fierce, and although an upturn is apparently nigh, there’s a lot to be said for focusing on your strengths paying others to do “the other stuff”. Now’s the time to think about getting ahead of the curve and proactively marketing your business. Social media, used skilfully, can work well for any type of business and enables you to get an insight into your customer base that print media can’t match. If you’ve got the budget, a combination of “old” and “new” media can work well and needn’t cost the earth. It’s also a great way of getting referrals from existing customers – the new word of mouth. Technology is another key enabler. Cloud computing has blasted a hole in what in many cases was an insurmountable growth barrier - information technology and analytics. Data management and cutting-edge IT are now a fraction of the cost of a decade ago.

So back to the Sherpa analogy: Wikipedia tells us that Sherpas are elite mountaineers and experts in their local terrain. They were immeasurably valuable to early Himalayan explorers, serving as guides at extreme altitudes. They are renowned for their hardiness, expertise, and experience. Today, the term has become a byword for a guide or mentor in other situations. As businesses navigate a new future, it’s important you look to similar experts to guide you in your quest to the top. Enhance Business Associates believe every business deserves the best insight, perspective and support. For more information, contact us at hello@enhancebusinessassociates or call 01444 474916.

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Behind every winner is a team of experts

Winning in business takes focus, discipline and a will to succeed. So to enable your business to achieve its potential, it makes sense to call on a team of experts to support you in getting from pole to podium.

Enhance Business Associates specialise in providing essential services and expert advice and guidance to businesses that include:

Our flexible solutions enable you to get the support you need in critical areas of your business without growing your workforce or engaging consultancy services.

n Accounting, management reporting, strategy and business planning

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re different because we think differently. Each of our partners is a specialist but understands the complex interactions of the various business functions. We have decades of experience in a range of complementary business functions, support and development services. This means that the leaders we work with can focus on running their business without the distractions or concerns of performing these services themselves or hiring staff or contractors to do so. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll work to ensure you can rest easy knowing youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got everything covered: consider us an extension to your business or a partner working alongside you and your team. Give us a call or email us to find out how we can help:

n Risk assessment and management n Technology enablement, dayto-day support and service management n Marketing, business development, communications and employee engagement

Tel: 01444 474916 hello@enhancebusinesssassociates.co.uk

www.enhancebusinessassociates.co.uk

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42 advertorial

Cloud Computing has been a hot topic for organisations over the last few years, driven by major players such as Microsoft, Google, Salesforce.com and Amazon. Tarquin Dunn, CTO at System Professional, an established IT Managed Services provider in East Sussex and London, asks what does this really mean to SMBs? How can they benefit in terms of increased simplicity, performance and resilience for their critical IT systems, along with an associated decrease in costs? The main principle behind Cloud Computing is that information and services (eg Email, File Sharing, Database, Web Servers etc) are stored and accessed over the Internet without the need for on-site IT equipment (or a reduced amount) and without the knowledge required to install and maintain complex computer systems. This often comes at a significant cost to SME organisations and takes focus away from the core business operations. Think of your electricity or water– you don’t really need to know how it’s delivered, you just need to flick a switch to get the benefits and know how much it costs! With true Cloud Computing, these services can be scaled up and scaled down (along with the associated costs) if you grow or shrink your business. This delivers a true “pay as you go” model without the need for design activities which can mean that onsite IT systems are over or under specified. System Professional operates a hosting architecture from two diverse data centres (in Hampshire and Kent) which are fully replicated, meaning that your data and services are secure, resilient and deliver best in class performance to enable businesses of all sizes to benefit from Cloud Computing.

System Professional’s hosting environment provides:-

access. Compare this to servers in offices or unsecured computer rooms.

Hosted Virtual Servers - Host your

Cost - No hardware replacement, server software upgrade or maintenance and support costs. In the Cloud, these activities are covered by us for a predictable monthly fee.

servers in our data centres, avoiding the need for expensive on-site equipment with the inevitable hardware refresh cycle.

Hosted Backup Services - If you still want or need on-site equipment, we can backup all of this data remotely, without the need for tape drives. Disaster Recovery Services (DR) We can provide a second location for your servers which can enable you to get up and running in a matter of hours in the event of an on-site outage.

How can System Professional’s hosted services benefit your business?

Resilient - We replicate all of our hosted services to another data centre, essentially meaning that every hosted service comes with free disaster recovery! We also include an annual DR test as standard. To find out how our Cloud services could benefit your business or get more information on System Professional’s offerings please contact Chris Moss on 01825 830000 or email cloud@sys-pro.co.uk

Flexible - Scale up and down to meet your business requirements – don’t pay for compute power or capacity that you don’t currently need.

Secure - Your data is held securely behind two separate firewalls and in purpose built data centres, monitored 24/7 with restricted

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business support 43

Tailored Support for High-Growth Businesses The Sussex Innovation Centre provides tailored support for high-growth businesses working with new ideas and emerging markets. The support ethos is not prescriptive, and is centred on its membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; building the skills, credibility and confidence of start-ups and entrepreneurs, and helping to find their first customers. Models of support range from informal advice in the early stages of development, to providing strategic support, market knowledge and access to the finance necessary for sustained growth. The Centre is responsible for helping to deliver RGF and Wave 2 grants to support growth and jobs creation in the Sussex area. This can be used to help subsidise discounted business mentoring as well as

practical, hands-on support. The Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement can also generate opportunities to raise capital by leveraging established relationships with the investment community. Notable successes include Elektromotive, the company that was first to introduce public electric vehicle charging stations in the UK, and Oban Multilingual, an international SEO agency which doubled its revenue inside a year following a strategic intervention by support staff. Ninety per cent of start-ups

that have been based at the Centre since its launch in 1996 have seen stable long-term growth, with an estimated 15-20% going on to generate seven-figure revenues. If you have an innovative idea for a product, service or business model, and are looking for support that goes further, come in for a meeting to find out what the Sussex Innovation Centre could do for you.

To find out more visit www.sinc.co.uk, email info@sinc.co.uk or call 01273 704 400

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44 advertorial The Let’s Do Business Group team

Award Winning Support for Businesses across Sussex 2013 will forever be regarded as the defining period in the history of the Let’s Do Business Group (LDBG). The leading enterprise agency in the South East has seen unprecedented levels of growth across the organisation. And the year was recently summed up in the best possible way when they scooped a string of awards at the National Enterprise Network (NEN) Annual Conference at the British Library. The team walked off with the Enterprise Mentoring Programme of the Year award for their work on the New Enterprise Allowance after recruiting over 300 volunteer mentors to help the long-term unemployed launch new businesses. LDBG was also named Enterprise Communicator of the Year for its work with Cobb PR, and Kaye Crittell, who masterminded the mentoring recruitment campaign, was recognised in the Unsung Hero category. Chief Executive of the Let’s Do Business Group, Graham Marley, said: “The awards are of course nice to get and deserved recognition for the team, but above all, the rising numbers of new and existing businesses we’ve been able to help this year has been tremendously exciting. “On the back of various contract wins we are lending more money, training numerous and talented staff, hosting bigger exhibitions, recruiting record numbers of professional mentors, advising more businesses than ever before, all helping to kick-start a new generation of SMEs.”

Beating the banking challenge… With daily debates in the media about the problems SMEs are having accessing funding from high street lenders, Let’s Do Business Finance has been filling the gap. The team has lent over £4 million to businesses, creating or safeguarding over 1200 jobs. From start-ups to

established businesses, the team provide a wide range of routes to finance.

Smart and Simple Hotel One of the many success stories is a new hotel with a rapidly growing reputation in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Smart and Simple Hotel is the brainchild of hotelier Simon Colbran. The entrepreneur who hails from Eastbourne secured a lease on an existing hotel but needed investment to help complete an extensive refurbishment. LDBF reviewed his business proposal and recognising the potential, the team agreed a loan of £25,000 and provided expert business mentoring to get the establishment up and running. Ian Smallwood, Head of Business Services at the Let’s Do Business Group, said: “Tunbridge Wells is a terrific location for Simon’s hotel. It provides a base for people visiting the town and venturing further afield into London. In just 12 months he has seen a steady increase in turnover and is well placed to build on this early success.” Boasting 40 modern en suite rooms, three conference rooms, a secret garden, cardio gym and spa, the hotel is now known for offering great value and was awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence. Simon Colbran said: “The funding and support I received was invaluable. It helped with everything, from fine tuning our business plan to producing cash flow forecasts. Business is booming and we are looking forward to a busy year.”

Start-Up Loans For anyone considering taking the plunge and becoming their own boss, the government’s Start-Up Loan programme gives budding entrepreneurs access to low cost funding and support from experienced business mentors. The scheme offers flexible

pay back terms on loans that average £6,500, mentoring support and a host of other discounted benefits, all designed to give a helping hand to start-up businesses. LDBG runs the Start-Up Loan Scheme across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Kent. Last year the number of applications rocketed with 203 loans agreed. It was previously only available to 18-25 year olds, however, in 2013 the age cap was removed and is now open to anyone over the age of 18 who has the ambition and enthusiasm to launch their own business.

FittaMamma Based in Burgess Hill Alexandra McCabe is one of the latest entrepreneurs to benefit after she received £9,500 to help her launch FittaMamma. FittaMamma was conceived after Alexandra wanted to help her sister-inlaw feel good throughout her pregnancy. This ethos is supported through a range of maternity clothes, as well as an online environment www.fittamamma.com where women can find information, resources and chat to other expectant mums. Now women from all over the world are placing orders and FittaMamma can count a celebrity customer in their growing list of fans with the former model and marathon runner, Nell McAndrew, wearing FittaMamma during her pregnancy. Alexandra said: “The launch of FittaMamma is the culmination of three years research, product development and endless hard work. It started with helping my sister-in-law and has led to the design and manufacture of a range of stylish and flattering exercise wear specifically designed to support women who choose to stay active during their pregnancy.” For more information on the Start-Up Loan Scheme visit www.letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk/startup, or call 0844 9432988

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advertorial

The Locate East Sussex team

£700,000 increase in turnover and the creation of several new jobs. To keep up with demand, Torr Scientific is now building an extension to its current premises and plans to develop a new X-Ray source product and related processes. These innovations have already attracted interest from a number of blue chip companies and building on its success, Torr Scientific is confident of another £1m increase in turnover over the next three to four years. Managing Director, David Bates said: “The rural location of East Sussex and its proximity to the sea provide a healthier and stress relieving work location. East Sussex has a high density of vacuum technology companies which is what attracted us here.” To search commercial property in East Sussex visit: www.locateeastsussex.org.uk

Developing the next generation

Locate East Sussex In 2013 the Let’s Do Business Group won the contract to re-launch Locate East Sussex, the one-stop shop designed to attract new business investment in the county. A partnership of the East Sussex local authorities is backing Locate East Sussex to promote the county as a superb location for start-up and existing companies and to encourage local employment growth. The countywide business support service is also partnering East Sussex County Council in the awarding of £4m in grant and loan funding to local companies to help create jobs and boost the county’s economy. The money was allocated through the Regional Growth Fund and is available for the purchase of capital equipment and the adaptation of commercial property, as long as there is a direct connection to the creation of new jobs. Whether you’re seeking to start a business, grow an existing company or relocate to bigger or better premises within East Sussex, Locate’s expert team will provide the advice and support you need. An interactive new website (www. locateeastsussex.org.uk) was recently launched that includes considerable business background information and a commercial property search tool.

Torr Scientific With assistance from Locate East Sussex, Vacuum Technology Manufacturing firm Torr Scientific has recently relocated from Brighton to larger premises in Bexhill. With grant funding accessed through Locate East Sussex, new capital equipment has been purchased and has led to a

David Bates, Managing Director Torr Scientific

The Let’s Do Business Skills Academy offers outstanding support to businesses and organisations looking to take on an apprentice. It is a flexible programme with the employer specifying exactly what they require to help the business be more successful. The Group then find the candidate who will fit the business requirements. This may be full or part-time with the hours to suit business needs. If businesses wish to take advantage of the Government’s wage incentive of £1500 the apprentice needs a contract for 12 months for a minimum of 30 hours per week with a wage of £80.40. Apprentices are provided with a Learning and Development Coach who oversees the whole programme of skills development and an assessor who ensures a challenging learning programme is in place which will have the desired impact on your business. Stephen King, Head of Training and Skills, said: “The academy has been so successful that we are now launching a Leadership Skills Academy which will provide Institute & Leadership Management accredited bespoke programmes for visionary team leaders who want to focus on business development and growth.” Managers undertaking these programmes will have a learning and development coach; the opportunity to attend key note lectures and access to a wide range of resources as a useful tool kit for your continuing professional development. For further details please visit our web site www.letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk/ apprenticeships If you would like to arrange a meeting todiscuss our programmes please contact stephen.king@ldbgroup.co.uk or call

0844 415 2272.

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46 advertorial

Are you insane, or does IT drive you insane? Insanity... “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Albert Einstein In IT, we have been doing some things the same way, in principle, for the last 25 years. We now have the opportunity to change, for all the right reasons. Including but not limited to, greater efficiencies at reduced costs, so let’s take full advantage of tomorrow’s technology today!

Our Big Message Our Big Message is all about empowering non IT people to get ahead and set out what they want from IT. In a series of events this year, Weald will be informing our clients and prospective clients about how we see the future unfolding moving to the new house, whilst keeping the old house running and secure, until everyone is safely in the new house. We will also tell you some of the reasons why the old house needs to change.

1st EVENT

Friday 28Th March At The Award Winning Ridgeview Wine Estate.

Attendance at this event is strictly by personal invitation only. If you would like an invitation please contact Weald Professional IT Services by email at:

laura@wealdcomputers.com Topics Covered: Will include, Clarification of Cloud, Virtualisation, Backup & DR

Target Audience: It’s directed towards business owners & senior management of businesses with in excess of twenty employees. This is not intended for IT professionals.

Drivers for change n n n n n n n

Lunch And Wine Tasting Followed By A Presentation Entitled:

n n

The Disconnect Between Business Goals & It Priorities

Speakers Mike Nelson, Weald MD Barry Poulton, Weald SD Jack Costelloe, Business Consultant

n n n n n

Fibre roll out Hardware Age Backup Software Versions becoming EOL DR Requirements Security Applications becoming available online as Service AaS, SaS etc. Software purchasing model options – Cap Ex vs Subscription SLA’s (what are they and how do they affect you?) What can we change? How we backup How and where we store data How we use applications How we use email

n How quickly we can recover after a failure be it fire, flood data corruption etc. (RTO etc.) n How our customers interact with us and how information flows More importantly, how we are given the choices, the information, the training to know what changes to make, who does them and that we retain ownership and power over our own destiny. Our vision is to be the most empowering IT services provider to all businesses with a serious desire to have an efficient, effective, smart and above all secure & reliable IT system Weald Professional IT Services, 53 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 3BN t: 01444 241381 e: sales@wealdcomputers.com

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Data Shredding Services Confidential Data Destruction Registered with the Environment Agency and Registered under the Data Proctection Act 1988

FOR ALL YOUR CONFIDENTIAL WASTE PAPER SOLUTIONS Protecting you, your customers and our environment. Data Shredding Services Ltd have been established for 15 years providing secure destruction of paperwork and all waste paper solutions. Approved ISO9001 Company

Telephone: 01903 814949 Email: info@datashreddingservices.com

Want to take on an Apprentice? Let Avanta help you every step of the way. There has never been a better time to take on an Apprentice with grants and support available throughout the region. Avanta can help you recruit and train an Apprentice with a fantastic no-cost service. This includes: l l l l

Working with you to create a Job Description Advertising your vacancy Short listing - so you only get the most suitable candidates Arranging and delivering the Apprenticeship training

Team leading, Business and Administration, Advanced Management, Customer Services, Retail, Manufacturing Operations, Call Centre, Warehousing & Storage, Hospitality Supervision and Food & Beverage Service.

If you are interested in taking on an Apprentice or training your existing staff call:

What is the benefit of having an Apprentice?

East Sussex

Better motivated and more loyal employees - research has shown that an employee on an apprenticeship is more motivated and enthusiastic at work and tends to stay on average two or three years after their course completes l Better trained employees who tend to be more confident and assertive l More appropriately trained employees - your employeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job description forms the basis of their apprenticeship so an apprenticeship can be a means of up-skilling in areas like communication, teamwork and self-development.

Lisa Brett 07779 235121

We can currently deliver Apprenticeships in:

lisa.brett@avanta.uk.com West Sussex Emily Dale 07779 235121 emily.dale@avanta.uk.com

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48 new members

Welcome to Sussex Enterprise Membership of Sussex Enterprise can help you increase profits, get the best from your people and find new clients. Also, it saves you money, gets your voice heard and puts you in contact with even more businesses. Ametek Solartron Metrology Steyning Way, Southern Cross Industrial Estate Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO22 9ST Tim Bache +44(0)01243833300 tim.bache@ametek.co.uk www.solartronmetrology.com Aqua Medical Ltd PO Box 123, Brighton, East Sussex BN51 9BP Steve Waters +44(0)01273301802 s.waters@doctors.net.uk Audio 7 Limited Adur Business Centre, Little High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex BN43 5EG Alex Josling

Authentic Learning Ltd 23 Northbridge Street, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5NY Matthew Wilkinson +44(0)01580 881845 wilkinson1996@hotmail.com www.authenticlearning.co.uk Ceramisis Ltd 14-16 Ivyhouse Lane, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4NN Robert Burgess

contact

H2O Linen Services 7a Brett Drive, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN40 2JP Steve Shoesmith

01323848447 clockex@aol.com

01424210888 steve@h2olinenservices.com www.h2olinenservices.com

Core IFA 14 Hollingworth Court, Turkey Mill, Ashford Road Maidstone, Kent ME14 5PP Ashley Mills

Hawes Building Ltd Newlands, Lewes Road, Wilmington, Polegate East Sussex BN26 5SG Sarra Hawes

+44(0)07761 068319 amills@coreifa.co.uk

+44(0)01323 483085 sarra@hawesbuilding.co.uk

Cyansight Ltd 8 Warenne Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 8EG Richard Albery

Invest & Fund Ltd Chichester Road, Ponswood, St. Leonardson-Sea East Sussex TN38 9BG David Turner

+44(0)07976 802959 richalbery@cyansight.com

+44(0)01273466531 alex@audio7.co.uk www.audio7.co.uk

+44(0)07793 363440 bob@ceramisis.com

Clockwork Exhibitions Ltd Unit 1 Prospect House, Lower Dicker, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 4BT Colin Lee

G M Monk Ltd Southerden House, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 2AE Scott Monk 01323841769 scott@gmmonk.co.uk www.gmmonk.co.uk

+44(0)01424 717564 david@investandfund.com www.investandfund.com Just Hospitality Ltd 40 Woodlea Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN13 1BN Dean Kennett 01903204951 office@justhospitality.co.uk www.justhospitality.co.uk

Golf Escapes Ltd St Andrews House, Cinder Hill Lane, Horsted Keynes, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 7BA Jon Ruben

Keymer Haslam & Company 4-6 Church Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9AE Tom Holbrook

01342811777 jon@golf-escapes.com www.golf-escapes.com

01444247871 tom@keymerhaslam.co.uk www.keymerhaslam.co.uk

SUSSEX ENTERPRISE 0845 67 888 67 www.sussexenterprise.co.uk

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new members 49

Lavant House Stables Lavant House Stables Lavant House, West Lavant, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 9AH Lucy Thomson 01243530460 l.thomson@lhstables.co.uk http://lhstables.co.uk/ Mays Web Design The Brighton Forum, 95 Ditchling Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 4ST Andrew May +44(0)01273 921966 info@mayswebdesign.co.uk www.mayswebdesign.co.uk NKA Translations 34 Belfast Street, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3YS Barnaby Eales +44(0)07900925980 barnaby@nkatranslations.com www.nkatranslations.com

Partridge Plastics (Worthing) Ltd Unit G-H, Northbrook Trading Estate, Northbrook Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN14 8PN Terry Heryet 01903213178 terry@partridgeplastics.com www.partridgeplastics.com RandD Tax 107 Poulters Lane, Worthing, West Sussex BN14 7SY Tim Walsh +44(0)0800 955 7350 timwalsh@randdtax.co.uk www.randdtax.co.uk Sovereign Cargo First Floor Berkeley House, 26-28 Gildredge Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4SA Wayne Barron

01403272571 barry@syderandyoung.co.uk www.syderandyoung.co.uk The Smart Card Store Ltd Unit E8, Knoll Business Centre, Hove, East Sussex BN3 7GS Guy Hudson +44(0)845 5190252 guy@smartcardstore.co.uk www.thesmartcardstore.com W Stirland Ltd Redmoor Estate, Main Road, Birdham, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 7HT Ian Pinington +44(0)01243512381 ian.pinington@wstirland.co.uk

+44(0)01323735300 wayneb@sovcargo.co.uk www.sovcargo.co.uk

P H Warr Plc Randolphs Farm, Bedlam Street, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 9EL Jane Allan

Sussex Health Care Tylden House, Dorking Road, Warnham, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 3RZ Nicky Hunt

01273834333 jeallan@phwarr.com www.phwarr.com

+44(0)01403217338 nicky.hunt@sussexhealthcare.co.uk www.sussexhealthcare.org

contact

Syder And Young Ltd 33 Broome Close, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 5XG Barry Syder

SUSSEX ENTERPRISE 0845 67 888 67 www.sussexenterprise.co.uk march/april 2014 business edge

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7 - 11 April 2014

One week of export seminars, workshops and market briefings to provide practical advice on doing business overseas

For South East events, visit www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk

Events across the South East: Brighton Guildford Gatwick Maidstone Southampton

UK Trade & Investment is the Government Department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. UKTI South East 08452 717 400 events@uktisoutheast.com @UKTI_LondonSE www.ukti.gov.uk

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www.lesker.com www.lesker.com www.lesker.com www.lesker.com

KJLC® is pleased to announce their new facility at its European Headquarters in KJLC® H a s t inisg spleased , Ea s t Sto u sannounce s ex fo r s ptheir e ci anew lty facility at its European Headquarters in manufacturing. This investment will enable KJLC® is pleased to announce their new H a s tproduction in g s , Ea s t Sofu sElectrical s ex fo r s pFeedthroughs, e ci a l t y the facility its European Headquarters in KJLC® isatpleased announce their new manufacturing. Thistoinvestment will enable Liquid Feedthroughs, and custom components. H a s t in gats ,itsEaEuropean s t S u s s exHeadquarters fo r s p e ci a l t in y facility the production of Electrical Feedthroughs, manufacturing. This investment will enable H a s t in g s , Ea s t S u s s ex fo r s p e ci a l t y Liquid Feedthroughs, custom components. KJLC® has successfullyand manufactured vacuum the production ElectricalwillFeedthroughs, manufacturing. Thisofinvestment enable components at their US headquarters for Liquid Feedthroughs, and custom Feedthroughs, components. the production of Electrical KJLC® hasyears, successfully manufactured vacuum over 25 specialising in the fabrication Liquid Feedthroughs, and custom components. components at their headquarters forfor of stainless steel andUS aluminum products KJLC® has successfully manufactured vacuum over 25 related years, specialising vacuum applications.in the fabrication components at their USmanufactured headquartersvacuum for KJLC® has successfully of stainless steel and aluminum products for over 25 years, specialising in the fabrication components at their US headquarters for vacuum related applications. of stainless steelspecialising and aluminum products for over 25 years, in the fabrication vacuum related of stainless steel applications. and aluminum products for vacuum related applications.

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The new European facility, or Quick Turn Cell as it will be known, will support the continued The new European facility, or Quick Turn production of important components for aCell as it will market. be known, theshows continued growing Thiswill newsupport addition KJL’s The new European facility, or Quick Turn Cell production of important for a dedication for growth in components supplying quality as will be known, facility, will support the continued Theit new European or Quick Turn Cell growing This newprices addition shows KJL’s products market. at competitive across Europe. production ofknown, important components for a as it will be will support the continued dedication for growth in supplying quality growing market. This newcomponents addition shows production of important for aKJL’s products competitive prices KJLC® hasatbuilt a reputation as across a worldEurope. dedication for growth in supplying qualityKJL’s growing market. This new addition shows class manufacturer and distributor of quality products at for competitiveinprices across Europe. dedication supplying quality KJLC® built growth a reputation world vacuumhas products. KJLC offersasitsacustomers: an products at competitive prices across Europe. class manufacturer and distributor of quality extensive vacuum product range, unrivalled KJLC® has built a reputation as a world vacuum products. excellent KJLC offers its customers: global inventory, customer service,an class and distributor of quality KJLC®manufacturer has vacuum built a reputation as a world extensive product range, unrivalled and outstanding e-commerce solutions. vacuum products. KJLC its customers: an class manufacturer andoffers distributor quality global inventory, excellent customerofservice, extensive vacuum KJLC product range, unrivalledan vacuum products. offers its customers: and outstanding e-commerce solutions. global inventory, service, extensive vacuumexcellent product customer range, unrivalled and outstanding solutions. global inventory,e-commerce excellent customer service, and outstanding e-commerce solutions.

Founded in 1954, Kurt J Lesker Company has grown into a highly recognised global Founded in 1954, Kurt J the Lesker organisation supporting highCompany and ultrahas grown into amarket. highly recognised high vacuum Through theirglobal four Founded in 1954, Kurt J Lesker Company has organisation supporting high Equipment, and ultra divisions–Vacuum Mart, the Process grown into a highly global Founded in 1954, Kurt recognised J Lesker Company high vacuum Through their fourhas Materials andmarket. Manufacturing KJLC provides organisation supporting the high andglobal ultra grown into a highly recognised divisions–Vacuum Equipment, the most complete Mart, line ofProcess products and service high vacuum supporting market. Through four organisation the hightheir and ultra Materials provides solutions inand the Manufacturing vacuum industryKJLC worldwide. divisions–Vacuum Mart,Through Process their Equipment, highmost vacuum market. the complete line of products andfour service Materials and Manufacturing KJLC provides divisions–Vacuum Mart,industry Process Equipment, solutions in the vacuum worldwide. From the simplest components and fittings to the most complete line of products service Materials and Manufacturing KJLCand provides intricate vacuum chambers and precision solutions incomplete the vacuum industry worldwide. the most line of products and service From the simplest components fittings to computer-controlled depositionand systems, they solutions vacuum in the vacuum industry worldwide. intricate chambers and precision work closely with customers to devise sound From the simplest components and fittings to computer-controlled deposition systems, they and economical solutions. intricate chambers and precision From closely the vacuum simplest fittings to work with components customers to and devise sound computer-controlled deposition they intricate vacuumsolutions. chambers andsystems, precision and economical work closely with customers to devise sound computer-controlled deposition systems, they and workeconomical closely withsolutions. customers to devise sound and economical solutions.

17/03/2014 14:36

52 business matters

Brighton City Deal to help create “Silicon Beach” A new City Deal will unlock more than £170 million of investment in Greater Brighton to create 8,500 jobs and grow its technology businesses. A new City Deal will unlock more than £170 million of investment in Greater Brighton to create 8,500 jobs and grow its technology businesses. Cities Minister Greg Clark signing Greater Brighton City Deal The Greater Brighton City Deal, to be signed today by the government, leaders of local authorities and the Local Enterprise Partnership, will expand the technological base at New England House to make it a major centre for creative and digital businesses giving the city the chance to compete with other major tech clusters around the world. The City Deal will also unlock cheaper and faster broadband for Brighton’s tech companies by creating a “Digital Exchange” in the heart of the city, where companies collaborate to use combined buying power to get faster broadband at lower prices. This is made possible as the government has agreed to provide flexibility over how money from the Superconnected Cities fund is spent. All of this means that if you are a working in a tech startup in Brighton, there will be more space in this exciting new hub for you to grow your business, to collaborate with other exciting young companies and take advantage of advice and support available at New England House.

As well as measures to create jobs and growth in Brighton itself, the City Deal will also unlock key regeneration and employment sites in Shoreham and Newhaven by providing certainty over the future of key flood defences. In Newhaven, this will allow the development of a Clean Tech Growth Centre, building on investment in the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm and a new University Technical College. The site in Shoreham is earmarked as an Environmental Technologies Growth Centre, building on Ricardo UK’s new £10 million Vehicle Emissions Research Centre on the site. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: We’re giving Brighton the freedom, power and tools to be really innovative and design whole new ways of building a stronger economy and fairer society. This City Deal puts power in the hands of local people who know best what skills are needed in the area to give it a real chance of changing the fortunes of thousands of people in and around Brighton. Greg Clark, Minister for Cities, said: Brighton’s tech cluster has grown from very little 10 years ago to having 1,500 businesses today. It’s already making a huge impact on Brighton’s economic performance, and this City Deal will help accelerate its growth by ensuring that it can provide the space and infrastructure for high-value creativetechnological businesses to grow. It can help

turn Brighton into one of the most prosperous cities in the UK. The £170 million of investment consists of £6.7 million from central government, £9.8 million from the local public sector and at least £155 million of private investment. The deal will give local partners the opportunity to guarantee the start dates for key flood defence works at Shoreham Harbour and Newhaven, in return for local contributions to enhance the value of these defences. These defences would protect hundreds of homes and businesses, and by guaranteeing a start date for the protection works to begin, the deal will help secure private sector investment and create thousands of jobs along the coast. If flood defence spending is included, government’s total commitment to Greater Brighton will exceed £30 million. The city of Brighton is currently home to around 1,500 technological companies - the same number as London’s Tech City, also known as “Silicon Roundabout” – and has one of the most highly-skilled workforces in the country. The City Deal is focused on making the most of those skills to vastly increase Brighton’s contribution to national economic growth. Brighton is the thirteenth of the 20 Wave 2 areas to conclude their City Deal.

City Deal; The beginning of a great city region A City Deal for the Greater Brighton City Region has been agreed with government. It marks the start of a wider long term commitment to investment in the Greater Brighton City Region. Greater Brighton will bring partners together from across the city region – working with a commitment to securing a vibrant local economy which will provide jobs, culture, education and housing to over 600,000 people. Greater Brighton City Region will drive growth, support ambition and improve job prospects, earnings and business opportunities. It will enable the area to fulfil its economic potential, turning it into one of the highest performing urban economies in the UK operating on an international stage. Brighton & Hove City Council Leader Jason Kitcat said “Greater Brighton City

Deal is just the beginning of a collaborative approach which will see the city and the surrounding region reach its potential. The ambition and commitment which have brought City Deal to fruition will also mean we can bring more jobs and better housing , better infrastructure and a more vibrant regional long term economy. This is the beginning of an exciting journey to devolving more powers and responsibility to our city region.” John Peel OBE, Chairman of Coast to Capital LEP commented: “This is excellent news for the people and businesses of the Greater Brighton area. The City Deal is likely to significantly increase confidence among those currently considering investment in the area and provide exceptional opportunities for future growth. It is a fine example of how partnerships between

the public and private sectors can make a significant difference to the future prosperity of an area.” The University of Brighton’s Vice Chancellor Professor Julian Crampton said; The University of Brighton is happy to be an active partner in the City Deal. It will enable our expertise in research to be widely shared to benefit the local economy and create jobs for both our graduates and the workforce more generally. Universities like ours are the anchor to the fast moving businesses for which the city is becoming known. Neil Parkin Leader of the Adur Council said: “Adur and Worthing Councils are committed to partnerships that bring real value to their communities. Greater Brighton City Deal promises the prospect of delivering sustainable economic growth; I hope this is the start of something big.”

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diary 53

TRAINING COURSES

Exporting - Understanding the Paperwork

People & Team Management - Stage 2

When: 09:30am – 16:30pm, 24th March 2014 Where: Chatsworth Hotel, Worthing

When: 09:30am – 16:30pm, 22nd April 2014 Where: Sussex Enterprise, Burgess Hill

Problems associated with Export Documentation will often lead to delays in getting goods to customers, increased costs and charges, and a breakdown of goodwill between seller and buyer. Changes to regulations and requirements often pass unnoticed or are misunderstood.

This course builds on the topics covered in Stage 1 to give a more complete overview of people management best practice. These topics can also be seen as more advanced or involved for experienced managers.

HM Revenue and Customs require exporters to demonstrate documentary compliance with security and customs regimes, even if they choose to outsource the shipping function to agents or forwarders or delegate logistics to the buyer under ex-works terms or similar. Non compliance risks delay in the supply chain and the possibility of financial penalty.

A Foundation Course in Importing

Customer Service Excellence When: 09:30am – 16:30pm, 14th April 2014 Where: Sussex Enterprise, Burgess Hill Customer service expectations are rising and your company needs to keep up and exceed expectations if you are going to maximise repeat business and referrals. This course will help your staff to enjoy giving the best service they can and to feel confident dealing with problems well when things go wrong.

Contact

When: 09:30am – 16:30pm, 28th April 2014 Where: Sussex Enterprise, Burgess Hill The seminar will offer practical guidance on the latest procedures, terminology and documentation required for successful importing. It will highlight some of the pitfalls that often cause importers to incur unnecessary costs and delays in arrival of goods and suggest some ways of avoiding these. It will examine Customs rules and compliance procedures and look briefly at some of the duty reliefs available. A summary of The New Incoterms® Rules 2010 will be included.

For additional information on any of the above training courses, please visit our website www.sussexenterprise.co.uk or call 0844 371 5405 march/april 2014 business edge

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five minutes with... Jack Patrick Chairman, C-Tech Electronics 1. Which words or phrase do you most often overuse? Anyone for golf? 2. Karaoke song of choice. Perfect Day – Lou Reed 3. What’s your biggest regret? “Je ne regrette rien” 4. When and where were you happiest? Family aside, sitting with mountain gorillas in Uganda. This takes some beating! 5. When was the last time you lied? Answering these questions

6. What talent would you most like to have? George Best’s ball control 7. What quality to you most admire in a person? A sense of humour 8. Which virtue is the most overrated? Prudence 9. Early mornings or late nights? Not mornings, for sure 10. Deal or no deal? Deal 11. Tell us a secret. I ate the last piece of chocolate when no one was looking.

creative refreshment?

corporate branding • logos • websites • leaflets • brochures • magazine design • marketing

C R E A T I V E

M E D I A

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We’re passionate about print! Looking for a printer for your next print project? Then look no further, with Charlesworth Press you can expect … • Competitive pricing on brochures, catalogues, magazines, corporate literature, & much more • Full colour printing from short runs up to thousands of copies • Wide range of binding options including soft bound, hard bound, wiro & spiral bound • Dedicated Account Manager to help & advise throughout the process • Accredited to ISO 9001 Quality standards • Environmentally friendly ISO 14001 & FSC production • PLUS lots of care & attention to detail!! Working hard to support Sussex Enterprise members

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

Charlesworth Press ...evolution in print

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

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