Business Matters #06

BM

issue

06 JULY 2011

businessmatters Quarterly Magazine of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Innovative future for Riverside!

08

The Big Interview

22

Progress at the University’s County Hall site has been hotting up

When it’s good to talk

The next level of growth

Organisations are taking stock of their talent

29

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

BM

businessmatters University of Chester Riverside Building, Castle Drive Chester CH1 1SL Telephone 01244 669988 Fax 01244 669989

05

08

15

16

22

30

info@cepnwchamber.org.uk www.cepnwchamber.org.uk Registered Company No. 173634

Contributing Editor John Dean & Francis Griss deangriss@btinternet.com

Production & Design Distinctive Publishing 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Telephone 0191 4788346 production@distinctivepublishing.co.uk www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Advertising Telephone 0191 4788300 alison.seymour@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Disclaimer Distinctive Publishing or West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce 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 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce.

CONTENTS 004 005 006 008 009 010 013 015 016

WELCOME NEWS NEWS CHAMBER NEWS DTM Legal BUSINESS NEWS 20 QUESTIONS INTERNATIONAL TRADE CHAMBER EVENTS

019 022 028 029 030 031 033 034

CHAMBER NEWS THE BIG INTERVIEW DENBIGHSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL CHAMBER TRAINING PATRONS PAGE PATRONS PAGE NEW MEMBERS MOVERS AND SHAKERS

CHESTER BOOKING LINE (01244) TO OPEN A PRIVILEGED BUSINESS CUSTOMER ACCOUNT PLEASE RING (01244) 852597

n WELCOME

It has been a busy first half of the year not only in the Chamber offices but across many businesses in West Cheshire & North Wales. As we continue to face up to an austere economic climate there has never been a better time to make use of your membership to the Chamber.

Whether you require networking opportunities, support in communicating your message to the outside world or representational support with the issues you are facing as a business then the Chamber is here to help.

Russell IPM Receives The Queen’s Award For Enterprise 2011 Russell IPM, a Wales based company has been granted the Queens’s Award for Enterprise 2011 for its outstanding achievement in International trade.

Since my last update we have seen a lot happen which affects us all.

Nationally we have seen the introduction of the budget, the coalition confirmed the creation of key enterprise zones, and the British Chambers of Commerce have held their annual conference and released updates from the Q1 Quarterly Economic Survey.

Regionally we saw the third meeting of the Chamber’s Business Council which met at St Asaph’s Optic Glyndwr and discussed some key issues such as Apprenticeships, Business Support and traffic performance on the A55.

The Chamber ALSO welcomed a visit in March from Andrew Sentence of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee who spent an afternoon with key Chamber Export businesses and I had the privilege of being a member of the panel for Insider North Wales’ Question Time Event.

Locally the Chamber also began its programme of sponsored events. Our first saw a visit from Julie Greensword of UKTI who talked to members about the opportunities available in foreign markets, this was followed up by an excellent event hosted by Lloyds TSB who opened their doors to members and spoke about businesses accessing finance, This too was followed by a key event in May when NatWest Bank invited Chamber members to the Chester Race course to discuss global markets and the ways in which they can support business to develop their networks abroad. We have also seen a real focus on the Chamber building an online network of members via our Linkedin and Twitter accounts which are growing by the day as we aim to provide the latest news, views and communications on a daily basis – why not join us and find out for yourself just how social media can help YOUR business GROW. As we move into the second half of the year I would encourage all members to begin making use of the services on offer from the Chamber, whether you are a networker, exporter, marketer or simply someone who wants to keep abreast of what’s happening in the world of Commerce then support us by keeping us informed of what is happening where you are – the more information we get from our members the more we can share and in turn the more we can help YOUR business GROW

Colin Brew General Manager

4

(I-Newswire) Flintshire, UK, April 23, 2011 Russell IPM, a Wales based company has been granted the Queens’s Award for Enterprise 2011 for its outstanding achievement in International trade. The award committee has specifically cited the exceptional efforts made by the company to educate, forewarn and assist in identification of the fast spreading pest Tuta absolutaacross the Mediterranean countries over the past three years, a pest which caused huge damage to Tomato crop across the region.

“It is really a nice surprise to us all. Overall, it is a big recognition to the hard work of every single member of staff who contributed to this achievement. It is a big thank you to all of our international partners without their valued partnership and confidence we will not be in receipt of such prestigious award” Commented Diana Al-Zaidi Marketing Director at Russell IPM Ltd. From the start of the spread of Tuta absoluta, Russell IPM set up dedicated websites in five languages to provide platform to share experience and knowledge between those who work in the field to ensure that the professional are bettered prepared for the arrival of this dangerous pest. Many seminars have been

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

organised in Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

Russell IPM , a specialist company if the field of insect pheromones and other bio rational crop protection solutions have been active in the field of Integrated Pest Management over twenty years providing green crop protection solution in over thirty countries.

“When we embarked on our campaign three years ago, we were only thinking about the substantial damage which could be caused to the livelihood of all those farmers around the Mediterranean. We just wanted to make sure that the word goes around and everybody is well prepared. The Queen’s award is a valued recognition to all those who helped in the success of this campaign” added Dr Shakir Al-Zaidi, Managing Director.

The Queens’ award for Enterprise is the highest honor bestowed on businesses for exceptional achievement granted on the Queen’s birthday.

NEWS n

Mold Business Forum Mold Business Forum (MBF) represents a growing group of Mold-based businesses that wish to be proactive in developing the town as a place in which to thrive and prosper.

Chamber’s family of brochures is launched Outwrite PR has just completed production of a trio of sales offer documents for the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce.Different editions will target sole traders, SMEs and PLCs. They will form the cornerstone of a recruitment drive by the Chamber, which has recently revamped and increased its services to members.

The MBF represents all business sectors, from high-tech business and professional services, through to national chains, independent retailers as well as sole traders. It aims to be a powerful resource for all kinds of businesses in the Mold area (CH7 postal code).

The forum provides a portal through which business owners and senior managers can lobby politicians and influence local government for greater business-friendly policies and strategies. It also provides networking opportunities with other locallybased business people, and hosts events and initiatives that will enhance the positive profile and economic success of local businesses.

To help deliver its ambitions, MBF has entered into a strategic partnership with West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, which provides inclusive access to the full range of Chamber member benefits.

its aspirations for the development of the town to 2025 through an ambitious town action plan.

Mold, as ‘the jewel in the Flintshire crown’, is pioneering how it interacts with the town council and with Flintshire County Council, and is determined to establish its own destiny for its residents and local businesses to help it to continue to thrive.

The MBF is looking for more businesses to get involved and play a part in formulating the right local conditions for the benefit of local companies.

Chamber general manager Colin Brew said: “We needed high-quality brochures that summarised concisely the benefits of membership for different sizes of business. Outwrite sifted through reams of information about the chamber to produce stylish, highly readable documents. They are being very well received by our prospects.”

For further information contact chairman, Martin Jones of Vaughan Davies, on 01352 752632.

Alternatively call Mold town centre manager Dave Hill on 01352 751819, or Professor John Reynolds of Reynolds International on 01352 756196.

The MBF also plays a significant role on Mold Town Partnership, which is proactively formulating

Need A Cleaner ?

Commercial Cleaning Domestic Cleaning l Office & Retail Cleaning

Daily Or Weekly Cleans One-Off / Builders Cleans l 1 to 50+ Cleaners Available

Ironing & Laundry Service Cleaning Supplies l Paper Products

l

l

l

l

l

l

Freephone: 0800 069 9189 | www.theralphsgroup.com | Chester Business Park, Herons Way, Chester. CH4-9QR

n NEWS

MWL Systems becomes First Company in Wales to Achieve World Recognised Quality Standard ISO 20000 Lesley Griffiths, Assembly Member for Wrexham, has commended IT experts MWL Systems for joining an elite group of brand names and becoming the first company in Wales to achieve ISO 20000, a world-recognised quality of service standard ISO 20000 is an IT quality of service accreditation that enables companies to demonstrate their excellence in information systems management. Introduced in 2005, the standard has become a competitive differentiator, ensuring that companies who hold it can achieve evidence-based benchmarks to continuously improve their delivery of IT services.

Currently, there are only 54 companies in the UK who have achieved the high standards necessary to attain ISO 20000 accreditation, and these are mainly the big industry players such as IBM, Hewlett Packard and BT. Officially presenting the special certificate, Lesley Griffiths AM, said: “Through my work I am very aware of the levels of technological excellence we have in Wales, and MWL Systems’ accreditation with this world-class standard is proof of this.

“MWL Systems’ achievement exemplifies a medium sized company’s determination to be a leader rather than a follower, to ‘think big’ and be at the forefront of technology, and above all, have the drive and commitment to time and time again give their clients the first class IT services and infrastructure they need in today’s challenging business environment.

Lesley Griffiths AM, pictured with the ISO 20000 certificate, together with MWL Systems Directors Peter Young and Patrick Kingsley-Williams and Operations

6

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

“The company is a prime example of the exceptional levels of IT provision we have right on our doorstep.”

NEWS n

“MWL Systems’ achievement exemplifies a medium sized company’s determination to be a leader rather than a follower”

Managing Director of MWL Systems, Patrick Kingsley-Williams, said: “In a highly competitive market at the cutting-edge of technology, we are extremely delighted and proud that our company has been recognised in this way, achieving one of the highest levels of accreditation, and earning our place amongst the bigger players in the world of IT. “Quality has always been in the DNA of MWL Systems’ ethos and organisation, and having been assessed to the ISO 9001:2008

standard for over ten years, this is further evidence that in today’s challenging economic climate, we are delivering the most effective, efficient and technically advanced IT systems and processes, based upon industry leading products and best practice. Essentially, achieving ISO 20000 is tangible proof of the commitment of our staff to delivering a worldclass service to our customers.”

MWL Systems, based in Llay near Wrexham, has been at the forefront of strategic IT

business planning for over 26 years, with clients based throughout the UK. The company boasts numerous professional accreditations and is renowned for investing in both its team of experienced consultants and engineers and its professional accreditations.

Affiliated with industry leaders such as Dell and Microsoft, MWL Systems is the only VMWare Enterprise Partner in North Wales and one of only three Dell Certified Partners in the whole of Wales.

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

7

n CHAMBER NEWS

Innovative future for Riverside!

Andrew Donaldson (Partner at Big Storage), Prof Tim Wheeler (Vice Chancellor University of Chester), and Lynn Dwyer (Manager of the Riverside Innovation Centre)

Progress at the University’s County Hall site has been hotting up over the past few months as the build of the Riverside Innovation Centre is now well underway.

Jointly funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the University of Chester, the Riverside Innovation Centre is a ÂŁmulti-million project specifically designed to generate sustainable, added-value economic impact for our local and regional economy, enabling Chester to position itself as a leading centre for innovative and business growth.

The team behind the creation of the centre say it has been created to inspire and sustain business talent and innovation through passion, high-tech facilities, knowledge and tailored support, helping to create even better links between the University and the region.

8

The state-of-the-art facility, which is part of the University of Chester building on the banks of the River Dee, will deliver a wide range of resources and services to individuals and businesses across every sector. The standard of infrastructure, quality of support and ease of access is set to be among the most inclusive and integrated facilities in the region.

Tailored and specialist support The Centre, which is set for a September launch, will feature a wide range of services to help businesses access support dedicated specifically to meeting potential and expanding opportunities. These will include: start-up support and incubation space; state-ofthe-art conferencing and network facilities; information; and practical, sector-specific support.

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

The Centre will also provide access to business partners, the wider business community and extensive links to the University of Chester and beyond. These partners include: The Chamber of Commerce (which will have a base at the centre); Business Link as well as a number of Sector Skills Councils.

A Steering Group of key business leaders from across Cheshire, including Big Storage Partner Andrew Donaldson, University of Chester Vice-Chancellor Tim Wheeler and Chester Renaissance Chief Executive Rita Waters, has also been created to help advise the Riverside Innovation Centre on how best to meet the needs of the area and adapt its offering accordingly.

For more news from the Riverside Innovation Centre follow them on twitter www.twitter.com/ riversideinnov8 or join the Riverside Innovation Centre Group on Linked In.

DTM LEGAL n

NU-iNSTRUMENTS

An opportunity to ensure businesses are not left out of pocket Sarika Sandhu, an associate at DTM Legal, takes a closer looks at a matter of principle.

Dr John Williams, Director at Nu-Instruments The phrase “mass spectrometer” is hardly one you come across every day, though if you are a keen viewer of the BBC’s Waking the Dead and similar TV shows then you may have heard those words before. In the TV shows they are used to determine where a paint chip came from or perhaps what type of engine oil dripped onto a patch of road. Not all mass spectrometers are the same though, and Wrexham-based Nu Instruments makes the very best, those that measure most precisely and with the smallest samples. The company produces world-leading “isotope ratio” mass spectrometers that are used to tell scientists how old rocks are, or even where a package of seized nuclear material was produced.

Nu Instruments started in 1995 as an entrepreneurial collaboration between Oxford University academic Keith O’Nions and renowned development scientist Phil Freedman. Keith had commissioned Phil to design a novel mass spectrometer for him, and once this had been done, the two realised that they had something that other scientists were clamouring for, and Nu Instruments was born. They were soon joined by another canny investor, Alan McCall, and this partnership of three still exists today.

For the first ten years the company remained small, producing bespoke scientific instruments for select clients in Universities and Governments. As the success of the company grew, it made sense to diversify, though Phil always stayed true to his scientific integrity, supplying only instruments of the highest performance. Director Dr John Williams puts it succinctly “Our tagline has always been ‘Instruments that work’ and we mean that in the truest sense. Our products have been tested beyond the industry norm and we consider reliability and ease of use to be paramount. Our customers keep coming back, which means we must be doing something right!”.

Mass spectrometry is surprisingly competitive, and predictably it is the Americans and the Japanese that dominate. However, in the lofty circles that Nu Instruments inhabits, there are only a few players. Perhaps the best yardstick by which to judge the success of Nu Instruments is that the main competitor is a US laboratory giant with a turnover of >10 billion dollars, truly a case of David and Goliath.

These days the company has a wide range of products and ships around 25 instruments per year. At the time of writing, the Nu Instruments Wrexham site is in turmoil, as a huge extension is being added to increase the manufacturing capability. There are also plans to add some 20 additional employees before the end of the year. The new recruits will include young school leavers who will be trained as instrument technicians and engineers via the Government’s new apprenticeship program.

In its 15 year history, the company has remained in Wrexham, and for good reason. The area has a surprising number of engineering companies, essential to supply Nu Instruments with the right high quality components.

In addition, the Welsh Assembly has proved to be an excellent resource for advice and support. The team at Nu Instruments were especially proud to receive the “Welsh Exporter of the Year” award in December, which to quote Dr Williams again “…has helped to ensure that Nu Instruments, and Wrexham, are well and truly on the high technology map.”

As a matter of principle, there can be few things more frustrating in business than when a contractual wrong can’t be put right because it will leave the “wronged” party even more out of pocket.

The good news is that this is now about to change as new case law has opened an avenue for business to recover costs in the Small Claims Track.

Historically, businesses have often been deterred from taking disputes worth less than £5,000 to Court as the legal costs incurred regularly outweigh any financial gain. However, a recent judgement indicates that it may now be possible for the successful party to reclaim its costs if the initial contract includes provision for the recovery of legal costs in case of a dispute.

The case of Robert Shaw v Nine Regions Limited resulted in the successful party, a finance company, being awarded its legal costs following an appeal. In the first instance, the Court refused to allow the successful party its legal costs (as per the small claim rules which provide for recovery of only very limited costs).

However, in the appeal that followed, it was argued that the finance company had a contractual right to legal costs as per the terms of the loan agreement between the parties. The agreement entitled the creditor to its “reasonable expenses and any legal costs” incurred in enforcing the agreement.

The Court of Appeal ruled that it was entirely reasonable and caused no imbalance to the parties’ rights and obligations and therefore awarded the defendant its costs. This is really positive news for SMEs and an opportunity to ensure businesses are not left out of pocket in the event of a contracted party failing to uphold their side of the agreement.

Critically however, businesses aren’t immediately protected as there does need to be a provision within the contract for the recovery of costs in taking or defending legal action. Better still, when drawing up contracts, it would be prudent to consider including a term providing for recovery of legal costs, even if only as a matter of principle.

For more straight talking, friendly and effective legal advice, follow DTM Legal’s Blog at www.dtmlegal.com/blog or contact a member of the team on 01244 354 800.

Sarika Sandhu Associate at DTM Legal

http://www.nu-ins.com/

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

9

n BUSINESS NEWS

Equestrian event promises boost to economy

Great Britain’s Guy Williams and Nick Skelton, who are currently heading the British showjumping ranking list, have confirmed that they will be attending the Charles Stanley British Masters.

10

for spectators to experience the thrill and excitement of top level showjumping.

This British Masters also has the added excitement of it being just one of three opportunities in England for riders to gain their competency qualification for London 2012 and with classes up to 1.60m in height and in excess of £100,000 prize money, strong competition is expected from horses and riders taking part.

Guy and Nick will also be joined by last year’s Champion Scott Brash along with other top international riders.

Sheldon Philips, Head of Regional Major Events at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said: “The British Masters has become one of the most important events on the calendar for British Showjumping.

The show will take place between the 1st 3rd July at South View Equestrian Centre in Cheshire. The event will be a superb showcase

“Events such as this make an important contribution to the regional economy, bringing visitors into the area and boosting local

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

investment. I am delighted two major British names are signed up for the event, which contributes to our agreement with British Showjumping to support Team GB with their preparations for a successful London 2012.”

You can enjoy this challenging and exciting sport first hand for as little as £5 per person.

Alternatively you can treat yourself to a ringside VIP ticket by taking a hospitality package which will seat you amongst riders, owners and sponsors in the fully licensed VIP marquee. You can book your tickets by calling 01270 528684.

A licensed bar and café are open all day, with an evening barbecue and music on Saturday.

Further information on the event is available at www.southviewarena.com

proud to promote a creative wales yn falch i hyrwyddo cymru greadigol public relations cysylltiadau cyhoeddus marketing marchnata events digwyddiadau media training hyfforddiant cyfryngol broadcasting darlledu

SPECIALISTS IN PALLET DISTRIBUTION • DELIVERY OF FULL/PART LOADS • SMALL CONSIGNMENT DELIVERY – 1 PALLET + • 24 HOUR AND ECONOMY SERVICE • HAZARDOUS AND NON HAZARDOUS FREIGHT • WAREHOUSING AND STORAGE • UK, EUROPE, WORLDWIDE

01978 854123

www.edgetransport.co.uk

A Member Company of

7 Romilly Crescent, Caerdydd/ Cardiff CF11 9NP T: +44 (0)29 2025 7075 F: +44 (0)29 2025 7076 E: post@cambrensis.uk.com

Galeri C2, Doc Victoria, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 1SQ T: +44 (0)1286 685254 F: +44 (0)1286 676762 W: www.cambrensis.uk.com

Paul Humphreys Credit Insurance Brokers

We would be pleased to offer members a 5% discount for the first year on any new credit insurance policy placed though our company.

We are also happy to discuss general terms and availability of cover on a strictly no cost or obligation basis.

www.paulhumphreys.co.uk Please contact Paul Humphreys for further information.

01492541882 | Fax: 0843 208 5464 | paul@phcredit.co.uk

12

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

20 QUESTIONS n

20 Questions Interview Name: Christopher Brown Job Title: Chief Executive Company: Marketing Cheshire Lives: Liverpool Q1.) What brings you to the industry?

A passion to help create and shape successful destinations that are great places to live, invest and visit

of visit chester and chjeshire into our new organisation marketing cheshire which we achieved against great odds and with the committment and energy of a great team

Q14.) If you could chose to work for any company in the world, which would it be and why?

Virgin – a diverse and driven company

Q2.) What advice would you give to anybody wanting to get in to this industry?

That there are great opportunities if you are prepared to work hard and gain knowledge from others who are more experienced

Q8.) What do you always carry with you to work?

My mobile- it and i have become far to attached!

Q15.) If you won the lottery would you retire?

I would like to say yes but the likelihood is i wouldnt

Q3.) What is the most important thing you look for in a new recruit?

Energy, personality and a committment to succeed Q4.) If you could employ anybody from the world of Business who would it be and why?

Richard Branson – i am a huge admirer of the way he has successfully developed the brand of virgin across such a broad range of interests and many of those attributes relate to what we try and achieve within destinations Q5.) As a business person, describe your three main qualities?

Energy, passion and a committment to success Q6.) And your worst quality?

I tend to be rather impatient and do not like surprises!

Q7.) What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

I think it would have to be the remodelling

Q9.) Would you say you live for work or work to live?

I want the latter but increasingly seem to be undertaking the former!

Q10.) Who is the most famous person you have ever met – what were they like?

On balance the queen – very charming and genuinely interested in what i did as a job Q11.) Who in your view is your industry’s role model and why?

Boring i know but richard branson – he is always on the move withe next big idea Q12.) What is your biggest achievement?

Probably when i was a hotelier with queens moat houses when my hotel won best hotel of the year and i was manager of the year – a great double Q13.) What was your first job and the amount in your first pay packet?

Trainee manager with british transport hotels in 1980 – my first pay packet was around £12.00 For a week although i they did provide accommodation

Q16.) Do you make time for lunch every day?

I do most days but it is often on the run or at a meeting Q17.) What is a normal day for you?

To avoid traffic i am usually at work around 8.00 And work till i need to but usually around 6.30 But i do not like being in the office much and prefer to be out and about Q18.) If you could work in a completely different field, what would it be?

Always wanted to be a pilot so that would be my choice Q19.) If you could turn the clock back, what would you have changed about your business career?

I never try to think about this to much as i think i made the right decisions at the right time but they do not always work out the way you envisaged Q20.) What hobbies do you have?

I enjoy running and walking and the frustrations of watching glasgow rangers and scotland playing any sport

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

13

A family run business covering the whole of the north west

A recent survey revealed that the average time it takes before a financial adviser starts talking to a new client about a financial product is 82 seconds!

We do things differently. At Owen Financial Services Ltd, we believe that until we really know about you, we have no right to talk about your money. We are a family run business so we understand the ethos behind relationships first, business second. No fee for those who Quote ‘chamber’

www.owenfs.co.uk T: 01244 630902 | F: 01244 241 214 | E: enquiries@owenfs.co.uk

14

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

Two floors of the finest Mens & Ladieswear

By Gant, Barbour, Daks, Magee, Without Prejudice, Joules, and many more

ESTABLISHED 1938 The Cross, 1-3 Wrexham St, Mold, Flintshire CH7 1ET

Tel: 01352 752 632

www.vaughandavies.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL TRADE n

Good news as north west exports rise to record level Clive Drinkwater of the commercial opportunities afforded by overseas markets, and planning your business around emerging international opportunities is becoming ever more important. Of the 250,000 firms in the region only 7,500 export enough to be categorised as exporters by HMRC, so we have many potential exporters with innovative products and services that I am calling on to have a fresh look at the tremendous opportunities offered in international markets.

“The top 10 export markets for the North West include the USA and several European markets, but also feature important emerging markets such as China. Last year China was the 6th top export market in the North West, up from 7th in 2009 and 10th in 2008, and Japan was our 9th most important market.

Hopes for an export-led recovery in the North West are on the increase as figures show that in the last year, from 2009 to 2010, exports rose by 6% to a record level just short of £25 billion.

During this period exports to all four of the high growth BRIC markets grew significantly.

Exports to Brazil increased by 62%, exports to India went up by 43%, exports to Russia increased by 29% and exports to China by 28%. Other significant increases include Turkey, 69%, Taiwan, 31%, and Japan, 23%.

and language differences are all barriers to exporting, and yet businesses would be foolish not to look at the international market if they are to make the most of their growth potential.

Key sectors for growth included Advanced Engineering, Manufacturing and Chemicals and Food and Drink. The Materials sector also enjoyed a fantastic performance with exports jumping by almost 70%.

“The recent export statistics for the region prove that the North West is well positioned to be at the vanguard of an export-led recovery. A recent survey by the Office of National Statistics revealed that the North West is the number one region in the UK for manufacturing, is a leader in renewable energy and that businesses based here are among the highest spenders on research and development in the country.*

Yet while these statistics are great news for the region, there are still many companies who are not exporting, and others who are exporting but not making the most of prospects overseas.

Issues such as fluctuating exchange rates, perceived ‘red tape’ and worries about cultural

Clive Drinkwater, Regional Director for UK Trade & Investment North West says,

“This is all excellent news, but if local companies are to maintain resilience in difficult times they need to take full advantage

“Other emerging markets such as Brazil have enjoyed a fantastic increase in exports, proving that the high growth markets continue to offer opportunities and UKTI North West is committed to providing expert advice and practical assistance to local businesses. We have a team of International Trade Advisers across the region from Crewe to Carlisle working with firms in their local areas to improve export performance and therefore productivity and competitiveness.

“In addition there are teams of experts based at Consulates and Embassies in over 100 countries worldwide, all of whom are available to offer specific research and introductions.

“UKTI staff can offer a range of services to help firms discover international markets, assist with market entry strategies and even to put them in touch with potential customers, suppliers and distributors, and this year more than ever I would urge companies to give us a call and see how we can help.”

For further information on UK Trade & Investment services, contact the North West International Trade Team Tel: 0845 603 7053 E-mail: info@ uktinorthwest.co.uk.

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

15

n CHAMBER EVENTS | NETWORKING

Events link-up with Marketing Cheshire announced

Special Chamber events for 2011 What’s on and when...

The West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce has planned a number of key events for 2011 that meet the needs of those looking not only for events that provide networking opportunities and support business growth but also the opportunity to gather socially.

As we continue to populate the calendar we shall issue additional communications and we would encourage all members to visit our website for news and updates.

Ahead is a lit of scheduled events being held by the Chamber, for further information please visit our website at;

The Chamber has enlisted the help of new tourism umbrella organisation Marketing Cheshire to manage its events.

Visit Chester & Cheshire (VCC), the tourism body for Cheshire and Warrington, is set to fundamentally reshape its role next month, as the organisation takes on a much broader remit.

The move will see VCC – which was widely acknowledged for achieving increases in visitor numbers in excess of 150,000 last year – build on its successes in the visitor economy, as it moves onto a wider marketing role.

It will become a new umbrella organisation, Marketing Cheshire, responsible for place marketing and promotion, as well as traditional visitor economy support.

The tie-up with Marketing Cheshire will allow the Chamber to focus on its primary aim of helping members to grow their businesses.

Marketing Cheshire, meanwhile, will work behind the scenes to take care of the finer details of event management such as catering, invitations, bookings and decorations.

“Significant changes have been made to our events programme in recent months, including the abolition of attendance fees and a focus on occasional, prestigious events that educate, entertain and engage.

“Having Marketing Cheshire on board will help us to make continuous improvements to our events. The relationship will also enable us to deliver better value for money for our members, as we will be able to devote all of our time to representing them and their interests.”

Chris Brown, chief executive of VCC, highlighted the benefits in bringing together areas of expertise.

He said: “We are delighted to be working more closely with the Chamber through supporting their member events.

“Working in partnership with key organisations such as this will not only enhance value to their members but will create opportunities and broaden the networks available for Marketing Cheshire’s members also.”

Chamber general manager Colin Brew said: “Visit Chester and Cheshire has an excellent track record in event management, and we are excited to be working with Marketing Cheshire.

16

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

www.wcnwchamber.org.uk/trainingand-events/chamber-training-andevents.htm 28th July (6pm - late) - Summer Cocktail Party at the Eaton Estate 16th - 17th September - Celebrate Cheshire at Chester Racecourse 14th October (7pm - late) - Annual Dinner at the Grosvenor Hotel and Spa Chester For any further information please contact the Chamber Team on 01244 669988 or email info@ cepnwchamber.org.uk

CHAMBER EVENTS | NETWORKING n

Finding New Markets Event proves a real success The 11th May 2011 saw the over 70 guests attend the Chamber’s “Findng New Markets” event sponsored by NatWest Bank, held at Chester Race Course’s superb facilities.

Those attending were provided a superb opportunity not only to network and enjoy a FREE buffet breakfast but also had the chance to listen to a short seminar, presented by Gordon Iddon, Director, Global Transaction Services at NatWest Bank which covered the subject of International Trade. Gordon discussed how International Trade is such a key element in business growth and is recognised by Government, Business and the Banks alike. The main points discussed being:

l l

Why Trade Overseas.

l

Negotiation Tactics.

l

Where to obtain help and support.

Risks associated with International Trade and Risk Mitigation Options.

l

l

The Chamber is confident that all delegates gained a real advantage from attending and is already planning similar styled events for the future

How to take advantage of the vast opportunities that exist through International Trade.

Tips to Build Business Contacts

Finding New Markets is the way forward to financial success

If you have any ideas or theme that you would like included in our events schedule then please contact us on 01244 669988

Attending business networking events can help to build contact lists. Six important tips to consider for your next networking event: l

l

l

l

l

l

Attending the same events regularly as different people will be there every time Look for and take business literature set out by attendees Be prepared to pitch your company and inform why people need your services rather than your competitors Ensure you collect everyone’s business card or ask for an attendee list, if there is anyone you missed Attending the event is only part of the story - the story goes nowhere without follow up, be it by telephone or email.

A soon after the event as possible make notes on the back of the business cards you’ve collected - as a memory jogger include where and when you met and what their needs are.

Although there are many different events, success is usually based on the same elements of business networking, so good preparation can help make any event an effective marketing activity for your business.

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

17

n CHAMBER NEWS

Major Quality and Environmental Awards For Redbows Less than 3% of UK businesses hold the internationally recognised ISO9001 and ISO14001 certifications. Recognised throughout the world, the certifications cover all aspects of an organisation’s supply chain, from initial procurement and supplier vetting to client satisfaction and environmental impact monitoring. Redbows is one of only a handful of distributors within the UK promotional gifts industry with both awards.

“We have always been proud of the products and services we supply”, commented Dawn Koffler, Managing Director of Redbows. “These latest awards show our continued commitment to investment, across our business, its people and processes. We aim to deliver to the highest possible levels of customer service through the most efficient and eco-friendly processes”.

Redbows, a leading UK promotional gifts supplier has been awarded ISO9001 and ISO14001 certification, following assessment by Certified International Systems (CIS). These prestigious awards recognise Redbows’ commitment to providing exceptional service and management of its environment impact.

The certifications were granted following an extensive examination by the external audit body - Certified International Systems (CIS). CIS is used to judging quality and environmental management systems across a wide variety of markets and industries. Nigel Carr, the Lead CIS Assessor paid particular tribute to “the investment in people and training that has enabled Redbows to provide such an efficient service to their customers and management of their environmental impact.”

For more information visit the Redbows Promotional Gifts Store at http://www. promotionalgiftsstore.co.uk, contact the Redbows team on 0845 8386 368 or email sales@redbows.co.uk.

These latest awards show our continued commitment to investment, across our business, its people and processes. We aim to deliver to the highest possible levels of customer service through the most efficient and eco-friendly processes

18

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

n LOOKERS RENAULT

Customers for Life The Lookers Business Centre is now offering a complete range of services for all your fleet requirements.

Austin motor vehicles in 1918 and continued to grow throughout Lancashire and Cheshire through the acquisition of a number of garages.

Lookers and Austin became very closely associated such that the slogan ‘Lookers is Austin’ lasted for many years.

In 1929 John Looker retired. The business continued to prosper until the war came again in 1939 when the Austin factory was committed to the war effort and there were hard times throughout the country.

Large dealers had originally operated as Distributorships, and as well as supplying cars to their own retail customers, they supplied cars to retail dealers in their designated area.

However, there was a gradual change to a single network with fewer outlets and a stronger emphasis had to be placed upon retailing. The first major acquisition occurred in the 1960s when the Group moved into Yorkshire.

In 1973 the Group’s headquarters were transferred from Hardman Street to Chester Road, where they remain to this day, and the Company became a listed Company on the London Stock Exchange.

Issuing shares on the stock exchange created extra funds which then enabled the Company to take its first major steps towards expansion. This has continued to the present day...

The Lookers Renault showroom on Sealand Road, Chester is a modern purpose built facility you would expect from a market leader in the motor trade.

The Lookers Business Centre provides a full range of services for the business user.

There is a dedicated business centre offering help and advice on all aspects of vehicle acquisition for your business including contract hire, lease hire, lease purchase, hire purchase and outright purchase. We have a dedicated aftersales department offering Renault trained technicians to keep your vehicle in tip top condition. We can tailor service programmes from as little as £9.99 a week to suit all your needs and keep your business moving forward whilst giving you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in good hands.

There is also an extensive well stocked parts and accessory department with experienced professionals to help and advise At Lookers Chester we can supply the full range of Renault cars and commercial vehicles directly and offer the complete package for the business user.

We also offer Chamber of Commerce members discounts throughout the whole Renault range.

In 1910 the business joined forces with a garage owner in Hardman Street in the centre of Manchester to create Lookers Ltd. Until the First World War Lookers Ltd was primarily a Ford dealer which thrived to such an extent

20

that in 1911 the garage in Hardman Street had to be completely rebuilt to accommodate the business generated by the popular Ford cars.

The business was appointed a distributor of

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

For further help and information call Phil Huxley on 01244 390009 or e-mail to philhuxley@ lookers.co.uk and take the first step on the road to acquiring your new Renault from the people here to help.

RUSSELL IPM n

Receiving the Queens award for Enterprise in International trade Russell IPM is a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of insect pheromones, Biostimulants and Biopesticides. Based in the Deeside Industrial Park, Russell IPM has been trading since 1993.

Russell IPM has established itself as an authority and centre of excellence in managing pests that affect fresh fruit and vegetables, including most importantly a particularly destructive tomato pest, Tuta absoluta.

Russell IPM exports insect pheromone based products including traps and insect attractants, which reduce the need for synthetic insecticides. The key opportunity, which the company embraced, was the need to reduce the rapid spread of the devastating tomato pest, Tuta absoluta, after it was accidentally introduced into Spain from South America.

Over 3 years Russell IPM’s export earnings have exceeded £6M from its main markets in Spain, Morocco, Germany, Algeria and Tunisia.

Other markets include USA and more recently the development of new markets in Kenya and Turkey.

From the start of the spread of Tuta absoluta, Russell IPM set up dedicated sites in five

languages to provide a platform to share experience and knowledge between those who work in the field, to ensure that the professionals are better prepared for the arrival of this dangerous pest.

On receiving the Queens award for Enterprise in International trade Managing director Dr Shakir Al-Zaidi commented: “When we embarked on our campaign three years ago,

we were only thinking about the substantial damage which could be caused to the livelihood of all those farmers around the Mediterranean. We just wanted to make sure that word goes around and everybody is well prepared. The queens award is a valued recognition to all those who helped in the success to this campaign”.

Adding further, marketing director Diana AlZaidi commented, “It is a really nice surprise to us all. Overall, it is a big recognition to the hard work of every single member of staff who contributed to this achievement”.

Russell IPM Ltd, Unit 68, Third Avenue, Deeside Industrial Estate, Deeside, Flintshire, CH5 2LA Telephone: 01244 281333 Fax: 01244 281878 Email: info@russellipm.com Website: www.russellipm.com

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

21

n THE BIG INTERVIEW

big the

interview

Professor Phil Harris Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business

When it’s good to talk Phil Harris is a big supporter of business in the North West - but he also argues that there is a need to improve the quality of its strategic practice and thinking to take advantage of opportunities that exist in international markets.

As Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business, Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and holder of the Westminster Chair of Marketing and Public Affairs at the University of Chester, Professor Harris is well placed to assess how business is addressing those challenges.

A past a Chairman of the Marketing Council (UK) PLC(which was funded by many of the leading blue chip businesses), Professor of Marketing at the University of Otago, New Zealand and Director of the Centre for Corporate and Public Affairs at Manchester Metropolitan University.

He said: “When I came back to the UK from New Zealand and settled in Chester I sensed that there was a need for a serious, senior forward looking think-tank in the North West.

“People look to London, it is suggested all business activity happens there but does it? If you look at this region, there is a lot to build on.

Take Airbus, the UK’s largest manufacturing plant, the Bank of America, Toyota, very successful food and consumer financial service sectors and the advanced science platforms of Daresbury and the alternative energy generation businesses. Across the area are critical companies. And it is not just multi-national companies but a raft of medium and small companies that all add to our vibrancy. I was in West Kirby the other week talking to a woman who runs a number of shops who trades on a daily basis with businesses in China. Chester and its sub region is very much at the heart of what has been called “glocalisation”

22

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

THE BIG INTERVIEW n

strategic lobbying and sustainability.

Prof Harris said: “We see it as existing to offer guidance and support, to support company directors and senior management through the processes they need to go through to be and remain competitive and to allow them to benefit from best practice. Take regulation: you need a focused public affairs strategy to deal with regulation and accessing political decision makers when trying to break into a new international market. That we aim to be able to give best advice on” “Corporate Social Responsibility is another important area for businesses and one which companies need to consider. We hope the International Centre for Public Affairs can share the latest thinking on such ideas.”

This idea of businesses being open to new ideas has its roots in the professor’s background. Prior to becoming an academic he held positions in the international chemical and foods industries in Brussels, London, Manchester, Runcorn and Birkenhead.

Professor Phil Harris

“The problem is that in the North West historically, we just get on with the job and I think there is a need for more dialogue between companies to enhance competiveness and the sharing of expertise and knowledge. I had the idea of a forum after being approached by a number of business interests to bring together senior figures to share ideas.”

The result was the Chester Forum, an annual symposium which was staged for the second time in May. Supported and hosted by the Bank of America, it aims to stimulate thinking and debate about key issues and themes of relevance to the regional, national and international business environment.

The 2011 Forum focused on the concept of ‘sustainable business’, exploring the definition and meaning of ‘sustainability’ in the business context and how it might be measured and benchmarked, and how the pursuit of a sustainable agenda can contribute directly to competitive advantage.

Prof Harris said: “Sustainability is a major issue for businesses. Tesco has committed almost half a billion pounds to making itself carbon neutral by 2025, now does not use landfill sites and produced savings on its bottom line through this initiative of £100m in the first year. That’s what I call real sustainability, which

enhances competitiveness and adds to the quality of our environment. The Forum sets out to examine some of the issues as companies consider how to better use energy.“ Every year, Harris leads a team of staff and businesses and helps organise the highly regarded High Sheriff for Cheshire Enterprise Awards, which has been backed by Barclays, BOA, Mornflake Oats, Flowcrete, Bolesworth Estate and a number of councils. This year’s winners reflect cutting edge search engine and design-led businesses alongside a leadingedge trust that trains and enhances the employability gives of the severely disabled.

“Another form of business doing quality CSR work,” said Prof Harris.

Another manifestation of Prof Harris’s desire to address the big issues is the development at the University of the International Centre for Public Affairs Research, which will support companies in areas including regulatory affairs,

He is also a member of a number of international editorial and advisory boards as well as an author of more than 10 books including the Penguin Dictionary of Marketing (2009) and Lobbying and Public Affairs in the UK (2009). He has taught and researched widely across Australasia, Asia, Europe and North America and has been an advisor to a number of business and governmental organisations.

In 2008 he was awarded the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s President’s Medal for his contribution to the development of the world marketing profession and he co-edits the world’s leading journal in public affairs, The Journal of Public Affairs, which is published

by Wiley–Blackwell. With articles spanning from climate change, government relations and lobbying to community relations, the international journal provides the latest thinking and research in public policy development and associated communication areas.

Prof Harris said: “The idea driving all these activities is to strengthen the way businesses talk to each other and enable them to be rooted in their local society, grow the next generation and be able to compete more successfully locally and internationally.“

“Corporate Social Responsibility is another important area for businesses and one which companies need to consider. We hope the International Centre for Public Affairs can share the latest thinking on such ideas” West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

23

WHARTON PARK HOUSE BUSINESS CENTRE

Wharton Park House Business Centre is situated within a landscaped setting on Nat Lane, Winsford. This central Cheshire location provides great road links to junctions 18 and 19 of the M6 allowing easy motorway access.

Offices and suites are available from 200 sq ft to 2,000 sq ft on flexible lease or licence terms with the following: l l l l

Suspended ceilings with Cat2 lighting Secure on-site parking Door entry system Gas central heating

l l l l

Kitchen facilities Meeting room Warehouse space, if required Broadband available

Wharton Park House Business Centre,

OFFICES TO LET

The offices at Wharton Park House have been comprehensively refurbished to provide quality office space with flexibility in design and layout to suit your business needs, as well as providing one of the most cost effective and best value office accommodation in central Cheshire.

For further information: www.fifieldglyn.com or email arthur.willcock@fifieldglyn.com

Nat Lane, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 3BS

n BNL NEVILLE JONES COMMERCIAL

Protection and peace of mind Dave Wilson is an independent Commercial Insurance Broker specialising in arranging bespoke Business Insurance and Risk Management programmes for companies in a wide range of industries and professions. His particular areas of expertise are in the High Risk Liability sector such as roofing, scaffolding, waste management, the security industry, haulage, and also in the leisure industry.

Dave says “Insurance is all about protection and peace of mind, safe-guarding people, property and livelihoods from the unexpected.

Business owners are working harder than ever to earn a living for their families and colleagues.

The rewards from all that hard work can be seriously jeopardised if they don’t have the correct levels of cover in place. Consulting a quality Insurance Broker is one of the wisest investments they will ever make”.

Dave has recently undertaken extensive research to evaluate what matters most to clients when arranging insurance for their businesses. Results showed that the three main areas of concern to clients were: l

Peace of mind that everything is covered

l

Ease/Speed of arranging cover/amendments

l

Cost

Peace of Mind: A full review will identify the risks facing your business and identify the best range of covers to protect you. Ongoing regular contact ensures your business remains fully protected as you evolve e.g. if you move premises, buy more equipment, take on more staff, start trading abroad, change your vehicles, enter into new contracts or move in to new areas of business.

Ease/Speed: Research shows that clients want speedy accurate documentation, changes to be dealt with promptly and all policies cross-checked to prevent any potential gaps in cover.

l

Clients want a single point of contact to someone who already knows you and your business and takes ownership of your query, rather than having to contact an anonymous call centre.

l

If you need documentation to win contracts with local authorities and main contractors, you know that I can be absolutely relied upon.

l

If you need someone to negotiate with insurers or third parties in the event of a claim you know that I will be there to fight your corner.

Cost: With insurers’ returns on investments faltering and numerous recent natural and man-made disasters (the earthquakes in Haiti and New Zealand, the Floods in Australia, the Tsunami and Nuclear Incident in Japan to name but a few) there is tremendous upward pressure on insurance rates generally this year. 30% to 40% on motor insurance.

Don’t wait to be a victim. Give me a call to talk about your needs with no obligation. You have nothing to lose, but may have a lot to gain.

Being truly independent allows me to cover the whole of market to ensure you get the best covers relevant to your particular circumstances, choosing from the best products on the market.

Testimonials from my clients vouch for the high standards of my service. I pride myself on offering a personal and thorough service and I will only recommend those insurers who comply with our exacting standards of competitiveness, excellent claims performance and first rate response times; all of which are constantly monitored.

Research has shown that Insurance Brokers are far better equipped to deal with specific insurance questions and used to a human discussion, giving people a stronger feeling that they are in safe hands, conveying a much better feeling of trust.

26

Why not try my free Insurance Health Check?

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

l

l

I will personally visit you to carry out a free review of your current insurance Together we will identify the risks affecting you, your team and your business I will personally create a programme of covers which will meet your specific needs Together we will continue to monitor your needs as your business evolves I will provide you with a single point of contact and continuous support in the event of a claim

So what does all this mean for you?: l

Cover in unusual or difficult situations

l

Confidence that there are no gaps in cover

l

An open relationship - a partnership rather than just a supplier

Access to first class insurers to share the risk

l

Improved cover at similar or reduced cost

l

Long term savings

l

Warren Buffett said: “Price is what you pay, value is what you get”.

David Wilson, Protecting People, Property & Livelihoods by giving right advice at the right time providing peace of mind.

Bnl Neville Jones Commercial 37 Pipers Lane, Hoole, Chester CH2 3LP T: 07970304169 E: david@nevillejones.com www.nevillejones.com

BANGOR UNIVERSITY n

Welcome to our world... An exceptional location for business, events or pleasure.

Located between the sea and Snowdonia, Bangor is an inspiring destination, a world away but so easy to reach.

Our superb location is matched by an inspired selection of venues. They lend themselves perfectly to every kind of conference, function, banquet, exhibition or event, be it for 6 or 600.

Corporate meetings Conferences & banqueting l Executive boardrooms l Fine dining l Weddings l Social functions l Bar & Restaurant l Sports facilities l Free parking l l

Meeting Facilities We’re confident we have some of the most delightful and unusual venues the UK can offer and we’re pleased to say that most of it comes with outstanding views as standard.

Our venues can be hired for residential conferences, day meetings, training days, lectures, product launches, drinks receptions, exhibitions, alumni gatherings or weddings.

The University’s meeting rooms are available to all, including community groups and businesses, the public and private sector - to name but a few. In total there are over 40 meeting rooms with capacities from 6 to 600.

Location We’re closer than you think! Nestled between the mountains and the sea, we guarantee that Bangor will seduce you. We might be biased but we think our location is something special and probably unlike any other destination you may have used in the past. Great transport links by road and rail make a quick escape a reality, so you can be enjoying your experience at Bangor sooner than you think.

Technical Services

North Wales - a great place to visit....

Our AV Services team offers the full range of assistance for conferences, meetings and events. This includes – free WiFi, video and audio equipment, PA systems, screens and monitors. In addition, photocopier accounts can be arranged, as can email access through temporary logins.

North West Wales is an inspiring destination and offers an experience unlike any other. There are beaches, castles, rugged mountains and the superb scenery of the Snowdonia National Park, with activities like mountain biking and climbing.

Let the dramatic scenery inspire you while our facilities impress you, we have everything you need to ensure your time with us is memorable.

Catering To You “Food@Bangor” endeavours to offer exceptional quality and value for money throughout our range of menus. Proud of serving local, home made produce and achieving the highest customer service levels, you won’t be disappointed with your stay. We offer a wide selection of menus from simple refreshments, to a working lunch, a more formal two or three course buffet, or an evening gala dinner.

Our catering services are also available outside the University as part of our event management service.

We’ll take care of you...

Organising an event can be stressful and we offer our administration services to help ease the workload. With a team of dedicated event planners at your disposal, nothing is too much trouble.

Accommodation Our 4 star campus accommodation has excellent views of the mountains of Snowdonia and the Menai Straits. The accommodation packages offer individuals and groups high quality catering and accommodation in single, en-suite rooms.

We offer bed and breakfast, room only, self catering or fully catered accommodation for conferences, individuals and small groups.

For further information: Idwal Building, Ffriddoedd Rd, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2GP Telephone (01248) 388088, Fax (01248) 388822 conferences@bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk/conferences

We have worked with national organisations to arrange and support fund raising events, formal conferences, dinners and concerts and helped our customers to enjoy memorable wedding receptions and society functions.

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

27

n DENBIGHSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Prestigious Regeneration award for RHYL

By Mark Dixon, Strategic Regeneration Manager Denbighshire County Council Denbighshire County Council’s regeneration of the seaside town of Rhyl received a major plaudit in May when one of the Council’s flagship projects was declared the winner of the regeneration category of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ awards for Wales 2011. The project concerned was the restoration of a derelict property in Edward Henry Street in the heart of the town’s west ward which in the last few years had made a regular appearance at the top of the Welsh Government’s “Index of Multiple Deprivation”.

In its heyday, the 1865 built property had been split into a pair of prominent four storey villas which featured in a painting by the Salford born artist L S Lowry who used to spend his holidays in Rhyl. By the time the Council acquired them in 2005, they had fallen on hard times: they were in a crime hot spot, had been subject to incidents of arson, and the only residents were pigeons who gained

28

access through where the bay windows had once been at the rear of the premises.

With financial assistance from the European Regional Development Fund, the Welsh Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the villas were restored and converted into one unit with offices available to rent which are now all fully occupied. Although not Listed, the building was considered to be sufficiently important to deserve the Heritage Lottery Fund grant provide through Rhyl’s Townscape Heritage Initiative. The general layout of the building has been retained in accordance with conservation principles but nevertheless

provides all the facilities expected of a modern office building including lift access to upper floors, IT cabling, security features and high energy efficiency.

RICS said that they decided that the project deserved to win the award because of its impact on the wider area and because it represented a “beacon of hope” in this once very elegant part of Rhyl. This is not the first time that the Council’s regeneration work in Rhyl has been acknowledged by RICS: the new Drift Park on the town’s western seafront just a few metres from Edward Henry Street was runner up for the same award in 2008.

CHAMBER TRAINING n

The next level of growth As the economic recovery unfolds, organisations are taking stock of their talent. For many companies, the last two years have meant restructuring, layoffs and salary freezes, creating an environment of low morale.

Now that the economy is starting to improve, disengaged employees are beginning to look elsewhere. Companies are looking at their career planning, development and rewards programs to make sure that their employees are engaged and working toward long-term goals.

Another factor shaping corporate talent strategies is projected job growth. As companies start to hire again, many are being cautious, often initially turning to outside contractors or part-time workers.

Therefore, with only modest job growth expected in the near term, companies must find ways to recruit; motivate and retain employees in an environment of limited career advancement.

But perhaps the biggest influence on talent strategies has been companies redefining their business strategies and goals in light of the new economy, with resulting shifts in the talent needed to achieve these goals. This, in turn, impacts all talent initiatives within the company, from workforce planning and recruiting to retention and compensation strategies.

Smart companies realise that these talent activities are inextricably linked. The success of an organisation’s talent strategy depends on the integration of its talent processes.

Therefore if you want to give a boost to your staff, inspire and re energise them again why not have an interactive workshop tailored for your needs to do just that – inspire and re energise.

The trainers at the Chamber of Commerce can assist you in putting a programme together manage the talent you have in your company...you may have hidden talents that can assist in taking your company to the next level of growth. Call us if you want to uncover your hidden talents and inspire your staff to greater performance..

Call us on 07855 311393 or 01606 883347 to discuss you rapid Growth plan...don’t wait

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

29

n PATRON NEWS

Access to a broad range of specialist legal advice is crucial in 2011 Businesses operating in challenging economic conditions are in greater need than ever of legal advisers who can provide a broad range of services and specialist support under one roof.

de-centralisation of power from Government to communities. It is designed to provide communities with greater influence over local services, local assets, local authority decisions and local developments.

Focusing on the changes to planning and local development, the bill will swing the balance of power away from the Planning Inspectorate and towards councils and communities. It will also bring in ‘neighbourhood plans’ that will enable groups of local people, such as parish councils, to come together and decide where new offices, shops and homes should be located - subject to a final, local referendum.

Communities will also have an increased say in which areas of green space should be protected and which areas are suitable for development.

Debate around implementation of the bill now centres around its apparent advantages, including the establishment of a more democratic and effective planning system and its potential pitfalls - including the risk that proposals will be subject to increased ‘not-inmy-back-yard’ objections.

Hill Dickinson works with a wide range of commercial and public sector clients in the region. Being close to our clients, we recognise how important it is for them to fully understand the potential impact of localism and to be involved in the debate around it.

As ever, the commercial sector must anticipate and react to incoming legislation, but this becomes a more considerable task when resources are under such tight scrutiny, both from a time and cost point of view. Major legal developments to be considered by businesses this year include the implementation of new provisions under the Equality Act 2010, sweeping changes to the planning system under the Localism Bill and potential new requirements under the Bribery Act 2010.

In the transactional world, the need for expert due diligence when undertaking corporate deals has gained significance, due to increased financial risk. Clients need lawyers with the appropriate breadth of skills.

Enabling easy access to a variety of legal experts, who can work together across specialisms and geographical locations, is crucial. By acquiring varied legal advice from one source, businesses can save time and reduce costs. This is even more beneficial when advisers are located on your doorstep and have a thorough understanding of both the local market and more far-reaching national and international marketplaces.

30

Commercial decision-makers should be advised to examine the sourcing of legal advice and to consider whether or not one provider can address all of the business’ needs. This can not only be of financial benefit but will also ensure a more streamlined approach.

Hill Dickinson Chester - bringing clients in Cheshire and North Wales unparalleled commercial insight from local lawyers, with a global perspective. Contact a member of the Hill Dickinson team on 01244 896 600 www.hilldickinson.com

Putting Localism into Context for Chester Law Firm, Hill Dickinson stimulates debate around key legislation The Localism Bill is currently making its way through Parliament. A significant piece of legislation, the bill has wide-reaching scope that will reform the planning system and enable various groups within the community to bid for control over council-run services. It will impact upon Chester’s public and private sector - perhaps, most significantly in the planning and local development arenas.

In essence ‘localism’ revolves around the

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

To address the issues at stake, we recently organised a localism debate, inviting clients and contacts to participate. Keynote speaker Fiona Bruce, MP for Congleton and Member of the Public Committee for the Localism Bill outlined the Government’s aims and objectives for the Bill. Offering an alternative perspective second keynote speaker, Iain Jenkinson, Director Planning, Development and Regeneration at leading UK property consultancy, GVA GAVE support to the bill’s overriding ‘Big Society’ theme, but warned that ‘localism’ must not become ‘parochialism’.

The speaking panel also included Councillor Mike Jones, Leader of the Council, Cheshire West and Chester, Matt Crompton, Joint Managing Director of Muse Developments and Hill Dickinson Head of Planning, John Holmes.

The meeting was chaired by head of Hill Dickinson’s Chester office, Robin Jones.

The event enabled the audience to engage directly with a parliamentary representative on the issue of localism and a lively question and answer session ensued. It is important to provide further opportunity to examine localism and, we will be doing so for our clients from both the private and public sector.

As with all major legislation, those who fully understand the implications and can prepare for the changes ahead will gain an advantage.

PATRON NEWS n

Cheshire West and Chester Key Regeneration Programmes

Incorporation - Is this the right time?

There are four physical regeneration areas identified within Cheshire West and Chester Council, some with private sector led boards but all are targeted at developing their areas to support both the business community and improve the environment for residents.

The four programme areas are:

Weaver Valley (principally Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich)

l

Chester Renaissance

l

Ellesmere Port

l

Rural Agenda and Market Towns

l

Weaver Valley Partnership Board ensures a joined up approach to regeneration focussed activity in the Weaver Valley towns of Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich. The delivery on the ground is supported by the Weaver Valley team based in Northwich.

Recent activity includes development of an Urban Design and Public Realm strategy for Northwich, opening of Riversdale Bridge in December 2010 and securing an additional £160,000 funding from SUSTRANS for new bridge over the Dane at Vickers Way Park.

The aim for the programme is to bring these initiatives together into joined up programme that delivers accessible and sustainable living within the core towns and through the green corridors in and around Weaver Valley.

Ellesmere Port offers major opportunities for investment and development on a diverse range of available land across the town. The recently established Ellesmere Port Development Board, a partnership of public and private sector expertise which compromises key stakeholders from the area’s biggest employers, is working to carve out a bright future for the town. Current activity is focused on establishing a framework for the future of the town which will set out economic, social and physical improvements over the next ten years.

A number of exciting projects are currently ongoing within the area ranging from innovative neighbourhood working, the building of a new school academy and West Cheshire College campus, and plans for a significant number of new homes, to the arrival of the largest Marks and Spencer flagship store outside of London, a community motocross park and designs for the redevelopment of the waterfront.

As the Corporation tax rate for small companies has fallen to 20% and the rates of national insurance have increased by an additional 1% from the 6th April 2011, it is time to be looking at whether incorporation would be benefcial for your business.

For more info please visit the website, http:// www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/business/ regeneration/ellesmere_port/ellesmere_port_ regeneration.aspx Rural Agenda and Market Towns includes Malpas, Frodsham, Tarporley and Neston.

Rural represents approximately 70% of the total Cheshire West & Chester area. This is a diverse and varied geography that will challenge all departments of the Council to deliver. The key requirements that affect nearly all rural communities are Access to Services, Affordable Housing, Community, Environmental and Countryside, Transport and Employment.A Rural Regeneration Strategy providing a framework for delivery over the next 10 years, has been developed, this will influence future investment and supports the businesses, people and places within it. This available via the website http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ news_and_events/council_consultations/ rural_regeneration_strategy.aspx closing date for feedback is 20th June 2011.

Chester Renaissance is the authorities’ delivery vehicle for Chester and the city centre improvements to support the development of Chester as a place for people to live, work and investment in and a key area to develop the visitor economy. It aims to improve performance for business, attract investment and shape the city for the future. Recent activity has focussed on developing a “One City Plan” which has been commissioned for Chester City centre with the objectives of setting the overall vision for the city, identifying the key deliverable action areas and projects within the city. The first stage is almost complete and an interim report is expected shortly for comment and will be circulated for consultation.

If you currently operate as a sole trader or partnership, you will be subject to income tax and national insurance on your trading profits. The amount actually taken from your business as drawings or private monies is not relevant for the purpose of calculating any tax or national insurance liabilities.

If you are a sole trader or a partner in a partnership, it is more difficult to plan your personal tax affairs as unexpected rises or falls in yearly profits, eg.

A significant bad debt, can lead to tax being paid at 40% in a very profitable year whilst in a subsequent less profitable year an element of your 20% tax band may not be utilised.

A transfer of a business into a limited company is a relatively straight forward procedure and can give significant annual tax savings. It is easier to plan your personal tax affairs operating as a company and if structured correctly it is legitimately possible to have no personal income tax or national insurance liability. This is achieved by the mixture of a payment of a small director’s salary together with dividends paid to you as a shareholder out of the company’s post tax profits. It is not a requirement to withdraw all of the post tax profits from a company and these can be left in and removed in a tax efficient manner at a later date.

It is essential that professional advice is sought before any changes to your business structure are made.

Tel: 01606 369000 Email: chrissmith@howardworth.co.uk www.howardworth.co.uk

If you’d like to know more about these exciting opportunities and how you can engage with the project area then email Karl Connolly, Senior Manager - Special Projects karl.connolly@ cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or look on the Cheshire West and Chester website http:// www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/business/ regeneration.aspx

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

31

NEW MEMBERS n

New Members Minuteman Press Unit 6 Aerial Road Llay Industrial Estate South Wrexham LL12 0TU 01978857080 wrexham@minutemanpress.com Mr Martin Taylor

MIS SE Ltd Charnwood House Gadbrook Business Centre Northwich CW9 7UG 0845 3304025 philc@mis.se.com Mr Phil Craven

For more information on chamber membership contact 01244669988 or visit www.cepnwchamber.org.uk

Bell Developments 8 Mollington Grange Parkgate road Chester CH1 6NP

Humphreys of Chester 17 - 19 Lower Bridge Street Chester CH1 1RS

01244 851155

peter@humphreysofchester.co.uk Mr Peter Humphreys

mike@belldevelopments.co.uk Mr Mike Bell

Best Spec Ltd 14 Lane Drive Grotton OLDHAM OL4 5QZ 0844 822 8660 spencer.chadderton@ expressworldwide.co.uk Mr Spencer Chadderton

Arriva Buses Wales Imperial Buildings Glan-Y-Mor Road Llandudno Junction Llandudno Junction LL31 9RU

Firewall Investigations Ltd PO Box 194 Mold CH7 9DF

Mr Keith Anglesea

mike@firewallinvestigations.com Mr Mike Naughton

01244 561356

Young at Heart 23 Caughall Road Upton Chester CH2 1LR

Castle Bell News 5-7 Clwyd Street Ruthin LL15 1HF

07855275728

01824 707979

tim.savidge@tiscali.co.uk Mr Tim Savidge

grahamhardings@btconnect.com Mr Graham Hardings

01244 401100

Deva Travel 55 Bridge Street Row Chester CH1 1PP 01244 348822 sarah@devatravel.co.uk Ms Sarah Roberts B2B Contact Marketing Aled House Lakeside Business Village St David’s Park Deeside CH5 3XA 0845 345 0545 stella@b2bcm.co.uk Ms Stella Jones Pinacl Solutions UK Ltd Perseus House Carlton Court St Asaph Business Park St. Asaph LL17 0JG 01745 535300 enquiries@pinaclsolutions.com Mr Steve Tomlinson Pinacl re-listed as a new member due incorrect information in the previous issue

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

33

n MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Learning to Aspire wins award Jane Douglas and Jo Lord, Directors of leadership and personal development consultancy Learning to Inspire were recently presented with the much coveted Gold Award Investors in People accreditation.

Steven is pictured (left) with executive chef Simon Radley

The rise & rise of Steven Worth A chef at The Chester Grosvenor and Spa, who was promoted through seven ranks from commis chef to senior sous chef in just three years, was made ‘Employee of the Year’.

Steven Worth, 24, of Chester, operates The Westminster Suite kitchens preparing wedding breakfasts, working lunches for executives using the boardroom and creating fine dining experiences for hotel regulars.

His meteoric rise through the ranks began when he started work at the five star hotel, with its Michelin-starred ‘Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor’ restaurant, in February 2007.

Investors in People represents the prestigious national benchmark of good practice, setting the standard for organisations to improve their business performance, and the Gold Award is the highest achievement that can be awarded as part of the scheme.

Jo Lord, Director at Learning to Inspire adds: “We are thrilled to receive the Gold award. To secure Investors in People recognition is an achievement in itself, but to then have secured the highest possible level attainable makes us very proud indeed. As we specialise in learning and personal development, the accreditation is particularly pertinent.”

Established in 2000, Learning to Inspire, based in Dodleston, Chester provides a wide range of open and in-house leadership and personal development courses for businesses across Wales and the NW of England.

For more details on Learning to Inspire, and their courses visit www.learningtoinspire.co.uk

Steven has worked his way up from one of the most junior ranks in the kitchen to one of the most senior, making him the most rapidly promoted chef at The Chester Grosvenor and Spa in at least 20 years.

As ‘Employee of the Year’, Steven has won a three night break, for two people, from the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, inclusive of return travel, breakfast and dinner each day.

Steven said: “I was so pleased just to be nominated for, never mind win, ‘Employee of the Year’. I can’t believe it because I’m just doing my job. I’m probably going to take a golfing holiday as my prize and take one of my friends along. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Paul is appointed Chester-based Reckless New Media has appointed Paul Canning to its development team Paul has been working on a number of existing projects since just before the end of 2010. He already has four projects under his belt and is currently developing his fifth.

‘Facilitators Of Peoples Dreams’ l Commercial Mortgages l Business IT / Software Finance l Professional Tax Funding l Asset Finance l Cash Flow Finance

FOR NO OBLIGATION AND FREE ADVICE

T: 01352700033

E: sales@rflcredit.com

www.rflcredit.com