DQ Issue 8 Winter/Spring 2013

DOWNTOWN QUARTERLY • WINTER/SPRING • 2013 THE MAGAZINE FOR DOWNTOWN IN BUSINESS

LEEDS LAUNCH AWARDS

Photograph courtesy of Richard Williams

TIM BACON

World Premières and Special Events Made for Manchester Shared with the World 4 – 21 July 2013

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Welcome

uestion: What have the Prime Minister, the elected mayor of Liverpool, the Minister for Work & Pensions, the Shadow Secretary to the Treasury and the Shadow Business minister got in common? Answer: They have all spoken at events that Downtown in Business have organised or been involved in since the last issue of DQ. It has been a blistering start to 2013 for Downtown, with record sales combined with a spectacular events programme in January launching what we fully expect will be a fantastic year.

Debates about access to finance, the experiences of entrepreneurs, tales from the Silicon Valley and beyond, will all be included in the rich tapestry of Downtown’s events programme during the next twelve months, along with the opportunity to talk to and influence the thinking of key decision makers from national, regional and local politics.

We are looking forward to the next chapter of the Downtown journey, which now includes the great city of Leeds; though it is sometimes good to look back, and in this DQ you can remind yourself of what happened at our recent award evening’s in Liverpool and Lancashire; our conferences in Manchester and Liverpool; and our Leeds launch event.

We also celebrate the growing hospitality sector from across the North, and tell you why Tim Bacon is deserving of ‘Icon’ status. Many more of the best bars, restaurants and hotels are celebrated in this issue too.

Enjoy the read, get down to a Downtown event soon, and as always don’t do anything Frank wouldn’t do.

A belated Happy New Year to you all – let’s hope it’s a good one.

Totally Frank

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Livercool Awards 2012

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The Lancashire Business Awards 2012

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Downtown Leeds Launch

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Smart City Business Conference

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It’s Liverpool - the Business Conference

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Leading Leeds

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Just Jim

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The Taylor Report

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DQ Icon Tim Bacon

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Just Jonas

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Independent points of view Living Ventures and Individual Restaurants

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After Hours Stratos - The stylish new bar opening in Preston

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Uptown Girl The regular columns for the Uptown girl with sass

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Focus On An indepth look at Altrad NSG

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The Cool List

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Work Hard, Play Hard

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Best Wishes Chris Wilcox

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THIS MAGAZINE IS WRITTEN, DESIGNED AND PRODUCED BY THE DOWNTOWN IN BUSINESS TEAM, AND PRINTED BY KALL KWIK. © DOWNTOWN IN BUSINESS. Downtown in Business can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the claims made by advertisers. The views expressed are not necessarily the views of the publisher (DIB).

DQ 5

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Totally Frank

TOTALLY FRANK A bit about me…

I’m the founder and Chief Executive of Downtown in Business. I host a weekly business radio programme on City Talk 105.9fm, and I am a Non Executive Director of a Liverpool Foundation Trust hospital. I am passionate about enterprise, politics and Everton Football Club. I was previously a politician, and was once rather generously described as ‘the most powerful politician in the Northwest’.

Words: Frank McKenna

Do we really need more Politicians? two cities, has its own council.

This results in us having to support a ridiculous amount of duplication in terms of back office support in areas such as payroll, human resources and IT – but equally it means that we have thousands of councillors, most of whom do little other than rubber stamp decisions made by the executive.

To be fair, many council’s have taken it upon themselves to negotiate shared services, but hell will freeze over before councillors put forward motions calling on their numbers to be reviewed and reduced.

It is therefore necessary for local government minister Eric Pickles, who is good

Whatever you think of politicians, they contribute to economic growth in any way, shape or form introduction of elected mayors and Police Commissioners, we now have more politicians than we did in 2010. Whatever you think of politicians, and for my sins I used to be one and still count a good number of them as friends, they do not contribute to economic growth in any way, shape or form.

The cut that was planned, a reduction in the number of MP’s in time for the 2015 election, to be achieved by a radical review of constituency boundaries, has been shelved because of one of the many Tory-Lib Dem spats.

Given the scale of the cuts local government, and council’s in the North of England in particular, are facing, it is incredible to me that politicians at a national and local level haven’t been prepared to challenge the antiquated and inefficient local government structure that exists across the UK. Surely the introduction of elected mayor’s in Liverpool and Salford should have led to a reduction in the number of councillors on the respective city councils? In Lancashire, we have three tier local government, with a County Council, a good number of districts, and two unitary authorities in Blackburn and Blackpool. In Yorkshire, there is a mish mash of authority’s at all different levels; and although there is a Combined Authority covering Greater Manchester, each of the ten boroughs, and the

at telling council leaders where they should be cutting, to show some courage and tackle a problem that has been allowed to go on for far too long.

The reason national politicians shy away from the debate is purely selfish of course. They know there are too many local councillors. But it is local councillors who deliver their leaflets and knock on doors come election time.

However, if we are seriously in a state that will mean council’s in Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds losing up to 50% of their budgets by the end of the austerity programme, then surely that can no longer be used as an excuse to put off the long overdue councillor culling.

Events, Dear Boy, Events Events change things. The Commonwealth Games was a key element of Manchester’s renaissance. The European Capital of Culture helped Liverpool re-establish itself as a credible destination city. And in 2013 Leeds has won the opportunity to host the Tour de France next year, a fantastic achievement that will put the spotlight on the city for all the right reasons.

The bienniel Manchester International Festival is due to take place in 2014, and the Prime Minister was in Liverpool recently to launch the International Business Festival which the city is to host next year.

It is great to see the major northern cities hosting such prestigious events, adding value to reputation, marketing and profile.

Photograph courtesy of Richard Williams

he coalition government may have been criticised in some quarters for its inability to deliver on a number of promises or aspirations it held when coming into office two and a half years ago, but chancellor George Osborne has been steadfast in his ‘cuts’ agenda, which he sees as essential if the UK is to pay down its debt and get back on to the road of economic recovery.

We have seen cuts in defence spending; cuts to welfare benefits; cuts in the NHS; cuts in local government spending and a cut in Quango’s.

But the one thing that we have not seen is a cut in politicians. Indeed, through the

DQ 7

Downtown Live

Downtown Live // Liverpool ‘LIVERCOOL’ AWARDS 2012 he tenth annual ‘Livercool’ awards were held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in November, which included a ‘roasting’ of Frank McKenna and was supported by first class entertainment from the award winning Toni James Band.

Among the evening’s winners from the gala dinner that rewards the city’s leading entrepreneurs and business leaders were, Liverpool Community College Principal, Elaine Bowker, the chief executive of the Arena, Bob Prattey, the chief executive of the Women’s Organisation, Maggie O’Carroll and David Guest of property giant Bruntwood.

The event was a sell out once again, and over £2,300 was raised for Herbert Howe’s worthy charity ‘Queenie’s Christmas’ which supports under privileged children and pensioners at Christmas.

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Downtown Live

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Downtown Live

The Winners Property Personality Of The Year: David Guest, Bruntwood

Sexy Networker - Female: Cassie Forshaw, Iliad

Communications & Creative Personality Of The Year: Paul Corcoran, Agent Marketing

Employee Of The Year: Anna Beaumont, Kenyon Fraser

Commendation Award: Maggie O’Carroll, The Women’s Organisation

Business Development Manager Of The Year: Fahim Choudhary, CPL Training

Paul Rice Award: Terry Nelson, TNAR

Contribution To Skills & Training: Emma Hunter, LJMU

Chief Executive’s Award: Stephen Roberts, Crowne Plaza

Best Legal Adviser: Simon Gibson, SGI Legal

Woman Of The Year: Elaine Bowker, Liverpool Community College

Best Financial Adviser: Chris Fry, KPMG

Man Of The Year: Bob Prattey, ACC Liverpool

Photographs by Adam Kenrick, Adam Kenrick Photo

Sexy Networker - Male: Dan Reilly, Epic New media

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Downtown Live // Lancashire THE LANCASHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS 2012 he 2012 Lancashire Business Awards took place at the spectacular Stanley House in November, rewarding successful businesses, business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the county.

PR agency the Write Angle walked away with two gongs, picking up the best media agency award, and the award for best marketing campaign for their work on the Preston Guild. Kirsty Henshaw was named as Woman of the Year, Steve Broomhead Man of the Year; with Garratt’s Insurance winning the small business of the Year accolade, and Hays Recruitment presented with the large business of the year award.

It was yet another fantastic Downtown night, with 180 guests enjoying the silky skills of the Master of Ceremonies Jim Hancock, and hearing Downtown chief executive Frank McKenna warn that the county’s private sector needed to work more collaboratively in the future if Lancashire was to continue to compete with neighbouring cities Manchester and Liverpool.

Photographs by Adam Kenrick, Adam Kenrick Photo

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Downtown Live

The Winners Networker Of The Year - Male: Teg Roberts, Astute Motoring

Best Use Of IT/Social Media: Marsden Rawsthorn Solicitors

Networker Of The Year - Female: Janine Smith, Orvia

Property Firm Of The Year: Petty Chartered Surveyors

Most Creative Marketing Campaign: The Write Angle, Guild Year

Best Hospitality Venue: Stanley House

Law Firm Of The Year: Forbes Solicitors

Man Of The Year: Steven Broomhead, Recycling Lives

Best Financial Services Company: Champion Accountants

Woman Of The Year: Kirsty Henshaw, Worthenshaws Ltd

Best PR Creative Agency: The Write Angle

Small Business Of The Year: Garratts Insurance

Social Media Guru Of The Year: Jeremy Coates, Magma Digital

Large Business Of The Year: Hays Recruitment DQ 13

Downtown Live

Downtown Live // Leeds DOWNTOWN LEEDS IN BUSINESS LAUNCH owntown Leeds in Business launched in October, with the shadow secretary to the Treasury, Rachel Reeves MP, the guest speaker at the spectacular venue that is the Corn Exchange.

Over 200 attended the event, with Downtown chief executive Frank McKenna outlining Downtown’s plans for the organisation’s latest venture, saying: “Downtown has been established in the North West for eight years now, and we are delighted to have set up in the fastest growing city across the Pennines. Leeds is a dynamic, vibrant place, with an entrepreneurial and ambitious business community. I am really looking forward to supporting the city’s agenda for economic growth, and working alongside many of you in the months and years ahead.”

Rachel added: “I am delighted that Downtown has brought its unique brand to our city. I am aware of the great work Frank and his team have done in Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire, and I am sure they will add value to the business community of Leeds.”

Property giants Bruntwood and Shepherd sponsored the evening, and have now been confirmed as corporate sponsors of Downtown Leeds in Business for 2013.

Photographs by Adam Kenrick, Adam Kenrick Photo

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Downtown Live

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Downtown Live

Downtown Live // Manchester SMART CITY BUSINESS CONFERENCE ur first SmartCity conference in Manchester threw down some pretty big challenges, but doused that with some amusement and inspiration.

Sir Richard Leese, Sir Howard Bernstein and Barbara Spicer outlined at different times in the day, the coherent way they have pulled together a system of local governance that works for the city region.

One of the most entertaining presentations at the conference was by David Norris of Groundbreaking. He was provocative and stimulating in the way he challenged city planners to think creatively about opening up the spaces in between buildings.

Looking into the immediate future, Gavin Wheeldon of SoPurple, asked Tony Foggett of Code Computerlove whether he felt his business had the access to skills necessary to grow as he truly wished. The answer didn’t surprise anyone: No. Same with Lou Cordwell of MagneticNorth. Laura Wolfe of Journey9 admitted she recruits on attitude and the skills are developed later.

But what of the real long term future – much discussion came back to what core skills kids are being taught in primary schools. Scott Fletcher put it as bluntly as he always does when he said: “what’s the point in teaching kids French when Microsoft have a programme to translate for them.”

Teach them coding and enterprise skills, he suggested.

It was an amazingly thought provoking day. It provided members with ideas and connections. But all of us with a wakeup call that there is still much to do.

Photographs by Adam Kenrick, Adam Kenrick Photo

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Downtown Live

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Downtown Live

Downtown Live // Liverpool IT’S LIVERPOOL BUSINESS CONFERENCE he elected mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson, Liverpool Vision chief executive Max Steinberg, motivational business guru Andy Bounds and one of Media city’s key players, Jon Corner , were among a host of top speakers to address the second annual ‘It’s Liverpool – the Business Conference’ in November.

200 plus delegates also heard a fascinating panel discussion involving Phil Redmond, Tim Bacon and Dave Pichilingi; and workshop sessions on the skills agenda and business support involving Maggie O’ Carroll (the Women’s Organisation), Elaine Bowker ( Liverpool Community College), Liverpool councillor Nick Small, John Leach (Winning Pitch), Shazan Quereshi (Enterprise Village), Bryan Adams (Ph. Creative) and Lee Narraway (Antal).

Photographs by Adam Kenrick, Adam Kenrick Photo

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Downtown Live

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Leading Leeds

Words: Tom Riordan

et me start by again welcoming Downtown in Business to Leeds.

I know from speaking to people around the city that you’ve made a positive impression, and I’m looking forward to working with you and your members in this exciting year for Leeds.

Frank asked me to contribute some thoughts here, at the start of the year, on what lies ahead.

When I sat down and wrote a list of all the things that are going on in Leeds in 2013, well – where to start?!

So rather than starting in 2013, let’s instead jump forward. It’s timely because as I write I'm on my way back from Paris with members of the World's press on a renamed Jet2 aircraft called Grand Depart 2014. Tonight the best ever La Nuit de Tour event will be held in Leeds Town Hall and the key waypoints of the Yorkshire stages are now public.

Our collective success in bringing the Grand Depart to Yorkshire and Leeds illustrates how we, as a city, have changed over the last few years. People still regularly say to me that Leeds needs to be more ambitious, more audacious, and more welcoming to business and big ideas. I accept that there will always be more to do, but I take issue with those who say we lack ambition, or aren’t capable of thinking and delivering big.

For those of you with any doubts – be here on the 5th of July next year and feel the eyes of the world on us for the biggest annual sporting event anywhere on the planet. And see the commercial opportunities on offer both around the Tour

Pic shows Tom with Council leader Keith Wakefield 20 DQ

itself, like sponsorship, hospitality, and exposure to the world’s media but also the opportunity to tell the Leeds story to potential investors from all over the world – all hot on the wheels of the cyclists themselves.

The Tour is a massive event and opportunity in its own right, but more than that, it will capitalise on the momentum that is already building here. 2013 is going to be a huge year. We are the only city in the UK with a major, in-town shopping centre opening. The Leeds Arena will become a key part of the economic and social life of the city – attracting more people here every week who will want places to eat, drink, and stay.

We are already seeing the private sector respond to the opportunities for growth the Arena offers - new hotels and a revamped Merrion Centre we want to see even more investment coming forward and create the framework for that to happen.

What we need to be better at, as a city, is capitalising on these major developments and events and using them to drive forward even harder. We have to make every major event and development a springboard to more growth, and plan and deliver investment within a spatial and economic growth narrative – with bricks and mortar explicitly and quantifiably contributing to economic and social well-being. In doing that, the impacts will cumulatively become more than the sum of their parts.

You can see this approach emerging already.

Take the Enterprise Zone in the Aire Valley as an example, with the infrastructure of the East

Leeds Link road in place. Or the ambition for 70,000 new homes in the draft Core Strategy - by far the highest of any Council in the country but crucially not growth at any cost with the vast majority of the green belt protected. Are there job opportunities for the occupiers of the new homes? Leeds and Partners are driving growth in healthcare, digital, financial and professional services, and our retail offer will be enhanced

by Trinity and Eastgate. Do people have the right skills to meet the needs of business? The Apprenticeship Training Agency, the University Training Colleges, and our partnership with the Manufacturing Advisory Service, to name just a few, will help to ensure they do.

The opportunities and reasons to invest in Leeds, whether as an existing company or a new investor, are stronger than they have ever been.

As a council we’re working hard to maximise every possible opportunity to invest, through creating that growth narrative that the private sector can have confidence in. If you have any ideas on how you can be part of it, get in touch and let us know, as the private sector is central to our Best City ambitions.

Tom Riordan is the chief executive of Leeds City Council.

Just Jim

JUST JIM A bit about me…

I have been a broadcaster on politics for over thirty years and have interviewed every Prime Minister from Harold Wilson to David Cameron.

I was a Westminster Lobby Correspondent for the BBC and Independent Radio News, but most of my career has been based in the North West.

I was Granada TV’s Political Correspondent 1987-94 and Political Editor of BBC North West 1998-2006.

Words: Jim Hancock

After New Labour... What Next? ou may hate the Coalition, but do you really want Labour back?

Would they be any different from last time when they racked up huge debts while claiming to be

prudent?

Actually lots of people do. They think the Coalition is incompetent and insensitive to people on benefits. Labour’s next test will come in parts of the North that are not natural territory for the party. There are no elections in metropolitan areas like West Yorkshire and Merseyside. It is the shires’ turn with Labour facing stiff challenges in Conservative controlled Lancashire, Derbyshire and North Yorkshire.

That’s middle England politically if not geographically.

Ed Miliband needs to win parliamentary constituencies in these areas in 2015 so May 2nd would be a good time to build the councillor base so crucial to winning those seats. This is where the Lib Dems could be badly damaged. A further poor local government performance will make it harder for people like Gordon Birtwhistle in Burnley to hold his parliamentary seat next time.

Lancashire will be interesting, where the colourful Tory leader Geoff Driver will hope that his substantial Conservative majority will absorb a big challenge from the Labour opposition.

So it is an important year for Labour nationally to begin to define itself.

The party’s think tanks are working behind the scenes to formulate policies for leader Ed Miliband. One of the oldest is the Fabian Society which laid the foundations for the Labour Party 130 years ago. They held a major conference in January which was attended by the party leader – and my good self.

As Ed Miliband gains in confidence he is more prepared to distance himself from New Labour. In Miliband’s Fabian speech he acknowledged that New Labour hadn’t listened enough on issues like immigration. More generally he said that the era of Blair and Brown had not been radical enough with the power and banking structures of Britain.

On a subject that Downtown is set to

campaign on, Miliband said that if it was right to devolve power to Scotland and Wales, it was also right to devolve power to English local government. Now is the time for people to put forward their views on this whether it be metro mayors for the whole of city regions like Leeds and Manchester and/or a wider northern council with real power to spend on skills, transport and housing.

Miliband is determined to wrest the One Nation tag from the Tories. He told the conference that for him it meant tapping into the good instincts of the British people and insisting on responsibility from top to bottom. That seems to mean a tough stand on business greed but also an expectation that people will have to be more responsible, less reliant on state provided services.

Pollster Ben Page outlined the political realities for Labour in 2013. He pointed out that the Coalition faced new dangers as benefit and health reforms kicked in. There are fears of disruption with the introduction of Iain Duncan Smith’s universal benefit. It is going to rely on a nationwide complex computer system. Good luck with that Iain!

But Page warned that 2015 could be like 1992 for Labour. In ‘92 Labour’s policies on education and health were more popular than the Tories and they lead in the opinion polls right up to polling day. However Neil Kinnock was defeated because of nagging doubts on economic policy. A similar situation prevails today.

The Fabians are an open lot and had Tory Tim Montgomerie on the platform.

The editor of the very influential website Conservative.home was in confessional mood listing a range of reasons why it is difficult for his party to win next time.

The rise of UKIP, the party’s difficulties in Scotland and with ethnic communities and the likely failure to change the parliamentary boundaries were among them.

However Montgomerie claimed it wasn’t impossible. Labour’s lead was only 10% not the 20% midterm advantage some opposition parties had enjoyed in the past. He forecast economic improvement and an effective campaign against Labour of the “tax bombshell” variety.

Like Ben Page, Montgomerie referred to the voters’ mistrust of Labour on the economy. He had two dramatic ideas to remedy this and, although suggested by a Conservative, it will be interesting to see if Labour eventually carries them out.

The first idea is for Labour to accept George Osborne’s spending cuts for the early years of the new parliament. The second was to sack Ed Balls. The thinking here is that Balls is a constant reminder of Labour’s past economic policy.

Montgomerie made a very revealing remark when asked about Labour’s relations with the Liberal Democrats. “You can have them!”, he cried dismissively. Whilst Cameron and Clegg have recently published their half term report, at the grass roots level there is great tension between Tories and Lib Dems.

Journalist Polly Toynbee saw no difficulty in Labour working with the Lib Dems in a coalition.

Indeed many people feel this may be the outcome of the next election. The only problem might be that the Lib Dems might have so few MPs they may not be credible partners.

DQ 21

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The Taylor Report

THE TAYLOR REPORT A bit about me…

Michael Taylor is the chairman of Downtown Manchester in Business and the founder of Think More, a new events company designed to promote debate and discourse.

He is a journalist and broadcaster and has been the editor of magazines.

He is also a director of Liberty Pensions, a SIPP provider.

Words: Michael Taylor

A financial revolution – a few thoughts he banking sector in the western world seems to lurch from one fight to the next. Like a group of battered drunk lads on a city centre Friday night out, staggering towards the taxi rank, instead of finding safety and solace they find another gang ready to fight them.

In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis I would take solace in a comment from Patrick Loftus, a wise and well connected senior partner of Deloitte, when he observed that businesses who we know are well served by good banks that we all know, and whatever sins had been committed on Wall Street and in the City of London, of the bankers we knew, there wasn’t really a bad one amongst them.

Credit default swaps, contracts for difference and collateralised debt obligations were invented in a land far, far, away, even if our businesses and our bankers were reaping the bitter harvest of the credit crunch.

With the benefit of long term hindsight there was a truth in that, but it has emerged that maybe some of our leading banking executives were pretty culpable too.

Payment protection insurance was a horrible and cynical product to sell, and it seems they were all at it. Apart from the annoying texts we all seem to get urging us to pursue our own claims, the banks have now had to make extraordinary provisions to pay back people who were sold this.

business. The owners have been left straddled with ruinously high interest rates for loans and a great deal of personal anxiety and stress.

His casebook alone amounts to over 40 companies in the North involving loans worth £50m. He is also advising on two “very substantial” claims for larger debts which required hedging arrangements on just under £500 million worth of facilities. Staggering.

Murphy even suspects that hedge misselling could end up costing the banking industry more than £10bn, potentially making it more costly than payment protection insurance misselling. Helping businesses with this is one of our priorities this year.

New banks, new regulation n the middle of all of this you have to believe it is possible to start reconstructing a banking and business finance system that is fit for purpose. Lots of nice things are spoken about Handelsbanken and their own version of financial localism. Metro Bank is a popular choice, but as I discovered when I met their director Anthony Thompson last year the main business service is deposit taking.

I thoroughly welcome any innovation and fresh thinking in the provision of funding for business. All the political parties, on the surface, say they are for it too. But I raise a quizzical

Payment protection insurance was a horrible and cynical product to sell, and it seems they were all at it The swap tsunami ut there’s more! It wasn’t just hapless punters who were strong armed into buying bad products. I keep hearing some horror stories from Downtown members who recount how businesses were sold complex interest rate swaps.

According to Tim Murphy at Seneca Partners, who is helping businesses with claims against banks, hundreds of firms in the North have been sold products by banks they thought they could trust which in fact have damaged their

eyebrow at this because as a director of a tightly regulated pensions business I have seen at firsthand how vigilant the Financial Services Authority are, particularly when it comes to consumer protection.

I say it surprises me because it seems to run counter to a cultish popularity for unregulated investments in retail bonds and crowdfunding websites. Similarly, while government ministers trumpet the Enterprise Investment Schemes and venture capital funds, the real back story to all of this is tighter regulation on the definition of investment propositions and when a fund is not a fund.

The return of Willy Glyns? ere in the North of England businesses were left in limbo last year by the collapse of the deal to sell a chunk of RBS customers and branches to Santander. Arguably this has had a bigger effect in the North than in other parts of the UK. And it’s not fair on customers for it to drag on any longer.

When Royal Bank of Scotland was required to offload branches and customers as part of its state aid package, customers weren’t given a great deal of say, but they were given an extraordinarily long notice period. The vague promise of ‘sometime in 2013’ gave a glimpse of the complexity of the problem for Santander in integrating the new teams and the whole new banking system into their own processes.

Now that the deal has died, customers will be reeling. Yet there’s a decent business to be had here and an opportunity to root a new commercial bank in the North. For me the best scenario would be a revival of the Williams and Glyn’s brand, which can be traced back to its formation as the Manchester and Salford Bank in 1836. The new revived bank should be headquartered as a business bank in Manchester and with closer connections to the businesses of the North.

Michael Taylor is the chairman of Downtown Manchester in Business. He is also a director of Liberty Pensions, a SIPP provider.

DQ 23 23 DQ

DQ I

Tim Bac

Icon

con

Words: Craig Sergeant

rom humble beginnings to unimaginable riches: it’s the same old story.

Correction: It’s the same old fascinating story.

You see, the life of an entrepreneur is always extremely interesting.

Period. It’s probably something to do with the human psyche’s penchant for voyeurism, an unquenchable thirst to see how others have made their fortune (and maybe pick up a few tips along the way). Tim Bacon, antipodean hospitality expert and North West-based head honcho of Living Ventures, could probably make a pretty decent cocktail to hit the spot for that thirst of yours, but his story is even better.

Currently, Bacon’s Living Ventures is a company on an upward trajectory, progressing and diversifying in the UK hospitality sector with the verve and wanderlust of an 18th century explorer hungry for new experiences, excited to expand their world. At the moment, Living Ventures holds the metaphorical umbrella over seven brands (and to continue the explorer analogy, that’s one for every continent): Gusto, The Alchemist, Blackhouse, Australasia, The New World Pub Co., Suburbia and Red Door. However, it’s unlikely to end there.

To get to the stage he is at, Tim Bacon has had to constantly keep on pushing forward. But everybody has to start somewhere, and that somewhere was in the East End of London before relocating at 18 months old to Tasmania, the island state off the south east coast of Australia. Little is known about Bacon’s formative years, or more precisely, Bacon himself is not too forthcoming about it. His parents separated when he was very young but nonetheless he would have an idyllic childhood, sharing his time between his mother and father. In his teens he spent a period backpacking in London and when it was over vowed to return to the UK. However, his own biography tends to airbrush these parts out and begins with his forte: hospitality. > DQ 25

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the Living Room was the place and in

Previously But wait! There was something else before that. Another world to which Bacon belonged; one in which the general public on these fair shores will have first met him. Startlingly, Tim Bacon first found fame in 1985 as an actor on Australian soap opera Sons and Daughters, playing the role of part good-hearted soul and part-maniac Chris Bainbridge. For many, his first career move of acting would have been considered the pinnacle – would have been making it. Not so. In an era of less televisual variety, being beamed into the living rooms of millions wasn’t enough for the young Bacon and as quickly as it had begun, his foray into acting was over. 1987 is the year when it really all began for him. It was time to skip across the world to London and, rather stereotypically for an Australian, start working as a bartender at TGI Friday’s in Covent Garden.

Entering the hospitality industry on the bottom rung but making cocktails with unrivalled skill (perfectly timed to catch onto the zeitgeist of the Tom Cruise movie Cocktail), in 1989 he won a bar tenders competition that landed him a demonstration spot on primetime UK television chat show Wogan. Once again Bacon was to be beamed into the homes of millions and showing the nation his talent. As when he landed the soap role it was a classic case of right place, right time.

Bacon looks back on his TGI Friday’s era with fond memories, a glint in his eyes recalling the simpler times when even then he “earned a fortune”, but after his TV appearance he was inundated with job offers from around the country as his phone went “ballistic”. By this point, Bacon had already undertaken (and passed) bar management courses but was being asked to train bartenders and design bars for top dollar. Due to leave in four days to work on a cruise ship, in his words, “a decision had to be made”. He stayed. Wise move.

So began a relatively short-lived enterprise in consultancy work under the banner Bar Biz Training. Although not the most enjoyable of his enterprises, Bacon gained great experience nonetheless, noting that taking a lot of risks is easier “when you’re not the one writing the cheques” and he learned a lot from “other people’s mistakes”, two lessons he still lives by to this day despite the fact that he is now very much indeed the one writing the cheques. By 1993, Bacon’s career in the hospitality industry had lasted three times as long as his stint in the acting world. This time, his world had him hooked, had drawn him in and there was no turning back. The only thing to do was to keep on ploughing ahead. So he did.

Purchase With a good level of experience, tough lessons learnt and brief flirtations with stardom all tucked neatly under the belt, Bacon pressed onwards with ventures anew and purchased his first establishment, JW Johnson’s Bar and Restaurant on Deansgate in Manchester, the city that from then on in would be the focal hub of all Bacon’s hospitality pursuits. He spotted that JW Johnson’s was “an ideal investment” that was merely being managed poorly before takeover.

With prime location and an overhaul, Bacon quickly rejuvenated not just the business, but also the immediate surrounding area as competition sprang up from La Tasca and the Moon Under Water. He adds that it only took three months to turn the business around from a loss maker to one that “did very well for us”.

As with every entrepreneur, there is no standing still. By 1996 JW Johnson’s was sold and in came a new business partner in the shape of Jeremy Edwards. Together they set up the company Life Restaurants and developed two chains to run in parallel. The first was Via Vita (with the Marston brewery) and the second was Life Café (with Whitbread). Via Vita expanded to 7 restaurants across the country whilst Life Café became what Bacon lovingly labels “a Liverpool institution”. However, at the end of the booming ‘90s both these projects were passed on to their respective breweries to look after. Itchy feet? Perhaps, who can say? But perhaps the turn of the new millennium signified that it was time for yet another handbrake turn on the hospitality industry highway.

Ventures In 1999 came Bacon and Edwards’ first truly famous establishment as they set up Living Ventures and opened the first Living Room in Manchester with the backing of venture capitalists Sagitta Private Equity (now Bowmark Capital). With the memory of recession long since banished from the memories of most in the UK, the boom years kept-a-booming and nouveau riche Premier League footballers honed in on the Living Room like bees around pollen. By association, the Living Room was the place to see and be seen in and within a couple of years a Living Room had popped up in pretty much every single one of the UK’s major cities.

26 DQ

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It was with the Living Room that Bacon truly began to show his maverick aesthetics in hospitality.

His typically Australian laid-back disposition vies with an inherent natural ambition, the result of which back then was to develop the Living Room into a casual dining bar and restaurant covering several floors with an uptempo vibe permeating throughout. With an emphasis on cocktails, food, live music and a late license, celebrities could not get enough of the place. The UK couldn’t get enough of celebrities either (and still can’t) so the people came in their droves whilst the money came rolling in.

By the time it came to sell the chain in 2007, it had grown to 34 bars employing 1500 people with an annual turnover of an astounding £50m.

Which begs the question, why on earth would anybody sell such successful businesses and continue to try new things? Well, Bacon himself has analysed this and pinpoints his own low tolerance for boredom, believing that sticking to any one brand for five years is the complete antithesis of his philosophy as “it becomes like work then”. This fuels his ‘screw it’ mentality - a popular attitude amongst some of the most successful in business, just ask Richard Branson [see DQ Spring/Summer 2012].

Luck plays a part too, in yet another instance of right place right time, or perhaps making the right move at the right time, Living Ventures received an offer for the Living Room chain from Ultimate Leisure, an offer too good to refuse. The fee? A mere £27m – “silly money” as Bacon described it. The deal was completed one whole year before the credit crunch struck and one can only imagine what comparably paltry sum Ultimate Leisure’s offer would have been in 2008.

Audacity Rolling back a few years to 2005, Living Ventures completed what at the time he considered their best deal “purely for its audacious nature”, purchasing Est Est Est with the help of The Restaurant Group. This involved The Restaurant Group buying out Bacon’s venture capitalists Sagitta (Est Est Est owners) and paying £7.7m for its 40% stake in the Living Ventures, and then in turn selling the newly acquired Est Est Est to Bacon and co. for £16.4m. So not only were The Restaurant Group buying somebody else’s business, they relinquished control in allowing Living Ventures to retain their 60% share. No guts, no glory.

With Est Est Est ailing at the time of purchase, “in terminal decline” in fact, Bacon renovated and rejuvenated the chain, and rebranded some of the lost cause units as Blackhouse Grill and Gusto.

Over time, Est Est Est has been phased out and replaced by these new successful brands.

Spinningfields Which brings us to this modern era of recession, which Bacon reflects on being a good time to open business “for those with a clear vision”. Living Ventures’ most grand developments of recent times and likely to be the most familiar, is the near-monopoly of the Spinningfields area just off Deansgate in Manchester city centre. Here you’ll find the Australasia eatery, an unrivalled brand in terms of like-for-like food and drink competition and is Bacon’s attempt to bring a slice of his homeland into the heart of his adopted city. Its subterranean location is a literal take on the term ‘down under’ and highlights Bacon’s propensity for the unusual in terms of design and ergonomics.

Another radical design is the Oust House pub, the building of which itself is an actual oust house imported from Ireland and built around a steel frame. Meanwhile, The Alchemist venue crams all of Bacon’s cocktail expertise into an extensive high-end menu.

Not all of Bacon’s ventures are a success of course. He is quick to pull the plug when something does not immediately start producing the desired and required successful results, so the nearby Peppermint Bay café-deli didn’t make the grade. Bacon’s other brands in Spinningfields however, were all profitable after their first month trading and prove Bacon’s natural aptitude for determining at an early stage what will be a worthwhile project to pursue. If people don’t take to his ideas and plans, he admits that he’s not going to “force it” and continue to flog the proverbial dead horse. As Einstein said, insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results.

Future Days So what next for Tim Bacon? Well like any MD should be doing, he is always planning for the future. Pencilled in the 2013 yearbook is the Manchester House restaurant, again to be situated in one of the towers of Spinningfields. This time, Bacon admits his grandiose plan: to bring Manchester its only Michelin Star. He has admitted that there’s no other reason for him doing this project but realises that if it doesn’t happen and Manchester House is still profitable, then no big deal, it still counts as a win. “It’s incredible that a city of Manchester’s size and pedigree does not have a starred restaurant” he opines, before adding “and we would like to get the ball rolling”.

Tim Bacon and Living Ventures are quite literally reaching for the stars and maybe the Michelin crusade will be a success, maybe it won’t. But at least this laid-back Aussie with the hospitality Midas touch is maverick enough to take on such a herculean task, and with his ‘screw it’ attitude repeatedly reaping dividends, it’s not too difficult to think that he might just succeed. Again.

With Est Est Est ailing at the time of purchase Bacon

renovated and

rejuvenated the chain

DQ 27

For an informal discussion call:

0800 294 4409 www.marsdenrawsthorn.com follow us @uksolicitors

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Chaophraya and Palm Sugar Lounge Words: Roger Jonas

he realisation of a dream Thailand-born Kim Kaewkraikhot had harboured since moving to Leeds in 1999, Chaophraya was first established in 2004 by Kim and her partner Martin Stead.

Chaophraya began as a small but significant venture in Leeds in 2005 and within just a few short years, extended to a variety of carefully-selected destinations across the UK. Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow are all home to the Chaophraya dining experience, with Glasgow being the largest Thai restaurant in Europe.

Leeds’ diners are without doubt the luckiest of all however, as not only do they have the original, flagship restaurant on their doorstep, but they are also now able to enjoy the £1.3m refurbishment and expansion it has recently undergone with the inclusion of Palm Sugar Lounge.

Guests are welcomed into the Palm Sugar Lounge, an opulent destination bar where contemporary furnishings meet classic Thai styling.

Thai Tapas is perfect as a snack to see you through the day. Or come in and sample the extensive drinks list including boutique beers and feature cocktails, designed especially for Chaophraya by our in house mixologists.

Beyond the lounge, the restaurant’s plush leather booths surround polished wooden tables. ‘Kim’s table’ takes the bespoke chef’s table philosophy to an even greater level and is exclusive to Leeds. A £50 set menu is available for those happy to sit back and relax as a mouthwatering selection of dishes is served, or alternatively Kim can design a menu tailored to your individual tastes. You will enjoy a drink on arrival and this special table is then yours for the entire evening.

Sunken seating, traditional stoneware and a huge fish tank make the private dining room a show-stopping place to gather 10 to 16 friends. For no extra charge (just a minimum spend of £35 per person) this exquisite space is available to all, just ask to reserve the room when making your booking.

Semi-private seating areas allow the buzzing atmosphere of the restaurant to filter through, while still enjoying the separation for your party of up to 26 guests. You can even hire part of or the whole downstairs bar and even larger groups and special events are excellently catered for in the Feature Bar upstairs.

Large groups benefit from the carefully-chosen set menu, which is served Thai banquet style with a range of dishes in the centre of the table so you can pick and choose your perfect meal. Or why not end your weekend in style with the Sunday Menu? A superior version of an all-youcan-eat buffet, the food is brought to you directly from the kitchen and costs just £12.95.

For even more frugal treats without compromising on quality, Chaophraya has just the thing. At lunchtime choose either two courses or a main course and a drink for just £8.50, or start your weekend in the best possible way with Fizz Friday, when there are various Champagne offers to take advantage of.

If you’d like to step behind the scenes and learn how to recreate Thai dishes at home, guided by the expert help of Chaophraya’s Thai chefs, the Cookery School is the ideal opportunity. Corporate sessions are £100 per head and take place anytime Monday to Friday (except Friday evening). The private schools, perfect for couples, parties and birthday treats, hold up to 12 people every other Saturday 12-3pm and are priced at £60.

Chaophraya aims to please everyone simply because it can. No matter how much you intend to spend or how long you intend to stay, from a bespoke Thai feast to your favourite cocktail, you will be met with excellent, personal service at every level.

Call 0113 244 9339 or visit www.chaophraya.co.uk and make your booking for the ultimate Thai bar and dining experience.

Liverpool

Leeds

Manchester

5-6 Kenyon Steps, Liverpool One L1 3DF

20A Blayds Court, Swinegate, Leeds LS1 4AG

19 Chapel Walks, Manchester M2 1HN

0151 707 6323

0113 244 9339

0161 832 8342

www.chaophraya.co.uk

DQ 29

The Independents

Independent

points

of

view

Words: Roger Jonas

The Independents

y job as Downtown’s Events Manager requires that I often deal with, shall we say, some of the regions better restaurants! I recently spoke with two hugely successful independent restaurateurs about their thoughts on the current state of play of the industry and how the more mainstream brands affect their business.

Tim Bacon is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Living Ventures, and this issues, Downtown Icon.

“The debate about how independent operators compete against larger franchise is an over played negative in my opinion. If both types of operation play to their strengths then the playing field is fairly even and if anything it is normally in favour of the independent. That has certainly been my experience. The thing about restaurant locations, including city centres, but excluding shopping centres and airports, is that they are local and used primarily by a local market. An independent should be much more aware of its local markets than a national brand and be able to communicate and offer a product that plays to that local market on a more personal level. The major problem for an independent is defining what they are and who their target market is. If they struggle to stamp an identity, it is going to be a major problem when competing against something that is defined and understood by the market which a larger franchise, if run well, offers. If an independent is professionally run, intelligently targeted at a market that exists in its location, it will always trade better than a national.

Airports and shopping centres play by slightly different rules as the customer base is a lot more transient and not there primarily for the catering.”

Danny Fox is the Operations Director with the Individual Restaurant Company. He explained that, “If your team creates a great dining experience with top quality produce and excellent customer service, then you create the right environment that breeds loyalty from your diners. Staff training is paramount and we invest a huge amount of time and effort in making sure that our staff are knowledgeable about our products and about our expectations when customer facing. They all have the confidence to hold an informed conversation because of their knowledge of our product” Danny agrees with Tim about the importance of location, equally as important as ensuring the right working model, which is led by market forces.

“It is critical that you listen to the market and deliver on their expectation. When you look at how a more mainstream brand operates, say the “all you can eat” model for example, it is easy to see the appeal to a particular type of diner. It is a niche market that works and can yield huge turnover.”

Tim Bacon thinks that markets in different locations do have differences and are constantly moving but not by as much as you would think, the right product in the right location, with good service in an engaging environment will always prevail, some operations get away with not delivering the holy trinity for periods of time and are then surprised when they see their market share dip due to increased competition.

“I work on the principal that if I have 100 seats to fill, the locals should enquire with us first for availability before going elsewhere, you only achieve this by ensuring you look after people when they are with you and give them what they want. I remember coming out of one of our restaurants recently, it was trading nicely, great atmosphere, and as I walk past the national branded restaurant next door I noticed that all it had in it was one table of 4! It intrigued me as to why anyone would want to sit in an empty restaurant when there was a full one next door so I went in and asked them, it transpired they were staff.”

So it transpires that the independent restaurant industry can sit quite happily next to the bigger national mainstream brands as the market is buoyant enough to ensure sustainability of both. People understand what they want...... simples!

DQ 31

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G IN IN A M E R S E C A L P W E F FINAL The third annual City of Manchester Business Awards will take place on Thursday 21st March 2013 at the fabulous Hilton Hotel. Hosted by Downtown Manchester in Business in association with Manchester City Council and Journey9, the awards celebrate the best of Manchester business and reward companies who have achieved outstanding success during the past twelve months. You have selected the shortlisted nominees – and now you get the chance to vote for your preferred candidates in each category. The on line votes will account for 50% of the overall vote, with the remaining 50% given to our judging panel.

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Exclusive private dining room discreetly located on the mezzanine level of the restaurant Seating for up to 24 guests; larger parties can also be accommodated on request Excellent venue for breakfast meetings, product launches, business dinners & intimate celebrations Located in the landmark Old Post Office building in City Square, a convenient and impressive setting

For further details and booking information please contact: Simon Dekker Sales & Events Manager T: 0113 244 9625 E: simon.dekker@individualrestaurants.com W: individualrestaurants.com

The Restaurant Bar & Grill, The Old Post Office, 3 City Square, Leeds LS1 2AN

After Hours

Stratos – new stylish bar and restaurant opens in Preston he San Marco Group’s latest venture, Stratos, opened for business in early December in the lead up to Christmas. The stylish and contemporary bar and restaurant is certainly creating a buzz in the City of Preston.

Stratos caters very well for the business community offering a relaxed atmosphere within which to meet clients and colleagues alike, either over a quick coffee, an executive lunch or a glass of wine after work. The function room upstairs is an ideal space for business meetings and is very conducive to networking, presentations and seminars.

The Bragagnini family, who own the San Marco Group, has been investing in and around the City for 30 years with Pinocchios in Walton Le Dale, followed by The Italian Orchard in Broughton, Angelos in Preston and San Marco in Much Hoole. It’s very much a family run business and the Bragagninis are very committed to what they do.

Carlo Bragagnini who oversees the management of Stratos commented, “We are extremely passionate about what we do and I think that is conveyed in every element of the business; the food, the service, the ambience as well as the decor. We want all our customers to have an experience to remember, whether they are coming in for a coffee, a business meeting over lunch or drinks with friends at night. We spend a lot of time researching and sourcing very specialist foods, such as hams, cheese, pasta and wine from select suppliers in Italy. We also have strong links with Italian catering schools where many of our staff are recruited from.”

The tapas style food served at Stratos is an eclectic mix of authentic Italian charcuterie and cheeses alongside locally sourced fresh produce from the markets across Lancashire. Giulio Bragagnini, the Executive Chef of the San Marco Group is keen to use only the freshest of ingredients and loves trawling around local suppliers to see what seasonal delicacies are available to add to his menu. The chefs at Stratos not only work with the best of ingredients, they also use state of the art cooking equipment from renowned Italian manufacturer deManincor.

Night time at Stratos is really lively, the atmosphere is full of fun and laughter and with a selection of DJs and live music at the weekend, people can enjoy themselves until 3am.

The refurbishment of the old Bistro French building to create Stratos has been a significant investment for the San Marco Group.

The family brought in the expertise of Italian architect Umberto Spanghero from SZ Arredamenti. The San Marco Group had seen some of the spectacular work created by Umberto in Italy and were keen to adopt his innovative and creative style for Stratos. The complex building project was managed by John Hamilton of local building company Hamilton Construction, acting as the Project Manager liaising between the architect and all the local contractors.

Many parts of Stratos, such as the furniture, bar and function room have been designed and manufactured by Umberto then shipped over from Italy. The lighting is one particular aspect which Umberto has really focussed on and the Catellani & Smith lights can only be described as captivating.

Carlo concluded, ”We seem to have created the right mix between a relaxed atmosphere and a fun place to be. It really is a great spot in the heart of the City and we believe it will give Preston a real boost.”

Stratos is open from 10am every day serving coffees and breakfast, with tapas style food served from 12 noon until 9pm. The premises are licenced until 3am and a large selection of wines, cocktails and beers are served. A function room is available for business meetings and private parties.

Stratos Avenham Street Preston 01772 888880 www.sanmarcogroup.co.uk DQ 35

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Uptown Girl

UPTOWN GIRL A bit about me…

I am a full time working mum of 2 boys, who juggles home and work...sometimes with some success. I run Journey9, an award-winning marketing services company based in Spinningfields, Manchester. I am managing director of the Northwest Football Awards. I also support Manchester City.

Email – laura@journey9.com Web – www.journey9.com / www.northwestfootballawards.com Twitter - @laurawolfe

Words: Laura Wolfe

January ruined my life Forgive me father Frank (McKenna) for I have sinned. I missed my deadline. This column was late.

‘Why?’ I hear you ask.

The truth?

It’s January. Need I say more?

January – the most depressing month in the entire calendar. January – dark, cold and post-festive break.

The Christmas break – the only time of the entire year when we all just stop.

Some, like me, shut their offices over the holiday period to give themselv es and their teams a well-earned break after the stresses and strains of yet another year of long hours and hard work. Christmas - A time for family and friends. A time for drinking and eating far too much. A time for switching off the email and the mobile and just cuddling the kids.

Then suddenly all too quickly, it’s January. The kids return to nursery and school.

We go back to work. We are all on diets and ban chocolate from the office. We give up alcohol for ‘Dry January’. We go to the gym to try and lose the excess pounds we’ve put on eating and drinking too much for the past month.

Basically we are just miserable. Motivation is extremely difficult and finding the inspiration to write or create near impossible.

Hence why I missed my deadline. It’s January’s fault.

On the plus side, it’s now February.

That dreaded nursery call Any of us with young kids will have been there.

You know the scene. You’ve just started a meeting. You hear the familiar buzzing as your phone starts to ring on silent. You look down at the flashing screen to be hit with the dread. ‘Nursery calling’ flashes up. You excuse yourself and ask if your client minds if you answer the call. It’s nursery after all. The client says of course you

must answer.

‘Hello, it’s nursery. It’s fine. Don’t panic. Sami is fine. he’s fallen and seems to have hit his nose. There just It’s was a lot of blood. He’s a bit subdued. We think you need to come and take him to A&E.’ Your mind goes into a whirlwind. What? How? When?

I need to go. I need to have this meeting. I need to go. I need to have this meeting. My son needs me. My work needs me. I am a bad mother. You know the drill.

I obviously leave the meeting and rush to my car. I arrive at nursery in record time. My son quietly puts his arms out to me and rests his head on my shoulder. I am the ‘mummy me’ again. The ‘work me’ has been left behind. We race to A&E at Wythenshawe Hospital, which incidentally gets top marks from me while we are on the subject. The doctor prods and pokes. My brave little man takes it all in his stride. It looks worse than it is. We can’t tell if it’s broken until the swelling goes down in a couple of weeks, the doctor informs me. I get my instructions – the dos and don’ts of caring for a child with an injury like this – and we leave.

Two days later he returns to nursery. All is well and calm again. He looks like he’s been in a boxing match but he is un-phased. Until... I’m in a meeting. My mobile buzzes again. It’s nursery again. He has a temperature.

This goes on for a week. Here we go again.

January has a lot to answer for.

And finally...

The Northwest Football Awards (NWFA) last November celebrated everything football in the Northwest – the players, the businesses, the Anyone who knows me knows I love football. I just love it. commercial and operations teams behind the scenes enabling the job The Northwest is home to arguably the greatest football clubs in to be done on the pitch, the medical staff, the journalists – basically the country, which produce and develop the best players year-on-year, everything and everyone involved in the beautiful game – and it was a enabling us to build a fabulous heritage, enjoy an exhilarating modern day special night for many reasons. and look forward to an exciting future.

I had the honour of meeting some footballing greats at the NWFA; Cut through our region and you’ll find football wherever you look, Fabrice Muamba, Patrick Vieira, Paul Dickov (whose Oldham team, as playing a vital role in supporting local communities and businesses.

I type this, has just had an immense win over Liverpool in the FA Cup), Our clubs are big employers, generate global tourism and support local Roberto Martinez, Dave Whelan to name but a few. A special personal suppliers. In some cases, you can measure differences in business moment was chatting to two legends from opposite sides of town – Mike productivity and witness quieter (or noisier) offices on the Monday after a Summerbee and Sir Bobby Charlton. That’s something that will stay with home win or loss. I know this from personal experience. me for the rest of my life. God – I love my job!

DQ 37

Self-storage Vs. Shelf Storage An increasing number of organisations are opting to keep their business documentation in self-storage units, as opposed to using a dedicated records management supplier.

Is it more cost-effective?

Will you have more control over your documents?

WE CAN SAVE YOU OVER 50% ON YOUR CURRENT RECORDS MANAGEMENT SPEND

Is your information more secure in self-storage?

The short answer to all of these questions is; no.

The majority of Storing with Archive Solutions will eradicate the unseen management and labour costs that accompany self-storage use,

companies asked consider the accessibility of re-

Your records are stored in our highly secure facilities, delivered

cords within their

and tracked from shelf to desk using a unique barcode system,

business to

available around the clock and, with our records management

be inadequate

software, manageable from the comfort of your own office computer.

Source: AIIM

Records management; so much more than just storage!

We manage and protect your records from cradle to grave...

We take your documents and assets on for the journey of their lifecycle – from collection, indexing, labelling and barcoding through to climate controlled storage and intelligent scanning systems, until they reach the end of their life when we will dispose of them safely, securely and through environmentally sound methods.

STORE

SCAN

SHRED

Efficiency Having your information managed

by Archive Solutions will give your staff more stress free time to get on with what you pay them to do; maximising your business’s output.

Compliance The maximum fine for contravening data protection legislation is ÂŁ500,000. Storing with us will ensure that your organisation meets all current data protection regulations.

Access

Security

Our comprehensive range of both physical and digital retrieval methods mean that your records will be available 24 hours a day!

Our O’Neils records management system allows you to add, edit and retrieve from your own computer.

The safety of your information is our number one priority. Our storage facilities have CCTV and access control systems and all of our vehicles benefit from tracking technology to ensure that we know where your information is at all times.

About Us Here at Archive Solutions we pride ourselves on being able to tailor services to suit your service requirement. Our flexible approach means that no matter how big or small the company, we always provide a friendly, enthusiastic and flexible service to make you smile about data management, probably something that you have never done before.

Contact us now for a no obligation discussion regarding your records management: T: 0161 654 3780 W: www.archive-solutions.co.uk E: enquiries@archive-solutions.co.uk

72% of organisations believe it is harder to find information they own than information they do not.

Source:AIIM

Focus On

Leading scaffolding and industrial services provider NSG has undergone a major rebrand to reflect its successful integration into the France-based multi-national Altrad Group.

The Deeside headquartered company – which works on projects across Merseyside, the North West and wider UK – has been rebranded as Altrad NSG, 18 months after its acquisition.

The rebrand will enhance the business’s financial and structural strength in the UK market, following a period of integration within the Altrad Group. Altrad NSG has already embarked on a nationwide programme of expansion and acquisition, and with the backing of the Altrad Group, the business is actively pursuing opportunities in new sectors.

Altrad NSG is one of the UK’s leading providers of industrial services focused on building, maintaining, overhauling and decommissioning the nation’s infrastructure.

Protective Coatings, Painting and Blasting, Water Jetting and Rope Access.

In December, Altrad NSG opened its latest depot in Manchester, adding to the existing hubs in Deeside, Liverpool, Birmingham, Loughborough and Telford. 2012 also saw the launch of a new North East office in Teeside.

Altrad NSG Managing Director Mike Carr said: “We have undergone a total brand review and are delighted to have now brought the business into the Altrad Group brand – one which is synonymous with quality, innovation, safety and experience.

“We hope that our connection to the Altrad Group will support our growth ambitions by emphasising the financial and operational strength of the company.”

The France-based Altrad Group, which is privately owned, operates throughout the world with an annual turnover of more than €600m. The strength of the group includes other providers of industrial services throughout Europe, a leading manufacturer of plettac contur modular system scaffold and hire and sales of an extensive range of construction products.

Since the company’s foundation in Cheshire in 1971 as a provider of scaffolding, the business has built up a strong national portfolio of experience across a wide range of sectors, such as on and offshore oil and gas, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, power generation (including nuclear), steel production, shipbuilding, rail and civil infrastructure.

Mr Carr added: “System scaffold can offer substantial benefits to scaffolding operations for clients and operators and with the manufacturing capabilities within the group we have the ability to meet the most demanding of requirements.

Since its inception as a scaffold provider the company has grown to provide multiple industrial services including Thermal Insulation and Cladding,

“Working with Altrad NSG means working with people. From the Board of Directors throughout the whole of the Altrad NSG workforce, we are committed to delivering safe, innovative and cost effective solutions

40 DQ

Focus On

to clients. We believe in building long term relationships with clients and deploy a flat management structure to ensure we develop strong working relationships throughout the organisation led by the Board of Directors.”

A new Health and Safety initiative was launched at Altrad NSG on January 1st to further enhance its robust safety performance.

standard performance – what is already expected and necessary for our employees – and what is exceptional. Altrad NSG demands the highest levels of performance and competency from all our employees, to create a safe working environment for all.

“To this effect we are continuing to invest in training programmes and courses for staff across the UK, up-skilling and developing individuals wherever possible.”

Mike Carr said: “The Health and Safety of employees and those affected by our activities is fundamental to our business, irrespective of the environment in which we are working. Our integrated approach to Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality management demonstrates our commitment to our people and stakeholders and our continual drive towards zero accidents and incidents.

The company is committed to achieving zeroharm and has a resolute HSE strategy, reflected in a range of industry awards and accreditations.

The new initiative aims to incentivise all employees who work to exceptional HSE standards.

Altrad NSG Director Tim Walker said: “We conduct regular visits to our sites across the UK to check on the HSE performance of our employees – this will now be linked to an incentive scheme. If the site or area achieves exceptional HSE performance over a year there will be a financial reward for every individual on that site.

“We feel it is vital to differentiate between

“Altrad NSG only deploys competent employees and uses the country’s industryleading training providers to deliver and maintain the high SHEQ standards that we expect. We invest in the training and development of our employees to ensure they are competent to carry out the tasks to which they are assigned. We also invest in high quality equipment to ensure SHEQ standards and reliability.”

2012 was a successful year for Altrad NSG, with a wide range of projects both commenced and completed.

These included work with contractor Merepark Construction Ltd on the £160million Central Village development in Liverpool city centre.

Altrad NSG has provided access scaffold for the subsequent cleaning and window replacement

to the façade elevations, as well as internal scaffolds for the demolition, lift shafts and risers.

Mike Carr said: “This prestigious scheme, whilst providing an excellent marketing opportunity, also tested all aspects of our business from design, through health and safety to time related performance. We are pleased to have worked with Merepark on the continuing redevelopment of Liverpool’s city centre.

“We have recorded a strong start to 2013 so far and despite the effects of the economic downturn, Altrad NSG continues to buck the trend, enjoying growth across our divisions. We are also reaping the benefits of our acquisition strategy – for example our social housing division has enjoyed strong growth thanks to the acquisition of Midlands-based RSL specialists MTD Scaffolding.”

Further Altrad NSG projects included: • Refurbishment of the Eaton Hall Iron Bridge in Cheshire, which is part of the Duke of Westminster’s Alford estate. Altrad NSG worked on the project with Liverpool based industrial and commercial painting company Vale Decorators.

• Asbestos removal at the ExxonMobile oil refinery in Fawley, near Southampton, one of the largest and most complex sites in Europe.

Altrad NSG is working with global construction company EDS on the safe removal of asbestos on the site, which is undergoing a major decommissioning programme.

• Repair and maintenance work at the SCA Paper Mill manufacturing facility in Ramsbottom.

SCA has recently purchased Georgia-Pacific, one of the leading producers of tissue, paper, packaging and building products in the world.

• A new car park in Dale Street with building contractor John Sisk & Son. The six-story new build project involved the demolition of existing buildings and will also see the development of a 123-bed Ibis Hotel and Tesco store.

For more information on Altrad NSG’s services visit www.altradnsg.com or call 01244 833100.

DQ 41

0 ry t. ll 71 nta en Ca 24 8 ime gem 2 pl n a 51 om ma 01 ur c lth o ea ry w fo e to id gu

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PARTNERS I N MANAGI NG YOUR WE A LT H The title ‘Partner Practice’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place Wealth Management representatives.

Delivering mail.

Delivering more.

Can we provide a better mail service and reduce your postage costs?

Sure we can.

That’s why so many organisations in the North are using TNT Post.

Call Tracy Hartland from the TNT Post team now on 07818 450 195 to find out how you can benefit from a better mail service at lower postal rates.

www.tntpost.co.uk

The Cool List

THE DOWNTOWN GUIDE TO THE COOLEST STUFF IN THE DOWNTOWN UNIVERSE

the Spa at Stanley House Hotel For some, the Spa at Stanley House Hotel provides a haven of relaxation away from the stresses of today. For others, a place to enjoy an unrivalled luxury self-indulgent experience. But for all, the Spa at Stanley Houses symbolises an exceptional lifestyle choice whether paying a visit as a local guest or as part of a destination break at the hotel.

Located deep in the heart of the Stanley House Ribble Valley estate, the spa opened in 2012 and was designed by some of the world’s best spa consultants.

We drive for exceptional levels of service through a team of experts, spa therapies, products, activity and energy-giving cuisine – provided by our award-winning Stanley House master chefs.

The service we provide is not simply pampering. It is deeply knowledgeable and scientific, with our specialists ranging from highly trained facialists to masseurs and Pilate teachers.

Girls Aloud As part of their 2013 ‘Ten’ tour, Girls Aloud will play dates at two of the regions great music venues. The five-piece will play Manchester Arena venue on Tuesday 5, Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 March, and they will visit Liverpool’s Echo Arena on 20 March.

Ten will feature all of the bands greatest hits from their five hit albums, such as No Good Advice, Love Machine, and Something Kinda Ooh, as well as songs voted onto the album by fans.

Since they debuted with Sound Of The Underground in 2002, Girls Aloud have had 20 top ten singles and four number ones. Each of their five albums have gone platinum or above. www.echoarena.com/whats_on/girls_aloud.asp www.men-arena.com/events/?page_id=2017

Leeds restaurant Bar & Grill Located in the landmark Old Post Office building in the heart of City Square , The Restaurant Bar & Grill provides an impressive setting to enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner or a private party.

RBG is about classic and inspired seasonal cooking, amazing steaks and brilliant cocktails to match. They only serve the very best British beef naturally reared on farms selected by themselves. They pride themselves on the philosophy of ingredient provenance and are dedicated to ensure that every time you visit, you will have fantastic food and service.

After a few years of great success with the terrace in Leeds Restaurant Bar & Grill, it was decided you can never have too much of a good thing, so they just got a little bigger! It’s definitely the place to be during the warmer summer months.

44 DQ

The Cool List

ABode ABode is dedicated to offering guests the very best. From the finest local specialities and most memorable city locations, to unique surroundings and ambiance, ABode hotels are destinations in themselves. They are totally dedicated to making your stay simply exceptional. Whether you visit them for a relaxing break or a business meeting, an intimate meal with friends or a fairytale wedding, their attention to detail, quality and tradition will make your time at an ABode hotel unforgettable. www.abodehotels.co.uk/chester

Beachcomber Surf’s up! California has come to Preston as Beachcomber creates something exciting for the city’s revellers.

The new 60s-inspired retro cocktail house in the heart of the city is complete with authentic surf boards, Hawaiian shirts and enough rum to sink a ship! Different to the usual ‘trendy’ boutique bar, Beachcomber throws out the rule book as it offers a fun, easy-going hang-out with a difference.

Boasting a drinks menu with 21 different cocktails created by owner, Richard Powell, and his team, people can enjoy a drink in the pleasant and interesting surroundings. With its gold tin roof imported from the U.S to give it that authentic look and rugged wooden shutters and bar stools, Beachcomber has seriously turned up the heat within Preston’s bar scene.

If you’re looking for somewhere cool to network or a night out with friends, Beachcomber is the place to be seen. Beachcomber is the second addition to thirty-year-old Richard Powell’s diverse bar portfolio, which also includes the adjacent Kuckoo.

Beachcomber is open Thursdays to Sundays from 7pm until 2am. Visit the bar’s Twitter page @BeachcomberPR1.

Beachcomber Fox Street, Preston @BeachcomberPR1

www.abodehotels.co.uk/manchester

Downtown best-selling author launches his new book DLIB member Andy Bounds’s new book The Snowball Effect comes out this month.

Described by Dragons Den’s James Caan as ‘“A toolbox of powerful techniques that will help anyone communicate more powerfully, effectively and confidently than ever before”, the book is Andy’s follow-up to his international best-seller The Jelly Effect.

Andy has spent decades studying what makes communications work.

Some of the world’s top companies hire him to share his secrets, many of which you’ll discover in his new book.

The Snowball Effect is available on Amazon. To sign up for Andy’s Tuesday Tips – short emails containing sales/communication best practices – visit www.andybounds.com/tips

Grand National Opening Day, Aintree, Thursday April 4 The first day of the 2013 Grand National Festival will be a showpiece occasion as organisers build upon rising attendances in recent years.

Grand Opening Day will feature a host of live music acts, including a headline performance from chart-topping girl group The Saturdays, with a number of other wellknown guests due to be announced in the coming weeks.

Racegoers will also be able to watch the prestigious John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle, which has been switched from its traditional Saturday slot and now has a record prize fund of £200,000.

Hospitality packages are selling fast but there remains availability across all three days between April 4 and 6. www.aintree.co.uk/pages/grandopening-day

DQ 45

The inaugural Women in Business Awards for the Liverpool City Region will take place on Friday 8th March 2013 at the Hilton Hotel. This event will celebrate female led businesses and female entrepreneurs for their outstanding work during the past twelve months.

Friday 8th March 2013, Hilton Liverpool, 12.00pm - 4.00pm Best New Start Up

Professional Of The Year

Black Frost All Things Vintage Sleep In Rollers The Pink Plasterer Little Atom Productions Laura’s Little Bakery

Anna-Louise Gilhooley : Rejuvenate Denise Walker : Brabners Chaffe Street Lucy Brady : High Performance Consultancy Maria Fraughan : Natwest Helen Rehm & Emma McConlough : RMC Accountancy Hilene Henry : Wilson Henry LLP

Best Marketer Award

Young Entrepreneur Of The Year

Carolyn Hughes : CHPR Anna Heyes : Active Profile Geniene Reese : Prominent Profile Denise Harris : SK Events Emma Parker Goff : Artemis Media Profile Emma Dolan : Your Business Ezine

Jen Corrigan : Fierce Management Ellie Phillips : Liverpool Music Awards Victoria Brown : High Performance Consultancy Emma Hill : His & Hers Magazine Natalie Haywood : LEAF Kayleigh Baccino & Talia Baccino : Trendyvend

A Decade Of Excellence In Business

Female Leader

Karen Caffrey : Home Carers Janet Wiggings : Aigburth Psysio Sharon Hilditch : Crystal Clear Maura O’Donnell : Vita Flow Mary Austin : After Thought

Jane Kennedy : Merseyside Police Commissioner Bernie Cuthel : Liverpool Community Health Jeanette Kehoe-Perkinson : Just For People Elaine Clarke : Baa Bar Elaine Bowker : Liverpool Community College

Social Enterprise Of The Year

Award For Outstanding Leadership & Management

Merseyside Dance Initiative Social Enterprise North West Proud of Liverpool Writing on the Wall South Liverpool CAB

Catherine Beardshaw : Aintree University Hospital Trust Lesley Douglas : Lime Pictures Claire Dunne : Archive Solutions Karen Caffrey : Home Carers Stephanie Cannell-Corcoran : Indigo Hotel Nicola Woods : Urban Calm Claire McColgan : Culture Liverpool

Business Of The Year

Entrepreneur Of The Year

Baa Bar Crystal Clear High Performance Consultancy Home Carers SK Events

Sandra Kirkham : Progress to Excellence Jacklyn Grimes : Sterling Care & Support, Green Frog Consultancy Maura O’Donnell : Vitaflo International Elaine Cunningham : Elaine Cunningham Interiors Candice Fonseca : Deli Fonseca

Property Professional Of The Year Chrissi McCarthy : Constructing Equality Helen Griffin Booth : Blue Row Properties Fiona Barnet : Your Move Magazine Collette Morton & Collette Darcy : Property Collateral Maggi Howard : Liverpool Mutual Homes

Further details at www.downtownliverpool.com

Work Hard Play Hard

LIVERPOOL

Sapporo Teppanyaki T: 0161 831 9888 E: Manchester@sapporo.co.uk W: www.sapporo.co.uk

ACC Liverpool T: 0151 703 7268 E: kate.nolan@accliverpool.com W: www.accliverpool.com

LANCASHIRE

Alma De Cuba T: 0151 702 7394 E: info@alma-de-cuba.com W: www.alma-de-cuba.com

Angelo’s T: 01772 257 133 E: info@angelospreston.com W: www.angelospreston.com

Crowne Plaza Liverpool T: 0151 243 8000 W: www.cpliverpool.com

EastZEast Preston T: 01772 200084 E: info@eastzeast.com W: www.eastzeast.com

EastZEast Liverpool T: 0151 707 9377 E: info@eastzeast.com W: www.eastzeast.com

Glovers Bar T: 01772 561410 W: www.gloversbar.com

Everyman Playhouse T: 0151 706 9115 E: development@ everymanplayhouse.com W: www.everymanplayhouse.com Gusto T: 0151 708 6969 W: www.gustorestaurants.uk.com Hard Days Night Hotel T: 0151 236 1964 E: enquiries@harddaysnighthotel. com W: www.harddaysnighthotel.com Hilton Liverpool T: 0151 708 4200 E: lauren.leonard@hilton.com W: www.hilton.co.uk/liverpool Il Forno T: 0151 709 4002 E: info@ilforno.co.uk W: www.ilforno.co.uk

Holiday Inn T: 01772 567 000 E: enquiries@hipreston.com W: www.hipreston.com

Restaurant Bar & Grill Liverpool T: 0151 236 6703 E: rbg.liverpool@ therestaurantbarandgrill.co.uk W: www.therestaurantbarandgrill. co.uk Radisson BLU Liverpool T: 0151 966 1500 E: info.liverpool@radissonblu.com W: www.radissonblu.co.uk/hotelliverpool Royal Liverpool Philharmonic T: 0151 210 2921 E: donna.stuart@liverpoolphil.com W: www.liverpoolphil.com

Sapporo Teppanyaki Liverpool Empire Theatre T: 0151 705 3005 T: 0151 708 3200 E: liverpool@sapporo.co.uk E: JayneLloyd@theambassadors.com W: www.sapporo.co.uk W: www.liverpoolempire.org.uk Malmaison Liverpool T: 0151 229 5000 E: ssimons@malmaison.com W: www.malmaison-liverpool.com Merchants Bar & Restaurant T: 0151 702 7897 E: dining@62castlest.com W: www.62castlest.com/merchantsrestaurant.php Novotel Liverpool T: 0151 702 5100 E: h6495-sl@accor.com W: www.novotel.com

Signature Living T: 0151 236 0166 E: info@signatureliving.co.uk W: www.signatureliving.co.uk Sir Thomas Hotel T: 0151 236 1366 E: reservations@sirthomashotel. co.uk W: www.sirthomashotel.co.uk The Living Room T: 0151 236 1999 W: www.thelivingroom.co.uk

MANCHESTER Palm Sugar Lounge T: 07957916790 E: Rachael.clarke@chaophraya.co.uk ABode Manchester T: 0161 247 7744 W: www.chaophraya.co.uk/venues/ E: reservationsmanchester@ chaophraya-liverpool abodehotels.co.uk W: www.abodehotels.co.uk/ manchester

Chaophraya T: 0161 832 8342 E: manchester@chaophraya.co.uk W: www.chaophraya.co.uk/venues/ chaophraya-manchester EastZEast Riverside T: 0161 834 3500 E: info@eastzeast.com W: www.eastzeast.com EastZEast Ibis Hotel T: 0161 244 5353 E: info@eastzeast.com W: www.eastzeast.com Grill on the Alley T: 0161 833 3465 W: www.blackhouse.uk.com Living Room T: 0161 832 0083 W: www.thelivingroom.co.uk/venues/ manchester PerTutti T: 0161 834 9741 E: info@pertutti.co.uk W: www.pertutti.co.uk Piccolinos T: 0161 835 9860 E: piccolino.manchester@ piccolinorestaurants.co.uk W: www.piccolinorestaurants.co.uk Restaurant Bar & Grill T: 0161 8320082 E: Cherryl.Pinnington@ircplc.co.uk W: www.therestaurantbarandgrill. co.uk Royal Exchange Theatre T: 0161 833 9833 E: box.office@royalexchange.co.uk W: www.royalexchangetheatre.org.uk Rosso T: 0161 832 1400 E: enquiries@rossorestaurants.com W: www.rossorestaurants.com

Invincibiles - PNE T: 01772 759 900 E: info@invincibles-pne.com W: www.invincibles-pne.com Kuckoo T: 01772 825080 E: Bookings@kuckoorocks.com W: www.kuckoorocks.com Legacy International Hotel T: 0844 411 9028 E: res-prestoninternational@legacyhotels.co.uk W: www.legacy-hotels.co.uk/legacypreston Stratos T: 01772 888880 E: stratos@sanmarcogroup.co.uk W: www.sanmarcogroup.co.uk

LEEDS Blackhouse Grill Leeds T: 0113 246 0669 E: www.blackhouse.uk.com/ restaurant/leeds Chaophraya T: 0113 244 9339 E: leeds@chaophraya.co.uk W: www.chaophraya.co.uk/venues/ chaophraya-leeds Gaucho T: 0113 246 1777 E: leeds@gauchorestaurants.com W: www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk/ restaurants/restaurant.php?id=leeds Restaurant Bar & Grill Leeds T: 0113 244 9625 E: rbg.leeds@ therestaurantbarandgrill.co.uk W: www.individualrestaurants.com/ bar-and-grill/leeds

DQ 47

ITS NOT WHAT YOU KNOW ITS WHO WE KNOW

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