Cheshire Voice 2

voic e

cheshire

Opportunities abound despite difficult economic times 04

09

Chamber News NEW Breakfast Seminars

15

60 seconds

20

Big Interview

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

CHESHIRE VOICE - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE OF ALTRINCHAM & NORTH CHESHIRE CHAMBER CV 02.indd 1

CheshireVoice

1

ISSUE 2013 ISSUE02 01 JANUARY OCTOBER 2012

10/1/13 15:43:17

'*345 .0/5)4

3&/5 '3&& "5 063 $&/53&4 */ "-53*/$)". 0-% 53"''03%

"/% 53"''03% 1"3,

1MVT IPVST GSFF NFFUJOH SPPN VTBHF

'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO QMFBTF DBMM

PS WJTJU XXX CJ[TQBDF DP VL

5FSNT BOE DPOEJUJPOT BQQMZ .FFUJOH SPPNT POMZ BWBJMBCMF BU UIF "MUSJODIBN BOE 0ME 5SBòPSE DFOUSFT 2 CheshireVoice The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

CV 02.indd 2

10/1/13 15:43:29

Pronta

T

voic e

cheshire

Forthcoming events 2013 SOCIAL MEDIA QUESTION & ANSWER EVENING

21 January The Mercure Hotel Sponsored by Smith & Smith PR Members £18 Non members £25 Includes reception drink & buffet 5.45 - 8.00 pm

Cheshire Voice is an Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber publication.

EDITORIAL AND GENERAL ENQUIRIES: anne@altrinchamchamber.co.uk

NEW YEAR LUNCH

8 February Manchester Airport Marriott Hotel Speaker: Graham Brady MP Sponsored by Premium Collections Members £25 Non members £30 Reception 12.00: Lunch 12.30 pm

ATRINCHAM & SALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

1Kingsway, Altrincham WA14 1PN 0161 941 3250 www.altrinchamchamber.co.uk

BREAKFAST SEMINAR

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

Distinctive Publishing, 6th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2385 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

ADVERTISING

Alison Seymour, Distinctive Publishing, 6th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 887 3815 email: alison.seymour@ distinctivepublishing.co.uk

FEATURE EDITORS

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

E-BOOK

www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk/ publications

cheshire

04

09

Chamber News NEW Breakfast Seminars 60 seconds

20

Big Interview

CHESHIRE VOICE - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE OF ALTRINCHAM & NORTH CHESHIRE CHAMBER

I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year and I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas.

It’s amazing how quickly time goes by, particularly as you get older! It really doesn’t seem like two years ago that I took up office as President and yet here we are in the last month of my term of office.

When accepting the role of President I had two targets in mind. Firstly I wanted to raise the profile of the Chamber and by doing so this would automatically be good for our members. Secondly I also wanted to make sure that we had more events in Sale. All in all I think we managed to achieve those aims.

As time passed however, the Altrincham Forward movement really got some momentum going and the Chamber has been hugely instrumental in everything to do with the re-generation of Altrincham and working towards restoring it to its former glories. This work continues apace and I am pleased to inform you that I have been asked to join Jackie Campbell as a main board member of AF as well as becoming the Chair of the AF Finance Committee. So, as my Presidency ends the Chamber and I continue to strive to improve our town and, in turn, will help our members who will be part of a thriving business community in South Manchester.

It has been a privilege to be President but my work is far from done!

A NEW YEAR AND A NEW WEBSITE: Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Software Assistance Limited for giving the website a fresh makeover for 2013

Priority will be given to articles submitted by Chamber members.

This publication is also available as an E-book: www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk/publications

PRESIDENT’S CHAMPAGNE WELCOME EVENING

13 March Piccolino, Hale Sponsored by Adam & Co and Piccolino Members: £18 Non members £25 5.45 – 8.00 pm Prices include VAT unless otherwise stated

Due to popular demand the chamber will be holding a

BUSINESS SHOWCASE

on 15 May at the Cresta Court Hotel Watch out for further details online and in the press!

BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

www.altrinchamchamber.co.uk

In this issue 4-5

Members’ news

7

Members’ news

8

Members’ news

9

Members’ news

10

New members

15

60 Seconds - we fire some questions at Chris Frankland of Frankland Tree Services ltd

16

Masterplan will make Altrincham work

19

Ask the expert - Chris Baguley of Bridging Finance Limited

20

Big Interview - we talk Opportunities with Ian Noke, Branch Manager Handelsbanken

22

Winners and runners up of the business awards

33-34 Members’ Loyalty card offers ISSUE 2013 ISSUE02 01 JANUARY OCTOBER 2012

Prontaprint-(Cheshire-Voice-Advert)-Jan-13.pmd 1

CV 02.indd 3

President’s Welcome

Cheshire Voice welcomes news stories and appointments from local businesses. To feature in the magazine please email a short press release with corresponding photographs to anne@altrinchamchamber.co.uk

Opportunities abound despite difficult economic times 15

President

voic e

DISCLAIMER Distinctive Publishing or Cheshire Voice 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 Cheshire Voice.

TONY COLLIER

7 March Sponsored by Life Centre Events Members: £12 Non members: £20 8.30 - 10.00 am

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber 10/12/2012, 09:33

CheshireVoice

3

10/1/13 15:43:46

MEMBERSNEWS

Neil Myerson LLP moves into Family Law as part of expansion Neil Myerson LLP, in, Altrincham, has announced that Amanda Freeman has been appointed as a Partner and that Jane Tenquist has joined the Firm as Head of Family Law. Amanda joined Neil Myerson LLP from Haworth Holt Bell in January 2011 as Head of Private Client to work with Morag Sanig (Conveyancing) and Virginia Taylor (Wills, Trusts and Probate).

She has many years’ experience of dealing with a wide range of private client matters, including wills and inheritance tax planning, the administration of estates and trusts, powers of attorney and planning for the elderly.

Jane ran her own matrimonial practice at TQ Solicitors before joining Neil Myerson LLP and has significant experience in handling complex financial arrangements and contested children applications following relationship breakdown.

She is also a collaborative lawyer and offers family mediation through the firm‘s new mediation service called Resolute Family Mediation (more information at www.resolutefamilymediation.co.uk) Carl Newton, Managing Partner at Neil Myerson LLP, said: “The promotion of Amanda and the appointment of Jane comes after seeing an increasing demand from existing and new clients for family, wills, estate and inheritance tax planning and conveyancing services.

Pictured left to right – Morag Sanig, Virginia Taylor, Amanda Freeman and Jane Tenquist.

It’s Quizmas!

Milner Boardman supported the recent quiz for local children’s charity, The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, which raised almost £6,500.

“The addition of a family law service means that with our four experienced specialist private client lawyers we can provide individual clients with a complete legal service that covers all their personal needs.”

Author’s book is published A book written by Chamber member Susan Leigh has been published. Dealing with Death, Coping with the Pain, examines how people can handle grief.

The book is the latest stage in Susan’s carer. After working for a blue chip company for many years, she changed the course of her life in 1988 when she trained and studied to be a hypnotherapist and counsellor.

In addition to extensive writing, she has been a regular guest on local BBC radio, an expert on BBC Radio Five Live and a panellist on BBC1’s The Big Question.

Patron Noddy Holder, ex-Slade front man,, turned Quizmaster at a music quiz with a difference at The Cinnamon Club in Bowdon.

4

opportunity to miss and combined the two – and we’re so glad we did, it was an amazing event.”

A total of 28 teams of six took part in the tenround music quiz which had been compiled by Noddy. There followed a set by Motown band, the Manhattans. DJ Neil Bebbo then kept the dancers dancing until it was time for home.

Tony Collier, Managing Director of Milner Boardman, said: “It’s always a pleasure working with the CAFT team on a fund raising project.

They always provide brilliant support and organisational skills for events helping us to maximise the funds raised.

Pippa Watton, Events Fundraiser, said: “We have held a quiz night with Milner Boardman for several years and they were keen to go ahead with one again for 2012. Noddy then came forward and said he would like to put on a music quiz for us so we decided it was too good an

“Our aim with sponsoring and covering the cost of the event was to ensure that every penny raised went directly into the Charity to fund their work.

The evening was a great success and Noddy did a brilliant job. We are proud to have supported the event and helped raised such a large sum.”

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 4

As well as training advanced hypnotherapy techniques to other practitioners, her successful career includes working with individual clients, relationship counselling and running corporate workshops in Cheshire and Manchester.

The book, published by Stellar Books, costs £9.99 (ISBN: 9780956508928) Susan can be contacted on 0161 928 7880 or via www.lifestyletherapy.net

Susan Leigh

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 15:43:51

Trafford Apprenticeship Scheme Invests in the Skills of Tomorrow

MEMBERSNEWS

Trafford College and Trafford Council, along with key partners, have launched a unique Apprenticeship programme as part of a £32 million regeneration strategy for Trafford.

Fourteen new Apprenticeships have been developed with scope for many more and will combine theoretical study with practical work experience in a range of roles including Project Management, Gas, Plumbing and Electrical.

Some of the new recruits will even have the opportunity to work on the College’s new Science and Technology centre in Stretford, which is due to open September 2013.

Sir Bill Moorcroft, Principal of Trafford College, commented, “Trafford College is delighted to be involved in what is an incredibly exciting project, bringing employment opportunities to the borough and providing businesses with new talent and skills. We need to invest in the professionals of tomorrow and ensure that they are meeting the future skills needs of the industry.”

Visit www.trafford.ac.uk or call 0161 886 7070 for more information.

Trafford College Principal, Sir Bill Moorcroft signs Apprenticeship contract with partners

New Year, New You? Time for New Year Resolutions?

This year there is an alternative to joining the gym.

Volunteering is a great way to add strings to your bow, make a difference and feel good –without the lycra!

Trafford Housing Trust have developed a new business volunteering programme to build the links between businesses and communities.

We are working to inject professional skills, knowledge and entrepreneurship into community organisations through innovative business volunteering opportunities.

(L – R) Emma Johnson, owner of Perfection Salon in Hale, Naomi Timperley, Director of Enterprise Lab and Social Media Boom, Sue Weighell, owner of Delta Solutions, Jacqueline Hughes-Lundy, owner of Olivia Henry Associates and Tracey Minogue, Director of Innovation Lab

Celebrating Women into Enterprise

The programme offers the opportunity to develop new skills and contacts through business mentoring, skill sharing and community projects. This input will deliver real change in communities and for businesses which rely on reputation the return can be invaluable.

On Tuesday 20 November, Trafford College hosted the ‘Women into Enterprise’ event in partnership with Enterprise Lab, a unique event for aspiring entrepreneurs to discover more about the array of support networks and expertise available, as well as being inspired by other women in business.

In 2013 we are looking for local businesses to get involved and reap the benefits. If you would like to learn more please contact our Business Engagement Officer Aine Graven, on 07834 517 395 or via email aine.graven@ traffordhousingtrust.co.uk.

Some of the region’s most successful businesswomen shared their knowledge and experiences with students and local businesswomen about the essentials of business start-up including Q&A, ‘open mic’ sessions and top tips about how to succeed in business. Inspirational speakers included Enterprise Lab Co-Founder, Naomi Timperley,

and Specsavers Everywoman Entrepreneur of the Year, Geraldine Hurd who shared their experiences with a 40 strong audience. In addition, an expert panel hosted discussions about best business practice.

Naomi Timperley commented “It’s a pleasure for us to be working with such a forward thinking college and to be encouraging young people to think about enterprise and their future employability” Visit www.trafford.ac.uk or call 0161 886 7070 for more information.

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

CV 02.indd 5

CheshireVoice

5

10/1/13 15:44:00

ADVERTORIAL

Is 2013 going to be a year of ‘employer confidence’?

‘Employer confidence’ has been a much used phrase in recent years, as the Coalition Government has sort to simplify employment regulation in an attempt to encourage businesses to create new jobs and thus stimulate the economy.

The conventional wisdom has been that fear of the regulatory burden of employing people has affected ‘employer confidence’.

In pursuit of a more flexible employment regime, what can we expect to see in 2013?

Here, very briefly, are 10 changes that those owning or managing SME organisations will need to know about.

1. Any employee engaged during the current tax year now has to accrue two years service before they qualify to make a claim at an Employment Tribunal for unfair dismissal.

This change (the qualifying period used to be 12 months) gives employers more flexibility to terminate an employment relationship without having to use complex procedures – although care should always be taken because it’s not entirely risk free.

2. Parents have the right to ‘Parental Leave’ during the first 5 years of a child’s life. From March the maximum time allowed will increase from 13 to 18 weeks. Parents are only allowed up to 4 weeks per year, and because this is unpaid leave, few people take advantage of it.

3. For those working with children or vulnerable adults (nurseries, care homes etc.) or in certain professional sectors such as financial services, ‘Criminal Record Bureau’ (CRB) checks will become ‘portable’ from March 2013. A new employee will be able to bring their previous certificate, and it can be checked ‘on line’ for updates.

4. The consultation requirements for large scale (20 or more) redundancies are being reduced.

5. Despite little support for the idea, new proposals will allow employers to offer up to £50k of CGT free company shares in exchange for the employee foregoing employment rights, including the right to claim an unfair dismissal.

6. There will be the usual annual increases in various statutory payments. Most notably a week’s pay for redundancy pay purposes will rise to a maximum of £450 on 1st February, and SSP and SMP (Statutory Maternity Pay) will go up to £86.70 and £136.78, respectively on the 6th and 7th April.

7. We expect to see compromise agreements become ‘settlement agreements’ which an employer can offer to an employee without fear of disclosure in an unfair dismissal claim.

Employers will be able to offer a standard agreement, use template letters and there may even be a suggested tariff of payments. It is unlikely that legal advice will be necessary, and it is hoped that this initiative speeds up the process of ending an employment relationship where things are not working out.

8. As from April 6th, all PAYE payment will have to be reported ‘on line’ and in ‘real time’ rather than at the end of the year.

9. The HSE will be exempting hundreds of thousands of businesses from regular inspections unless they have previous incidents or operate in high risk environments.

10. And finally, during 2013 we will see legislation, but not implementation, of new regulations which will widen the right to ask for flexible working arrangements, and allow parents more flexibility in how they share ‘maternity leave’.

This article has focussed on the new employment related regulations that are most likely to impact on the SME sector. There are many other regulations in a busy parliamentary schedule.

Here’s hoping that, despite the fact that the UK already has one of the most deregulated employment markets of any OECD country, further flexibility will have the desired effect on ‘employer confidence’, and in turn have a wider impact on the economy.

Ken Allison is a presenter and advisor on employment law related people issues. His popular ‘You’re fired’ presentations have been heard by executives from more than 500 SME Companies in the last 3 years. Ken works for Altrincham based HR consultancy Paradigm Partners, whose services include telephone support for clients without ‘in house’ HR provision.

Ken Allison | 0161 928 3213 | www.paradigmpartners.co.uk | Paradigm Partners Carlton Place | 22-32 Greenwood Street | Altrincham | Cheshire | WA14 1RZ

6

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 6

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 15:44:05

NEWS

New leisure manager at Mottram Paul Blain has been appointed as the new Mottram Club manager at De Vere Mottram Hall, in Cheshire.

Paul has spent the past three years as general manager at DW Sports Fitness in their Oldham and Tunstall sites, looking after all areas of the business and delivering excellent standards to members.

Caption Tony Collier and Joanne Cooper

Milner Boardman appoints new Associate Director Milner Boardman Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisers has announced the appointment of Joanne Cooper as Associate Director – Head of Corporate Tax. Tony Collier, Managing Director, said: “It’s great to have Joanne back as she originally qualified as a Chartered Tax Adviser with Milner Boardman before moving to Champion for five years and gaining valuable experience of high level tax planning.

“She will be a great addition to our team ensuring that our clients continue to pay as little tax as legitimately possible and at the same time playing a key role in driving the practice forward.”

Accountants make tax app-ealing Milner Boardman Limited has become one of a limited number of accountants and tax advisers in the UK to produce a mobile phone App. The App is free and provides users with UK tax rate information as well as key dates and deadlines.

It is easy to use and written in a language that is easy to understand. Users simply go to their App store, search for Milner Boardman and download the free App. Tony Collier, Managing Partner, said: “Milner Boardman does not believe in standing still, we are a proactive firm and realise that half of the UK population owns a smartphone. We know what our clients want and that’s FREE information at their fingertips.”

He began his career in the fitness and leisure industry after studying sports science and business at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Alsager campus.

Paul’s wealth of fitness experience is backed up with two years’ events and hospitality management with International Management Group where he was responsible for delivering hospitality at Wembley Stadium’s Club Wembley. He later worked as operations manager on events including The London Triathlon and Etape Caledonia amongst others.

Managing director James Stewart said: “Paul is a highly driven and passionate club manager who aims to deliver high standards across the board. He takes great pride in developing team members and giving them all the tools to do their job to the highest standards whilst ensuring they are target driven and focused on the task at hand.”

Paul, who lives in Wilmslow, said: “I’m delighted to be part of the team at Mottram and I‘m very lucky to be taking over a brand new club that offers members and customers the best technology available on the market to date.

“My role will be about ensuring Mottram Club not only maintains fantastic standards in its facilities but that members and customers feel welcome and want to return time and time again.”

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

CV 02.indd 7

CheshireVoice

7

10/1/13 15:44:10

MEMBERSNEWS

New Training company expands to meet demand recruits join team at Databroker Paragon, a leading provider of Apprenticeship training, has further expanded its training facility in Sale, with the opening of a 2,400 sq ft facility.

The facility at 4 Brooklands Place, Brooklands Road, caters for more than 250 learners and offers training facilities with interview rooms and an interactive learning zone.

It is also a support centre for the range of work-based courses offered by Paragon in vocations including retail, business administration, hospitality, health & social care, childcare, customer service, team leading and management.

Nick McHugh, Business Development Manager for Services, said: “Following on from our success with our childcare programmes we are excited to be able to expand into other areas of learning like we have done in the south.”

opportunity for young people to gain qualifications and confidently enter the job market with the necessary work experience skills and academic qualifications required by many leading employers. Employers we are currently working with have welcomed the expansion, offering them the opportunity to develop their staff further through real skills training.”

For further information, please call 0800 7832545 or visit, www.paragonskills.co.uk

Altrincham company Databroker has announced two new recruits to its team.

Dale Jago and Keiran Hart have joined the business, which helps companies to improve their direct marketing campaigns and achieve more sales, through guided data acquisition and consultancy.

In addition, Databroker offer exclusive rates to Chamber members.

For more details contact Gareth Perry on 0161 941 5700 or gareth.perry@data-broker.co.uk

Helen Cox, Childcare Operations Manager for Manchester, said: “This is a fantastic

Two anniversaries for accountants Choosing an accountant for your financial requirements is one of the most important business decisions you will make.

Working with the best professional adviser can provide you with a sound business partner, guiding you along your journey and assisting in the development of you and your company – an accountant suited to you will result in informed decision-making, strategic financial planning and assistance with the day-to-day running of your business.

Harold Sharp is a firm of chartered accountants and business advisers who understand that you need to have complete faith in your accountant.

The culture at Harold Sharp is highly influenced by its heritage and history, coupled with a modern and dynamic outlook. The five partners take great pride in their hands-on and practical approach focused on individual client care and attention. As a result, Harold Sharp are proud to enjoy long-standing business relationships with a large number of loyal clients, many of which are family-owned small to medium sized businesses.

2012 saw Harold Sharp as a practice celebrate two great milestones with 60th and 30th year anniversaries.

The firm’s 60th anniversary dates to 1952; Harold Sharp was in partnership with Edward Ainsworth and in 1952, they divided the practice and each took their own clients to continue individually. Harold Sharp introduced his son Thomas Sharp to the business and together they set up the Harold Sharp accountancy practice you see today.

The history of the firm has been a major influential factor on the development over the 8

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 8

past 60 years and Harold Sharp is proud to say that Thomas is still a part of the practice, with his daughter, Heather Cunningham, being one of the five partners.

Whilst the firm appreciates the value of its heritage it also takes great strength from an established local presence. Over the past 30 years a vast majority of the development of the firm and its clients have come from nearby areas. In 1982, Harold Sharp Son & Gresty (as it was known at the time), moved from Manchester city centre to open an office at Holland House, Oakfield, Sale. This location has been an important element in the growth of the firm, giving the practice much more flexibility and capacity to grow; initially occupying Holland House only, Harold Sharp now occupies four buildings on this site.

When Harold Sharp began the firm, mental arithmetic and a typewriter were the norm, if we look around now, smart phones and tablets are their replacements, with hi-tech systems to carry out book-keeping and accounts. In keeping with technological advancement, Harold Sharp are re-launching their website.

The future is all about communication and this accountancy practice recognises the need to engage. To have a look at Harold Sharp’s fresh new image, go to www.haroldsharp.co.uk.

You can also connect with them on Twitter (@Harold_Sharp), LinkedIn and follow their monthly blog.

key elements of the firm have remained. Harold Sharp has now grown to five partners, two consultants (Thomas Sharp and Peter Gresty), an associate and forty pro-active staff, with clients ranging from sole traders to multi-million pound corporates/PLCs. We have recently undertaken strategic assignments for JMW Solicitors and work hand in hand with wellknown Northwest brands such as Quality Save and Leonard Curtis as their trusted advisors, and have done so for over 10 years.

Appreciating where the firm has come from coupled with a contemporary approach to providing outstanding service and communication is what Harold Sharp are about.

Applying traditional theories of accounting using modern methods of communicating makes Harold Sharp one accountancy practice that will not get left behind.

Over the past 60 years, the practice has changed and developed immensely, yet the

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 15:44:12

NEWS

Paul reaches the top of Ingleborough/Wernside

Insure Risk boss conquers the heights Paul Denny, Director of Cheshire-based insurance broker Insure Risk, braved Yorkshire’s famous Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The twenty-six mile trek in the Yorkshire Dales was completed by Paul and rest of the group in just over 12 hours.

The hikers, including Paul, a few other brokers and a number of staff from LV Insurance, set off in the early hours to complete the challenge.

Paul said: “Tackling the bogs was a challenge in itself; at one point a member of the LV team slipped waist-deep into one, only to have the body of a dead sheep pop-up next to him.”

The boggy terrain meant that the group had to reroute the final part of the walk which added to the overall distance travelled.

Paul’s Three Peak challenge has so far raised nearly £1000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity that played a pivotal role in nursing his father-in-law through the final stages of his life.

Paul said: “When LV Insurance first asked me to take part in this challenge, I knew it was going to be difficult, but I honestly never imagined that it would be the toughest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life. The aim of the challenge was to raise as much as we could for our individual charities, so it’s incredibly rewarding and I’m truly delighted to have raised so much money for such a good cause.”

“I believe that it’s the job of Insure Risk and other local businesses to do our bit to support charities that are close to our hearts. We see it as part of our corporate social responsibility.”

Amy said: “We really enjoy working with local businesses like Insure Risk Ltd so we can continue to help local people affected by cancer.”

“When LV Insurance first asked me to take part in this challenge, I knew it was going to be difficult, but I honestly never imagined that it would be the toughest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life. The aim of the challenge was to raise as much as we could for our individual charities, so it’s incredibly rewarding and I’m truly delighted to have raised so much money for such a good cause.”

No weather problems for fundraisers Teams from firms across Cheshire and Manchester braved wet and windy conditions to attend a charity quiz hosted by Berrys in aid of the North West Air Ambulance.

Held at the Cresta Court hotel, the charity quiz raised more than £300. These funds add to a total of over £3,000 raised by Berrys since the company appointed the Air Ambulance as its registered charity in April.

With each of the company’s four offices supporting its regional Air Ambulance branch, fundraising activities include a skydive, a sponsored hill walk and competitions.

Gillian Edwards, representative of the charity, spoke at the event and highlighted the need for such fundraising activities.

She said: “‘A fact which is quite shocking to people is that we receive no government or Lottery funding, and depend on the kindness of fundraisers. This is why events like these are so important.“

Paul presented Amy Lewis, Fundraising Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, with a cheque for £993.75 att Insure Risks’ offices.

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

CV 02.indd 9

CheshireVoice

9

10/1/13 15:44:17

NEWMEMBERS

We welcome

New Members Clayton HR Ltd

JDS Fuel

Nutrition SOS

Rebecca Clayton T: 07881 717074 E: rebecca.clayton@claytonhr.com W:www.claytonhr.com

John Smith T: 0161 718 0354 E: john.smith84@sky.com W: www.greenfootglobal.com/JDSfuel

Sian Dixon T: 07791 599449 E: sian.dixon@nutritionsos.co.uk W: www.nutritionsos.co.uk

Human Resources Consultancy

Independent Distributor

Nutrionist

Bowdon RUFC

Kitson Architecture

Paragon Skills

Vicky Perrett T: 0161 980 8321 E:vicky.perrett@tiscali.co.uk W:www.bowdonrufc.com

Ellen Kitson T: 0161 929 0161 E: ellen@kitsonarchitecture.co.uk W: www.kitsonarchitecture.co.uk/

Nick McHugh Tel:07815 759866 E:nick.mchugh@pgon.co.uk W:www.paragonskills.co.uk

Sports Club & Function Rooms

Architects

Training

Citybranch Ltd

Leeds Building Society

Adam Gross T:0161 929 8000 E:adamgross@citybranch.co.uk Property Developer

Ian Clarke Funeral Services Ian Clarke T:0161 962 4141 E:enquiries@ianclarkefunerals.co.uk Funeral Director

DeVere Mottram Hall Emma Murray T:07827 083873 E:emma.murray@devere.co.uk W:www.devere.co.uk Hotel

Hibbert Homes Ltd Adrian Hibbert T: 0161 929 6922 E:adrian@hibberthomes.com W:www.hibberthomes.com

PJ Livesey Group

Brian Lander T: 0161 973 0093 E: blander@leedsbuildingsociety.co.uk W: www.leedsbuildingsociety.co.uk

Craig Lynch T:0161 873 7878 E:craig.lynch@pjlivesey.co.uk W:www.pjlivesey-group.co.uk

Building Society

Property Developer

Life Centre Events

Selbourne Group Ltd

Sean Sankey T:0161 850 0770 E:sean@lifecentremcr.com W:www.lifecentremcr.com

Michael De Massey T:0161 941 5000 E:michael@selbournegroup.com W:www.selbournegroup.com

Charity

Property Management & Development

McHale & Co Solicitors

Yogberries Ltd

Annemarie Smith T:0161 928 3848 E:annemarie.smith@mchaleandco.co.uk W:www.mchaleandco.co.uk

Sarah Bradley T:07791 246499 E:yogberries@gmail.com W:www.yogberries.co.uk

Solicitors

Frozen Yogurt Chain

Minuteman Press Ed Sharp T:0161 928 8826 E:alt@minutemanpress.ccom W:www.120manchester.minutemanpress.co.uk

Estate Agents

Printers

Please endeavour to keep the Chamber office up to date with your contact details.

You could be missing out on important events and networking opportunities.

Contact: anne@altrinchamchamber.co.uk

Not yet a Chamber member?

Join today

“Possibly the best investment you can make in 2013” Tel: 0161 941 3250 or email paul@altrinchamchamber.co.uk

New Breakfast Seminars Join the chamber for our new Breakfast Seminars from 8.30 am to 10.00 am.

Breakfast with a difference – each event will have a new topic and will be presented by members who have requested to sponsor the breakfast.

Members: £12 Non-members: £20 For further details visit http://www.altrinchamchamber.co.uk/ To reserve your place contact the chamber office on 0161 941 3250 or email anne@altrinchamchamber.co.uk The first Breakfast Seminar will be sponsored by Life Centre Events on 7 March at the Life Centre, 235 Washway Road, Sale M33 4BP

10

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 10

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 15:44:29

the theperfect fit perfect fit

FoxWhitfield specialises in all aspects of employment law. We provide practical employment law solutions for employees and all sizes of employers in the North West and nationally.

With over thirty years combined

With overexperience thirty years recruiting combinedfor Manchester’s leading organisations we find the perfect experience recruiting for Manchester’s person for the leading organisations wejob. findTemporary the perfectand person for the job. Temporary and permanent. permanent.

t Employment Tribunal Representation

recruitment as it should be

t Claims negotiation

recruitment as it should be

Contact us to discuss our fixed and capped price arrangements

17 Market Street

17 Market Street Altrincham Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1QS Cheshire WA14 1QS T: 0161 929 6665 T: 0161 929 6665

We take the uncertainty out of legal costs

www.alexanderhancock.co.uk www.alexanderhancock.co.uk

Adamson House, Towers Business Park, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2YY Tel: 0161 283 1276 www.foxwhitfield.com

t Drafting and negotiating compromise agreements t Drafting and advising on Employment Contracts, Service Agreements and Handbooks t Independent mediation of employment disputes t Managing sickness absence and disciplinary and grievance procedures

Fox Fox Whitfield Whitfield isis authorised authorised and and regulated regulated by by the the Solicitors Solicitors Regulation Regulation Authority Authority its its principal principal isis Paul Paul Whitfield Whitfield -- Roll Roll number: number: 279343 279343

Specialist VAT Support for Professional Advisors and Business

Our professional services and business clients benefit from a breadth of expertise only usually available from a ‘top four’ firm, to help reduce VAT bills to the absolute legal minimum.

• SAVE the loss of irrecoverable VAT • MANAGE VAT correctly • REMOVE VAT accounting headaches • PROTECT against HMRC penalties • ARRANGE ‘Time to Pay’ Agreements Talk to us NOW for friendly, practical, personalised VAT support.

Contact us: Tel: 0161 283 7949 Email: enquiries@bvc-vat.com www.bvc-vat.com

Andrew Rimmer Managing Director

‘[Visiting the Eastern Bypass] really made me feel like I was part of such a big thing being in Loreto.’Ͳ Year 12 Student

Loreto Grammar School is proud to be part of an international network of over 70 Loreto schools and colleges in which we play a full role.

Loreto has a distinct identity and going to somewhere like Kolkata and seeing the familiar crest helps our students recognise the widespread influence of the community they belong to.

The legacy of which our students are a part helps them to recognise their duty and power in making a difference to the world. Seeing the projects of the India schools Ͳ the Rainbow schools, helps the students see that Loreto is more than just a name, it is a movement that can make changes, and they are part of it.

On the one hand, visiting Kolkata can be overwhelming, seeing the vastness of the reality of poverty but it is at the same time empowering when we see the impact of our presence in the life of a child for two short weeks. Without a commitment to being a network, that would not be possible.

In July 30 Sixth Form students and 5 staff will go to Kolkata to work with the children in our sister school, Sealdah, Entally and Bowbazar. They have set themselves the target of raising £13,000 as a gift donation to the schools . The current total stands at £4,000 after numerous fundͲraising activities and generous donations at the school Carol Services. For further details contact the school – www.loretogrammar.co.uk

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

CV 02.indd 11

CheshireVoice

11

10/1/13 15:46:16

0845 1304207

info@insure-risk.com

We’re working for you l l

Local business/community broker Independent Insurance advisor

Contact us for.... l l l

Quick response Tailored solutions Practical advice

We could save you £££’s

Accountancy & Bookkeeping

Providing accountancy and bookkeeping services throughout Altrincham

Business Stationery ....................................

Flyers ............

Graphic Design .............................

Brochures ...................

Signage & Banners ...................................

And Much More ................................

We would also like to wish continued success to our local Chamber of Commerce

Tel: 0161 929 8563 Fax: 0161 929 1569 Email: ijp48@hotmail.co.uk 34 Victoria Street Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1ET

12

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 12

Jordan

Pickup

0161 928 8826 Alt rincham

www.120manchester.minutemanpress.co.uk .................................................................................... altrincham@minutemanpress.com ...................................................................

120 Manchester Rd, Altrincham WA14 4PY (Next to The Navigation pub) .....................................................................................

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 15:47:40

MEMBERSNEWS

Traders Outlet play host to Chamber members Members of Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce enjoyed an evening of networking accompanied by a ‘spot of shopping’ at the Traders Outlet on The Downs in Altrincham.

L-R: Paul Mirage, Sarah Farmer, Nicola Moore, Anne Jardine, Richard McConnell

Following the Christmas lights switch on in Altrincham around 30 traders were clearly in the festive mood displaying an incredible range of products. The Outlet offers an eclectic mix of goods, ranging from furniture and fashion to jewellery, beauty, art and photography. Chamber members enjoyed mulled wine and delicious canapés served in the café situated to the rear of

the Outlet. The Chamber of Commerce provides a whole range of networking opportunities throughout the year. If you are in business locally and not yet a member, do get in touch. www.altrinchamchamber.co.uk One of the traders from Jacs Dress for Less, Sarah Farmer welcomed the Chamber

members, “We are so proud of what we have achieved for Altrincham and would really just like to invite you all to pay us a visit. The Outlet boasts such a range of businesses from bijou to bikes. It is a lovely environment in which to spend time shopping and a bit of a ‘hidden gem’ for the town. Please come along and visit us and see for yourself.”

The Personal Service For many businesses the credit crunch has been an economic disaster, and indeed for many, it is still a critical issue. However - statistics suggest that during economic downturns there is a rise in start-up and innovative businesses.

With over 20 years of creative and development experience, PayMonthlyWebsites.com have designed a process that provides business grade CMS and e-Commerce websites through an affordable ‘pay monthly’ model, with a 100% Manchester based team.

Contrary to the trend towards automated website builders, we found that customer satisfaction resides in providing a one-toone, personalised service, working in close conjunction with every client to ensure that their website meets and exceeds their expectations.

With an excellent reputation as a value for money, customer focused business, we have over 1000 websites under our belt, and can provide a high-quality website in just a few days for as little as £29.99 per month.

Pay Monthly Websites [info@paymonthlywebsites.com]

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

CV 02.indd 13

CheshireVoice

13

10/1/13 15:47:54

Don’t allow long-standing debts to adversely affect your business

Churchward Logistics Limited

For all your credit management requirements Premium Collections Limited have the solution. Operating on a national and international basis we can tailor a package of services to meet your requirements. Staffed by dedicated professionals with over 50 years combined experience of handling virtually every type of debt issue.

DEBT COLLECTION

STATUS REPORTING

ABSCONDER TRACING

VEHICLE REPOSSESSIONS

For a detailed discussion on how we can help your business or for a quotation for any of our services please do not hesitate to contact: Paul Daine, Managing Director

Telephone: 0161 929 3955 Second Floor, 4 Kingsway Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1PJ U.K. Fax: 0161 929 3956 Email: marketing@premiumcollections.co.uk Website: www.premiumcollections.co.uk

We offer Same day couriers ✓ Parcel delivery ✓ Overnight Parcels ✓ Delivery & collection services ✓ Parcel tracking ✓ Satellite tracking on vehicles ✓

Telephone 0845 1304332 Clive.churchward@gmail.com

Unit 52 Atlantic Business Centre Atlantic Street, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 5NQ

Sale Golf Club Situated close to Junction 6 of the M60 with extensive on-site parking Sale Golf Club offers a choice of rooms for meetings, seated dining or catered buffets. The Clubhouse which was formerly the Lodge of Sale Old Hall is an ideal venue for Family Celebrations, Christenings, Wakes, Meetings and Private Dining.

The Main Lounge - can comfortably accommodate 50 for a sit down meal or 75 for a catered buffet each allowing space for ‘entertainment’ or dancing.

The Dining Room can accommodate up to 40 for a sit down meal or for a business meeting / seminar / workshop etc.

The Upstairs Lounge is also available for a wide range of meetings : Company, Society, Networking Groups etc.

Catering services, including a fully licensed bar are available every day. Menus can be planned to suit almost any occasion ranging from a seated Wedding Breakfast to Bar Snacks to accompany a business workshop. Our experienced Bar Manager and Catering Team will strive to ensure that your business meeting and special events are a success.

0161 973 1638 mail@salegolfclub.com www.salegolfclub.com

14

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 14

Sale Golf Club, Sale Lodge, Golf Road, Sale, M33 2XU

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 15:48:06

60Seconds

The PR People 1 St. James Drive, Sale M33 7QX telephone: 0161 976 2729 e-mail: graham@pr-people.uk.com web: www.pr-people.uk.com

That’s what gets you noticed.

We write… so you don’t have to.

From news releases to media campaigns, from newsletters to brochures, from adverts to websites.

If you want people to see you differently The PR People will tell your story … the right way.

Name: Chris Frankland

HAVE WE GOT YOUR ATTENTION?

Company Name: Frankland Tree Services ltd Website: wwwftstrees.co.uk

Best Western Cresta Court Hotel achieves accessibility awards The Best Western Cresta Court in Altrincham, south Manchester has secured two National Accessible Scheme (NAS) awards as Hotel management have undertaken a long term plan to make the Hotel more accessible for mobility, visual or hearing impaired guests and conference delegates.

The National Accessible Scheme is a nationally recognised rating for accessible accommodation. The Hotel has been rated suitable for older and less mobile guests, part-time wheelchair users and hearing impaired and deaf people, which assures guests the Hotel is suitable for meeting their needs.

“We are delighted to have secured these important awards” commented hotel general manager Paul Hindley “But this is just the start of a long term plan to make the BEST WESTERN Cresta Court much more accessible and we will continue to work with Visit England to ensure that all guests, whether they are using the Hotel for a conference, overnight stay or just for a drink in the bar, and importantly regardless of any disability, can enjoy using the Hotel and will want to return.”

Ross Calladine, VisitEngland’s Skills, Welcome and Accessibility Manager, commented: “Many travellers with access needs struggle to find suitable places to stay; the National Accessible Scheme helps these people to make an informed choice. Over £2 billion is spent in England by disabled visitors and their companions each year, and these nationally-recognised ratings will open up the BEST WESTERN Cresta Court to a wider range of potential visitors. Congratulations to the team at Cresta Court for this achievement.”

Q

In five words or less, what do you do?

A

Trees and local timber products

Q

How long have you been a Chamber member?

A

Since June 2009.

Q

Why did you join?

A

To be part of the local business community.

Q

What services do you use?

A

Networking and Showcase Events.

Q

What’s the best business/benefit you have won through the Chamber?

A

Showcasing our business and finding the services we need from local members such as printing and website design.

Q

Are there any additional services or information you’d be particularly interested in?

A

More involvement from our local council at events.

Q

If you were telling another business person about the Chamber, what’s the first thing you would say?

A

Try it, it is a worthwhile investment of time and resources.

Q

Where do you read your copy of this magazine?

A

In the office.

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

CV 02.indd 15

CheshireVoice

15

10/1/13 15:48:07

MEMBERSNEWS

L-R: Mayor’s Consort, Cllr Michael Young; Tony Collier (President); Mayor, Cllr Patricia Young; Theresa Grant; Tracey Collier

The Chamber welcomes new members L-R: Michael De Massey, Roy Hanson, Emma Murray, Tony Collier, Ellen Kitson, Mark Kitson, John Smith and Ed Sharp

Masterplan will make Altrincham work “Altrincham is not just for Christmas.”

It’s the “test-bed” for a revitalisation programme to bring permanent life back into the town – says the Chief Executive of Trafford Council, Theresa Grant.

“We have identified actions that need to be addressed - some ambitious but all achievable – because we have to make Altrincham work,” she told the chamber’s Christmas lunch sponsored by Milner Boardman and hosted at The Mere, Knutsford.

Trafford, she said, is already nationally recognised as a resilient business location and the fifth most likely borough to survive the recession.

And the council’s vision and commitment, backed by major investment, is leading the revitalisation of Altrincham as part of a revival plan for the borough’s town centres.

Theresa explained: “It’s a vision of a town to be proud of - with distinct individuality and the market at its heart.

“There have been negative stories, and there’s no doubt we needed to re-think our town centres, but 2012 has been a key year and Altrincham has come out very well indeed - mostly because of the work done to attract huge investment.”

16

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 16

The library - a community hub that draws 11,000 visitors a month – will be strategically used to attract people into a ‘transformed’ market quarter.

The sport and education elements of the Altair site, a new boutique hotel, residential and retail developments, the interchange, and the new hospital, which will be handed over in 2014, will all compliment and add huge value to the town’s future.

A private sector and business-led board of specialist advisors is helping the council to fulfil Altrincham’s potential as a ‘masterplan’ takes shape that will re-focus the local economy, culture, branding, marketing and communications to create a vibrant new town with a tangible difference.

A dynamic group of people, using a combination of all Trafford Council’s external resources to encourage people into a more pedestrian-friendly Altrincham, will produce a “master plan” said Theresa.

“Altrincham is a test bed, a bit of a guinea pig, to see what works and how we can bring about the transformation. So we need to get it right.

“Trafford Council is providing an environment for businesses to thrive and grow. We have

invested quite heavily and will continue to do so in order to make it work bigger and better.

“The chamber plays an important role as a voice for business in Trafford and is at the heart of the borough’s success. We are committed to working with your businesses to achieve prosperity but we can’t do all this on our own.

We need you working with us.”

The chamber, said president Tony Collier, is “a very active partner in the regeneration of Altrincham” and he paid tribute to Jackie Campbell’s work with the Altrincham Forward initiative – a single unique partnership that brings the town’s key stakeholders together to drive change forward.

The Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Mrs Patricia Young, a guest at the Christmas Lunch, thanked the chamber for its fundraising raffle which supported her charities - The Christie’s new young oncology department and Genie Networks for the profoundly deaf.

The Christmas lunch was sponsored

by Broadheath-based Milner Boardman accountants, business advisers and tax planners who help clients to grow their profits and pay as little tax as possible from small businesses right through to multi million pound organisations.

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 15:48:28

ry t.

0 ll 089 0 anrtya ry te.n t.

Cll a l 897 970nte ta emn n CaCa5l4675166798i3mpleimmengneamgeeme 423 935 pml li na ag 2031 134 mco mp ham an 010162roucror colethaltmth m rouy u ewa al rfoy yo two e fo foreidtoe to w igdu de gu gui

Don’t Don’t let let the the paint paint dry dry on on this this year’s year’s ISA ISA allowance... allowance...

CC reating the financial future you want requires vision, planning and skilful execution. Faced with an uncertain C

reating the financial future you want requires vision, planning and skilful execution. Faced with an uncertain reating the financial future you want requires vision, planning and skilful execution. Faced with an uncertain investment landscape, the challenge is to keep your focus on the bigger picture. At St. James’s Place Wealth investmentlandscape, landscape,thethechallenge challengeis istotokeep keepyour yourfocus focusononthethebigger biggerpicture. picture.

James’sPlace Place Wealth investment AtAtSt.St.James’s Wealth Management we take the time to define your individual needs and ensure that your ISA portfolio matches the Managementwewetake takethethetime timetotodefine defineyour yourindividual individualneeds needsand andensure ensurethat thatyour yourISAISAportfolio portfoliomatches matchesthethe Management plan. It’s the detail that counts. plan. detail that counts. plan.

It’sIt’s thethe detail that counts.

Don’t miss this year’s ISA opportunity. Invest by 5th April.

Don’t miss this year’s ISA opportunity.

Invest 5th April.

Don’t miss this year’s ISA opportunity.

Invest byby 5th April.

The value of ISA with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may The value ISA with James’s Place will directly linked performance funds selected and may The value of of ISA with St.St. James’s Place will bebe directly linked toto thethe performance of of thethe funds selected and may fall as well as rise.You may get back less than the amount invested. The favourable tax treatment of ISAs may be well rise.

You may back less than amount invested.

The favourable treatment ISAs may fallfall as as well as as rise.

You may getget back less than thethe amount invested.

The favourable taxtax treatment of of ISAs may bebe subject to changes in legislation in the future. For further information, contact: subject changes legislation future. further information, contact: subject toto changes in in legislation in in thethe future.

ForFor further information, contact:

ROBINSON MICHAELASSOCIATES EDWARDS

Partner Practice of St. James’sEDWARDS Place Wealth Management MICHAEL EDWARDS MICHAEL Partner 22a Victoria Road, Hale, WA15 9AD Partner Partner

Tel:0161 01285 Tel: 931878650 9370 Tel: 01285 878650 Tel: 01285 878650 Email: nick.robinson@sjpp.co.uk Email: michael.edwards@sjpp.co.uk Email: michael.edwards@sjpp.co.uk Email: michael.edwards@sjpp.co.uk Web: Web:www.sjpp.co.uk/robinsonassociates www.michealedwards.co.uk Web: www.michealedwards.co.uk Web: www.michealedwards.co.uk

PARTNERS IN MANAGING YOUR WEALTH PA RT N ERIN S I NMANAGING MA N AGI N YOUR G YO U WEALTH R WEALTH PARTNERS

The Partner represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority) for the The Partner represents St. James’s Place Wealth Management (which is authorised by the Financial Services Authority) The Partner represents onlyonly James’s Place Wealth Management plcplc (which is authorised andand regulated theset Financial Services Authority) for for thethe purpose of advising solely onSt.the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details ofregulated whichbyare out on the Group’s website www.sjp. purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp. purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp. co.uk/products. The `St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the title `Partner’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. co.uk/products.

James’s Place Partnership’ `Partner’ marketing terms to describe James’s Place representatives. co.uk/products.

TheThe `St.`St. James’s Place Partnership’ andand thethe titletitle `Partner’ areare marketing terms usedused to describe St.St. James’s Place representatives.

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber CheshireVoice CV 02.indd 17

17

10/1/13 16:19:21

atkins

building solutions

ip! h s e c i t n e r p p n A e of 16. a h t i w n r a e ul o er the ag y e l i r a ny o n e o v h fo s e w world m m n ra prog to the real Ear g in in t in u a o tr t e d g e chance to re work base ! you th ships a a salary too Apprentice people like rn a g e n l u il o y w s u u o mbitio ool, and y They give a leaving sch r e ft a r e re ca and start a

in Offices nowe! l Derby & Sa

able: ships avail Apprentice ministration Business Ad

Childcare ervice Customer S cial care Health & So

18

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 18

Hospitality Manageme

nt

Retail Team Leadin

545 0800 783 2 E N O H P E E FR .co.uk uiries@pgon EMAIL enq co.uk aragonskills.

WEB www.p

g

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 15:48:32

ASKTHEEXPERT

Ask the expert...

Chris Baguley Managing Director Bridging Finance Limited

I’m currently having problems with customers not paying invoices in time, this is leading to cash shortages in certain months of the year and I struggle to reorder supplies that are necessary for my business. Is there anything I can do to help overcome this?

The economic environment is still turbulent and many businesses are now seeing the time taken to collect outstanding invoices increase.

However, it’s these short term glitches can prevent a business from moving forwards.

As a result, many businesses are now seeing short term funding as a mainstream solution as they face continuing financial pressure.

Historically, bridging finance is associated with investment opportunities but the market is widening and more people are taking out short term funding to aid cash flow, with many business owners finding it’s a necessary resource as clients are taking longer to pay bills.

Late invoice payments can affect any kind of business, of any size. Many retail businesses have taken a severe knock following the riots.

In some instances, it’s just been a matter of buying time until an insurance company pays, but this can make or break a business. Bridging finance can help cover various costs such as salaries or hefty tax bills.

A key reason why many businesses are struggling to hold out following the recent downturn is the current lack of funding options and whilst a businesses may have traded for many years and be totally viable, this has led many to run into difficulty unnecessarily. A short term injection of cash could help such organisations as well as help plan for the future by allowing firms time to organise long term finance solutions with mainstream lenders.

For those companies that have a strong reserve of equity in either their business premises or another property, short term funding remains one of the quickest and simplest ways to draw down capital for a variety of purposes. Provided that a business is basically in good health, a short term injection of loan capital can often be sufficient to allow it to continue operating without undue disruption until income streams have stabilised, as well as help re-focus the business plan to longer term growth rather than survival.

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

CV 02.indd 19

CheshireVoice

19

10/1/13 15:48:43

BIGINTERVIEW

Opportunities abound despite difficult economic times A Lancashire lad by birth, Ian Noke has enjoyed a successful career in mainstream banking for 25 years, which has seen him work across the North East and North West of England and Yorkshire.

local, sensible decisions based on thorough knowledge of our customers.

Across the UK, we have provided businesses and households with over £9bn in lending support since the financial crisis began. Our strong capital position means we are not limited in how much we can lend, and can therefore judge each application solely on its own merits.

Married with two teenage children, he is currently manager at the Handelsbanken branch in Westgate, Altrincham.

We have attended breakfast meetings and most recently the inaugural business awards in October.

We never do any central advertising campaigns as we prefer to do business through local recommendation and word of mouth and the Chamber offers a good platform for such local initiatives with the opportunity for us to give something back to the community through sound banking advice and excellent service.

Q What do you see as the big challenges in your job?

I only see opportunities in the local area. Few people will ever have the privilege to open a new branch of a Bank and start with a blank canvas and this continues to be exciting and rewarding.

Q We often hear that the banks are not lending enough to businesses, how do you answer that criticism?

I can only speak for Handelsbanken in noting that we have been able to increase very substantially our support to local businesses throughout the financial crisis. This is due to our traditional, prudent approach to banking, our financial strength, and our ability to take 20

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 20

We are still actively funding in both the commercial and personal banking marketplace.

We are seeing a growing demand for our bespoke relationship banking services in the Altrincham area, and we will continue to develop long-term relationships with local businesses and individuals, offering sound banking advice, based only on our customers’ individual needs.

Q In the current atmosphere, how much risk is the bank prepared to take to support businesses?

Q What is the bank’s relationship with the Chamber?

We have been a member since we opened the branch in March 2011. Our membership of the local Chamber for Sale & Altrincham is important to us in establishing and maintaining contacts within the local community and the Chamber has a supportive role to play for businesses in the area.

Q What more can banks do to help business?

I can only speak for Handelsbanken in noting that we have been able to increase very substantially our support to local businesses throughout the financial crisis.

This is due to our traditional, prudent approach to banking, our financial strength, and our ability to take local, sensible decisions based on thorough knowledge of our customers.

We will only ever do business we understand and whose risk we can confidently evaluate, irrespective of market conditions. Our prudent credit policy has remained substantially unchanged for decades, and by staying true to this policy, we remain able to support our existing customers – and many new ones – throughout the economic cycle.

Q How do you see the next 12 months for the banking sector?

As a bank focused squarely on the needs of our local customers, we spend no time wondering about prospects for the wider banking sector. Handelsbanken’s Altrincham branch opened in March 2011 and we have been steadily developing relationships with customers and local professionals. We set out our stall around local, sensible decisions, excellent customer service, and the benefits to our customers of being one of the world’s strongest banks.

I can see that there are many more customers in and around Altrincham who could benefit from bespoke banking of the type we offer, and I and my team look forward to welcoming them through the year ahead.

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 15:48:43

BIGINTERVIEW

Ian Noke, Branch Manager Handelsbanken

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

CV 02.indd 21

CheshireVoice

21

10/1/13 15:48:49

AWARDS

Gordon Burns Peter Wall, Emma Morris, Natalie James, Tony Collier

Gordon Burns, Alfie Moor, Mayor of Trafford, Cllr Patricia Young and Consort ऀCllr Michael Young, Tony Collier (Chamber President)

Gordon Burns, Deputy Leader Cllr Alex Williams, Martin Duff, Ayesha Pollard-Boswell, Tony Collier, Christine Myers-Cough, Cheryl Carter, Patricia Smith

Gordon Burns, Kevin Rodgers, Paul Daine, Tony Collier

Gordon Burns, David Bellin, Richard McConnell, Tony Collier

Retailers steal the show at Chamber Business Awards The first ever Chamber Business Awards were held at the Manchester Airport Marriott and hosted

by BBC presenter Gordon Burns. The room was packed to capacity as businesses from the region gathered to hear the results.

Without doubt, the retailers ‘stole the show’ with The Zipyard in Altrincham taking first place in the Start-up Business of the Year and runner up in both Young Entrepreneur and Business of the Year.

Matthew Agass of Yogberries in Hale won Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Randalls Jewellery shop in Altrincham won both the Retailer of the Year and the Business of the Year. The other winners were: Small Business of the Year - Software Assistance Customer Care - Ian Clarke Funeral services Property Developer - Citybranch Heritage Award - PJ Livesey Group Professional Services - Neil Myerson Solicitors Leisure & Tourism - The Mere Golf Resort & Spa Charity of the Year - Stockdales

22

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 22

International Business of the Year - Destination Performance Runners–up included Hale, Altrincham & Sale Independent, Networking in the City, Barkers the Florist, Bluebird Care (Trafford), Bruntwood, Nature Sign Design, Blackstone Solicitors, Amba Restaurant, Children’s Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT) and Sally Cooper: Trademark Attorney.

Sponsors of the event included Adam & Company, Software Assistance, Chairman of the Chamber, Dr Jackie Campbell, Trafford College, Bridging Finance, Milner Boardman, Sale & Altrincham Messenger, Premium Collections and Trafford Council.

“We are delighted that both the worshipful the Mayor of Trafford and her consort were able to join us together with the Deputy Leader of Trafford, Cllr Alex Williams and his wife.

“It is so encouraging to hear some of the positive news stories from local businesses. Undoubtedly many businesses currently face challenging times; however there are still some businesses out there that are really working hard and succeeding. The evening highlighted just some of these.”

The Awards ceremony finished with after dinner speaker, comedian Alfie Moore, who entertained the guests.

Tony Collier, President of the Chamber and managing Partner of Milner Boardman, said: “The evening was excellent. Our congratulations go to all and sincere thanks to the sponsors.

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 16:18:25

AWARDS

Chris Jennings, Emma Nawaz, Keith Morris

Gordon Burns, Anne Michaelides

Gordon Burns, Paul Mirage

Alfie Moor, Barbara Hallwood, Gordon Burns

Sarah Berrington, David Kirkman and Barbara Hallwood

L-R back: Ian Helsby, David Smith, Marie McConnell, Steve Kettle, Julie Gray, L-R front: Angela Withington, Paul Mirage, Emma Nawaz, Anne Michaelides, Tony Collier & Sarah Berrington

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

CV 02.indd 23

CheshireVoice

23

10/1/13 15:48:53

ANYTHING LEGAL “Dedicated to providing the legal profession with a comprehensive range of streamlined and quality-focused services designed to increase profitability by reducing administration and wasted time in securing third party services.�

Here at Anything Legal, we can help with

Medico-Legal Reporting Obtaining medical records

Physio & rehabilitation services Diagnostics & Medical Imaging

Anything Legal also offers non-medical expert witnesses and a national register of Court Agents and Police Station Agents.

deferred payment of invoices until case settlement

0845 474 0145

24

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 24

www.anythinglegal.co.uk info@anythinglegal.co.uk Twitter: @AnythingLegal

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 15:49:02

L

ADVERTORIAL

Valuations for all purposes Graham Bowcock is a managing partner at Berrys, a firm of RICS regulated chartered surveyors with offices across the North West and the Midlands.

Why do you need a valuation?

This is quite a common question, as people tend not to know what they would need a valuation for until the day they actually find that they need one. Valuations can be necessary for a wide range of purposes and these can vary from financial security to death or divorce.

Is there anything which a customer needs to provide when requesting a valuation?

Two words – full disclosure. It is absolutely vital that at the outset of a valuation, all information is provided. Everything from leases to planning restrictions must be disclosed, as these can have a fundamental effect upon the value of a property.

Graham Bowcock

What should a customer look for when appointing a surveyor?

It is important that the valuer appointed has experience in the relevant area of valuation.

Graham specialises in valuations for all purposes, and has decades of experience working in Cheshire and the North West.

Chartered Surveyors and Valuers

areas of the market. Another factor to ascertain is whether the firm is regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The RICS is the world’s leading professional body for standards in land, property and construction and the presence of their logo on a firm’s printed material works as a reassurance that the firm meets the high standards required for regulation.

It is absolutely vital that at the outset of a valuation, all information is provided.

Some surveyors, such as myself, have experience across the board and would be confident in delivering any type of valuation regardless of the sector; however, others are only able to deliver valuations within specific

Property and Business Consultants

Chartered Town Planners

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

CV 02.indd 25

CheshireVoice

25

10/1/13 15:49:07

M A R K ET L EA D E R S I N S H O RT T E R M F U N D I N G

PROVIDING FUNDING TO

CLIENTS OF THE

PROFESSIONAL SECTOR At Bridging Finance Limited we have successfully worked with the professional sector for a number of years. They have referred clients to us for their short term funding needs, knowing that we provide flexible finance and high quality client care.

We are an established lender and we always go the extra mile to deliver fast, creative funding solutions.

The benefits of using us are clear:

Complete transparency

Expert team ready to help you

High quality client care

Establishing long term partnerships

FAST Funding - often in 24 to 48 hours

Substantial funds available

‘Market leading’ rates

0 Call 0845 337 740 ctor

g Dire o.uk y@bridgingfinance.c Email: chris.bagule

Chris Baguley Managin 694 Mobile: 07788 970

r elopment Manage

e Dev Paul Hughes Corporat ingfinance.co.uk paul.hughes@bridg 742 Mobile: 07903 560

Email:

Zac Zorno Business Case 689 Mobile: 07780 703

Manager

ridgingfinance.co.uk Email: zac.zorno@b

Year-end Accountant or year-round Business Partner?

All bridging finance secured on land and commercial property

Christmas is the time of year when we often look and back and look forwards, back on the successes and failures and forward to what the New Year could bring. Most people can improve their future personal finances enormously by following three simple rules l Spend l Pay

l Start

Whatever your business planning, accountancy or taxation needs we can take care of them for you locally.

Whether your business is just looking for help with the statutory year end accounts and returns or needs practical and proactive support throughout the year we can help. Our services cover the entire business life cycle from start up to disposal, from initial plans and budgets to tax planning and the submission of year end accounts and returns.

Why not talk to us about your needs and let us tailor a competitively priced individual service package for you with an attractive first year discount.

Call us on 0161 637 0692 or email peterb@certax.co.uk for a free no strings initial consultation Downs Court Business Centre, 29 The Downs, Altrincham WA14 2QD

www.certax.co.uk

less than you earn

down debt (most expensive first) saving some money on a regular basis

If you are already doing these it may be time for some advice as to how to make sure that your activities are going to create your dream lifestyle now and in the future. When look for guidance there are again three rules to follow l Use

a fee only adviser

l Use

a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) (see http://www.financialplanning.org.uk)

l Use

a firm nearby who will give you a really personal service

Financial planning done well can help you structure the rest of your life with a focus on what you want to achieve. Smart Financial Planning specialise in doing exactly this, contact us for more information on 0844 824 6990 to see how we can help.

Smart Financial Planning Fairbank House Ashley Road Altrincham WA14 2DP

0844 824 6990

www.smartfinancialplanning.co.uk info@smartfinancialplanning.co.uk

26

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 26

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 15:49:13

ACCESSTOFUNDING

Easing the route to finance

One of the other recent finance innovations came when Government ministers announced the £1 billion third round of the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, which they believe will create or safeguard thousands of jobs, benefit 130 projects and leverage £6 billion of private sector investment.

The 130 successful bidders were chosen out of an initial 414 and include manufacturing firms, small businesses and local partnerships.

Twenty bidders from the North West shared £88 million According to the Ministers, bidders will be putting in £6 billion of their own cash for these projects which are expected to create and safeguard more than 240,000 jobs over the long term. This comes in addition to the 300,000 jobs that are being created or safeguarded from rounds 1 and 2 of the fund, the majority of which are being added over the next five years.

Figures show that for every £1 of taxpayer money spent, the Fund will leverage £6 of private sector investment and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “This £1 billion boost for growth in towns and cities across England is creating jobs that will last in the parts of the country that need it most. In tough economic times the Regional Growth Fund is good value for taxpayers’ money – this £1 billion round of the fund is pulling in £6 billion of private sector investment.”

Funding for Local Enterprise Partnerships is also seen as crucial and among those to

benefit were the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership Local Growth Minister Mark Prisk said: "Local enterprise partnerships need the right tools and resources to help deliver growth and jobs in their communities. So I'm delighted to announce today that over £350m will be shared between 29 partnerships, enabling them to build on their successes and plan for the future. This funding will ensure they remain locally-led, and focused on helping to boost businesses in their area without the need for long-term central-Government support.”

Another financial boost came when seven new university and business research partnerships were announced by David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science.

The cash comes from the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund, which will deliver more than £1 billion to support the development of new facilities and projects in life sciences, energy and advanced manufacturing.

The projects announced included a £48 million partnership between Manchester University, Christie Hospital and Cancer Research UK to develop the Institute for Cancer Research.

Again, the hope is that the investment will open up opportunities for smaller businesses as well.

David Willetts said: “It is fantastic that our top businesses and top charities are queuing up to collaborate with our world-class universities.

They want to work together to deliver innovation, commercialisation and growth, which will help make sure the UK competes and thrives in the global race.”

The overall effect of these initiatives, it is hoped, will be renewed confidence in an economy for which access to finance remains a major challenge.

North West projects receiving a share of the Regional Growth Fund included: • AstraZeneca PLC • Atlantic Container Line UK Ltd. • Bentley Motors Limited • Computionics Ltd • Daresbury SIC LLP • Eli Lilly and Company Limited • Erlson Precision Components Limited • General Motors UK Limited • Jaguar Cars Ltd. • James Cropper plc • Kilgour Metal Treatments Ltd • Lakeland Arts Trust • Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) • Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics Ltd. • NXP Semiconductors UK Ltd • Pentagon Chemicals (Holdings) Limited • PMT industries Limited • Redx Pharma Ltd • S Cartwright & Sons (Coach Builders Limited • Unilever UK Central Resources Limited

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

CV 02.indd 27

CheshireVoice

27

10/1/13 15:49:15

Give time. Give skills. Give money.

But give local.

Text LOCA10 £5 to 70070 and you’ll be charged £5 plus standard network rate with ALL of your donation coming to us. It’s a small amount, but it means a lot to disabled people in your area.

0161 973 2296 enquiries@stockdales.org.uk Royce Cohen Advert.psd

Helping the local community since 1953

Local accountants with local knowledge; helping to maximise your profits and minimise your liabilities

Providing all your accountancy and business services in one place n n n n n n n

Audit & accountancy Personal & corporate tax compliance & planning VAT compliance & planning Payroll bureau Company secretarial Financial services Corporate finance

Contact us to find out how we can help you Bridge House, Ashley Road, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 2UT Telephone: 0161 926 8558 Email: altrincham@hwca.com www.hwca.com

28

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 28

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 15:49:19

ACCESSTOFUNDING

Government banks on the future It’s the biggest challenge facing any business. How do you secure the finance to survive and thrive?

Recent events suggest that the Government remains committed to easing the problems for business both large and small with a series of innovations designed to ease the pathway to finance.

fully operational, it could support up to £10 billion of new and additional business lending.

Mr Cable said: “For decades, British industry has lacked the sort of diverse, long-term finance that is quite normal elsewhere.

One of the key moments came when Business Secretary Vince Cable announced the first steps in a Government-funded bank to help small and medium sized businesses.

“We need a British business bank with a clean balance sheet and a mandate to expand lending rapidly and we are now going to get it.

The new bank, which will operate at am arms length from the Government, will seek to attract private sector funding so that, when

“Alongside the private sector, the bank will get the market lending to manufacturers, exporters and growth companies that so desperately

need support. It will be a lasting monument to our determination to reshape finance so it can finally serve industry the way it should.

“Its success will not be the scale of its own direct interventions but how far it shakes up the market in business finance and helps to ease constraints for high-growth firms.

“Having a functioning, diverse supply of finance is an integral part of the Government’s industrial strategy. It is all about making the right decisions now to secure our long-term industrial success.”

Payroll reporting is changing - operating PAYE in real time HMRC is introducing a new way of reporting PAYE - called Real Time Information, or RTI. From April 2013, employers will be legally required to report PAYE in real time. This means that information about all PAYE payments needs to be submitted to HMRC online each time a payment is made as part of the payroll process, rather than at the end of the year as they are now.

reporting PAYE in real time - what's changing and why

The links below give more information on how you are affected as an employer, and what you need to do.

Improving your payroll data Information to help you make sure your payroll data is correct for reporting PAYE in real time

Getting ready to operate PAYE in real time A guide for employers and pension providers on the steps to take in preparation for reporting PAYE in real time

Starting to report PAYE in real time in 201213 Information about reporting in 2012-13 for large businesses, new employers and those who would like to join the RTI pilot

PAYE in real time: an overview of what's changed Information for employers about

Payroll professionals and employers FAQs Frequently asked questions for those

Operating PAYE in real time Guidance for employers to help you deal with PAYE, National Insurance, expenses and benefits in real time

experienced in operating payroll, or who operate a 'non-standard' or specialist PAYE scheme Software developers Support for software developers who are creating software products PAYE real time news Keep up to date with the latest HMRC announcements on reporting PAYE in real time. Follow us on Twitter, YouTube and online presentations Pilot employer updates Monthly updates giving the latest information on operating PAYE in real time for employers and agents in the pilot.

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

CV 02.indd 29

CheshireVoice

29

10/1/13 15:49:23

Creating places for business success.

For 35 years we’ve been working with businesses in South Manchester WR KHOS WKHP ʖQG WKHLU SHUIHFW RʘFH PHHWLQJ URRP RU UHWDLO XQLW :H EHOLHYH WKDW RXU VXFFHVV LV GHSHQGHQW XSRQ WKH VXFFHVV RI RXU FXVWRPHUV VR ZH GR HYHU\WKLQJ ZH FDQ WR SURYLGH WKH ULJKW HQYLURQPHQW IRU WKHP WR ʗRXULVK ,I \RXšG OLNH WR VSHDN WR XV DERXW ʖQGLQJ WKH SHUIHFW VSDFH IRU \RXU EXVLQHVV WKHQ FDOO RU YLVLW XV RQOLQH

30

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 30

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 15:49:23

Family Law Divorce Manchester Mediation Commercial Conveyancing Residential Conveyancing Property Commercial Litigation Sale and purchase of businesses Transfer of equity Wills and Probate Personal Injuries Free Quote We offer a completely free, no obligation conveyancing quoting service.

Simply contact our office today.

HQW

Charmax House, 14 Old Market Place, Altrincham, WA14 4DF www.masonandco-solicitors.co.uk t. 0161 941 5757 f. 0161 941 5005 e. info@masonandco-solicitors.co.uk

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

CV 02.indd 31

CheshireVoice

31

10/1/13 15:49:27

homes4u’s Carolyn Mellor wins national accolade homes4u, Manchester’s leading property company, is celebrating as Carolyn Mellor, Owner and Managing Director has been announced as Agency Leader of the Year at The Negotiator Awards 2012.

Hosted by TV Impressionist Jon Culshaw and held at the Hilton on Park Lane, London this year’s awards were attended by 500 industry professionals and recorded their highest entry numbers to date. The evening had a strong charity theme with a silent auction and charity casino together raising £7,000 for the Estate Agency Foundation, a charity which raises money through estate and lettings agencies to help to combat the causes of homelessness.

Speaking about the win, Carolyn commented: “It was amazing to win such a prestigious award and I was over the moon when my name was announced on the night and it was a great end to a very enjoyable evening at the ceremony” Winning a Negotiator Award represents success, endeavour and integrity; homebuyers and sellers, landlords and tenants all want to know they are using leading agents and The Negotiator Awards present a recognisable industry accolade.

This was not the first award of the year for homes4u. Earlier in October they were recognised, for the second year running, as Five Star Letting Agency Manchester at the UK Property Awards in association with Gaggenau, Yamaha and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Carolyn Mellor herself was also shortlisted for the NLA Letting Agent Property Woman Award (sponsored by the UK Association of Letting Agents) in the National Landlords Association Property Women Awards.

Founded in 1990, Carolyn has been managing homes4u independently since 2001. The company strives to be a pioneer in its marketplace, through its dedication to identifying new markets, developing new technology and commitment to staff training and growth. Under Carolyn’s

32

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 32

leadership homes4u have expanded over the last 18 months starting with the acquisition in April 2011 of Verve Lettings, now trading as homes4u’s Altrincham Branch and the purchase in March 2012 of Chesters, a well established residential and commercial agency. These acquisitions have extended the services homes4u offer to include commercial sales and lettings and block management whilst increasing the management portfolio to 1500 and team to over 50. homes4u offers unrivalled, stress-free service in terms of sales, rentals and property management. The company remains one of Manchester’s greatest investors in people and is best placed to attract new residents to their properties due to its wealth of expertise and dedicated, passionate team.

For further details on the services homes4u offer contact the Altrincham branch on 0161 941 2323.

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 15:49:33

Members’ Loyalty

CARD Y T L A LOY s LOYM Aember ges for LTY CARD

Packa ££££££££s Save

JOIN THE CHAMBER TODAY AND START SAVING MONEY. HERE’S HOW...

If you have a member to member offer please email anne@altrinchamchamber.co.uk

BENNETT FOZZARD Free review of any commercial or personal insurance arrangements. 5% Discount off commercial and household insurance new policy premiums; free total accident management including emergency hire vehicle up to 14 days with any private insurance. (This could save you hundreds of pounds)** Offer available to new clients to Bennett Fozzard only. ** Terms and conditions apply. Services provided by B D Elite.

T: 0161 928 9556 (Savings from £50 on a £1000 policy and hundreds of pounds on total accident management insurance) BRUNTWOOD LTD 25% off your first meeting room booking.

10% thereafter. Two month’s rent free when taking a 12 month term on a virtual office.

One month free when taking a minimum three month term on a serviced office. Membership fee waived for our day office card. Video conferencing from £99 per hour up to six attendees.

T: 0161 233 7877 E: enquiries@bruntwood.co.uk Meeting room prices range from £20 per hour for up to 4 people to £150 per hour for 120 people. Cost savings on virtual office space will be either £100 for mail only or £200 for full virtual by signing for 12 months with the rent free. Savings for day office card membership is around £69. Prices exclude VAT.

CITATION PLC

DELTA SOLUTIONS

Free initial consultation on Citations Queen’s Award winning Health & Safety and Employment Law services. Substantial discounts available on all services to Chamber members. Areas covered include employee handbooks, health & safety policies, risk assessments, 24/7 legal advice, contracts of employment and employment tribunals amongst others. All advice guaranteed.

Contact Nigel Lea on 01625 415557 or nigellea@citation.co.uk for more details

Delta Solutions can offer you a day costing £495 plus vat for only £250 plus vat for a Financial Health Check. Your business finances and processes will be investigated and analysed. A written report detailing the recommendations to improve your business financial strength will be provided including benchmarking against similar businesses.

Saving around £150 on consultation.

Savings on packages depend on length of contract could be up to £750

10% Discount off dry cleaning, laundry, shirt valet; leathers & soft furnishings. On your first visit have a suit dry cleaned for free

Making the best of business e-mails – one hour free. Protecting your IT systems – one hour free. Lunch & Learn – FOUR for the price of THREE. T: 0161 925 4900 E: ascc@business-solutions-ltd.co.uk W: www.business-solutions-ltd.co.uk BVC ASSOCIATES A free VAT health check worth £300 T: 0161 283 7949 E: admin@bvc-vat.com CHESHIRE LIFE Subscription offer for 12 issues for £18 T: 01772 722022 Saving of £23.40

FADDIES DRY CLEANING

T: 0161 928 7660 CLAYTON HR LTD Free review of your organisation’s HR documentation, policies and procedures and a detailed recommendations report.

GRESHAM WEALTH MANGEMENT LLP Free initial consultation from a Chartered Financial Planner to all members T: 0161 973 9150 (Saving of £500)

Contact Rebecca Clayton on T: 07881 717 074 E: rebecca.clayton@claytonhr.com

HALE ALTRINCHAM & SALE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER

CRESTA COURT HOTEL 10% Discount off food on any event booked.

15% discount off any accommodation booked direct

50% Discount off a half page business editorial.

Normal price £450 + VAT. Contact Paul Mirage T: 07708 987518 Saving £225.50 +VAT

T: 0161 972 7272 (Menu prices from £25 and accommodation from £65 per night) DATABROKER LTD

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Tel: 0845 164 5015 Mob: 07796 176817 E: sue@delta-solutions.org.uk

HOMES4U 50% Discount on initial letting fee for any new properties instructed on our Gold + full property management service.

“Impartial business and consumer data experts”

T: 0161 448 0808

15% off all standard UK and EU B2B data orders – an exclusive offer to Chamber members.

Free production of your first commercial saving £300 + VAT

Free data audit – your existing client data is vital for your business and you need to know that it’s accurate. Our free data audit will provide you will a detailed report on the accuracy of your client data and what steps can be taken to correct any errors. Savings could be as much as £100 per 1000 records.

Contact Gareth Perry T: 0161 941 5700 Mob: 07538 811 017 E: info@data-broker.co.uk W: www.data-broker.co.uk

IMAGINE FM

T: 016 476 7349 E: james.dale@imaginefm.net MERE COURT HOTEL 20% off our Du Jour Menu in the Arboreum Restaurant (3 course menu is £19.95) T: 01565 831000 THE MERE GOLF RESORT & SPA 1 X 4 Ball for price of 3 ball £225 (should be £300) Twilight golf £35 pp; Early Bird £35 pp T: 01565 830155 Saving £75 on a 4 ball betterball

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

CV 02.indd 33

CheshireVoice

33

10/1/13 15:49:35

MEMBERSLOYALTY MILNER BOARDMAN 15% Discount of the first year’s fees for a new client T: 0161 927 2727 Fees £2,000 to £2,500 so saving £300 to £375 MINUTEMAN PRESS Digitally produced matt laminate double sided business cards on 350g silk 500 £49 + vat saving £16; 1000 £69 + vat saving £28 Litho produced matt laminate double sided business cards on 400g silk 500 £59 + vat saving £20; 1000 £79 + vat saving £26 Contact Ed or Alison on 0161 928 8826 www.120manchester.minutemanpress.co.uk PREMIUM COLLECTIONS One free credit report on a UK limited company of your choice - your own company, an existing client or a prospective client. Simply tell us the name of the company for report and provide your full contact details for our reply.

Usual charge for debt collection is 15% but will reduce to 10% for Chamber members. If you are interested in the difference Premium Collections Limited can make to your cash flow please contact Graham Groves on 0161 929 3955 or email us at enquiries@ premiumcollections.co.uk Saving of £50 + on credit report on UK limited company.

PRINTING.COM 15% Discount of business cards and A5 brochures. Saver roll up banner (800 mm wide x 200 mm tall) and stand £95 + VAT. Artwork not included T: 0161 929 7879 THE PR PEOPLE Free PR/marketing consultation + free personalised proposal (together worth £300) + 20% off the first invoice fee for campaigns of three months or more. Contact Graham King on 0161 976 2729 or email graham@pr-people. uk.com RYMAN THE STATIONER 10% Discount in Altrincham shop only (excluding website orders) T: 0161 929 7070 SAFETYNET IT Free IT system health check saving of £66 + VAT T: 0845 869 8451 SALE & ALTRINCHAM MESSENGER ‘Market Your Business’ - Up to a 15% discount on your first advertisement in the Sale and Altrincham Messenger including the Business Page – saving from £30 off a front page or £53 off a Business Profile and £55 off a full page.

For this offer and more long term campaigns contact chris.jennings@messengergrp.co.uk Tel 0161 908 3413.

34

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 34

SPIRE MANCHESTER CLINIC HALE Non-surgical cosmetic treatment offer with Spire Manchester Clinic Hale - Altrincham Chamber members can receive £25 off any non-surgical cosmetic treatments when they spend up to £150 and £50 off if you spend over £150. This offer is exclusively for Altrincham Chamber members and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. For further information, terms and conditions or to book please call 0161 232 2303 (quote AC1001).

Varicose or prominent veins - Altrincham Chamber members can receive a scan and consultation with Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Mr Ferdinand Serracino Inglott at our Clinic in Hale for prominent or varicose veins for £150 (usual price £200). This offer is exclusively for Altrincham Chamber members and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

For further information, terms and conditions or to book please call 0161 232 2303 (quote AC1002).

TECTRIX SOLUTIONS 25% Discount on all our standard rate calls which include local national and calls to UK mobile.

T: 0845 058 9393 E: les.mitty@tectrixsolutions.com TOLL OPTICIANS 15% Discount and a free second pair of spectacles to Chamber members.

Contact: Sarah Haughian T: 0161 928 0566 E: tollopticians@aol.com TRAFFORD SURVEYORS 10% off all home improvement packs and domestic energy performance certificates.

15% off all surveys, valuations and commercial energy performance certificates.

ADDITIONAL OFFERS AA AFFINITY SCHEME Members/staff discounts off AA Breakdown Cover. Get the AA’s best prices at enrolment plus 10% at renewal – on average 10% cheaper than the AA.com.

To get a quote and join, please call 0800 048 0075 and quote reference ‘F0706’.

THE FUELCARD PEOPLE Members will receive: • Typical savings of up to 5p per litre on national average pump prices, with fixed weekly pricing • Savings of up to 10p per litre on motorway refuelling • Free credit for up to two weeks – and the same price, wherever you refuel • Just one weekly invoice, paid by direct debit, to cover all transactions for all your vehicles • Easy reclaiming of VAT • Own named, dedicated account manager to answer any queries • Easy access, 24/7/365, to your account information – including transactions not yet invoiced • Access to major brand diesel or petrol from up to 1,500+ sites nationwide • Leading-edge security features • Each fuel card, linked to a vehicle or driver, is useless to anyone else if lost or stolen Tel: 0844 870 9856 Email: info@thefuelcardpeople.co.uk www.thefuelcardpeople.co.uk

N

To take advantage of these many savings, please state that you are a member of Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce when you contact the supplier Please note: Offers are made by the individual organisations and the Chamber cannot be held responsible for any changes/amendments or withdrawal of these offers.

T: 0161 929 8257 UTILITY WAREHOUSE DISCOUNT CLUB

H

Free utilities health check for domestic and business bills on all utilities, energy, telephones, mobile phones, broadband etc T: 0800 298 9239 VISPA INTERNET LTD 10% Discount off home or business broadband services from www.vispa.net T: 0161 926 8416 E: james.ormerod@vispa.net THE ZIPYARD 15% off all alterations and repairs at The Zipyard, 14 Lloyd Street, Altrincham WA14 2DE T: 0161 929 4848 Alterations and repairs start from £10 up £100+

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 15:49:41

to ne ng to tti S le & w thy Ne ar cC M

NO FINANCE? NO PROBLEM! Lease now, buy later at today’s price

Highly specified new office buildings from 3,409 sq ft to 5,756 sq ft.

Available leasehold, virtual freehold or ‘freezehold®’.

Take advantage of this unmissable investment opportunity with our fantastic ‘Freezehold®’ offer. Move in at an agreed rent and, if you want, purchase later at a pre-agreed price when funds become available. It’s that easy, and that good!

You get the best of both worlds – on the best terms!

For further information please contact James Evans or Richard Lowe

Andrew Timms or Ed Keany

www.edward-court.com CV 02.indd 35

10/1/13 15:49:43

OUTSTANDING EDUCATION SINCE 1874

TODAY’S STUDENTS, TOMORROW’S SUCCESSFUL WOMEN Manchester High School for Girls’ A Level results were the best in the North West in 2012: 97% at A* to B. The School’s GCSE results were outstanding in 2012: 91% at A* to A. To receive a prospectus, please visit www.manchesterhigh.co.uk/welcome.

Scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available for children aged 11 to 18.

Grangethorpe Road, Manchester M14 6HS Tel 0161 224 0447 manchesterhigh.co.uk twitter @mhsg facebook.com/ManHighSG Charity registration no: 532295

36

CheshireVoice

CV 02.indd 36

The Business Magazine of Altrincham & North Cheshire Chamber

10/1/13 15:49:52