Business Edge 26

JULY/AUGUST 2015

the magazine for sussex chamber of commerce members

Sussex Chamber of Commerce

Ricardo marks its first hundred years Page24

Inside | 04 welcome | 05 business matters| 14 the expert | 24 cover feature | 30 chamber benefits | 34 new members

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contents 3

Sussex Chamber of Commerce

this month

Sussex Chamber of Commerce currently represents over 1,000 member businesses.

Membership of Sussex Chamber of Commerce 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 Chamber of Commerce members as well as key business decision makers across the county.

It has a circulation of 4,000 copies per issue.

09 College and building

merchants team up for new training course

9

Parker Building Supplies and Sussex Coast College Hastings have teamed up to offer a new course, following the ‘You’re Hired’ apprenticeship scheme.

support programme comes to Brighton

The world’s largest free business accelerator is setting up a branch in Brighton with the aim of supporting and challenging an exciting new wave of Sussex entrepreneurs.

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

SUSSEX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

24 Ricardo marks its first

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

hundred years

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

22

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

n 04 welcome n 05 business matters n 07 business matters n 08 business matters n 09 business matters n 10 business matters

22 Challenging business

Business Edge is a Sussex Chamber of Commerce publication.

regulars

Ricardo plc this year celebrates its centenary and looks to its second hundred years

n 12 focus on n 14 the expert n 17 fine print n 17 business matters n 18 business matters n 21 business matters n 22 inspirational leaders n 24 cover feature n 26 transport and logistics n 30 chamber benefits n 34 new members n 36 diary n 38 five minutes with ... n 38 movers and shakers

JULY/AUGUST 2015

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 chamber of commerce members

DISCLAIMER

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

E-BOOK

24

Sussex Chamber of Commerce

Ricardo marks its first hundred years Page24

Inside | 04 welcome | 05 business matters| 14 the expert | 24 cover feature | 30 chamber benefits | 34 new members

Distinctive 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.

www.issuu.com/distinctivepublishing

Feedback

Please let us know if there are any burning issues you want us to take up.

Send your letters to the Editor to enquiries@sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk july/august 2015 business edge

4 welcome

Richard Cox Membership Development Executive

Chamber enhances membership offering The Sussex Chamber continues to enhance its services and membership offering.

Ana Christie CEO at Sussex Chamber of Commerce

business edge july/august 2015

We carried out a member survey in February 2015. The results showed that 41% of our members wish to see more networking opportunities as well as enhanced training courses and workshops.

We have now introduced a “Grow Your Connections” breakfast event which is an opportunity for businesses to network. There are no speakers or presentations at these events. The first event was held in June in Eastbourne and feedback has been extremely positive. We are also currently working on an enhanced training course plan, as well as four high profile events throughout the year.

Business clinics are new! The advice you receive will be confidential and will be delivered by a team of advisors who all have many years of business experience in their own right. If you are looking to increase your sales, or make greater profits, or require help to seek funding and investment then please contact us to book onto one of the 1-2-1 business review clinics.

The Chamber has also enhanced its HR Services. All members can gain unlimited access to the HR advice line as well as over 500 downloadable template documents, policies and letters.

Members also benefit from £130,000 of employment related indemnity insurance through Chamber Legal. We have now introduced additional packages through our Chamber HR Plus Essential and Protect services. These services offer increased protection such as compliance audits, bespoke services and an allocated adviser.

So please look out for these services on our website www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk Kind regards Ana Christie, Chief Executive, Sussex Chamber of Commerce

I have been a membership executive with the chamber for nearly two years and since our rebranding at the beginning of the year our membership proposition has grown from strength to strength.

Over these last six months I have witnessed a sea change in who we are, what we do and how we help our members. This year alone there are over three times as many events as last year – and we have many different event formats now, attracting delegates and speakers of real calibre. Our membership offering has been tweaked in many ways, now offering marketing and sponsorship opportunities.

Our membership team has doubled in size over the same period with additional membership account managers and new membership development executives. With a bigger team looking after our members we are really beginning to deliver on all fronts, backed up by our unique service offering for the county, providing export documentation to those with international markets.

Businesses and local town chambers across the county are starting to sit up and take note – there has been a reawakening at Sussex Chamber of Commerce. We are here to promote the Chamber movement and help local Chambers. We are here to help Sussex businesses grow, develop internally, internationally, influence policy and discover new opportunities beyond Sussex and ultimately beyond the UK. As a Chamber Member, you’re well connected.

Richard.cox@ sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk or tel: 01444 259 259

business matters 5

A creative catalyst for your business Creative Pod is a multi-award winning, integrated design, marketing, print and web agency covering the South East. We work with a multitude of clients from entrepreneurs and SMEs to global brands, across a diverse range of markets. The Creative Pod team pride ourselves in delivering creative projects on time and within budget, whist exceeding our client’s expectations.

We work in two different ways with our clients; half of the work we do is project led on an ad-hoc basis, whilst the other half takes on a more integrated approach.

We differentiate from other creative agencies by allowing clients to purchase ‘blocks’ of 10 or more hours per month, becoming their internal marketing and creative function. Within the set hours, clients can take advantage of a range of resources including our Marketing and Social Media Management team, Sales and Appointment setting team, our Creative, Web and Design Team and our in-house digital print service.

Creative Pod and the Chamber When the Sussex Chamber of Commerce first became a client of ours, we were set the challenge of rebranding the former ‘Sussex Enterprise’ in line with the British

Chamber of Commerce guidelines, whilst coming up with a fresh new image.

We worked with the close guidance of the British Chamber of Commerce to implement a stage three complete rebrand.

Ana Christie, CEO of the Sussex Chamber of Commerce said, “Creative Pod have refreshed, redesigned and increased the companies profile through the new website, brand and social media platforms”. In addition to this, we have continued to work with the Chamber by managing their press relations, design and social media whilst offering support and advice. Since taking on the account last year, we have helped the Chamber grow their social media presence substantially and have organically increased their Twitter following to over 10,000 users.

Community Ethos Being an active part of the community is of paramount importance to Creative Pod, so much so that we have created our very own initiative called Young Start-up Talent.

This is an entrepreneurial competition which is spanned across five UK regions, and aims to inspire over 60,000 16-25 year olds to start their own business.

The £50,000 prize fund for the winning business, includes guidance and business

support from the regions sponsors to ensure the ventures have a sustainable future.

Promoting CSR within the local community is a huge part of our company ethos, and we encourage all of our new and existing clients to have their own CSR policy in place, and replicate the community centric mind set which has been instilled by our Managing Director Matt Turner.

We have recently been involved in designing the wrapping for the Metro Crawley Town FC bus. After nearly two years of hard work and ongoing commitment by everyone involved the bus is finally on the road. The red (formally blue) bus is an excellent marketing tool for Crawley Town FC and shows what can be achieved when we work closely with local partners such as Metrobus.

To discover how Creative Pod can help you propel your business and grow your client base, give us a call today. If you sign up with us for 12 months, we will give you a free Android Tablet!

T 01293 817228 E hello@creativepod.net W www.creativepod.net Twitter @Creativepod1

july/august 2015 business edge

6 advertorial

Fund-raising and networking

All the competitions helped to raise funds for St Barnabas House (www.stbarnabas-hospice.org.uk) CNC’s Graham Lind says: “We and Bennett Griffin have been working together for some time now and St Barnabas House is a charity close to both our hearts. Being able to combine a networking event with raising money for charity was the perfect scenario. We’re thrilled with how much was raised and, importantly, that more people are now aware of the wonderful work St

Barnabas House and other hospices like them do for our community.”

The Chief Executive of St Barnabas House Hospice, Hugh Lowson, commented: “We are so grateful to everyone who attended the golf day but, in particular, our thanks go to CNC and Bennett Griffin for raising such a huge amount. This money will go to work immediately enabling us to care for more people in our community that need our specialist care than ever before.”

Golf day raises £1,600 for St Barnabas House A charity golf day arranged

by CNC and Worthing-based solicitors Bennett Griffin has raised an impressive £1,600 for the St Barnabas House Hospice.

More than fifty of their customers got into the swing of things on 12 June at the Singing Hills Golf Course in Albourne near Hassocks, East Sussex.

There was a Stableford competition to see who had the best overall individual and team scores.

There were also tests of golfing skill including a charity island challenge at the second hole. Players had to drive across water to an island in the middle of a lake to get their balls onto the green.

THEY CALL IT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, WE THINK IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE. We’ve been living and breathing technology for over nineteen 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 Health check with no obligations to use our services.

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

business edge july/august 2015

Gary and Graham—our directors

business matters 7

Providing the right person for the job

Comicus Ltd acts as an entertainment agent, producer and consultant supplying comedians, speakers and artistes to the corporate market place and industry events.

The company also provide a range of creative services to organisations, media, training and marketing companies.

Comicus programs acts on the basis of quality and correct client liaison. The right act for the job.

Our advice is impartial as we endeavour to help corporate clients make the

right choice of performer through our extensive knowledge of artistes based on 30 years experience in the comedy, entertainment and the showbusiness world in Britain, Europe & America.

Comicus offers a large selection of performers from the major celebrities to the up and coming talent of tomorrow, some being household names, others solid working professionals respected in the industry, each chosen for their suitability for the particular event they are required for, such as: Conferences, Award ceremonies, Company Celebration, Dinner / Dances, Christmas Party, Sports evenings and Advertising & PR promotions.

IT First supporting the community IT First are a complete outsource IT services provider. We have been in business for over 15 years and our product and service offerings encompass all aspects of business technology.

We have significant experience of designing and implementing solutions that include servers, storage, backup and virtualisation. With this, our team of highly skilled and experienced consultants and engineers ensure that each platform delivers the right blend of innovation, performance and scalability, whilst being mindful of the costs. This ensures that our customers realise the true value and benefits of the technologies deployed.

As the official IT supplier for Brighton and Hove football club, we also support Albion in The Community, have recently donated PCs to “Girls in Technology� at Oakmeeds Community School in Burgess Hill and frequently attend charity networking events to support local organisations. In addition to this, we are proud headline sponsors of the Eastbourne Eagles speedway team who are fighting to win the British National League for 2015.

To complement the work we are doing in the community, we work closely with schools and charities whom have a real need for IT services but do not necessarily have the money to splash out on new and expensive systems. As part of our continued efforts to supply small businesses, schools and charities with affordable PCs, we have launched our new Preloved PCs campaign. We pledge to provide fully republished HP PCs with three year warranties at a low cost per unit. Due to our specialist supply channels and as Accredited Education resellers by Microsoft we are able to provide software and hardware at prices to suit any budget.

To learn more about the services IT First provide, visit our website itfirst.co.uk

july/august 2015 business edge

8 business matters

David Sheppard

Chairman of Sussex Chamber of Commerce

Workplace environments – does a ‘cool’ office really matter?

The technology sector’s famously alternative workspaces are being replicated by many businesses – but do they have the desired impact on employee productivity, performance and retention?

Helen Kirk-Brown, Director for Hays in Sussex, said: “The technology sector is known for its cool, convention-defying offices.

“For example Google in Zurich has a slide between floors, Facebook has a sweet shop and Twitter in San Francisco has a yoga room. These trendy tech businesses have attracted talent through their exciting work environments.”

While they may be luxurious places to work, those same workplaces in other sectors can become a distraction to employees and fail to have a positive impact.

Do you really need bean bags, a rooftop bar, or chill zones to engage your employees in better, more productive work?

Helen said: “When working with employers on their candidate attraction strategy, we remind them that their office environment is more than just the furnishings. It’s about communicating to candidates the reality of working at your organisation.

“When a new coat of paint is only covering the cracks in your people management strategy, the results won’t be so successful and staff turnover will not be reduced.

“It is your culture that will retain your top performers. So before signing up for an in-house bowling alley, it pays to remember that any environment needs to reflect the culture of the organisation, as well as enhance it. A colourful, engaging, welcoming workplace is undoubtedly a fantastic HR tool, but it needs to ring true, or it will only ever be a new coat of paint.”

This issue is explored further in the latest Hays Journal, the recruiter’s bi-annual magazine on the world of HR and recruitment. To access the Hays Journal please visit: www.hays-journal.com

business edge july/august 2015

Seeking security in an uncertain world Unbelievably the election is far behind us and a new, solely Conservative administration, in place.

For business we are looking to this opportunity for a period of stability on which to plan ahead and grow revenues, profits and employment.

I wonder if this stability is ever going to happen with global issues impacting our confidence and self inflicted policy issues making the future relationship with our closest trading partners uncertain.

Grexit has become a real possibility and no one can yet foresee what impact that will have for the EU and ourselves. All this however, does create an opening for fundamental reform of the UK’s relationship with the EU and we should seize the chance to secure far-reaching reform of the common market and the opt-outs required to support long-term growth here in Sussex and generally in the UK. In this environment it is more and more important for the business community to have its say and for us in the Chamber to put those views forward. We have heard from government time and time again that the British Chamber of Commerce network is the most influential business organisation of all and our view consistently shapes government policy. Ahead of the Chancellor’s budget announcement on Wednesday 8th July one of the things we will be urging the government to commit to is the rebuilding of Britain’s infrastructure which for Sussex includes the Hastings high speed rail link, A27 improvements in East and West Sussex and the adoption of a second runway for Gatwick.

Sussex Chamber of Commerce will over the next twelve months be rolling out a series of policy forums across the county that members will be invited to contribute towards, ensuring that Sussex business priorities are truly represented. So take that opportunity if you want your voice to be heard.

This edition of Business Edge has two significant anniversaries which are close to my heart. Featured in this edition is Ricardo Ltd’s upcoming 100 year anniversary, and having been a Director of the Company in Shoreham between 2011 and 2014, I wish them many congratulations. Also is our own Chamber’s 70th anniversary which we, and all members, will have the opportunity to celebrate in style on the 18th September. I hope to see many of you readers there!

David Sheppard Chairman, Sussex Chamber of Commerce

business matters 9

College and building merchants team up for new training course Leading South East building merchants Parker Building Supplies and Sussex Coast College Hastings have teamed up to offer a new course, following the ‘You’re Hired’ apprenticeship scheme.

Thanks to an introduction made possible by Georgina Angele, Head of Community at Love Local Jobs, talks have been underway between Parker Building Supplies and Sussex Coast College to come up with a suitable training programme since ‘You’re Hired’ was launched in March.

As a result, three young kitchen designers will start a dedicated course in September, splitting their time between Sussex Coast College and Parker Building Supplies, and five new trainees will also

be joining the firm’s Trade Federation Apprenticeship scheme.

Phil White, Parker Building Supplies’ Operations Manager and training coordinator, said: “It’s so important to train the younger generation and we’ve now completed discussions with Sussex Coast College. We’re pleased that Dave Watson from the college has come up with an appropriate apprenticeship course for our young kitchen designers and we will also be discussing the possibility of gaining the college’s assistance in setting up an academy for prospective Parker Building Supplies staff to develop skill sets before they go on to work in our branches.

“We’re also grateful to Georgina from Love Local Jobs as we’re one of the founding partners for the 1066 local jobs board and she’s helped us enormously.”

Dave Watson, who is Sussex Coast College’s Business Development Executive, said: “When I was approached

by Phil, he was very clear as to what type

of role he needed to fill. His frustrations had been that up until now no-one was able to offer a framework to fit this. We simply went back to the drawing board.

Rather than sticking to what we knew from the courses we already offered, we explored what else was available. We were able to discover, and set-up, a new course which fitted the bill perfectly.”

Parker Building Supplies’ employs 250 people in its Uckfield head office and at 23 branches around the south east.

‘You’re Hired’ is a campaign to find 500 employers who will make a pledge to take on an apprentice. The campaign also seeks to support 500 work-ready young people into apprenticeships.

The scheme is backed by East Sussex County Council in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Service, district and borough councils, training providers, colleges, Association of Chambers, Federation of Small Businesses, Youth Employability Service and Apprenticeships in Sussex.

july/august 2015 business edge

10 business matters

Exciting overview of Watson Associates!

From their roots in the local East Sussex community to their position as a leading Sussex business advisory firm Watson Associates, the highly respected accountancy firm, has had a presence in East Sussex now since 1957. Whilst originally a small provincial practice mainly servicing the local farming and business community of Hailsham and its immediate area, the company has grown and developed substantially over the last 20 years to become one of the leading independent accountancy, tax and business advisory firms in Sussex.

Planning for Growth 1994 marked the birth of the company as we now know it with its then founding directors embarking on a very ambitious plan to expand its services and offerings to the wider Sussex business community.

The company now has a substantial client base spanning the broader SME market but in particular growth companies seeking an advisory firm to match their own ambitions.

The company’s skill set embraces all manner of trading entities from manufacturing to professional service firms and advises on matters ranging from acquisition and sale to business planning and finance raising.

business edge july/august 2015

From an initial total head count of 8 persons the company now has 10 directors and 45 highly skilled and trained staff all geared to providing efficient, effective solutions to SME businesses in an enthusiastic and timely manner. Its clients cover the whole of Sussex and are serviced from its two offices in Hailsham and Brighton.

The Importance of Personnel The company has always recognised the vital importance of its personnel and has actively gone out to attract, train and retain the very best directors and staff. This message is one which the company shares with its clients, working as a partner with them rather than simply preparing financial information on a yearly basis.

The development of its team is a core element of the company’s success and pivotal to its future enhancement. This year alone has seen the appointment of 2 new directors, Samuel Chown and Suzie Vine, who have further strengthened the advisory service.

The Future CEO and founding director Steve Moore said ‘The business environment in the South East is very much thriving at the moment and with the UK competing very effectively with its European counterparts the climate exists for Sussex SME’s to make significant strides forward over the next 5 years. All the ‘Watson’ team are really excited at the growth possibilities that exist for all our existing and future clients and we welcome the opportunity to talk to growing companies who are up for the challenge and looking to engage with like minded people to enhance their own businesses and opportunities’.

If you would like to discuss any aspects of your business and financial affairs with one of the team please do not hesitate to call, we can add value to what you are trying to achieve.

Tel: Hailsham 01323 842119 or Brighton 01273 926119.

For more information on services offered please visit www.watsons.co.uk

advertorial 11

KJLC® opens new chamber manufacturing facility in the UK Due to increased demand The Kurt J. Lesker Company® has announced the expansion for specialty manufacturing at its European Headquarters, based in Hastings East Sussex.

Further investment will allow KJLC® additional resource creating a dedicated manufacturing team, specialising in the fabrication of stainless steel and aluminium products for vacuum applications. The strategy being to replicate the current US Manufacturing division, to become Europe’s largest vacuum manufacturing facility.

In order for KJLC® Ltd to see growth in Europe it is a necessity for the UK based manufacturing operation to expand.

Currently producing Electrical Feedthroughs, Liquid Feedthroughs, and custom components onsite and subcontracts large scale manufacturing services from either their US parent company or from local manufacturing organisations.

Expansion will enable KJLC® to support the high demand for quality vessels and components across Europe. Additional capital equipment will provide the capability to machine a 1mtr3 at competitive prices and faster lead times.

Paul Hawes – European Manufacturing Co-ordinator states: “The expansion of European Manufacturing has brought a buzz of excitement to the business and our local town. There is a natural pool of vacuum manufacturing talent within the town, which has now given the Kurt J. Lesker Company the opportunity to capture these skills and drive business forward. My aim is to create a manufacturing team that will become a global centre of excellent for the group; team work, driven by lean processes will ensure we meet this expectation.

Founded in 1954, as a regional distributor of vacuum components the Kurt J. Lesker Company® has grown into a highly recognised global organisation supporting the high- and ultra-high vacuum markets. Customers include Universities, Government labs, Synchrotron rings, defence organisations as well as OEM and Industrial accounts including those from semiconductor, photovoltaic, LED and optic industries.

The new European facility will offer 5 axis, high precision machining with TiG welding, ultrasonic cleaning, FARO® arm inspection and vacuum bakeout in order to manufacture to the highest of standards.

With over 30 years of manufacturing expertise KJLC® provides the highest quality products as shown through their ISO90012008 certification.

THE EXPANSION OF EUROPEAN MANUFACTURING HAS BROUGHT A BUZZ OF EXCITEMENT TO THE BUSINESS AND OUR LOCAL TOWN. With a wealth of technical expertise and the most complete line of products and service solutions in the vacuum industry, KJLC® are achieving their mission of; Enabling Technology for a Better World.

Kurt J. Lesker Company Ltd 15/16 Burgess Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 4NR Tel: 01424 458100 Email: saleseu@lesker.com www.lesker.com

july/august 2015 business edge

12

focus on

Quarterly Economic Survey results

By Ana Christie – Chief Executive at Sussex Chamber of Commerce The latest quarter 2, 2015 Quarterly Economic Survey results, conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce and made up of 7,500 UK businesses, signal continued UK economic growth, however there were recorded declines in the manufacturing and construction sectors. There has been a fall in employment in these sectors as well as a decline in those expecting their workforce to expand. Recruitment difficulties have been seen in trying to find suitable staff in skilled manual and technical categories.

The decline in manufacturing and construction has been a concern raised by many businesses in Sussex. The future of business, our industry and our country depends on the next generation.

So are we doing enough to ensure that students are aware of the career opportunities available to them and the skills required?

I attended a Big Bang Fair on the 30th June at the South of England

business edge july/august 2015

Showground and was absolutely amazed by the interactive displays and hands-on workshops all inspired to provide the thousands of students present to consider opportunities and careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.

The UK will need over 2 million new scientists, engineers, technicians and mathematicians in the next 7 years. Apprentices can help meet the demand. We need more young

people, particularly girls, to study physics and maths. Furthermore, the global construction market is forecast to grow by 70% by 2025.

The Sussex Chamber aims to raise awareness, improve perception and inspire young people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as other industry careers. I am pleased to announce we will be piloting Young Chamber this month which will provide students with an opportunity to meet businesses from various industries and ask them specific questions regarding skills needed, the qualifications and route into specific industries, and what a normal day could look like.

We need to build a talent pipeline and collaboration between industry, government, education and the community, if we are going to build the talent of the future, we need business and education to work in partnership.

Young Chamber will do just that.

Further details of the Quarterly Economic Survey and Young Chamber can be found on our website www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk and www.economicsurvey.org.uk

focus 13

Guess who is going to be 70 soon?

We know we don’t look it (or maybe we do!) but we are pleased to announce we are celebrating our 70th Birthday this year.

In true birthday style, we would like to invite all our members to join us at our Birthday Party. n Date: Friday 18th September n Time: From 4.00pm n Venue: Mid Sussex Golf Club, Ditchling n Cost: 2 FREE places per company Drinks, BBQ, Soft drinks and cash bar will be available.

Exclusive Premier Member Events Sailing Extravaganza and Team Building Event This sailing regatta will give you the chance to enjoy your very own yacht adventure! Once the sails are hoisted, you will have the privilege of viewing Brighton from the Big Blue! n Date: Thursday 10th September n Time: 2:00pm - 6:15pm n Venue: Lagoon Watersports, Brighton Marina n Cost: £119.00 + VAT per person (Includes BBQ) You can involve yourself in the sailing as much as you want and you can even set up a race or you can choose to sit back and have a more leisurely experience.

Medieval Castle Tour and Afternoon Tea Nestled within the picturesque Sussex countryside is Herstmonceux Castle, a 15th century moated castle. Join us for a guided tour of the castle and its beautiful grounds followed by a delicious afternoon tea. n Date: Thursday 16th October n Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm n Venue: Herstmonceux Castle n Cost: Free-of-Charge n 2 FREE places per company Herstmonceux Castle is set in 300 acres of stunning gardens and grounds including woodland, formal themed gardens and of course a 15th century moat.

Annual Gala Dinner We are pleased to announce this year’s exciting guest speaker at the Premier Member Gala Dinner will be Gerald Ratner, CEO of Gerald Online.

After over 30 years in the jewellery business, Gerald Ratner is one of the most well-known and successful retailers of his generation. He is currently CEO of the UK’s largest online jewellery retail business Gerald Online n Date: Friday 27th November n Time: 6.30pm – 12.00midnight n Venue: Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club, Nr Forest Row n Cost: 2 FREE places per company (plus guests)

july/august 2015 business edge

14 the expert

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

How to run a fundraising campaign and get results In your experience, what makes a good fundraising campaign?

answer

Gary Milton Creative Director at Killer Creative

We believe a good campaign should have a very simple and engaging proposition: a clear and easy ‘ask’, so your audience understands exactly what they need to do, when, who for and how they get involved. The campaign should be tailored to the audience and designed with them in mind e.g. this could be by tying into their existing lifestyle.

Another important element is collectiveness and shareability with friends and family: This is crucial when recruiting people to take part. Make it interesting, relevant and fun, and keep the message simple. You also want to give it a great name that’s memorable and something the charity can ‘own’.

How important is the cause (the charity) to a successful campaign?

The cause is often very important to fundraising campaigns, as direct marketing is usually aimed at friends and families who are connected to the charity in some way. However, people sometimes get fed up with the ‘pulling on the heart strings’ charity approach – it becomes like wallpaper, as you see it all over the place.

With this in mind, it’s good to come up with something new that creates an appetite for fundraising. Tap into people’s interests or provide a personal or team challenge – these are good ways to get people on board.

The cause will always be in the campaign somewhere, but you have to think about where it fits in the hierarchy of messages. Sometimes it’ll be higher or lower on the list, depending on your objectives. For example, if your objective is to develop a new supporter base, then the idea needs to be very strong and is usually much higher up the list than the cause. New supporters might not know very much (or care very much) about the charity, but they might want be inspired if you ask them to do something fun! This means an idea that’s led by an interesting, competitive

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business edge july/august 2015

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and collective event can be a successful way of recruiting them and raising money.

What budget would you suggest to run a successful marketing/fundraising campaign? £100m please (no, just kidding). This depends on a few things: how you measure success, the objectives of the brief, the income expectations for years 1 to year 3, the desired sign-up figures and the measurements in terms of customer engagement.

Sometimes measuring success isn’t actually about raising money. We’ve worked for charities on small budgets where their sole purpose for year 1 is to create an event with a strong proposition, to have a unique and interesting creative, a detailed marketing and communications plan and a very strong strategic customer journey. Once you have these things, you have the tools to go to market, plus you also create great confidence within the charity itself. You give the staff something they can be proud of and excited about at launch. And once you have the directors onboard, knowing they have a strong fundraising campaign, the budget often grows.

Listening in a Digital Space

What media would you suggest using to make a campaign work?

We’d always tailor this with an integrated approach using both traditional marketing (such as magazine ads) and digital marketing (such as on Facebook or Google). The mix depends on the audience and the media budget. Your first port of call has to be your existing fundraisers: they’ve got a history of supporting you, they are loyal helpers and you know how to contact them.

How long does it take to plan and develop a fundraising campaign?

The development of a fundraising campaign can take from two to four months depending on size, as there are a few steps involved. The first stage is to decide on the ‘ask’ (what we want them to do), then decide on the mechanics for payment e.g. shaking a bucket for change, online fundraising or text to donate. We would then create the name, the creative look and feel, the messaging hierarchy and the ‘tone’ for the campaign i.e. what kinds of words we’ll use to get people interested.

While the creative team are working on this, our strategists work on the marketing plan itself: the approach, the media channels and most importantly the customer journey, which tells us how we’ll engage with our fundraisers before, during and after they sign up.

We’ve heard there’s a new trend in fundraising – Mass Participation Events. What are they and how do they work?

It’s just a posh name for a big collective event, with lots of people taking part across the country because they have similar interests. A Mass Participation Event brings people together to work for their own individual or charitable gain. It should be collective, shareable, engaging and create an action - to sign up & donate!

If you could create a successful event that’s totally different, what would it be?

I’d like to influence the behaviour of men, as it’s something Killer have been doing for years. Traditionally men fundraise far less for charities and I’d like to change that. We’ve got a history of marketing alpha products from Weekly Lads Mags, Motor Sport to Group Holidays. I know how they think and what makes them tick. Usually they’re driven by competition & ego!

Ana Karakusevic

Whenever people talk about digital engagement or interaction, and particularly when they’re trying to sell you their approach, or workshop, or latest research or book, they focus on one thing: how to make your voice heard in this space. How to engage, attract and retain customers, clients, friends, business contacts…

The equivalent of shouting louder to make yourself heard above the hub-bub of daily noise!

So, if all of us are increasingly shouting louder – and creating more engaging, attractive and interactive digital content to attract others – who is listening? And, if we are all so busy “shouting” that we are not taking the time and the trouble to listen, the danger is that we have forgotten how to truly listen and engage with others.

If we don’t consciously choose to listen, we are at the risk of only hearing those voices who shout the loudest – the equivalent of the bully in the classroom. Or we listen only to respond – like those people at parties who wait for a minute intake of breath to tell you all about their holiday, or their job, or their children’s achievements.

By only thinking about how we come across, and how many digital followers/likes/friends we have, we are at risk of increasingly creating a world of digital noise, and therefore increasing irrelevance. A world full of colourful little snippets that don’t end up engaging with our lives at all…

A world where the only available food for thought is fast, irrelevant and loud. A world of easy consumption and even easier forgetfulness. And the people who will truly rise in this new world will be the people who have (re)learnt how to listen as well as talk, follow as well as lead, pause as well as act. The new leaders of the digital world! www.roffeypark.com

Killer Creative are a full service advertising and marketing agency, based in Brighton. They’ve partnered with many of the UK’s top charities such as British Heart Foundation, UNICEF, Cancer Research UK, NSPCC & Diabetes UK. For further info call 01273 606000.

july/august 2015 business edge

15

16 advertorial

Brands with stories live happily ever after More businesses would have happy endings if they started with stories, according to new research.

Managers need to be able to spin a great yarn as easily as they manage people and budgets, says Dr Sara Spear, a researcher at the University of Portsmouth Business School.

She has found that leaders and senior managers tend to be better storytellers than middle managers, but very few are good enough at it, and managers are often unaware of the stories that are told in their company.

She said: “Managers ignore the importance of storytelling at their peril.

“Good storytelling should probably be taught to all managers. It creates brands whose values resonate throughout an organisation.

“All businesses want employees who deliver a brand message, both in terms of how they think about their employer and how they behave. Stories have a powerful role to play in making this happen.”

Dr Spear presented her findings, focusing on the power of stories to help build and maintain corporate brands, at the 10th Global Brand conference at the University of Turku in Finland.

Dr Spear examined the role of storytelling in the internal communications of two major companies in the energy industry. In addition to conducting nearly 70 interviews with staff at all levels, she collated formal and informal stories from within the companies, including in staff newspapers and magazines, and comments on blogs and forums.

“The results were clear that it’s important managers tell official stories and encourage employees to share their own stories to reinforce corporate brand values, increase brand engagement and influence employees’ behaviour in delivering the brand,” she said.

Dr Spear found employees in the organisations she studied shared stories about safety incidents that had occurred both in the company and outside, and that these helped employees to learn from incidents and avoid risks in the future. Stories celebrating excellent customer service were also shared, and these often motivated employees to improve service delivery

She found differences in storytelling between different parts of the organisations, reflecting the culture of each area. For example, managers in operational areas were less likely to tell stories or recognise the importance of stories than managers in the customer service and corporate areas.

“The operational areas tend to be practically focused, many employees are based in the field rather than in offices and they often have less communication with the organisation, including much less face-toface contact with managers,” she said.

She also found that middle managers were less likely to tell stories than senior managers, suggesting experience could have an effect on how well managers used and understood the use of stories.

“Some people are natural storytellers, but it is a communication skill that can be developed and improved with practice.”

Portsmouth Business School holds regular postgraduate information events where you can meet lecturers and discuss courses. Please visit www.showyoumeanbusiness.com for details.

You’re a professional – so prove it Project Manager

HR Practitioner

Whether you are responsible for projects, HR, marketing, risk management or have ambitions for a top-level executive role, Portsmouth Business School offers part-time and professionally recognised postgraduate programmes for busy working people.

A first degree may not be essential, as long as you have the right attitude and work experience which will have prepared you to succeed. You’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain, so come along to our next open evening – for details please visit www.showyoumeanbusiness.com.

Sales Manager

Head of Programme Transformation

We’ve got our credentials – have you got yours?

T: +44 (0)23 9284 2991 E: pbs-studentrecruitment@port.ac.uk W: www.port.ac.uk/pbscourses

business edge july/august 2015

fine print

Copy, Copy, Copy: How to do smarter marketing by using other people’s ideas by Mark Earls (Published by Wiley)

business matters 17

Oliver & Graimes partner with lovelocaljobs.com

In our novelty-obsessed culture, copying is something that almost always has negative associations, yet history proves that an ability to do it well has been the basis of success for many people.

That is the argument from Mark Earls in his new book Copy, Copy, Copy, which contends that it is alright to copy.

Copy, Copy, Copy is the fourth book from the award-winning author, and retail guru Mary Portas is among those who have praised it, saying: “Copy, Copy, Copy is a must, must read – it’s a brilliantly presented “how-to” guide for people who really want to change things”.

Presented in an eye-catching and visually engaging format, Copy, Copy, Copy not only provides frameworks and models for business leaders to follow but also real examples.

It challenges its readers with sections that examine the conflicting ideas we have about originality, suggest why errors and variations are good for business and present 52 strategies to copy.

It’s an entertaining and thoughtprovoking book by Mark Earls, who is one of marketing’s leading authorities on consumer behaviour and behavioural change.

He is a highly sought-after speaker and has worked independently with leading organisations such as Channel 4, Royal Mail, Unilever, Experian, Sony Mark Earls Electronics and the Department of Health.

Leading creative agency Oliver and Graimes have become an official founding partner with Lovelocaljobs.com to help develop careers within the creative sector.

Founded in 1979, Oliver & Graimes is a boutique creative marketing agency, producing award-winning work for UK and international clients.

However, it’s their commitment to supporting the local community that’s inspired them to become an Official Founding Partner of LoveLocalJobs.com LoveLocalJobs.com offer online job boards, career platforms and skills training solutions across the South East. The aim is to help local people, particularly young people, to develop the right skills to secure employment.

Friends since their teens, Gavin and Gary understand the importance of enabling young people to follow their dreams.

O&G Managing Director Gavin said: ‘We’re excited to be associated with this initiative and proud of what Gary and his team has achieved. Our business is growing and the O&G team can’t wait to support this venture and play our part in making a difference to the local community.’

Founder and Chief Executive Gary Peters said that he was delighted with the new partnership.

july/august 2015 business edge

18 business matters

Event drums up plenty of excitement African drummers, acrobats, food, wine, balloons falling from the sky, prizes, an ice sculpture, an inspirational line-up of international speakers, legal workshops and over 200 CEOs to network with - it can only be the ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTION 2015!

2015 marks the sixth anniversary of the ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTION, an event which has become a mainstay of the local business calendar, and the team at ACUMEN BUSINESS LAW pulled out all the stops to ensure that this would be a year to remember.

Guests were welcomed in style and rhythm by African drumming, dancing and acrobatics. A threecourse lunch was served at the Grand before the delegates dispersed to the first of two interactive legal workshops, hosted by experts from the ACUMEN BUSINESS LAW team.

Penina Shepherd, Founder and MD of ACUMEN BUSINESS LAW, opened the convention with a fascinating talk, inspiring the delegates to create their own luck following four simple steps. From

business edge july/august 2015

thereon inspiration and success stories were the order of the day interrupted only by a spectacular surprise shower of hidden balloons and, just like Willy Wonka, there were five hidden “golden tickets” to find! The five winners were awarded prizes such as a year’s free membership at Active4less and a Green & Blacks chocolate hamper.

As in previous years the speakers at this year’s Convention were of the very highest calibre. Darren Shirlaw of Shirlaws Business Coaching left the audience mesmerised by his captivating perspective on the mathematics behind every business, however small or large. Jo Fairley, founder of Green & Black’s shared with the audience the importance of telling a story through your brand and her

belief that even a small business can change the world.

This year’s keynote speaker was none other than the brainchild and creator one of the UK’s most spectacular attractions, the Eden Project, Sir Tim Smit KBE. Sir Tim captivated the audience from start to finish with his own inimitable style, revealing his unique approach to life which led him on a journey from double platinum musician to successful entrepreneur and creator of the world’s largest indoor rainforest attraction.

It was local businesses however, who ended the day firmly in the spotlight with the presentation of the annual BUSINESS ACUMEN Award. Pankaj Vekria, Director of Lan 2 Lan Ltd, scooped the coveted prize after two rounds of intensive judging. Brandon Harris, representing the panel of

business matters 19

Penina Shepherd, founder & MD of Acumen Business Law

expert judges, highlighted Pankaj’s enthusiastic attitude, innovative approach and responsiveness to his market before handing over to Sir Tim Smit to present the award.

Runners up, Ben Woodhart and Matt Woodhart of Woodhart Carpentry, and Dan Hartley of abandofbrothers were also congratulated on their outstanding business acumen and were formally announced as finalists.

The event finished with a drinks reception and delegates partied long into the evening, closing the 2015 ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTION in style.

Penina Shepherd, Founder and MD of ACUMEN BUSINESS LAW, said, “I am delighted and honoured to have run six prestigious ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTIONS, and this one has topped them all! There was unprecedented attendance, fantastic speakers, a tasty lunch and the Business Acumen Award, too. The entire team has worked relentlessly to make it happen and the feedback has been exceptional.”

Chris Boakes, Director & Corporate Solicitor of Acumen Business Law

Jo Fairley: Co-founder of Green&Blacks inspiring delegates

july/august 2015 business edge

20 business matters

Top 5 Bookkeeping Tips 1

Keep hold of everything

It’s important that nothing gets thrown in the bin.

Keep hold of receipts, invoices and other important financial paper work for at least six years.

2 Petty cash receipts are important Don’t be nonchalant about keeping accurate records of your petty cash fund. Each time you dip into petty cash, you must fill out a petty cash slip in order to keep track of the amount being removed and when the fund has expired the receipts should compare to the original amount.

3

Business finances should be independent of your personal finances

Maintaining the boundary between your personal and business spending is essential. If you don’t already have separate accounts then do so as soon as possible.

Meeting and events have never been more enjoyable At our brand new conference centre at The View Hotel Eastbourne, delegates can choose from 8 meeting rooms, seating between 2 and 150 people in a variety of layouts.

In addition there is a state of the art function room which can be adapted to accommodate a wide variety of group sizes from 10 to 80 in theatre, banquet or cabaret style.

Our room hire includes; • Complimentary wi-fi • Most up to date facilities • Dedicated event staff

• Abundance of natural daylight • £1 parking vouchers for 24hrs • Gatwick is only 45 minutes away

Get in touch for details: 01323 433900 Or email: events@theviewhoteleastbourne.com www.eastbournemeetingvenue.com

4 Keep your paper work safe Keep your paper work in a safe, secure place specifically for your bookkeeping documents. That way you don’t have to worry about getting your finances mixed up with other important paperwork.

5 Hire a professional bookkeeper Remember there are experts in the field of managing accounts who have the skills and experience to ensure this important part of your business is maintained correctly. By outsourcing your bookkeeping you will free up your time to focus on running your business and you could benefit even further by asking for regular management accounts information to help you do that more effectively and with accurate information to hand. At the very least using the services of a professional bookkeeper should help reduce the cost of getting your year-end accounts produced.

sales@avantguardsecurity.co.uk www.avantguardsecurity.co.uk

Our security response teams are out every night of the year patrolling property and dealing with alarm activations…

Sussex Offices: Haywards Heath, Crawley, Horsham and Brighton

0800 470 4820 info@tfmcentre.co.uk

Call us now on email

so you don’t have to.

www.tfmcentre.co.uk • • business edge july/august 2015

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SECURITY PATROLS EMPTY PROPERTY INSPECTIONS PREMISES UNLOCK AND LOCKDOWNS KEYHOLDING AND ALARM RESPONSE

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business matters 21

First stop for your recruitment A listening ear for children

Time 4 Children is a small local charity that helps needy and vulnerable children to cope in times of crisis.

Since Time 4 Children was founded in 2005, more than 450 local children have been helped to feel happier, more confident and better about who they are and what they can achieve.

A team of volunteer practitioners are trained to listen to children using NonDirective Play techniques and Reflective Listening. Children are given individual sessions in school where they are given the time and space to safely explore their worries or anxieties.

Vicky Chalmers, founder and manager, said that Time 4 Children now supports around 50 children a year, filling a huge gap in statutory children’s services. Our service is free and we are totally reliant on donations, sponsorships and grants.

Our charity is currently funded by the Big Lottery but this runs out in June

2016. We are now very busy planning for the future and funding is our priority.

Without Time 4 Children 50 plus children every year would be denied the help and support they need, when they need it.

It costs £45,000 each year to run Time 4 Children and we are looking for sponsorships, people to fund raise, or to make a donation no matter how small.

Time 4 Children has a team taking part in the Nut Challenge in September, for which sponsors are needed to raise as much money for Time 4 Children as possible.

To learn more or about Time 4 Children or to give your support, please contact Vicky Chalmers by email: time4childrencharity@gmail.com or call: 01444 413893 Donations can be made to Time 4 Children through: www.mydonate.bt.com/ charities/time4children.

Time 4 Children’s Nut Challenge team can be sponsored through: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/ nutschallengetime4children

Established in 1999, FRS has four offices covering Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

Our award winning Consultants proudly supply a complete spectrum of office staff from Administrators to Senior Management, as well as Light Industrial and Warehouse Workers.

It’s thanks to the client relationships we have and the care we show to our candidates that our company has grown into one of the South’s leading recruitment agency groups We like to think we know a thing or two about creating a happy working environment and if you are a client looking for staff or a candidate looking for your next move, we promise to do our very best. For permanent career positions or temporary assignments there is simply no better place to come.

If you are an applicant seeking work anywhere in the South East please take a look at our current Vacancies at www.firstrecruitment. co.uk. Alternatively, you can apply on line or visit one of our branch offices.

Our friendly and experienced staff will enjoy helping you find the right position in the shortest possible time.

For clients, the Company’s on-going remit is not just to fill temporary bookings and permanent vacancies but also to find the right people for the right jobs. Building long term relationships with our clients is our aim. Clients needs obviously vary and we understand the importance of customising our service to meet the individual requirements of each company to whom we supply. We provide the kind of very personal, flexible service which every client needs but which only a small and independent organisation can offer.

Our aim is to continue to be number one and always put you FIRST. For more information please contact 01444 417766 or visit our website www.firstrecruitment.co.uk

july/august 2015 business edge

22 inspirational leaders

Challenging business support programme comes to Brighton The world’s largest free business accelerator is setting up a branch in Brighton with the aim of supporting and challenging an exciting new wave of Sussex entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurial Spark, which enables small business owners, is setting up a hub in the NatWest offices in Preston Road as part of a nationwide roll-out of the revolutionary concept, which started life successfully in Scotland.

The social enterprise, which is powered by NatWest, has devised a programme which develops initiative by focusing on the individual instead of just the mechanics of running a business.

Its co-founder is Jim Duffy, who spent eleven years with Strathclyde

Jim Duffy, Co-founder Entrepreneurial Spark

business edge july/august 2015

Police in Scotland before venturing into the world of business. The idea for Entrepreneurial Spark came after he secured a Saltire Fellowship at Babson College near Boston, in the United States, one of the world’s leading entrepreneurship centres.

Jim returned to Scotland impressed with what he had seen at the college and launched Entrepreneurial Spark to adopt its principles by ‘hot-housing’ people with ideas for business start-ups.

The first accelerator was established in Glasgow’s Gorbals in early 2012, followed by two more in Scotland, and, since then, Jim has helped more than 350 people set up businesses, secured £18 million in investment for businesses, created more than a 1000 jobs and seen the idea roll out into England.

What makes the concept different is the focus on mindset rather than just the business idea.

Jim said: “The idea came when I saw how they encouraged entrepreneurs in America. They focus on entrepreneurial leadership rather than on someone just going out and setting up a business and building a website.

“It is about encouraging the right people with the right individual characteristics rather than the mechanics of running a business.

“WE HAVE ADOPTED THE AMERICAN APPROACH. WE CHALLENGE THE PEOPLE WHO COME TO OUR HUBS AND WE ARE CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO PROGRESS AND ARE PREPARED TO CHANGE THEIR WAY OF THINKING.

“We have adopted the American approach. We challenge the people who come to our hubs and we are constantly looking for people who want to progress and are prepared to change their way of thinking.

“Our approach does not work for everyone and we accept that from the outset but we celebrate failure. We would rather have someone decide now that they are not cut out for business than for them to go four years down the road then see their business fail.

“Our approach is very much about getting the right people at the beginning. We do not want them to think about getting rich quick. We want them to be prepared to build up gradually and some of those

inspirational leaders 23

entrepreneurs who used the hubs are now household names now and worth millions.”

With more than eighty per cent of businesses who have gone through the programme still trading, it is an idea that clearly works and one that encouraged RBS/NatWest to back its roll-out.

Jim said: “I would like every major city to have one of our hubs in time and if a city comes to us and says they would like to set one up, then we would look at working with them.

“This is a really exciting time for us.

Our focus on leadership can be applied to just about every type of business.”

The Brighton hub, which will open in NatWest premises at 149 Preston Road on August 10, will offer facilities for up to 80 entrepreneurs at a time.

Fiona Anderson, Entrepreneur Development Manager, Natwest Commercial Banking, who will manage the centre for the bank alongside Entrepreneurial Spark staff, said: “The hub will be an open space rather than one with lots of offices.

“The idea is for those taking part to work together and share ideas rather than sit behind closed doors in offices.

The aim is to share knowledge and experience.

“They might not be at the hub every day, they might just pop in and out, but we will help them to develop their ideas in whatever way we can.”

Those taking part will be offered access to communications technology, including free wi-fi, the opportunity to work with mentors and a regular

Fiona Anderson, Entrepreneur Development Manager, Natwest Commercial Banking

Gordon Merrylees, Head of Entrepreneurship, Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest

programme of presentations on a variety of business topics.

It is expected that applications for Brighton will top 400 by the time the hub opens on August 10.

There are 80 spaces available on each intake but applications are open all the time. The next intake is in February.

Gordon Merrylees, Head of Entrepreneurship, Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest, said: “Our hubs will be springboards for success, giving start-ups, whether they be customers of the bank or not, access to office space, resources and support from RBS and Entrepreneurial Spark staff – all free of charge.

“I’ve been closely involved with the initiative in Scotland and am so excited to see this extending now to the rest of the UK. By opening up our premises we’re doing exactly what was promised; backing the businesses of tomorrow.

“Entrepreneurs need more than just cash. They need help and advice, office space, introductions and networks, as well as mentoring – all of which we can offer.”

“We want to become the go-to bank for entrepreneurs. Launching our entrepreneurial hubs brings us one step closer to achieving that.”

You can apply for a place at the hub via www.entrepreneurial-spark.com

july/august 2015 business edge

24 cover feature

Ricardo marks its first hundred years n Company

celebrates centenary n A history based on innovation n Firm constantly develops new ideas

Founded as Engine Patents Ltd in 1915 and headquartered in Shoreham-by-Sea since 1919, Ricardo plc this year celebrates its centenary and looks to its second hundred years The company that we today know as Ricardo plc was the original creation of Harry (later Sir Harry) Ricardo, a true pioneer of the internal combustion engine, energy efficiency and clean technology. Born in London in 1885, Harry Ricardo had from an early age exhibited an interest in engines. While still at school he built an internal combustion engine of his own design, to act as a water pump at his family’s country residence – an engine still proudly displayed at the Ricardo’s Shoreham headquarters and the subject in 2010 of an Engineering Heritage Award.

business edge july/august 2015

Harry’s interest in the internal combustion engine was further crystallized while studying from 1903 to 1906 at Cambridge University.

During this time it was one of the extra-curricular activities that was perhaps most formative in shaping his future. A competition was hosted in 1904 by the University Automobile Club to achieve the maximum mileage on one quart (1.1 litres) of fuel. Using a motorcycle of his own design with an engine design modified extensively and proven through experimentation, his machine – which was much heavier than most of its competitors – continued until just short of 40 miles: most of his rivals ran out of fuel after only 16 or 17 miles. Harry Ricardo would later describe this as “my greatest triumph, for I put my whole heart and all my thoughts into this achievement.”

After completing a period of postgraduate study at Cambridge, Harry took a position at his grandfather’s consultancy as a mechanical and civil engineer. His big idea, however, was for an organisation which carried out independent research and development rather than buying in parts and assembling vehicles for commercial sale. Shortly after his wedding in 1911, a tour of German engineering companies strengthened his resolve to pursue the R&D approach, with the resulting inventions patented to derive a steady stream of income by licensing their use to vehicle manufacturers and suppliers.

Formation of the Ricardo company Harry Ricardo’s first major success came at the height of hostilities in the First World War: the design of an engine which transformed the performance of the world’s first battle tank. This success provided the catalyst for the formation of the Ricardo company.

Ricardo’s tank engine design incorporated a range of new technologies to reduce smoke and improve performance and efficiency in the arduous environment of the western front. The new engine incorporated cross-head pistons, masked inlet valves and, crucially in an era before the existence of oil control rings, effective isolation of the combustion chamber from the oil. The engine exhibited no visible smoke – an important consideration in battle, where an exhaust plume could betray a tank’s position to enemy artillery – and was around 50 percent more powerful but constructed to the same package space and weight as its predecessor.

Used in a range of applications from railway shunting locomotives to generator sets as well as in tanks, the Ricardo engine was the most powerful and reliable automotive power unit available to the allies and became the UK’s first mass manufactured engine. The proceeds of this early success endowed Harry Ricardo with the resources to create the technical centre in Shoreham, which remains the UK and world headquarters of the company that he founded.

An enduring ethos Unlike many firms of that period, the Ricardo company was – as its original name of Engine Patents Ltd implies – focused from the outset on the creation of new technologies and innovations, as opposed to engaging directly in the mass manufacture of engines or vehicles. Performance

cover feature 25

Celebrating the first hundred years

and sustainability have been the key watchwords over the hundred years since then. The technologies that the company has developed and the engineering assistance it has provided have led to the creation of improved fuels and more fuel efficient, better performing and higher quality products by its vast range of customers – products that range from two-wheelers and passenger cars to the largest and most powerful of railway locomotive engines, aero engines, marine propulsion systems, and off-highway and construction equipment.

While the company has expanded considerably from its early roots and operates today across multiple continents and industries, it remains true to this core ethos of excellence in engineering and clean technological innovation.

The Ricardo centenary year is being marked with a series of employee events at each of the company’s many international sites across the UK, Europe, the United States and Asia. The first public aspect of the celebrations has already been marked with the launch of the Ricardo 100 website – www.ricardo100.com – which provides a summary of the company’s history and which will be used throughout 2015 to provide news and information regarding events marking the Ricardo centenary year.

This will be followed later in the spring by the publication of a high quality book documenting the history of Ricardo, which will be made available to the public through the Ricardo online store.

Reflecting the company’s commitment to education and training, a Centenary Bursary is to be launched. This will provide assistance to students, initially from the Shoreham area, to support their university studies, and is an initiative that the company aims to roll out in the areas close to all of its other major UK facilities.

One of the most exciting employee initiatives of the centenary celebrations is the ‘Ricardo 100 Global Challenge’, a round-the-world

relay using some of Ricardo’s historic vehicle fleet as well as examples of the latest technology demonstrators developed by the company; also taking part are production vehicles from Ricardo’s client companies that the company’s engineers have helped to bring to market.

The relay started from the Shoreham Technical Centre on May 14th and is heading east through Europe, Asia and the United States, before returning to Shoreham in time for the formal opening of Ricardo’s new low carbon Vehicle Emissions Research Centre.

july/august 2015 business edge

26 transport and logistics

Taking the worry out of running a business Many businesses would not be able to operate without a sound basis in logistics.

Running a manufacturing firm is a big enough undertaking without having to worry about transport issues which is why fleet hire and logistics companies are so important.

This is particularly true as more and more companies trade abroad, seeking out new and emerging markets to compensate for the declines in their traditional ones.

That means shipping products, something which some companies may not have experienced on an international scale before, particularly at a time when Europe may look less attractive due to trading conditions but the likes of China, Brazil and Mexico might offer previously non-existent opportunities.

To ease the worry, many businesses outsource the delivery of their products to specialists, allowing them to focus on running and growing their businesses.

That makes good business sense as these specialists understand the world of ferries and airports, Eurotunnel and foreign motorways.

As a result, the number of logistics firms have grown dramatically over recent years.

So what are you looking for in a logistics company? Well, a company with all of the below is well worth hiring, A good way with customers - logistics can be fraught, and delays caused by everything from road accidents to bad weather can cause all sorts of anxiety for clients. A good logistics company makes sure its staff handle everything calmly and courteously to put the customer’s mind at rest. And that they are adept at finding solutions when things are going wrong!

Accountability - Freight is not an exact science, so many things can come into play once a load is on its way, and a good logistics company will make sure that they keep the client informed of progress.

Technology - A good logistics company will make use of the best in new technology, including online tracking

systems which allow them to know exactly where a product is at any given time.

Available - successful logistics companies make sure that, even if their teams are out on the road, the client can get hold of someone to find out the latest about their product’s progress.

In addition to the firms that carry the large loads, there are also specialist delivery firms handling the likes of important letters and parcels.

That has become a growth area as the postal service sees itself opened up to fierce competition. And with Internet shopping growing rapidly in popularity, the presence of efficient companies that can span the world will become ever more important.

Many companies take similar decisions about outsourcing when it comes to their own vehicles, preferring to bring in specialist fleet operators to supply the cars, vans and lorries they need.

Such decisions takes a lot of the worry away from the challenges associated with transport.

Gatwick Car and Van Rental Here at Gatwick Car and Van Rental is the first choice for low cost, high quality vehicle hire in Crawley and the surrounding area.

With great deals on an extensive range of cars, vans, minibuses and MPVs, Gatwick Car and Van Rental’s superior service is built from over 40 years of experience in the field. With long term and last minute hire options, and competitive offers on corporate

business edge july/august 2015

rentals, get in touch today to find out what we can do for you.

Our location is minutes from Gatwick Airport provides easy access to great value vehicle hire all year round.

Gatwick Car and Van Rental company pool car management service available details available upon request.

Fleet of Over 300 Vehicles n No Vehicle over 12 Months Old n Our vehicles are regularly maintained

Vehicle Drop Off To Suit You n We can deliver your car to you after working hours

Over 40 Years Experience n Our independently run business has over 40 years experience

transport and logistics 27

Delivering excellence Located on the South Coast, Shoreham Port is renowned for its first class cargo handling facilities. Continuous investment in staff and resources has enabled the Port to provide a specialist service, accommodating a variety of different cargoes from timber to steel and woodchip to recycled glass, to name just a few.

Recently the Port was awarded Government funding to widen the Power Station Quay. The quay will be used to store an assortment of cargoes and Track-A-Pack access points will be installed to allow for additional timber cargoes. Already the new quay has accommodated multiple shipments and proved a very worthwhile investment.

Shoreham Port is perfectly poised to provide a completely intermodal and integrated service for its customers which is both competitive and efficient. The Port’s unique geographic position and services, combined with good road links to the main motorway networks of the UK, mean that it is excellently positioned to distribute products within the UK. Shoreham Port has a growing commercial property portfolio with over seventy tenants

currently on site. The Port is looking for a development partner for Southwick Waterfront. This is an exciting opportunity to redevelop a 9.34 acre site that includes Lady Bee Marina and land to the east.

In addition to Shoreham’s extensive commercial facilities, the Port has a thriving

marine leisure sector. Lady Bee Marina is situated just inside the Port’s main shipping canal. Being berthed inside the canal ensures leisure users have the comfort of deep water and security.

For any enquiries please call 01273 598100 or visit www.shoreham-port.co.uk.

The best kept secret on the South Coast.

Shoreham Port is the preferred Port for short sea traffic, marine related projects and a landlord for specialist sites, whilst being at the heart of the community.

Delivering excellence...

www.shoreham-port.co.uk 01273 598100

july/august 2015 business edge

28 NEWICK PACKERS For over 30 years, Newick Packers Limited has provided high quality export packing services to Gatwick and the surrounding areas, with their client base ranging from small independent exporters to multinational freight forwarders and manufacturers.

Director Jeremy Raynard says “as well as serving our existing clients we also guide those new to exporting through the packing process, avoiding costly damage and delays to their products.

No matter how small or large the requirements are, we aim for high quality at a competitive price. All our timber is compliant with ISPM 15 and from sustainable sources where possible.”

Newick Packers also offers a full IATA and IMDG hazardous packing and documentation service which ensures safe and compliant transport to the destination.

Visit www.newickpackers.co.uk for more information.

• Export Packing • Case Making • Onsite packing • Fragile/Delicate packing • IATA / IMDG Hazardous • Friendly professional service www.newickpackers.co.uk

Tel: 01293 772473 / 01293 772533 Fax: 01293 783568 enquiries@newickpackers.co.uk Newick Packers Limited Unit 7, Gatwick Metro Centre Balcombe Road Horley, Surrey RH6 9GA

Mairon Freight Management UK offers high quality service backed by highly competitive rate structures for worldwide freight movements by Air, Sea and Road.

With overseas offices established in Hong Kong, China, USA, Germany, and Switzerland and an agency network second to none, Mairon UK are able to offer Exporters and Importers a flexible, competitive and personalized service which many larger agents strive to attain but few actually achieve.

Phone us today for an informal chat to see what Mairon is able to offer your company or visit our website at

www.mairon.co.uk tel: 01444 400830 We know you will be pleased you did!!

If we CANT move it................It CANT be moved

business edge july/august 2015

Professional and personal approach from Cruiseway

29

EXPORT PACKING • CASE MAKING • TRANSPORT SPECIALISTS

Cruiseway is a well established family run business in its 33rd year! Trading began on the edge of Manor Royal with a purpose built packing case as the office!

As business grew we moved into bigger premises in Crompton Way. We offer a professional and personal approach to all your transportation and packing needs. Every case is bespoke, using certified and heat treated timber. We can handle the most fragile of goods from antiques to highly specialised machinery, and also hazardous items.

We use various case making and packing techniques to ensure their safe arrival.

Cruiseway’s fleet of vehicles will collect and deliver items for all your business needs. Our drivers are highly trained to safely handle your goods, delivering across the UK and Europe.

Export Packing – Export Cases supplied Hazardous Goods Packing Transportation – (Extra large tail lifts) Consolidation and Containerisation Freight Forwarding Complete Handling of Compliant Documentation e: info@cruiseway.co.uk t: 01293 514576

www.cruiseway.co.uk

The Global Advertising site for:

Whether you are buying or selling, GSE-mart.aero is the site for you. With over a thousand units being advertised, and over a thousand visitors a month from all over the world, GSE-Mart.aero is the number one GSE marketplace. www.gse-mart.aero

Warehousing & Distribution Services At our modern purpose built warehousing facility in Sussex we offer highly flexible warehouse services to provide a cheaper storage solution for your business.

Find out more about our services:

01903 736300 • info@rtpage.co.uk • www.rtpage.co.uk

july/august 2015 business edge

30 chamber benefits

Membership Benefits Chamber Healthcare

Chamber Health and Safety

Help to reduce sickness absence and improve staff motivation with a choice of two great schemes. n The Chamber Business Healthcare Plan, offers private medical insurance for your employees. Get 10% cashback annually or 50% off your chamber membership fees for 3 years. n Pay as little as £1.10 per employee per week with the cash plan scheme Chamber Primary Health Plan.

Not sure about your Health & Safety policy? Can you afford not to know?

Chamber HR

Receive up to 61% on the cost of breakdown cover (for members of participating accredited Chambers only).

The Chamber HR service provides businesses with access to professional HR advice and documentation.

Chamber Legal Expenses Safeguard your business against the unexpected costs of professional legal services and get legal cover of up to £670,000 as well as access to a 24/7 helpline.

Chamber Roadside Assistance

Training Courses Exporting - Understanding the Paperwork

Modern Consultative Selling

Date: Monday 13th July : 09.30am – 4.30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: 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 will address all these issues and more.

Date: Tuesday 18th August : 09.30am – 4.30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: To be really effective in business to business sales you need to build genuine strong relationships with customers and find ways to spot opportunities and meet their needs for repeat business and referrals.

This revised course is more advanced than our Telesales one and is aimed at Business Development, Account Management and more experienced Sales professionals who work over the phone, email and visit customers face to face

People and Team Management Date: Thursday 16th July : 09.30am – 4.30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: This course is designed for managers who would like a solid grounding in people management best practice. The day lays the foundations for strong manager/staff relationships, ensuring that they know how to focus on doing their people management job well and can deal with more difficult feedback situations.

Microsoft Excel - Level 3 (Advanced) Date: Friday 17th July : 09.30am – 4.30pm Monday 27th July : 09.30am – 4.30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: Although you’re a competent user of Excel, you’re still finding some aspects challenging and you feel frustrated because your existing knowledge keeps letting you down. This course will give the skills to tackle more complex data analysis. With the use of the If function, Vlookup and Pivot Tables, you will have the necessary skills to extract information from your spreadsheets. This course will increase your competence in data analysis helping you meet those targets more efficiently.

contact business edge july/august 2015

Developing Your Management & Leadership Skills Date: Monday 14th September : 09.30am – 4.30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: This course was previously titled People and Team Management Stage 2 as it builds on the topics covered in People and Team Management to give a more complete overview of people management best practice. However it can also be a stand-alone course as new topics are covered which are more advanced or involved for experienced managers.

Time Management & Personal Effectiveness Date: Monday 21st September : 09.30am – 4.30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: It seems that everyone is trying to get more done with less resource and for many of us the resource under the most pressure is our time.

This course is all about investing some time and energy up front so that you find ways to stay in control and become as effective at work as you can be. This is critical to both managers and operational staff alike so that we can all achieve our goals and feel comfortable with our choices at work.

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

chamber benefits 31

Training Courses continued Essentials of Supervision & Team Leadership

Telesales; Profit not Pain

Date: Tuesday 22nd September : 09.30am – 4.30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: It has often been said that the biggest challenges a manager faces come when they first transition into a supervisory or team leadership role. First line management requires a very different mind-set to any operational role and requires a very different skill set. This course will support supervisors, both new and experienced, to focus on how to successfully lead their teams (rather than just keeping their heads down and trying to do most of the work themselves).

Date: Tuesday 29th September : 09.30am – 4.30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: Most people dislike telesales, and that includes doing and receiving sales calls. This is largely because so many companies are doing it really badly and annoying us all in the process. However, sales does not need to be pushy, annoying and manipulative, there is still an important role for business to business telesales if it is done in a thoughtful, respectful and intelligent way.

An Introduction to Export Procedures Date: Monday 28th September ; 09.30am – 4.30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: This 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.

It will include a summary of The New Incoterms®2010 Rules

contact

For additional information on any of the above member benefits, please visit our website www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk or call 0844 371 5404 july/august 2015 business edge

GCL Building Technologies first for Smart Intrastructure.

32

GCL Building GCL Building Technologies - Technologies first for Smart Intrastructure. first for Smart Intrastructure.

For high quality cabling & electrical

installation on time, every time

For high quality cabling & electrical For high quality cabling electrical call GCL on & 0845 6000 919 installation on time, every time installation on time, every time call GCL on 0845 call 6000GCL 919 on 0845 6000 919

www.gcl.uk.com l sales@gcl.uk.com

l sales@gcl.uk.com www.gcl.uk.com sales@gcl.uk.com www.gcl.uk.com l

SOVEREIGN COMMERCIAL Installations Limited Commercial Projects across the South of England & beyond: n All Commercial Building Work n Interior fit-outs, Office refurbishments and construction of mezzanine floors

n Clean-Build projects for: Pharmaceutical, Food and other clean industries Celebrating 20 years of trading

1995-2015

20

YEARS EST. 1995

Westham Business Park, Pevensey, Eastbourne BN24 5NP

Tel: 01323 763179 | Email: info@sovcomm.co.uk | Website: www.sovereigncommercial.com business edge july/august 2015

3/4 Person Office to rent near Burgess Hill / A23 from only £480pcm Looking for an office to rent with 3/4 parking spaces near Burgess Hill just off the A23 near Brighton from only £480 per month with no tie to a long lease?

If so then we may be able to help you as we are a private landlord with a 3/4 person office to rent. Set amongst a beautiful farm setting (with pigs scrumping the local apple orchard) our purpose built offices are perfect for the A23 with easy access to Gatwick (12 mins) / Brighton (15 mins by car to central Brighton) / Burgess Hill (5 mins)

be a PR

superhero… be everywhere find out more at

www.be-everywhere.co.uk

Office rental includes ample car parking for 3 cars / air conditioning/ cat 5 cabling / high speed broadband / rent includes water, rates & electricity.

The offices are 1st Floor and measure 294 sq ft Other features include: Recessed spot lighting, Cat 5 cabling, Kitchenette 1st floor sun terrace, 3 parking spaces, Security alarm Available to let immediately from only £480pcm inclusive.

For more information or to view our offices to rent , please contact

07850 465 856

Complete Business IT Support • Get the personal touch

Windows 10 is coming!

How will it affect your business?

Should you download it straight away?

What should you do?

We can guide you on these decisions, call us now for a free information pack Computers matter in everyday business. If your IT doesn’t work then your business can not run. We here at CSE fully recognise this basic fact. Let our team of highly trained engineers keep your business running efficiently

We at CSE are here to help, call now to find out how

t: 01444 238070

e: adv@cse-ltd.co.uk

www.cse-ltd.co.uk

july/august 2015 business edge

33

34 new members

Welcome to Sussex Chamber of Commerce Membership of Sussex Chamber of Commerce 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.

Bank of England Chris Piper Agency for Central Southern England, Unit 4 Fulcrum 2, Solent Way, Solent Buiness Park, Whiteley, Fareham Hampshire PO15 7FN

British Racing Green Group Limited Martin Bryant 26 Chichester Court, Osbern Close, Cooden Beach, East Sussex TN39 4TL

CSEC4 Limited Simon Gregg Americas House, 273 London Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9QU

0870 0763486 www.britishracinggreen.com

01444 237213 www.csec4.com

Buro Business Supplies Ross Edmonds Worthing House, 2-6 South Street, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 3AE

Design Holidays Johnny Barr Unit 3-4, Stairbridge Court, Stairbridge Lane, Bolney, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 5PA

01883 744 848 www.bletchingleygolf.co.uk

01903 228875 www.buroplc.com

01444 872200 www.designholidays.co.uk

Bouygues E&S FM Ltd Glynn Newby Elizabeth House, 39 York Road, London, London SE1 7NQ

Cirrus Laser Ltd David Connaway 65 Victoria Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9LN

H2oh!

Helen Day 39 Vine Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 4AG

0207 4010060 www.bouygues.es.co.uk

01444 870386 www.cirrus-laser.co.uk

01273 626650 www.h2ohentertainment.com

01489 570603 www.bankofengland.co.uk Bletchingley Golf Club Steven Cookson Church Lane, Bletchingley, Godstone, Surrey RH1 4LP

contact business edge july/august 2015

SUSSEX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 0844 375 95 50 www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

new members 35 IT First Simon Gregg Americas House, 273 London Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9QU

Mascol Productions Ltd Steve Cole Stable Studios, 6 Telscombe Road, Peacehaven, East Sussex BN10 8AH

Oasis Empire Ltd Ross Edmonds A L B, 4 Brighton Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 5BA

01444 237216

01273 583455 www.mascol.com

01903 523938 www.oasisempire.co.uk

Micro-id Richard Fry Nova House, Edward Way, Victoria Business Park, Burgers Hill, West Sussex RH15 9UA

Stakrak Ltd Mark Richardson Unit 19, Pelham Place, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 9SH

01444 831500 www.micro-id.co.uk

01293 538822

Kogo Ltd Kim Singer Kings House, 13-21 Cantelupe Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 3BF 01342 333000 www.kogo.co.uk Lime Consultancy Dave Farmer Lime Consultancy, The Beehive, City Place, Gatwick, West Sussex RH6 0PA 01293 541333 www.limeconsultancy.net Loria Consulting Tony Trevillion Signal House, 12a Station Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9PY 0845 434 8977 www.loriaconsulting.com

Netiriam Gordon Stevens 8 Westmoreland Close, St. Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN38 9LF 01424 868284 www.netiriam.com New World PR Ltd Gary Lillistone 5 Hazel Copse, Hambrook, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 8EQ 01590 636 457 www.newworldpr.co.uk

Time 4 Children Vicky Chalmers 30 Bruce Close, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 4QE 01444 413893 www.time4children.org.uk Worthing Rugby Football Club Ltd Michael Kimmer Roundstone Lane, Angmering, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN16 4AX 01903 784706 www.worthingrfc.com

Magnus Power Peter Jenner 29-30 Brunel Road, Churchfields Industrial Estate, St. Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN38 9RT 01424 853464 www.magnuspower.co.uk

july/august 2015 business edge

36 diary

SUSSEX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NETWORKING EVENTS Launch of Young Chamber Date: Tue 14th Jul 2015 08:30am - 12:00pm Venue: St Pauls Catholic College, Burgess Hill Young Chamber connects schools and local businesses through the Chamber of Commerce network. It gives young people a voice to engage with business and experience a greater understanding of the workplace, enterprise and future employment opportunities.

International Trade Forum Date: Thu 16th Jul 2015 08:00am – 10:30am Venue: Ashdown Park Hotel, East Grinstead Are you: Looking to discover new horizons?

Thinking about taking your first steps into the export market?

Do you think exporting sounds scary?

Then join us at Ashdown Park Hotel to hear from experts in the exporting market who will help you understand exporting and begin your journey.

Business Networking Lunch & Wine Tasting Date: Tue 21st Jul 2015 13:00pm – 15:30pm Venue: Bolney Wine Estate, Bolney Join us for a delicious buffet lunch in these superb surroundings. After lunch there will be an opportunity to enjoy a delightful walk amongst the vines, experience the state of the art winery, together with the option to taste some superb English wines and experience what others are already enjoying.

Grow Your Connections Date: Thu 23rd Jul 2015 08:00am Venue: Barnsgate Manor, Uckfield Come and join us at our first regular informal breakfast.

These new style events are designed to give you a regular opportunity to meet businesses, grow your connections and widen your own network of customers and suppliers.

Contact business edge july/august 2015

Business Networking Breakfast Date: Tue 11th Aug 2015 08:00am – 10:30am Venue: Cooden Beach Hotel, Bexhill Join our guest speaker David Sheppard, Founder/Director of D-RisQ Ltd and the Chairman of Sussex Chamber of Commerce. He has held C-Level posts in Aerospace (Smiths, Racal and Thales), Automotive (Ricardo) and Consulting (QinetiQ and Proudfoot). He will be speaking on how a Start-up is harnessing the power of mathematics to ensure that the software in electronic systems only ever does what it is meant to, and nothing else.

Business Networking Lunch Date: Thu 13th Aug 2015 12:00pm – 14:30pm Venue: Cowdray Park Golf Club, Midhurst Come and join us for a fabulous two course lunch, with a refreshing soft drink on arrival, at Cowdray Park Golf Club, Midhurst, West Sussex. The golf club has breathtaking views over beautifully manicured greens.

Guest speaker to be announced shortly.

Business Networking Breakfast Date: Thu 3rd Sep 2015 08:30am – 10:30am Venue: West Park Road, Copthorne Come and join us at our Business Breakfast at the Copthorne Hotel Effingham, built around a historic and charming country house, set in 40 acres of picturesque parkland. This event will offer the opportunity to network with businesses form different industries and different sizes. Guest speaker to be announced shortly.

Manufacturing Forum Date: Tue 8th Sep 2015 08:00am Venue: Vent-Axia, Crawley Join us at our Manufacturing Forum, hosted at Vent-Axia, Crawley.

Vent-Axia are leading manufactures and suppliers of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, both in the UK and around the world.

Speaker Jenny Smith is the Marketing Manager for Volution Group UK. Jenny was a key member of the steering group for the re-shoring project, bringing her product and customer insight to help guide the strategy and implementation.

Three main reasons to attend: n To understand what re-shoring could do for your business n To learn about the associated benefits of re-shoring n To ask questions about the process and problems along the way

Please look at our website to review the full list of exiting events

For all bookings and enquiries, please contact us in the following ways: Tel: 0844 37 595 50 | events@ sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk www.sussexchamberofcommerce. co.uk/events

If you would like to book a place onto any of the above events or would like information on membership, please visit our website www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk or call 0844 371 5405

sponsorship scheme 37

Opportunity to sponsor a series of Events We are proud to offer you a wonderful opportunity to sponsor a series of events. These packages can be discussed separately with the Chamber.

Please give us a call on 0844 375 95 50 for more information Option 1 : £250 + VAT

Option 2 : £500 + VAT

Option 3 : £950 + VAT

PRE-EVENT:

PRE-EVENT:

PRE-EVENT:

Marketing flyers - The words ‘sponsored by’ and your company logo / branding on the event flyer.

Marketing flyers - The words ‘sponsored by’ and your company logo / branding on the event flyer.

Marketing flyers - The words ‘sponsored by’ and your company logo / branding on the event flyer.

Subject to lead times

Subject to lead times

Subject to lead times

Branding in the Monthly Newsletter (distribution 9000)

Branding in the Monthly Newsletter (distribution 9000)

Branding in the Monthly Newsletter (distribution 9000)

including website address.

Subject to lead times

including website address.

Subject to lead times

including website address.

Subject to lead times

Company logo on the Sussex Chamber website against the sponsored event of your choice

Company logo on the Sussex Chamber website against the sponsored event of your choice

Company logo on the Sussex Chamber website against the sponsored event of your choice

Hyper-link on events page of Sussex Chamber website

Hyper-link on events page of Sussex Chamber website

AT EVENT:

AT EVENT:

AT EVENT:

One free place

Two free places

Three free places

Event ‘sponsored by’ on the delegate list a copy for each attending Chamber delegate

Logo and ‘sponsored by’ on all pages of the delegate list a copy for each attending Chamber delegate

Logo and ‘sponsored by’ on all pages of the delegate list a copy for each attending Chamber delegate

Opportunity to display corporate stand and literature / promotional materials at the event

Opportunity to display corporate stand and literature / promotional materials at the event

Opportunity to display corporate stand and literature / promotional materials at the event

Acknowledgement by CEO / Chairman for sponsorship at event

Opportunity to speak briefly at the event (up to 15 minutes)

Opportunity to speak briefly at the event (up to 30 minutes)

Acknowledgement by CEO Chairman for sponsorship at event

Acknowledgement by CEO / Chairman for sponsorship at event

POST EVENT:

POST EVENT:

POST EVENT:

None

None

Write up article after the event incorporating company logo/ graphic and (maximum) 500 words of text supplied by sponsor to appear in the next issue of Sussex Chamber Business Magazine.

july/august 2015 business edge

38 five minutes with...

movers and shakers Carl Sadecki

Tino Da Silva

Entrepreneur Founder Business Radio I am a Portuguese immigrant, originally from Madeira. I arrived in the UK in 1972 at the age of seven without any real education.

As I was growing up I was already a budding entrepreneur, selling sweets while at school, and imported costume jewellery for hotel workers in my late teens.

I currently run an international IT company supplying online services such as email, website hosting and virtual machines to small and large companies.

1. What was your first job and what was the pay packet?

My first full time job was working in a fish and chip shop in Eastbourne at the age of 16. I chopped up potatoes and waitered on tables. My first proper wage pack was £120 for the week.

2. What do you always carry with you to work?

I never leave home without my laptop. I use it to run my business from coffee shops and hotel lobbies.

3. What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

We are unique in that we offer no and low cost advertising to micro and small businesses but getting someone convinced that we want to help them for nothing is quite a challenge because people are naturally suspicious.

4. If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change to help business?

Small businesses need funding and there is lots of funding to be had but no one seems to know where to get it. I would create an organisation that would help small businesses find grants and funding and not so many loopholes.

5. What can you see from your office window?

Fields, sheep and sometimes cows but most of the time the future.

6. If you could do another job what would it be?

I’m a director of two companies.

My role is very diverse, challenging,

business edge july/august 2015

exciting and always fun. I couldn’t imagine myself having a “proper” job 7. As a business person, what are your three main qualities?

I embrace change, love a challenge and I am fun to be with.

8. What was your biggest mistake in business?

As an entrepreneur I’ve made a few mistakes but the biggest one has got to be thinking that I can do everything by myself. You can’t, you have let go of somethings and let the professionals do it for you.

9. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Believe in yourself and whatever you are offering. Test the market, do some research and once you are trading, treat others like you would like to be treated yourself.

Be humble, remember that a business has four sides to it, you, the product, your team and the customer. Lose one side and you no longer have a business.

10. Who do you admire most in business?

I admire anyone who rises to the challenge of starting a business at a time when large “professional” companies who have been trading for many years are going bust or running at losses in the hundreds of millions.

Starting a business means giving up your security blanket, going it alone on dream that only you might believe in. Putting your family and your home at risk because of an idea is admirable.

New role for Carl Carl Sadecki has become Project manager at BritWeb. He said: “My new role as the project manager at BritWeb is dedicated to delivering projects in a timely and professional manner. As a new client I will be your best friend; effectively the face of the our business during your time working with us, leading the planning, resourcing and execution of any project to ensure milestones and deadlines are met as agreed.”

Britweb are a digital marketing agency based in Horsham, offering web design, web development, and digital marketing services such as SEO, Paid Search, Social Media and email marketing.

Carl said: “I joined the business in January 2015 and expected to be the “newbie” for a while. However, with the growth of the business over the past few months due to the demand of our services, I have seen a number of new colleagues take on that status. I have eight years digital marketing agency experience having previously worked for a larger international agency based in Reigate. My previous role focused on specialist areas in Paid Search, Google Analytics, CRO and digital marketing training; I also have more than 10 years experience in the travel industry with companies such as Kuoni, British Airways and easyJet. “One of the main reasons for the move was a growing young family and spending more time with them and less time commuting, although I must say, I had been keeping a close eye on the business for some time knowing that Britweb was the business to work for over other competitors in the town.”

If you are interested in a new website, growing your business with digital marketing or just a chat about the services we offer, please contact me at carl@britweb.co.uk or 01403 261491. www.Britweb.co.uk

Characterful, family-run pubs with great food

The Cock Old Uckfield Road (A26), near Ringmer, BN8 5RX Food served 7 days a week, lunchtime and evening and all day Sunday • • • • • • •

Large Garden and Sun Terrace Log Fire in Winter Roasts served all day Sunday Open all day on Bank Holidays Vegetarian Menu always available (5 choices) Real Ales including Harveys and other locally source Micro Breweries Home Cooked Food – Something for every taste, diet and budget

tel: 01273 812040 www.cockpub.co.uk

The Highlands Inn Eastbourne Road, Ridgewood, Uckfield, TN22 5SP Food served 7 days a week, lunchtime and evening and all day Sunday until 6.30pm • Sports Bar showing all BT and Sky Sports fixtures with special Sports Bar Menu • Formal Restaurant area with seating for 120 covers and separate Restaurant Bar Area • Real Ales including Harveys and other locally source Micro Breweries • Extensive selection of wines by the glass • Large Sun Trap Garden with al fresco Dining tel: 01825 762989 www.highlandsinn.co.uk

www.ridleyinns.co.uk

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