East Hampshire
Business News
From Helmand to Hampshire See page 5 Inside
Top award for East Hants photographer– page 9 Norad Travel Group Irish expansion – page 17
Don’t forget to visit www.businesseasthants.org
Issue 8 July 2016
Business East Hants is supported by East Hampshire District Council
Welcome from the Chair Contacts of Business East Hants Publisher
The ideal candidate will be someone from the East Hampshire business community with practical leadership experience coupled with strategic thinking and communications and entrepreneurial and business skills of the highest order. The role is an opportunity to develop board skills and share your board level expertise.
Business East Hants Editorial Angela Kiwanuka, EHDC Will Parsons, EHDC Design Richard Wells, EHDC Bill Robinson, EHDC Business East Hants members are welcome to submit articles or adverts to: Address Business East Hants Economic Development Office, East Hampshire District Council, Penns Place, Petersfield, GU31 4EX Tel: 01730 234165 Email: business@eashants.gov.uk Website: www.businesseasthants.org
Business East Hants makes no guarantees in relation to the content of any advertisements placed in the East Hampshire Business News and has no liability for any losses resulting from the adverts. Business East Hants makes no endorsements whatsoever with regard to any advertisements in the Business News.
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David Joel Chairman, Business East Hants
This is the last time I will have the pleasure of introducing East Hampshire Business News as I have decided to step down from my role as chair. While I hope to continue on the board, work commitments now mean I cannot devote the time I would like to leading the partnership. This leaves a great opportunity for a local business person to join the Business East Hants Board as chair. The role gives a number of real benefits that will evidence continuous professional development: experience of chairing a board of business people; development of existing skills and acquisition of new skills including leadership and strategy development; in-depth insight into the local business community; networking opportunities and extension of business contacts; and a chance to ‘give something back’ and contribute to the business community.
This is an unpaid role of less than one day per month, although more time could be spent by someone with a particular interest or enthusiasm. For instance I have been an advocate for apprenticeships and was able to develop a guide for employing an apprentice and help set up a council scheme for supporting apprenticeships. Full support is given by officers at East Hampshire District Council. If you are interested do look at the advertisement for the role on page four and respond as requested. There is more information about the Business East Hants partnership on the website www.businesseasthants. org In the mean time I hope everyone enjoys reading this magazine that has many stories celebrating the successes of our wonderful local businesses. David Joel
Contents page 6
page 12
6
Second award for Morgan IAT
8
InSync wins big in Las Vegas
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Quadcopters and tanks in Froyle
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Spring growth for architects
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Norad Travel Group Irish expansion
23 page 17
page 23
A Petersfield-based company has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for a second time
InSync Technology Ltd launched two new products as it made its debut at a major exhibition in Las Vegas in April
Tek-Tanks is building and supplying an amazing range of plastic tanks and quadcopters
Engineering Architecture Ltd, based in the heart of Petersfield, is once again expanding
Norad Travel Group has acquired Northern Ireland-based Erne Travel in its latest round of expansion
Run in the sun for Clanfield Challenge
Serenity Digital celebrates the success of a fundraising fun-run in the village
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Mottisfont gets beautiful acoustics
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Commercial property updates
RIBA award-winning Mottisfont Welcome Centre gets beautiful new acoustic panels thanks to Custom Audio Designs
Get up-to-date news on the latest East Hants business properties
page 30 East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
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Believe in Business East Hants? You could be our new chair We’re looking for someone from the East Hampshire business community with leadership, strategic thinking, communications, entrepreneurial and business skills of the highest order to become the chair of the business partnership. The post is voluntary and should involve around one day of work per month. The chair will be supported in their work by the Economic Development team at East Hampshire District Council. Benefits to you: • Continuous professional development (CPD) • Experience of chairing a board of business people • Development of new skills including leadership and strategy development • In-depth insight into the local business community • Networking opportunities and extension of business contacts • A chance to ‘give something back’ and contribute to the business community CVs should be sent via email to Debbie Vodden debbie.vodden@easthants.gov.uk. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a panel of the Business East Hants Board.
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East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
From Helmand to Hampshire: applying Afghanistan experience to networking A newly-established copywriter in East Hampshire is applying lessons from Afghanistan to spread the word within the business community. A year ago, former serviceman Bill Young was working alongside the Afghan Army in Kabul. Now he runs Bill Blogs, an online copywriting business. His first priority was to network at every opportunity to start bringing in business. “In Afghanistan, it’s all about personal contact and building a network,” said Bill. “We spent hours sitting around, talking over green tea and building trust and understanding. It’s no different here, except it’s done over a latte or at a breakfast club - and I’m not watching out for scorpions.”
Face-to-face contact has been crucial, not only in building up a client base but in spreading the word further. “Like working in Kabul and Helmand, I realised that patience was crucial because networking is a slow-burn process. People have rung me months later asking for work or I’ve been contacted out of the blue by a friend of a friend. Word of mouth has been really useful for me and there are so many active networking groups in East Hampshire to get involved in.” A former journalist, Bill writes for blogs, social media and websites as well as traditional media including brochures, newsletters and media releases. He said: “I used to report on local business in East Hants for the papers, so I know it’s a
thriving area with lots of exciting stuff happening. I’m delighted to be part of that now.” Contact Bill on 07981 269162 or at bill@billblogs.co.uk
CAPTION Bill taking his turn on sentry duty in Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand Province NOTES
Photo by Claire Brown
East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
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Business
Second Queen’s Award for Hampshire technology manufacturer An East Hampshire company has won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2016 – the UK’s highest accolade for business success. This is the second time that Morgan Innovation & Technology Ltd (Morgan IAT), based in Petersfield, has won the award. The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade is awarded for “growth and commercial success in international trade”. Morgan IAT’s turnover grew from £1.8m in 2010 to nearly £5m in 2015. Morgan IAT designs, develops and manufactures new products in both the medical and commercial industries. In addition to developing its own ideas, the company offers a
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unique funding approach for complete ‘idea to manufacture’ service to individuals, companies, universities and hospitals to bring to market products with global potential. A specialist medical manufacturer, Morgan IAT now has plans to expand its general commercial manufacturing capability, to take advantage of its team’s skills in electronics engineering. Nigel Clarke, CEO said: “We are looking forward to the boost that we know this award will give to our business. We want to expand to handle more high value, low volume commercial and medical goods.” An innovative company through and through, Morgan Innovation
East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
& Technology Ltd takes an open, modern approach to staff management and runs a four day working week. It has an award-winning apprenticeship and graduate scheme, training more than 11 apprentices and graduates over the past three years. It has won a plethora of other awards including The South’s Movers & Shakers Business Achievement Award 2015. www.morgan-iat.co.uk
Business
Team G&B in the running for national award G&B Electronics Designs Ltd won the Made in the South East award for Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME) Manufacturing Company of the year, in November 2015. The company, based in Whitehill & Bordon, is a manufacturer of electronics components, subassemblies and products.
Left to right: Anita Crouch (Finance Director), Laura McBrown (Managing Director) and Kate Sharp (HR Director) from G&B Electronics Designs Ltd
After being shortlisted into a tough group, which included a company exporting into 85 different countries and some very innovative device companies, G&B Electronics was announced as the winner.
G&B’s directors Anita Crouch, Kate Sharp and Laura McBrown collected the award. In her acceptance speech Laura McBrown, MD, thanked the judges, explaining that being in the contract manufacturing industry and under nondisclosure agreement for all the products that they produce, it was very difficult to shine and share their success stories.
The judges felt that G&B’s management strategy merited special recognition and said: “This involved a re-focusing of strategic priorities and new markets which has resulted in growth of 22 per cent.
Nonetheless she added she was delighted that G&B’s hard working and dedicated team
“Profitability has also increased and heralds a remarkable turnaround for the company.”
A business-led pa rtnership serving businesses in East Hampshire. East Hampshire
Busines News s
Inside Parking permits New planning
for your staff -
rules - p19
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Don’t forget to visit www.businesseasth ants.or
EHDC Chief Exec business Port folioutive and Holder visit local busi nesses See page 16-17
2014
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Issue 5 Summer/Autumn
had got the recognition that it deserved for its constant and continuous efforts. G&B competed at a national level among the best of the best for the title of Made In Britain SME Manufacturing Company of the Year in June but were pipped at the post by Jaguar Land Rover. For further details contact Laura McBrown laura@gandbelectronics.co.uk 01420 485203
www.gandbelectronics.co.uk
Network and busin ess development opportunities. Business developm ent training and in formation services Suppor ting busin . ess grow th and th e sustainable econ development of Ea omic st Hampshire. Access to decisio n making bodies in the public sect Advertising and or. editorial opportu nities in this mag azine!
JOIN NOW R FREE! www.businesFsO easthants.org East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
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Business
Petersfield clothing company gains five year National Park award TM Clothing & Gifts of Petersfield has been awarded a five-year staff clothing contract with the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) to supply all the rangers and volunteers with printed and embroidered garments and workwear items. TM Clothing & Gifts was deemed to have provided the best presentation and proposal and the final selection of clothing includes polo shirts, fleeces, soft-shell jackets and trousers, together with other items, such as water bottles, all featuring the distinctive new SDNPA logo. TM Clothing & Gifts supplies a broad range of garments, from corporate tailored suiting to the humble T-shirt. In-house design and production facilities enable a speedy turnaround of orders and a dedicated one-stop-shop facility for all branded clothing and merchandise requirements. www.tm-clothing.com
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InSync wins big in Las Vegas
Employee-owned Petersfield company InSync Technology Ltd launched two new products as it made its debut at a major exhibition in Las Vegas in April. InSync took advantage of a specially-priced deal in the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Start-Up Loft to launch two new software products which were developed with the support of the Innovate UK programme. InSync’s Managing Director, Paola Hobson, explained: “You don’t have to be a new company to exhibit in the Start-Up Loft. It’s targeted at budget-conscious first-time exhibitors, and it provides a complete exhibition package, for example a shell stand, basic graphics and more.” Over the four days of the exhibition, InSync demonstrated its products to more than 150 visitors, including senior decision
East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
makers in major US and UK TV networks and media companies. As a direct result of new contacts made at the show, InSync is now negotiating several new contracts which will have a major impact on revenue in 2016, thus supporting its growth plans. To follow up on the success at NAB, InSync has now secured a “Launch Pad” pod at September’s International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam. Paola added: “IBC is our opportunity to target the European broadcast market, and further raise our profile in this highly competitive industry. The Launch Pad is a popular area for customers seeking new technology, which is ideal for InSync.” www.insync.tv
Business
Top industry award for East Hampshire photographer Petersfield-based photographer Chris Pearsall has been named Best Creative Commercial Photographer 2016 in the Acquisition International Business Excellence Awards. Since 2010, the annual awards have been highlighting the amazing work done by firms and individuals.
advertising photographers.
Chris Pearsall said: “Since relocating our business from Surrey to Petersfield eight years ago we have steadily built a reputation as one of Hampshire’s leading commercial and
“This award recognises the creativity, quality and high level of customer service we offer our clients and we are delighted to have won it against strong industry competition.”
Established 42 years ago, Chris Pearsall Photography works with a range of multinational blue-chip clients, but also services the needs of smaller agencies and design houses. The company offers location and studio photography and operates throughout the UK and overseas, working with a wide range of businesses including the marine, defence, technology and food sectors. For further information contact sales@cpphoto.com or call 07836 716735
East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
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Business
Argolin turning silver into gold Argolin is celebrating an outstanding result at the Star Pack Awards. Building on last year’s success with the silver-winning entry for Tedwood’s Hanging Light Pack, the 2015 Awards saw Argolin’s innovative Blade Two Pack take home the Gold in the Transit Business to Consumer category. The first prize comes as recognition of its intelligent, considered approach to the conceptualisation and production process. Argolin, established in the local area in 1978, knows that
packaging is the customer’s first impression of a product so the pack for KEF’s Blade Two (an innovative hi-fi system) was designed with the user in mind across all levels of production. The final product is an example of a pack that makes an impact and has the same high-value feel of the product itself. The judging panel praised the pack and commented on its “slick mechanism for easy load and exit”, calling it a “wellengineered performance pack protection system with future reusability”. The awards in recent years are
testament to Argolin’s passion for creating innovative packaging and its commitment to providing award-winning solutions for its customers.
Beau-Port Kitchens and Interiors wins Best Design Category Houzz Award for fourth year Beau-Port Kitchens and Interiors, based in Bentworth, near Alton, has won a Houzz Award for the fourth consecutive year. The company’s portfolio of images of their completed kitchen and interior projects in Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire won it the Best of Design category 2016 award. The winning Beau-Port images
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include some of the most popular chosen by the 35 million plus monthly unique visitors to the Houzz website, which is the leading platform for home renovation and design in the UK and around the world. Beau-Port’s Managing Director and Head Designer Mark Johnson said: “We are very honoured to have been selected
East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
again for this prestigious award by the public who use the Houzz resource for ideas, inspiration and contacts when planning home renovations and improvements. We are all thrilled to receive this award from the largest residential design database in the world.” www.beau-port-kitchens.com
Business
Upholstery on the up As Alton Upholstery prepared to celebrate its first year of trading it became apparent that there are few young people taking up upholstery as a profession. This was in the forefront of owner Nicola Whittington’s mind while deciding how best to use the £500 business start-up grant that was awarded to the company last year by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC). She said: “I approached a local alternative education provider to discuss offering an ‘Introduction to Upholstery’ course for the students attending the centre. I met with the students and they were keen to take the course.” Three students, who are not able to access mainstream education, currently attend the course.
Alton Upholstery funded the course by using the EHDC grant, offering it completely free of charge to Elkolet, the non profit-making social enterprise that delivers this alternative education provision to Alton students.
Students were given a dining chair which they fully refurbished including reupholstering the seat. They worked through the craft design process, drawing inspiration from current designers and making fabric and paint choices. They created a portfolio of work and kept their chair at the end of the course. Nicola Whittington hopes to
encourage more young people into the profession. “The EHDC grant has not only allowed me to continue my own learning journey but has provided a starting point and food for thought for three local young people,” she said. www.altonupholstery.co.uk
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Business
From plastic tanks to racing quadcopters – Tek Tanks is really taking off Tek-Tanks started in 1992 in a garage custom-building plastic tanks for yachts. Now based in Upper Froyle, Hampshire, it currently employs 16 staff and builds and supplies an amazing range of plastic tanks and other products. The company’s high-tech computer design and automated cutting equipment, supported by specialist plastic welding systems, some designed inhouse, have enabled it to service a growing global market. As well as supplying standard and custom water, waste and diesel tanks for production and luxury yachts all over the world, Tek-Tanks is now being asked to design and build products it
would never even have thought of when it started out. These include methane scrubbers, deck storage boxes for Dutch barges, anaerobic digester tanks, fridge freezer liners, live bait wells for fish and much more. Martin Rye, MD of the company, said: “I think the fact we are able to come up with a solution for just about anything means we are becoming the go-to builder and manufacturer who likes to say ‘yes’. “Our growing experience and expertise in this field is now second to none, which is why customers from so many countries are finding us.” Recently, and probably because of Martin’s personal interest in this new sport, the company started designing and manufacturing frames for racing quadcopters. This sport has really taken off and Martin’s design, marketed under the brand name Fossils Stuff, aims to be the top choice for many of the leading flyers. www.tek-tanks.com 01420 525477 www.fossilsstuff.com 01420 520830
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East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
Business
VelocityRDT VelocityRDT, based in Bentley, is a growing technology solutions business focussing on technological innovation also known as Open Innovation Internet Of Things. VelocityRDT specialises in collaborative research and development, product innovation and international market expansion.
Velocity’s approach is to blend technology (both hardware and software) with its own intellectual property, and bring to market highly effective and groundbreaking technologies in a fast and often disruptive environment. The strategy is to bring technology to market that is going to have a major impact in three distinct areas - human behaviour, smart built environments and smart connected cities. Recent successes include the UK’s largest implementation of Internet of Things smart sensors across Morrisons supermarkets.
This lowered its energy by 70 per cent and reduced its CO² production by thousands of tonnes. Similarly, for LinkedIn Dubai, Velocity’s technology took energy spend down by 85 per cent. In addition, VelocityRDT has made a significant step for future prediction in cities and towns through its technology called ‘Feathers’. This is a ground-breaking analytical technology that can predict what is going to happen in five, 10 or even 20 years’ time with an accuracy rate of more than 90 per cent, enabling planners to map out towns, transport, healthcare and more. VelocityRDT is pushing the barriers for smart, sustainable travel with an innovative urban transportation technology. The business aims to become a major player in the global transportation market with an electric vehicle for modern society.
VelocityRDT is about to start production of a smart, standon light electric scooter called ‘MUVe’ which will transform mobility and commuter times in cities. MUVes fold flat, weigh the same as a carry on suitcase, fit into the boot of a car and yet have speeds up to 15 mph with a range of 50 miles on one charge. www.velocityrdt.com
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Business
Absolute Aromas enjoys the sweet smell of success Recently featured in The Economia, Absolute Aromas is an Alton-based, familyrun business, and is one of the leading providers of aromatherapy products within the UK. Founded by David Tomlinson in 1994, this well-established company was created to fulfil a passion in an area that was both interesting and growing in popularity.
David Tomlinson said: “One of the true pleasures of aromatherapy is introducing products steeped in thousands of years of history, sourced from small farms and businesses worldwide, for the enjoyment of 21st Century consumers.�
The current UK aromatherapy market is known as a centre of excellence, and is both well developed and recognised internationally. Because of this, Absolute Aromas exports all over the world, to the USA, Canada, Europe, China and South Korea among many others. As well as exporting, it sources raw materials world-wide, making the company globally active. Its multilingual team makes this easier with nine languages spoken fluently within the office. The team takes pleasure in unearthing the very best ingredients available from sustainable, controlled sources all over the planet and it works closely with small producers all over the world. Fair trading practices are essential, as long term supply and consistency in quality is only possible if reciprocal relationships are maintained.
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East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
Absolute Aromas works with many small to medium businesses and therapists, and offers trade discounts to those looking to distribute its range of essential oils, carrier oils, aromatherapy accessories and its new Spa Collection.
Business
Spring growth at local architect’s practice – Engineering Architecture Ltd Engineering Architecture Ltd, a multi-disciplinary building design practice, based in the heart of Petersfield, is once again expanding. Two years ago the practice made the decision to employ its first apprentice to help with increasing workload. Such was the success of this move that this year the practice is growing
again, this time with another apprentice supported by the East Hampshire District Council Apprenticeship Scheme. Bringing in young, fresh talent to the team has been rewarding for the two directors, Richard Thomas and David Brightwell, who are enjoying supporting and developing the new staff.
The new apprentice has been immersed in all aspects of the business and is now a valued member of the team, working with its latest high profile client, Charterhouse School in Godalming.
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Business
Chapman House settles in to new Petersfield home Chapman House is delighted to celebrate the opening of its first totally independent retail shop in Chapel Lane, Petersfield.
Soft furnishings & Interiors
*Photo courtesy of One World
Chapman House stocks an eclectic range of hand-picked furniture and accessories and would like to share with you its summer collection of British and Irish-made throws, perfect for the cooler evenings.
Chapman House
The business works with the mills to bring you a colour range that is affordable and easy to care for, with 22 of its own exclusive designs, machine washable and up to 2.4 metres in length. With up to 100 different colours and designs the throws and soft furnishings are made from natural fibres like wool, alpaca fleece and cashmere. So a warm welcome awaits you, whether you are looking for something to brighten up a corner, to add a touch of individuality, or to find the perfect gift. Chapman House is a homefrom-home where you can browse and be inspired.
Come in and have a browse 31a Chapel Street, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 3DY info@chapmanhouseuk.com www.chapmanhouseuk.com mobile: 07549 446443 Like and share us on facebook - www.facebook.com/chapmanhouseuk
10% off your purchase with this advert until April 30th 2016
Got an interesting business story? Send your article (with pictures) to business@easthants.gov.uk
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East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
Business
Norad Travel Group acquires Erne Travel in first Irish expansion Norad Travel Group has underlined its intentions to grow with the announcement it is to acquire an influential Northern Ireland independent agency. Enniskillen-based Erne Travel becomes the latest business to join the group, following the successful assimilation of Howard Travel, the West Country holiday specialists bought in January last year. “Maintaining positive forward momentum is essential,” said Chairman and CEO of Norad Travel Group, Mick Gibbs. “We have a crystal clear perspective as to the sort of businesses we want to acquire
in order to further build the reputation of the Norad Group. Erne Travel fits that template completely. It has had continuous success based on outstanding technical and personal service expertise coupled with longstanding community presence and commitment. Businesses like this are sadly few and far between today, so Erne Travel was a perfect opportunity to add further value to our brand and take a strong step into an important regional marketplace at the same time.” Norad Travel Group is a full service specialist travel management and leisure travel organisation headquartered in
Liss. Formed in 1981 Norad is a member of the influential Guild of Travel Management Companies and partners in the Advantage consortium of independent travel agency companies. Linda Foote, Group Managing Director at Norad, said: “We’ve been greatly impressed with the Erne Travel team, and its undoubted dedication to providing an intelligent and individual service to its customers. So we’re looking forward immensely to providing even greater support.” Norad Travel Group, Liss, Hampshire, GU33 6JG. www. noradtravel.biz 01730 897048
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Advice and support
Metabolic Balance: A True Story by Natasha Gladki, Metabolic Balance Coach When I first came to the UK from Canada I developed a pattern of bingeing and excess which affected my weight and health and eventually led to an eating disorder, bulimia. I struggled for many years before my health, my weight and my mental state could not sustain the eating disorder or the lifestyle any longer and I sought help. Through many hours of counselling I broke the cycle and emerged a healthier, happier person. Many years later I discovered metabolic balance and trained to be a coach. Metabolic Balance, nutrition and weight
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loss counselling gives people the tools to help themselves. If you have a complex relationship with food, experience low energy levels or want to lose weight when all other diets have failed, metabolic balance, nutrition and weight loss counselling can help. I truly believe if I had known about metabolic balance all of those years ago I would have avoided the horror of an eating disorder. The metabolic balance programme is now a firm offering in my business Zen About Town, based in Petersfield. Studies have shown that it not
East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
only helps with weight loss but patients say they enjoy clear improvements in their healthrelated quality of life. Through my business I offer a number of therapies to help manage physical and psychological ailments, including Lorisian food intolerance testing, deep tissue massage, trigger point release, lymphatic drainage massage and reflexology. To request further information contact: Metabolic Balance, UK Natasha Gladki - Metabolic Balance Coach 07740943675 Natasha@zenabouttown.com
Advice and support
Demand for UK exports is out there - your business could be too. The South East is experiencing fantastic growth in emerging markets and East Hampshire, as a major contributor to the regional economy worth £6 billion in export value, is playing a huge role in that growth. There are a number of strong sectors in the area that are contributing to this growth, including professional scientific and technical services and business services. The food and drink sector, in particular, is seeing strong growth through the increasing demand abroad for English sparkling wines produced locally in the South Downs. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and East Hampshire District Council share the common goal of supporting local businesses
to achieve their full potential in overseas markets. This close working relationship has helped hundreds of East Hampshire businesses find new customers, win sales and deliver excellent customer satisfaction.
But with more than 1,000 new opportunities uploaded each month we want even more companies to take this crucial step.
As part of the successful international GREAT Britain campaign we’ve seen every type of business in East Hampshire apply for one of around 2,000 live export opportunities at www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk
By Paul Govier, UK Trade & Investment South East International Trade Adviser, East Hants To find out more about UKTI services visit www.gov.uk/ukti or contact Paul directly on paul.govier@uktisoutheast.com
Help where it’s needed from Southern Entrepreneurs Southern Entrepreneurs launched in 2007, during a volatile recession, to help small businesses survive. Anne Dawson, the manager of the service, which was pioneered by Eastleigh Borough Council, explains the original vision. “It was to support businesses to encourage them to grow and to help the sustainability of small businesses once they
had started,” she said. “At the time businesses were going through a bad phase where they were starting out but not continuing much past the firstyear, we set out to buck that trend.”
Entrepreneurs offers a raft of options designed to support the small company community. This includes networking, training and learning workshops, helpful news and information.
The service has evolved since then and is now backed by councils across Hampshire and claims almost 2,000 members.
www.southernentrepreneurs. com anne@southernentrepreneurs. com
Nine years on and Southern East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
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Advice and support
Is your business ready for auto enrolment? If you are an employer, even with just one employee, you are obliged to provide a workplace pension and have a legal requirement to comply by your allocated staging date. You may have seen the ads on TV and heard them on the radio but have you actually started preparing? The first thing to do is to check your staging date – it may be sooner than you think! To find out go to www.thepensionsregulator. gov.uk/employers/staging-date
You are responsible for selecting your pension provider and once you have decided which scheme is best for you, you will need to register with The Pension Regulator and then ensure you have completed all of your duties and are fully compliant. If the clock is ticking for you it may be time to consider outsourcing your payroll.
pension assessment data. Visualize Office Solutions Ltd, in Liphook, offers a confidential, flexible and friendly service at low fixed rates. 01730 606511 info@visoff.co.uk www.visoff.co.uk
From start to finish, Visualize Office Solutions Ltd can process your payroll, distribute payslips and reports, submit your returns to HMRC and provide your
Liss businesses stay connected Thirteen local business people met for the second Liss Connected of 2016, hosted by Janie and Malcolm at The Blue Fig, in West Liss, on 21 April. Campbell Wilson, of Core Financial Services, introduced the session and thanks were given to Kerstin Ochel, of Fashion Fantasies, for preparing a new agenda. Kate Hinsley, of Compass Wealth Management Consultants Ltd, said: “I hope we get more interest in the group. It was good to meet Campbell, a fellow Independent Financial Advisor, to exchange views on the financial advice sector.” Event organiser, Keren Burney, also updated the group on
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the positive and constructive feedback from a survey held at the last meeting at Norad Travel in Brow’s Farm Business Park. Liss Connected is a hyperlocal group for business people from Liss. Its Facebook group has been changed to
East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
‘open comment’ for better communication with people in the neighbourhood. Events are planned for September, November and Christmas. Contact Ruth Gest on info@lissconnected.co.uk
In the community
A 20th birthday celebration that gave so much to the community The Alley Cats Beauty Salon in Alton held a special evening reception to celebrate 20 years of successful business and to raise funds for the charity Dementia-friendly Alton. Shirley Jennings, owner of the Alley Cats, held the event to thank her staff and customers, many of whom have remained supporters of the business, won over by the customer-friendly and professional approach that permeates through every part. Shirley and the staff of Alley Cats provide a welcoming environment for all their customers, but in particular go the extra mile to give more time and space to customers who may require more support. Alley Cats was very quick to signup to the Dementia-friendly
initiative prior to July 2014, as part of Alton becoming a Dementia-friendly High Street. At the 20th birthday celebrations, Shirley and the team held a raffle with all proceeds being donated to Dementia-friendly Alton. The Alley Cats team is pleased Left to right: Karen Murrell, Shirley Jennings of Alley to have access to Cats, Clare Beck from Dementia-friendly Alton the volunteers from Dementia-friendly www.dementia-friendly-alton.org. Alton and realise the information uk and support they provide is beneficial for the whole community. More than ÂŁ350 was raised from the raffle and will be used to support community events and the publication of the quarterly newsletter.
Is your gas safe? Every year people die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues which have not been properly installed or maintained. Many others also suffer ill health.
When gas does not burn properly, as with other fuels such as coal, wood or oil, excess carbon monoxide is produced, which is poisonous. It is the duty of every employer or self-employed person to ensure that any gas appliance, installation pipework or flue at any place of work under their
control is maintained in a safe condition.
All gas consumers are advised to have appliances checked for safety at least every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Landlords are legally obliged to carry out gas appliance safety checks on a yearly basis. Finding a suitably qualified Gas Safe engineer is essential and engineers will need to be qualified to work on specific gas types (LPG/natural gas), work in a commercial environment
and on specific appliances (i.e. cooking ranges, boilers etc.). You can search for the nearest engineers who can work on all of the above at www.gassaferegister.co.uk/ find-an-engineer or contact the Food and Safety Team at East Hampshire District Council on 01730 266551
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In the community
Beeswax candles
Beeswax has been utilised by man since ancient times in a number of varied ways including medicine, in making salves and healing ointments, artificial flowers, wax figures, masks, food preparation and candles. Used as a candle medium, beeswax burns brighter, longer, and cleaner than any other candle. Beeswax provides unique candle properties with a wonderful natural colour to enjoy. The Candle Cavern creates natural candles using renewable and sustainable waxes including soy, rapeseed and, of course, beeswax. www.candlecavern.co.uk
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East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
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Growing Your Business
In the community
Clanfield Challenge Local marketing agency Serenity Digital is proud to support the Clanfield Challenge. Serenity Digital, one of the founding members of Clanfield Online, is celebrating the success of a fundraising fun-run in the village. The Clanfield Challenge, a family-friendly event held on May 22, offered a 1k race for kids and a 5k or 12k race for adults. With nearly 500 runners taking part, the sun shining on a glorious Sunday and with the support of more than 100 volunteers, the event went
smoothly and was enjoyed by all. The idea was originally conceived at the end of 2015 as a way to generate more funds for local projects.
“Our work at Clanfield Online had helped to raise more than £1,500 a year for local projects, with the councils help to top this up, but it wasn’t enough to work on some of our bigger ideas,” said Peter Garrett, Founder and Director of Serenity Digital and volunteer at Clanfield Online. “So came about the idea of a local race. What better way to get the family and community
together, help promote local businesses and community groups, promote healthy living and make some money to donate to charity and community projects?” Clanfield Online was helped by Clanfield Joggers, which was responsible for the swift organisation of the race and registration. Although the figures are yet to be calculated, a profit of more than £4,000 is expected and organisers are already looking forward to next year’s event. www.clanfieldchallenge.co.uk
East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
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In the community
The best on the market
My trusty cream A range of creams launched to raise money for the NHS will now be on sale in Petersfield. The Tourist Information Centre, in Petersfield Library, The Square, will stock the creams which have been developed by staff at Salisbury District Hospital. Sunflower cream moisturisers and body butters are among the creams on offer as part of this innovative fundraising idea. And now is a great time to try it out with a buy one get one free offer on 100ml tubes of lavender or unscented creams.
Excitement is already growing for
by a special guest presenter
this year’s Hampshire Farmers’
following a celebration dinner at
Markets Producer Awards, which
the Brookfield Hotel in Emsworth.
The creams are ethicallyproduced in Hampshire and generate money for the NHS trust.
After the success of last year’s
www.mytrusty.co.uk
takes place on 22 September. They will again run as part of
awards, Business Manager at
the celebrations surrounding
Hampshire Farmers’ Markets
British Food Fortnight from 17
Alex Handford, said: “They are
September to 2 October.
a great way for our producers
Last year’s winners, as voted for by the public, were Bowtell’s Farm Shop for Best Food to Take Away, Ambrose Sausages won Best Food Product, Mike Smales won Best Personality, Best Drinks Producer was won by Hill Farm Apple Juice and the new award for 2015, Best Food Initiative, was also taken home by Ambrose Sausages. The 2016 awards will be hosted
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to celebrate their achievements throughout the year and the appreciation they get from our market visitors. Our awards are receiving more and more recognition as time goes on, so we’re going for bigger and better in 2016.” Find out more about Hampshire Farmers’ Markets and the 2016 Producer Awards at www. hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk
East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
International Women’s Day Businesses from around the Whitehill & Bordon area supported a fundraising lunch to support International Women’s Day. The businesses donated raffle prizes which raised £400 for the Crossways Counselling service in Haslemere. This locallyregistered charity provides subsidised counselling for local people (mainly women) in the wider area.
In the community
TLC the charity that befriends and supports in Hampshire Local charity TLC provides volunteers to befriend and support people in their own homes with life-limiting conditions, who are isolated or being cared for by a family member. Each TLC volunteer supports people in their immediate neighbourhood. They are supported along the way by TLC with an induction and specialist training, depending on their need. TLC has volunteers from around East Hampshire and Surrey but the need for more has never been greater. Your company could sponsor
a TLC Volunteer and gain recognition in the community. TLC is asking businesses in the local community to donate £500 to sponsor a volunteer. Every member receives recognition
in a press release, a newsletter and website along with regular updates on the volunteers. For information about volunteering contact volunteer@ hospiceservices.org.uk
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR UP TO THREE HOURS A WEEK TO BEFRIEND AND SUPPORT SOMEONE IN YOUR COMMUNITY WITH A LIFE LIMITING CONDITION WHO IS LONELY AND ISOLATED OR BEING CARED FOR BY A FAMILY MEMBER. FULL TRAINING AND SUPPORT PROVIDED www.hospiceservices.org.uk Contact the TLC Team: volunteer@hospiceservices.org.uk or phone: 01420 477231 Reg. Charity No 1136093 East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
25
In the community
Grayshott Today Grayshott Today is the new community magazine for
Grayshott. It is printed in colour
throughout and is professionally delivered monthly to all the residents of Grayshott. It is
also freely available in shops, surgeries and take-away
The editor is becoming inundated with articles for publication and readers can find news of societies, sports clubs, music events, concerts, nature notes, local artists and local history alongside important notices of upcoming events.
2016 MAY Grayshott Today
restaurants around the village
for visitors to pick up and take home.
Grayshott Today is under the
editorship of Anne Preston ably
assisted by volunteers. She said: “We are looking to provide a local magazine serving and binding
together the whole of the great community that is Grayshott.” As a consequence there is a
high editorial content in this 64 page magazine. It works well
alongside the very successful
village website, www.grayshott.
com as a printed source always to hand and for those not using the internet.
It has been well supported by Grayshott’s thriving business
community who welcome this
as a way of getting its message across.
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East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
Grayshott Today is popular beyond the expectations of the editorial team, being collected and read by an increasing number of people from adjoining areas or further afield. Plans are forming to print more copies to cater for the ever-enlarging 2016 v GRAYSHOTT CONCERTSreadership. PIC_Layout 1 31/03/2016 10:28 Page 1
Tourism, leisure and hospitality
Having a smashing time… “This is a very important moment for us, the culmination of years of effort,” said Rosemary Irwin, Chairman of Trustees. “At long last all the years of preparation and fundraising are yielding a result – the start of our redevelopment project.” The fundraising efforts will continue and recently 28 hardy hikers walked 73 miles from Oxford to Selborne.
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as the pleasure of knocking down an eyesore that has blocked a beautiful view for many years!
The walk took place over eight days and attracted more than 100 walkers, rambling through ancient countryside, alongside rivers, through towns and villages and past many historical sites, including
Chawton House Library. The walkers, led by Dr Irwin, walked from Oriel College, Oxford, where Gilbert White was a Fellow for 50 years, to Selborne, where he lived and wrote. Last year the team walked the other way – from Selborne to Oxford. The two walks have raised £30,000 towards the project. The museum has so far raised almost £1m through its own efforts as matching funds for the £1.68m granted by the Heritage Lottery Fund in the spring. www.gilbertwhiteshouse. org.uk
Soon work will begin on demolition of the old gardener’s building at Gilbert White & The Oates Collection in Selborne. Removal of the building will open up a magnificent view of the Selborne Hanger behind, enticing visitors into much improved facilities at the museum. This will be the first stage of a major redevelopment of the site. East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
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Tourism, leisure and hospitality
Langrish House – exclusively yours Imagine your own country house in Hampshire for a weekend or longer - did you know it was possible to book the whole of Langrish House for yourself? Langrish House is set within 14 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds offering tranquillity and privacy while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The food and wines are superb the restaurant is an award-winner
The house can accommodate up
and enjoy the break. They will
to 26 people in 13 individually-
work with you from the outset
and the surroundings idyllic.
designed, en-suite, bedrooms.
to ensure that your house party
Available on an exclusive use
Exclusively yours means there
with 2 AA Rosettes for finedining - the staff are outstanding;
basis, Langrish House is ideal for weddings, anniversaries,
are no other hotel guests apart from you and your family or
birthdays, corporate events,
friends, clients or colleagues.
walking breaks or just an excuse
Let the staff look after and
to catch up with friends and family.
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pamper you while you relax
East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
is a great success. Indoor and outdoor activities can be organised on request. 01730 266941
frontdesk@langrishhouse.co.uk www.langrishhouse.co.uk
Tourism, leisure and hospitality
Beautiful acoustics for RIBA awardwinning Mottisfont Welcome Centre As part of a new welcome centre at Mottisfont, a top Hampshire tourist attraction, Custom Audio Designs Ltd was approached by the National Trust to produce large custom-printed acoustic panels. The new eco-friendly welcome centre was opened in January 2016 to accommodate everincreasing visitor numbers. The acoustic panels have been created as part of the multimillion pound makeover and feature a ‘trompe l’oeil’ reworking of Mottisfont, on an architectural scale, designed by Heinrich and Palmer (www.heinrichpalmer. co.uk). This was a challenging project, not just due to the size of the panels, but also in ensuring that they would piece together precisely to provide an uninterrupted eight metre long work of art.
Dr. Louise Govier, General Manager of Mottisfont and SW Hants Group, said she and Mottisfont’s customers are very pleased with the end result. “Visitors are fascinated by the panels – they have great visual impact and the detail on them is extraordinary,” she said. “People often think they are paintings and are surprised that such a wonderful piece of art also has such a practical acoustic function too.” Custom Audio Designs Ltd is a wholly independent acoustics
consultancy founded more than 20 years ago. The company provides Institute of Acoustic qualified technical support from needs analysis to solution – selecting and procuring the most effective products to meet customers’ residential, commercial and industrial project needs. All services are impartial and quality accredited – BS EN ISO 9001:2008 for acoustic consultancy and supply services. 01730 269572 www.customaudiodesigns.co.uk
East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
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Commercial property
Commercial property update
Rotherbrook Court in Petersfield proves popular with businesses The uptake in premises at Rotherbrook Court has increased with some businesses expanding operations and others relocating to the area. Petersfield is a growing town with a wellestablished business and consumer community and is close to both the A3 and mainline rail connections. Financial services specialist moves to Petersfield Robison & Co Ltd, local financial services specialist, bought the first floor offices of 6 Rotherbrook Court. This move has enabled the business to relocate its operations to
Petersfield in order to continue expanding its client offering. Rotherbrook Court is located on Bedford Road, making it a perfect choice for Robison who acquired the freehold 3,000 sq ft (279 m²) offices as part of its Self Invested Personal Pension on a 9.5% gross yield. The office was sold by Holloway Iliffe & Mitchell, acting on behalf of a private investor. New branch site for Handelsbanken The international banking group secured the ground floor offices of 6 Rotherbrook Court for its new branch. Founded in Sweden in 1871, Handelsbanken specialises in providing highly personalised, bespoke banking services to corporate
Coombers Buildings Freehold industrial investment sold
First floor office letting to accountants at Highcroft Industrial Estate, Horndean
Investment comprising a terrace of four industrial units sold by Glanfield Holmlund on behalf of private clients.
Acting on the instructions of a local investor, Holloway Iliffe & Mitchell has let the first floor at 24 Highcroft Industrial Estate to Walton Accountancy Services.
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East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
and individual customers. Handelsbanken took a 10 year lease on 1,500 sq ft (139m²) and opened for business in May 2016. The letting was done by Hampshire agent Holloway Iliffe & Mitchell. American company relocates office to Petersfield Verdesian Life Sciences Europe Limited leased office premises on the first floor of 7 Rotherbrook Court. The company, which is involved in product technology in the agricultural industry previously had a UK office in Yorkshire. The landlord was represented by Wadham & Isherwood and Holloway Illiffe The unit which provided 567 sq.ft (53 m²) was let on a new two year lease with an option to purchase at the quoted rent of £5,250 per annum and was let within two months of being instructed and with a limited void period from the previous tenant vacating.
Commercial property Limited lease on new office barn conversion Three Fields Entertainment Limited, an interactive leisure and entertainment software developer, has recently relocated to Buckmore Studios in Petersfield. The business leased offices comprising approximately 1,700 sq.ft (158 m²) of newly converted ground floor space.
100 per cent occupancy of Bordon Trading Estate Acting on behalf of M&G Investments, Wadham and Isherwood has now achieved 100 per cent occupancy at Bordon Trading Estate. This is a significant turnaround from two years ago when the estate was more than 75 per cent unoccupied. A practical attitude, with some flexibility on behalf of the landlord, coupled with a general surge of interest in the industrial market has produced this marked difference. Ten separate deals have been completed across 15 units clearly demonstrating the strength of demand for affordable industrial premises.
Wadham & Isherwood, which acted for Reformat in acquiring the redundant barn buildings, was subsequently instructed to seek a tenant for the surplus space.
Viking Park, Bordon – Land Sales New letting – offices at Oriel Court, Alton New Letting to Insurance Company Tenants by Glanfield Holmlund on behalf of Micross Components Ltd.
Acting for Viking Properties, Wadham & Isherwood has announced the sale of a further 1.5 acre (0.6ha) site at Viking Park, which has been acquired by builders’ merchants Coomers. Work is currently underway to clear the site and extend the existing estate road. The sale also involved extensive negotiations with the Ministry of Defence, the previous owner of the land. A further sale of approximately 2.12 acres (0.8ha) of land is about to be completed to a local manufacturing company who will be relocating its main manufacturing base to the town. For further information contact Matthew Seary matthew@wandi.co.uk or Geoff Reeve geoff@wandi.co.uk at Wadham & Isherwood 01252 710822.
Turk Street - town centre office/retail investment sold Alton Town Centre office/ retail investment sold by Glanfield Holmlund on behalf of institutional clients.
East Hampshire Business News – July 2016
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