BH Business | Issue 32

ISSUE 032 COMMENT THE APPRENTICE

WHAT’S ON JAN - FEB 2014

INTERVIEWS TALKING BUSINESS

A look back at the best bits from this iconic show.

Make a date in your business diary with our monthly events.

An insight into the world of local businesses

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR BOURNEMOUTH CHAMBER OF TRADE & COMMERCE MEMBERS WWW.BOURNEMOUTHCHAMBER.ORG.UK

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Contents Issue 32 of BH Business features...

Welcome to the new BH Business magazine. The BCTC membership magazine that reflects the work and variety of events and activity that Bournemouth Chamber engages in over the course of the year.

06 09 12 16

Trade Groups Shooting Solicitors Business Support Organisations The Power of Networking

17 22 24 31

Super-Salon Bournemouth's Best kept Secret Lord Sugar The Early Bird

32 33 46 54

Bournemouth by Numbers Charity Row Faces in Places What's On

Credits BH Business is designed and published by Parent / PPD&A on behalf of the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Contact Ross Stallion on 01202 200920 to discuss featuring your business in editorial or advertising in the next issue of BH Business.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden except with the express permission of the publisher. The views expressed in BH Business are those of the contributors and are not necessarily shared by the BCTC, the publishing company, magazine or it’s staff. PPD&A / Parent / BCTC except no responsibility for content and / or advertising copy supplied by third parties. BH Business is printed on sustainable fibre supplied through certified schemes. Both our paper mills have ISO14001 and EMAS. Please recycle this magazine when you have finished with this copy.

Presidential Thoughts

Presidential Thoughts Mandy Payne, President, BCTC The New Year is upon us and with it comes a chance to reflect on the year that has passed but also look ahead to the New Year and the prospects for new opportunities, business endeavours and success.

Reflecting upon last year, here at the BCTC we held some really fantastic events. From our “On The Road” events bringing support and business opportunities directly to trading areas across Bournemouth, to the thrilling “Barons of Beef” which marked the beginning of the highly successful Bournemouth Food and Drink Festival

to our merry Chamber Christmas Party. This was an incredible year for events and one I am immensely proud of. However, hot off the tails of last year’s fun we already have plans underway for this year which will be even more spectacular! If anyone is interested in being an Executive, Patron or Sponsor of one our fabulous events please get in touch.

One such event which will soon be approaching is our 2 in 1 Annual General Meeting and Presidents Dinner. At this event a brand new President will be voted in to office, bringing something new and exciting to Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and

Commerce. If you would like to be part of one of the most important events in the Chamber’s calendar year you can book online now.

Last year was also a truly amazing year for Bournemouth as, in September 2014, the world’s fastest internet became available to all Bournemouth SME businesses! The super internet is still available through “connection vouchers” to all small to medium size businesses thanks to government grants. By upgrading to faster internet connections your business could not only save time but in turn could gain from increased productivity; creating a slicker, faster-moving and pro-active business. So with the advent of the New Year, and the focus on “New Year, new you” that naturally comes with it, why not take advantage of this amazing opportunity to improve your business!

Another new internet connection which is available to everyone when out and about in town or by the sea is the incredible Fusion WiFi. Fusion Wifi is guest wifi which is absolutely free, meaning there is always an opportunity to use your tablet, smart phone or laptop when in town - you can even do business whilst sun bathing by the sea!

Finally, and truly looking ahead into the future, 2015 brings us ever closer to the hundredth year anniversary of the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce in 2016. With just under a year to go, plans will be starting to be made and so it is essential for us to hear from you, our members, about how you would like to celebrate it. Our members have been pivotal to the life of the Bournemouth Chamber of Commerce for the last 99 years and as we draw closer to our 100th year we want to hear from you all to ensure we put on an event which is exactly for you!

So from all of us at BCTC, Happy New Year!

Yours,

Contact T: 01202 372437 www.bournemouthchamber.org.uk

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BCTC Who's Who

ARE YOU A LOCAL CHARITY? Contact us for the opportunity to advertise in BH Business Magazine for FREE!

Mandy Payne Chamber President

Gordon Long Vice President Finance and Membership Lead

Peter Matthews Vice President External Events & BH Business magazine Lead

David Coleman Treasurer

Bill Riddle Chairman Membership Development and Support

Martin Davies Vice Chairman Chamber Legal Support

Hazel Hatch Chamber Executive Events Support and Boscombe Executive

Lynn Coleman Chamber Executive External Events Co-ordinator

Sam Everard Chamber Executive Member Training Events Lead

Jacqui Rock Chamber Executive Internal Events Lead

Alex Wiggins Chamber Executive Charities Forum Lead

Hannah Walker Chamber Executive Charities Forum Support and Boscombe Executive

Roger Smith Chamber Executive Winton Executive

Heather Martyn Chamber Executive Social Media Support

Louise Berkhauer Executive Officer

For more information contact: Lynn Coleman lynn.dalstrategy@gmail.com

Giving Back to Charities

Trade Groups

Trade Groups The Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce encourages and supports local traders across Bournemouth to come together to share knowledge and information to help build a better business community across the town. Our trade group branch details can be found below:

Boscombe Business Association

Charminster Traders Association

Kinson Business Forum

Moordown Traders Association

With a wide variety of local traders, Boscombe has become a vibrant shopping area frequented by local residents and visitors alike. The Boscombe Business Association (BBA) is a trading group focused on keeping its members up to date with current affairs and legislation that may affect their business in Boscombe. The BBA holds regular monthly meetings which enable all businesses to bring their group voice to the attention of the Council to form a better business community.

Charminster Traders Association (CTA) is an enthusiastic group of business owners ranging from independent retailers, service providers, and eating establishments, who are focused on improving the trading environment and raising the business profile of the Charminster area. A variety of issues are discussed which are affecting the local business community alongside plans for marketing and promotional activities that may be of benefit to local traders in the Charminster area.

The Kinson Business Forum is led

by Bob Wright, owner of Poppies Florist. The group was established to assist business development and investigate ways to give the local trading area a collective voice to help resolve local issues and develop working relationships with the Council. The Kinson Business Forum is going from strength to strength with new traders bringing their experience to the table year on year to continue to develop Kinson as a successful business community.

The MTA was formed in March 2010. We are an enthusiastic group of business owners from the Moordown Community that have come together to promote local trade and raise the profile of Moordown as a shopping and business destination. One of the aims of the MTA is to ensure our members are kept up to date with local funding and business support available to them to improve their business.

Joining the Forum: All businesses are welcome to join, please contact Peter Ruscoe. e: peter@sovereignshoppingcentre.co.uk

Joining the Forum: All businesses are welcome to join, please contact James Constable. e: info@experiencecharminster.info

Joining the Forum: All businesses are welcome to join, please contact Bob Wright. e: poppies_florist@hotmail.co.uk

Joining the Forum: All businesses are welcome to join, please contact Roger Ede. e: roger.eede@ntlworld.com

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Specialist Networks Green Knowledge Network Lynda Sparks e: Lynda.Sparks@saveenergygroup.co.uk The Charities Forum Alex Wiggins e: alex@tara-business.co.uk BCTC Golf Society Bill Perkins e: golf@bournemouthchamber.org.uk BAHA – Bournemouth Accommodation and Hotel Association Jackie Edwards e: info@bhhotels.co.uk

Pokesdown Collective

Southbourne on Sea Business Association

Westbourne Traders Association

Winton Traders Association

The Pokesdown Collective is a working group of local business people whose aim is to promote Pokesdown as Bournemouth’s Vintage Quarter and continue to develop and build on Pokesdown’s historic business community. With a thriving following of local residents and traders, Pokesdown is a growing business area with a real community feel and focus. Local businesses come together as a group to discuss current affairs and developments that affect the local business community.

SoSBA are a local branch of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, run completely by volunteers working to bring the local business community together for mutual benefit. The traders association is open to anyone who runs a business within the BH6 area irrespective of their business operation, high street or otherwise. Regular meetings are held to discuss current affairs and events which are of benefit to local business owners.

The Westbourne Traders Association has been established for many years and is made up of local traders and business owners in Westbourne. Supported by the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the group regularly meets to discuss and deal with relevant issues faced by business owners and customers using their services. Each year a map & business directory for the area is produced for residents and tourists visiting the area.

Winton Traders Association is organised by local business people for local traders wishing to develop their own business within the local area and beyond. The association provides traders in the Winton area an opportunity to share knowledge and raise relevant issues so that the appropriate agencies can be contacted to assist in supporting Winton businesses. Proudly supported by the Bournemouth Chamber, the group holds regular meetings to discuss current affairs that matter to the local Winton trading community.

Joining the Forum: All businesses are welcome to join, please contact Lynne McCarty. e: pokesdown.cf@gmail.com

Joining the Forum: All businesses are welcome to join, please contact Samantha Acton. e: info@sosba.co.uk

Joining the Forum: All businesses are welcome to join, please contact Steve Taylor. e: wta@discoverwestbourne.co.uk

Joining the Forum: All businesses are welcome to join, please contact John Slade. e: john.slade@fjswinton.co.uk

News

Coleman Insurance Brokers host Insurance Institute of Bournemouth Workshop Poole based Coleman Insurance Brokers welcomed members of the Insurance Institute of Bournemouth to their offices on Thursday 30th October. Coleman was hosting one of a regular programme of technical workshops that are organised by the Institute.

The Insurance Institute of Bournemouth is part of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) whose main aim is to promote higher standards of professionalism, integrity and competence across all disciplines in the financial services profession. This includes general insurance claims, underwriting and broking; the life and pensions sector; the mortgage advice markets and financial advisers (under the Personal Finance Society brand). The CII has 100,000

members nationally and the local Institute in Bournemouth has some 1,000 members and is run by a locally elected council of 17 members.

Coleman Director, Steve Risk said, “It has been a real pleasure hosting the event today. At Coleman we have always been very supportive of the Insurance Institute of Bournemouth and consistently have members of our staff on its council who give their time voluntarily.”

Alan Boyce, President of the Institute of Bournemouth added, “We are very grateful that Coleman Insurance Brokers were able to host this technical workshop for the Institute.

This regular programme of workshops and our monthly lunch time presentations are really important to the members of the Insurance

Institute of Bournemouth and provide an excellent opportunity for them to receive quality training which supports their personal Chartered Professional Development Programmes.”

Established in 1928, with roots going back to 1903, Coleman is one of the UK’s longest established, truly independent insurance brokers and financial advisors employing some 90 staff at locations in Poole, Exeter and Southampton.

For more information contact: w: www.thecolemangroup.co.uk w: www.localinstitutes.cii.co.uk

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Ward Goodman Support: Woofability

Shooting Solicitors Scott Walby Solicitors have hosted the first ever “Dorset vs Rest of World Clay Pigeon Championships".

Ward Goodman have selected Woofability as their Charity of the Year.

Five Dorset companies have proven they have a keen eye and a steady hand as they took part in the inaugural “Dorset and Rest of World Clay Pigeon Championships” at the DBW Company Clay Pigeon Ground just outside of Pimperne.

The event which was hosted by solicitors, Scott Walby LLP, gave the five companies a chance to come together outside of a business environment, enjoy the great outdoors and raise money for a local cause. All of the competitors made donations towards a charity draw raising over £250 for “Over the Top!” (http:// www.boo-charity.org.uk/over-thetop-we-go/) Alongside Scott Walby LLP, the companies who competed for shooting glory included selfstorage providers - Store & Secure, accountants –Inspire Professional Services, insurance brokers – Alan & Thomas Insurance Group and manufacturers – Sealpac UK. Malcolm Scott Walby, of Scott Walby LLP has said of the event: “Everyone had a splendid day!

No-one was shot and there were some great performances.

A leading Dorset Chartered Accountancy and Financial Services business, Ward Goodman have chosen Woofability, a local organisation in Dorset, as their Charity of the Year. Woofability trains assistance dogs for disabled people and it costs approximately £11,000 per assistance dog.

Funding is therefore absolutely vital to enable the charity to continue their work. Woofability receives no financial backing from the government, so the charity relies solely on fundraising and sponsors such as Ward Goodman.

Commenting on supporting Woofability, Jen Richardson, who is the Head of Charities at Ward Goodman said:

The Alan & Thomas Team were probably being very charitable letting someone else win as they were odds on favourites with some very classy guns but the Sealpac team were worthy champions after all, with the hot-shot deadeye MD, Kevin Witheford!”

John Bulpit, of Scott Walby LLP, also commented:

We would like to thank Kevin Woods of DBW Clay Company for letting us loose on their grounds as well as Claire Hooper from Delish-Us for the tasty food they provided.

It was a thoroughly enjoyably day which we were proud to host; it’s fantastic to be associated with some other great businesses. Roll on next year’s championships!

The first annual “Dorset vs Rest of World Clay Pigeon Championships” brought together five associated businesses to build further relationships, enjoy what the Dorset countryside has to offer and raise money for a local charity – proving overall a great success.

For more information contact: T: 01202 311 112 e: info@scott-walby.com w: www.scott-walby.com

“Choosing our charity of the year is always a big decision at Ward Goodman and one which takes a lot of careful consideration. This year we have chosen Woofabilty, as they are a locally based charity whose work can truly make a difference to people’s lives.”

Andy Clarke of Woofability says “We are delighted to have formed a partnership with Ward Goodman, who will be raising funds to train puppies which will transform the lives of disabled children and adults for many years to come.

The staff at Ward Goodman are very supportive of our charity and we look forward to holding lots of events during the year.”

Ward Goodman are now launching a fundraising drive to choose a name for a puppy who will be trained with the funds Ward Goodman aim to raise over the next year. This week representatives from Woofability visited the Ward Goodman offices

to speak to staff about the charity and give demonstrations with the assistance dogs.

Jen Richardson continued:

At Ward Goodman we strive to have a close relationship with our associated charities.

We will aim to support Woofability wherever we can over the next year, giving financial support and running various fundraising drives, of which our “name the puppy” fundraiser is just the beginning.

For more information contact: w: www.thecolemangroup.co.uk w: www.localinstitutes.cii.co.uk

Talking Business

Talking business with...

Jason Hallowes MNAEA, MARLA Slades Estate Agents Have you always wanted to work with the property industry?

Yes, ever since I was a child, I have always been interested in property.

of the housing market, personally I am happy to deal with a modest home in Bournemouth or a country mansion in the Forest, everyone gets treated the same way “professionally”.

If so why? If not how did your migrate to the position you attain now?

My father was in the same industry and when I was at school I used to spend weekends & some of my holidays helping him, however thinking about it he never paid me!

What are your own personal goals in your career?

To be honest and not being big headed I have always met my personal goals, I strive for perfection & feel proud to be a Partner of a very successful and well known business.

People often contact me having bought or sold a property through me many many years ago asking for advice, this is a fantastic advert for the company & for me personally.

Why do you enjoy your job?

The satisfaction of helping people realise their dream home. I enjoy meeting new and different people & being entrusted with most people’s largest asset is a responsibility I relish.

What do you do outside of work?

I have a wonderful wife & two fantastic children (actually at 19 & 17 they are hardly children anymore!) and a black lab called Prince. We are also lucky enough to have a boat so spend time on the water often ending up having a long lunch on the isle of Wight!

I am a keen member of Parkstone Golf Club where I currently play off an 8 handicap although I am first to admit my game is not going well at the moment!

I also take part in as many sprint Triathlons as possible, where I always try to raise as much money for charity as I possibly can.

Is there a particular aspect that you excel in?

I excel providing honest & correct information, whilst it’s not always what people want to hear I think that honesty is the best policy & most people appreciate being told the truth.

How do you see the company progressing?

We have grown as a company since opening the Christchurch office over 20 years ago, we now have five successful branches in the area including a dedicated lettings office. Unless an excellent opportunity came up I think five branches is enough! We are lucky enough to have a fantastic team within all our branches, they are the forefront of the company and many have progressed through the ranks over the years.

Are their certain goals the company is hoping to achieve?

We won the INAUGURAL DORSET PROPERTY AWARDS a while ago, this was a fantastic achievement for all of our dedicated staff. We strive to achieve perfection in our job which shows in the enthusiastic way we all work.

Do you have a specific clientele who tend to approach Slades?

Thankfully we tend to get a lot of repeat business from our satisfied customers, this is the best advert I could ever wish for. We deal with all aspects

For more information contact: w: www.sladeshomes.co.uk e: jason@sladessouthbourne.co.uk t: 01202 428 555

s t a fl f o s k c Blo e specialists c n a r u ins

h t u o m e n r u o in B

If you manage BLOCK INSURANCE give us a call

01202 901649 www.deacon.co.uk/bournemouth

Deacon is a trading name of Property and Commercial Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Registered office: The Walbrook Building, 25 Walbrook, London, EC4N 8AW. Registered in England and Wales. Company number: 8206861.

Part of the Arthur J. Gallagher group.

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News

Business Support Organisations One of the roles of the Bournemouth Chamber is to signpost opportunities available to local businesses which will support them in their ventures. There is currently a wide variety of free support available to all sectors of business across the area whether that be start-up operations or businesses that are in growth. Get in touch with the following organisations for more details on what support is available to you and your business.

Outset

Tell us about your organisation Outset Bournemouth is a uniquely versatile programme that delivers pre start-up and business start-up support tailored for anyone with a business idea.

Tell us about the team at Outset All our friendly advisors have been chosen for their local knowledge and business expertise, all having owned their own business so are able to give insight into the highs and lows of business ownership.

How do you assist businesses in Dorset?

We oer a range of options including information sessions, one-to-one support, business start-up workshops, networking events and help with accessing ďŹ nance.

Are there any limitations on the type of business you can help?

We currently work with business in BH1-BH11 postcode area but have just launched Outset Online which is available to anyone.

How do people access the service?

Simple! Just give us a call and we can book them on to one of our free information sessions to see how we can help.

Is the service free of charge?

Thanks to being fully funded by Bournemouth Borough Council, Bournemouth 2026, The European Regional Development Fund and JP Morgan, we are completely free to use.

How do we find out more information?

By calling us on 0800 7560 811 or visiting our website www.outsetbournemouth.co.uk

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Dorset Growth Hub

WSX Enterprise

The Dorset Growth Hub team offer free local support, signposting, information and guidance to businesses based in Dorset through the various stages of their growth. Whether you require information on how to write a business plan or you want to know how to access alternative funding to help with your cash flow, the Dorset Growth Hub team can help. The Hub (delivered in partnership through WSX Enterprise and the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry) has worked together with Bournemouth Borough Council in securing funding from the Regional Growth Fund via the Dorset LEP

Tell us about your organisation WSX Enterprise, based in Poole have successfully delivered the Government’s Business Link service in Dorset for 15 years, providing comprehensive support to both start-up and established businesses.

This funding has enabled the implementation of the Dorset Growth Hub to facilitate innovative and comprehensive business support for both new, established businesses and social enterprises in Dorset. Based at the Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry the ‘one stop shop’ element has a comprehensive daily updated web portal with useful information and links to services across the region (www.dorsetgrowthub.co.uk). As a first port of call any business in Dorset can access this site or speak to the Hub’s dedicated phone adviser offering friendly instant information and a comprehensive signposting service. Business Navigators are also available to visit organisations face-to-face and scope out the businesses direction and challenges to then signpost to a more detailed bespoke support package. In addition to this, the Dorset Growth Hub also has specialist advisors to assist businesses in key sectors that are looking to grow through investment, innovation, inception and internationalisation.

These specialists offer up to 12 hours dedicated 121 support where viable growth is identified.

How do you assist businesses in Dorset?

With a strong reputation for producing and delivering high quality business support programmes and events, WSX works closely with the Dorset LEP, local authorities, Chambers of Trade, Dorset Growth Hub, Dorset businesses and many other local organisations.

The Poole based team have a wealth of business experience and understand the issues and challenges that businesses face from starting up to developing and growing.

Current Dorset programmes include: •

•

• • •

Dorset Growth Hub is also running a series of flagship events centred around subjects such as Innovation And Access to Alternative Finance.

If you have a business query or want to know more about the Dorset Growth Hub visit www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk or call 08454 586 480 Twitter: @dorsetgrowthhub

Driving Urban Enterprise – providing support to unemployed people/ established businesses in the deprived areas of Poole/Bournemouth & Weymouth/Portland.

Superfast Business – intensive support for those businesses based in rural Dorset so that they can take full advantage of new broadband infrastructure.

‘New in Business’ – Dorset wide 2 day business start-up programme available to anyone looking to start a business.

Dorset Business Women Go Digital - a series of training courses/ workshops to develop/improve the use of technology for business.

‘Ready For Business’ – 1 day seminar in Bournemouth for anyone considering self-employment .

Is the service free of charge?

The above programmes are free of charge to attend (excepting ‘New in Business’ which is subject to a £24.00 booking/admin charge. Certain eligibility criteria may also apply.

How do we find out more information?

For any further information or enquiries, please contact Chris Darlow – Enterprise Manager on 01202 607541 or visit our website www.wsxenterprise.co.uk

Talking Business

Talking business with...

Marcus Woolley Ideal Financial Solutions

Have you always been involved in the financial industry?

No, my first love has always been football so when I left school at 16 I undertook a two year apprenticeship under Harry Redknapp at AFC Bournemouth, playing football every day – when I was released, it took about 6 months to a year to eventually start working for an Insurance Brokers, who I worked with for thirteen years.

Firm. We stand for longevity, so we will develop and expand but not for the sake of developing and expanding, rather when the time is right.

What made you want to set up your own financial solutions company?

I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve inherited a Firm 18 months ago that was already established, so it was a natural thing to do and become my own boss as well as looking after other Adviser’s.

Do you have any personal goals you would like to achieve in your career?

The sportsman in me makes me extremely competitive, but also motivated with a belief in the plan I have moving forward – success can be measured in many ways, I know my meaning of success which I’ll keep to myself. For now, knowing that I make a difference in people’s lives and seeing the differing journey’s everyone goes through gives me a huge amount of pride and pleasure.

How did IFS begin?

Ten plus years ago, two friends who were working for separate companies got together and started up the Firm – it’s developed from there really.

How would you like to develop IFS? IFS is still in many ways embryonic, although as individuals there’s nearly 40 years of experience in financial services between us – we pride ourselves on a personal service so fundamentally that’s the way we plan to continue as that’s got us to where we are now.

Have you any plans to further develop or expand?

Absolutely – Rome wasn’t built in a day, those that think it is either aren’t around any longer or won’t have longevity. There needs to be a solid base and structure which particularly over the last 18 months we’ve worked hard to implement and have achieved. It’s also very easy to identify the want for more Advisers, but these have to be the right people and fit in with the make-up of the

Do you have any particular goal or objective you would like to obtain?

Yes, to continue to be able to sleep well at night, to know that we’re offering an honest professional service and making a difference.

retirement planning, staff loyalty and the big topic at the moment in the shape of Auto Enrolment.

What makes your business stand out from your competitors?

Simple – as part of CPD requirements, I invariably attend local and regional seminar’s where my peers average (conservatively) age is in the upper fifties. I talk to these people but they’re stuck in year’s gone past. We represent, albeit an all too few, breed of younger financial adviser’s keen to drag our industry into the 21st century – similar to any industry, times and method’s move on so unlike many others we’ve embraced these changes and that’s where we make a difference and will hopefully continue to do so and prosper.

You offer a business protection service. How would you stress the importance of this to your potential customers?

Arguably, an individual’s business is as important as their Family. Think about this, the ‘breadwinner’ so to speak provides through their business – now take that individual’s business away, commonly through health, and what does that do to their family? The majority of people insure themselves, but not their livelihoods, so there’s a massive gap in this area which can only be breached by education.

Is helping businesses something you have always been keen on pursuing?

Definitely, there are so many ways that we can help businesses, and in particular Limited Companies, which seem to be flavour of the month when talking to accountants. Not only through business protection, but tax efficiency,

Let the taxman help pay for your life cover.

When it comes to life insurance for small business owners and their teams, there’s a more tax-efficient way to buy it.

With a relevant life policy, it’s the business that makes the payments, not the person covered.

That means you don’t need to pay any national insurance or income tax on the premiums, but still get the benefits of corporation tax relief.

You don’t need to be a palm reader to see that adds up to a big saving.

PC2156C.0214

For more information contact: w: www.idealfinancialsolutions.co.uk e: marcus.woolley@idealfinancialsolutions.co.uk t: 01202 916488

How would your How would cope your business business cope if the unthinkable if the unthinkable happened? happened?

We can help protect your business We can help protect your business

How would your business cope if you died or were diagnosed with a critical illness and could not work? What if one of your co-owners dies a loan, overdraft or ifa you commercial mortgage has towith be How and would your an business cope died or were diagnosed repaid early?

You can protect against these events, but the end a critical illness and could not work? What if one of your co-owners level of protection need depends on yourmortgage personal has to be dies and a loan, anyou overdraft or a commercial circumstances.

Socan whyprotect not callagainst your adviser check repaid early? You these and events, butyou the end have the right plans in place? level of protection you need depends on your personal circumstances. So why not call your adviser and check you Talk Ideal Financial haveto the right plans inSolutions. place?

Call 01202 916488 Talk Marcus to Ideal Woolley Financialon: Solutions. marcus.woolley@idealfinancialsolutions.co.uk Call Marcus Woolley on: 01202 916488 Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register number: 446279. Advising and arranging: investments; pension marcus.woolley@idealfinancialsolutions.co.uk transfers and pension opt outs; regulated mortgages, home reversion plans and non investment insurance contracts.

The Power of Networking

The Power of Networking

Some time ago, I wrote a screenplay based on a real-life murder case in 1946. The initial outline inspired a great deal of interest from friends and local screenwriters, who were sure it had commercial potential. Why not try to attract some interest from a film company, they said. The question was, How? As a writer, I spend most of my time locked away in a lonely room, pounding away on a dusty old keypad. The idea of venturing into unknown territory, especially one as daunting as the film industry, didn’t appeal to me at all.

Then, by chance, a friend invited me to BH Banter, an informal networking event run by Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce. I went along, somewhat reluctantly, clutching a handful of business cards, and prepared to mingle.

We all know the saying, ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’. Well, in this case that proved to be true. At BH Banter, I was introduced to someone who I was told might be able to help.

After listening to a brief outline of my screenplay, he simply said, ‘I know who you need to talk to.’

I gave him my details, thanked him, and moved on, thinking no more about it.

A few days later, I received an e-mail from a financial facilitator who specialises in investment for films. After a lengthy telephone conversation, I agreed to send him the pitch – a one-page synopsis of the screenplay, plus some additional background information. He got back to me and suggested we meet.

Since then, the project has taken on a life and energy of its own. We’ve had several more meetings and numerous discussions as to the best way forward. I’ve been guided through the complex business of preparing an Information Memorandum to pitch to investors, using generous tax breaks from HMRC. It’s all achievable, I was told.

You just need to take the necessary stages.

The support and encouragement I’ve had has been overwhelming. As a writer, you get used to hearing how hard it is and how you’ll never make any money (someone forgot to tell JK Rowling!). I now have a small team of professionals working with me, all committed to making it happen. It’s a constant source of inspiration to be around such people and I couldn’t have got this far without them.

Right from the start, BH Banter has proved the power of networking. More than that, it’s provided a warm and friendly environment where the spirit of industry can prevail. Mandy Payne, Pres-

ident of the Bournemouth Chamber and her Executive Committee members are always helpful and welcoming, and take a personal interest in all businesses, new and old.

My networking experience may be unusual. You wouldn’t normally expect to make such a valuable contact on the first night. It’s more about meeting people and taking an interest in what they do. But, because of that evening I’m now set on a course I could never have envisaged from my lonely writer’s room. And along the way I’ve met some great people!

17

Simone Thomas Super – Salon Leading Authority on Hair Loss, Simone Thomas, has opened a new super-salon in Westbourne, bringing a new level of expertise to the South Coast.

Simone Thomas, one of the UK’s leading authorities on hair loss, has launched a new super-salon in the affluent area of Westbourne, Bournemouth, which will bring a new level of expertise in both hair loss and hair and beauty to the South Coast. The salon was opened on Wednesday 3rd of December, with champagne and canapés along with the attendance of television personality, Debra Stephenson, and The Worshipful the Mayor of Bournemouth, Councillor Chris Mayne.

The Simone Thomas Salon, which is set on multiple floors, will specialise in hair loss and provide a variety of hair loss treatments from non-surgical hair loss, extensions, human hair and synthetic wigs, toupees, to hair replacement systems. Simone

Laptop Fixers A new critical security threat to all current Windows Operating Systems has been detected, however The Laptop Fixers offer a solution with BitDefender.

Thomas Salon has also appointed an NHS professional, who will be coming on board to provide customers suffering from hair loss with expert medical advice and support.

Alongside this, the salon will offer a variety of hair and beauty treatments from an expert team which includes Senior Stylist, Lisa Adams, a regional stylist in the L’Oreal Men’s Image award, and Jacqui Jefford, a nail technician to the stars whose impressive portfolio includes being the proud Brand Advisor to Binki London, fronted by Made in Chelsea star, Binki Felstead, having 6 Vogue cover shots under her belt, as well as being considered one of the top UK Beauty Educators.

Joining this skilled team at the new Simone Thomas Salon will also be

Microsoft have recently warned that a critical remote code execution vulnerability has been identified in the Microsoft Secure Channel (Schannel) security package in Windows. What this means is that hackers are able to target a vulnerability within Windows security system in order to take complete control over PC’s, gain access to its system and make changes to the device.

The particular vulnerability affects the way common internet and network applications communicate securely. Therefore anyone who browses the internet through a windows operating system could be a potential victim.

a dedicated wedding and special occasion make-up artist. Having recently won “Best Wedding Hair” in the Dorset Wedding Supplier Awards, the new Simone Thomas Salon will be putting even more emphasis in providing some of the best services the wedding industry has to offer.

There will also be a dedicated team of front of house and concierge staff, who will be aiming to give the super-salon a personal touch and provide each client with the care and attention they deserve.

As a specialist hair loss salon, the salon’s front of house staff will also include specifically trained hair loss ambassadors who have come to the salon from the NHS. Commenting on the opening of the

However the security system BitDefender, sold at The Laptop Fixers, has successfully protected its customers by automatically updating the affected operating systems and Internet Explorer browsers with the latest Microsoftissued patch which prevents Hackers from taking advantage of this vulnerability. BitDefender’s automatic vulnerability scan assures that all critical Windows updates and Application updates are automatically installed offering the best security performance to their customers.

Paul Betteridge Managing Director of The Laptop Fixers has commented:

salon, Simone has said: “This salon has been my vision for the past five years and to see it finally come together is enormously rewarding. I have an extremely dedicated team behind me and it is thanks to our combined hard work that we have been able to expand from my existing companies to open Simone Thomas Salon.”

Alongside the Simone Thomas Salon, Simone will also be launching a brand new website, “Wigs By Simone”, which will be a dedicated website for people suffering from Hair Loss, providing specialist hair replacement systems all which have been consulted by Simone.

For more information please visit: www.simonethomas.com

“This newly identified vulnerability is a particularly concerning threat to all Windows Systems. However, for all those who have BitDefender, it is a quick fix which the security system is able to easily handle.

This is why BitDefender is the only security software we recommend in store.”

The Laptop Fixers are able to provide advice and support to anyone who may be concerned about the Windows Security vulnerability and sell BitDefender in both their stores. For more information visit: www.thelaptopfixers.com

TOTAL WORTH MERGER News

Centre back to right: Chris Southon Rose Duly Natalie Berjaoui Wanda Berry Steve Worth Sophie White Aimee Burnett Nicky Matthews Celia Worth Anita Burnell

The Fordingbridge based Total Tax Group merges with Poole based Worth Accountants.

The Total Tax Group is an established and well regarded tax and accountancy practice, with business and personal clients across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and London. Their experienced and qualified team, headed by Sophie White, provides practical, client-focused accountancy services with a particular expertise in tax planning and business strategy.

Sophie says, ‘I first met Steve Worth over five years ago and we decided that this year was the right time for us to combine forces. Our shared business values and commitment to client service, along with Steve’s longer term retirement plans, has resulted in a perfectly timed business marriage’.

Clients of both practices will continue to deal with familiar faces as well as being introduced to new partners.

Steve says, ‘I’m confident that this merger gives us greater strength and depth, so we can continue to provide an ever better service. We’re a dedicated team of committed professionals, and we really believe we can make a difference to you and your business’.

Meet the team at the new website: www.totaltaxgroup.co.uk Fordingbridge: 01425 656440 Poole: 01202 516888

Total Tax Group, 17 Glasshouse Studios, Fryern Court Road, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1QX 279 Ashley Rd, Poole, Dorset BH14 9DS

Tax explained through drink Every Friday evening, a group of ten old friends went out for drinks after work.

The friends had wildly different incomes, and some could afford a lot more than others.

Like every group of friends, there’s always one who thinks he knows best. He came up with the idea of paying their bar bill on the same basis as we pay tax. “Trust me,” he said.

“It’ll work a treat.”

To make it easier, let’s suppose that their bar tab came to £100. The first four friends, the poorest, would pay nothing at all. The fifth would pay £1. The sixth £3, the seventh £7, the eighth £12, the ninth £18. The tenth, the richest, would have a bill of £59.

But she didn’t mind. She was rich, after all.

So they tried it, and it worked fine. They were happy. They agreed not to talk about money, as it would only lead to problems. They went to the pub every Friday, and they all got on.

Then one Friday, the landlord decided that as they were such good customers, he’d give them a discount. That night, the total bar bill would be just £80.

This gave them a worse headache than they usually had on Saturday mornings.

The bloke who always reckons he knows everything scratched his head. How to divide the discount to make it fair for everyone? There were six paying customers. £20 divided by six is £3.33 each. But then the fifth and sixth friends would end up being paid to drink.

That didn’t seem right. So in the end they kept following the principle of the tax system: the poorer the bill payer, the bigger the benefit.

The fifth friend, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% saving). The sixth paid £2 (33% saving); the seventh £5 (28% saving); the eighth £9 (25% saving) and the ninth £14 (22% saving). The tenth friend now paid £50 (15% saving).

So now the first five were drinking for free, and the others were all better off.

But that night, they sat in the pub comparing their savings. The sixth friend whinged that he only got £1 out of the £20, compared to the tenth, who got £9. “I know, right?” the fifth chipped in. “I’m only £1 better off too. She got NINE TIMES more benefit than me!”

The seventh guy had a moan as well. “How come she got £9, when I got only two?

The wealthy get all the breaks!”

Then the first four piped up: “We didn’t get anything at all. This new system exploits the poor!”

This went on all night. In the end the tenth friend got so fed up with all the abuse, as if the whole wretched thing was her fault, she got up and walked out. At closing time, the others discovered they only had enough between them to cover half the bar tab.

And the moral of the story is: Don’t whinge to your mates, and don’t listen to that bloke down the pub who thinks he’s always right. Get yourself a tax advisor who knows what they’re talking about.

Total Tax Group provides tax and accounts advice and solutions to the professional, business and private markets. We believe in lasting relationships, in the importance of keeping promises, and in never losing sight of whose money we’re dealing with.

totaltaxgroup.co.uk

01425 656440

Talking Business

Talking business with...

Dudsbury Golf Club How long has Dudsbury been running for?

Nigel Richards created Dudsbury in April 1992, from Farmland which had been in his family since 1968. The Club has had previous owners but, Mr & Mrs Braban purchased the Club in 2006 and transformed it to what it is today. Bentleys Restaurant was created and an advanced irrigation system was installed on the 18 hole course.

How has Dudsbury Golf Club, Hotel & Spa developed over the years?

It is an ongoing project, to improve year on year constantly moving forward. The final jewel in our crown was the completion of our Hotel and Spa complex which was finished in March 2012.

What facility do most of your clients come to Dudsbury Golf Club Hotel & Spa for? Why is this service most popular?

We have a challenging championship 18 Hole Golf Course and award winning Bentleys Restaurant. Our clients come for the “Dudsbury experience”, great customer service, quality food and excellent facilities.

What makes Dudsbury so special?

High standards, friendly professional staff and excellent facilities.

Have you any further plans to develop?

With our Academy Course and practise facilities currently being improved and bunker and fairway drainage being updated, 2015 is an exciting year for Dudsbury.

What is your most proud moment at Dudsbury?

I see you have held various prestigious golf events We have won awards and had prestigious golf events at Dudbsury. But personally the completion of the Hotel and Spa in 2012 enabling us to offer all our customers and patrons more.

Have you any golf events lined up for next year that you are excited about?

The Dudsbury Masters Pro-AM Event which is our flagship Pro-AM, followed by a two day order of merit, this event involved the top Professionals in the West region. We hold the Dorset Open

each year, a 36 hole county event, which is a scratch competition for the counties elite and professionals. We will be holding the yearly Junior Open in August, for all ages in County Juniors below 18 years of age with varying abilities.

What is going on at Dudsbury now we are into the New Year?

We have the Wedding Fayre on Sunday 4th January 2015 where leading local wedding specialists are on hand to showcase their services and discuss the latest trends and ideas.

We have bookings already in 2015 for functions, Masonic ladies nights, Weddings and Tribute nights, the diary is already getting full, there is always something going on at Dudsbury Golf Club Hotel & Spa.

t: 01202 593499 e: info@dudsburygolfclub.co.uk w: www.dudsburygolfclub.co.uk

21

Talking business with...

Discover Dorset How long has Discover Dorset been running?

Discover Dorset ran its first day tour to the Jurassic Coast in 2004. Now with ten vehicles, in addition to the tours, we also provide a comprehensive private hire service and operate the City Sightseeing Bournemouth Open Top bus tour in the summer.

How did Discover Dorset begin?

After travelling to more than 70 countries around the world and experiencing some fantastic tours in different destinations, I could see there was a big opportunity to deliver new services to the visitor market in Bournemouth. The Jurassic Coast had just been given World Heritage Status and this put it on the map in the minds of visitors.

Our award winning tours to the Jurassic Coast are still our most popular service but are now just one of many other things that we do.

How do you see the company growing in the future?

Last summer was brilliant, the sun shone, the visitors came and we broke every record as far as passenger volumes, occupancy and revenue.

This was however after a few tough years, 2012 in particular was a very poor summer and resulted in some serious belt tightening.

We now have some exciting plans and are

developing a number of commercial relationships that should see us go through a new period of significant growth. We are bringing new products to market this year and also targeting a wider geographical market, especially London.

Do you have any goals or objectives you wish to reach in the future?

Yes, we have some aggressive growth targets that will be achieved through developing our position as the leading tour operator in the area.

Will you be looking to expand the tours even further afield?

We already run scheduled and group tours to London, Oxford and Bath, in addition to our local tours to the Jurassic Coast, Stonehenge and the Isle of Wight. We will be launching a day trip to Guernsey for the summer 2015 and building on our portfolio of local tours.

Why did you specifically choose Dorset to set up tours?

Primarily because that is where we are from, but also because it has so much to offer and Bournemouth provides a ready made market of visitors who want to get out and explore.

What sort of clientele do you attract?

All sorts! Young and old, individuals, couples, families and groups, domestic and international, students, tourists and corporate clients.

When is your busiest season?

Summer, by far, 50% of our annual revenue comes in June, July and August How do you reel customers in during quieter seasons?

Our tours run all year and whilst we have lower occupancy levels in the winter we do try and keep a range of options for visitors to enjoy if they are here on a winter break.

Nothing quite like a hot chocolate in a tea room in Lulworth Cove if you have just walked over from Durdle Door on a blustery day. Wonderful!

What makes Discover Dorset special?

Our passion for the area and the desire to share it with the visitors to Bournemouth, that is what underpins everything that we do. We only employ people who share that passion and because they get to go out and enjoy it with our customers, many a time I have heard them say that it ‘beats working for a living’, which says it all! t: 01202 557007 w: www.discoverdorset.co.uk

News

Bournemouth's Best Kept Secret

Re:Develop A day-long event specifically for developers, inviting knowledge and experience from outside of the area and giving local talent an opportunity to share the stage. www.redevelop.io

ThinkCreateDo In a recent report by Tech City UK, Bournemouth was named as one of thirteen digital hubs that exist outside of London. To those of us who work in and around the ‘scene’, this is a welcome recognition, but hardly surprising. We’ve known for some time that there was something special about the town - special enough for over 450 creative businesses to be based in the area. But it is reassuring that the rest of the country - and soon the world - are now starting to sit up and take notice, albeit they do seem a little surprised.

as Bournemouth and we - the town and the community - sometimes take them for granted.

And our town is keeping good company too, as cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Brighton and Cambridge all feature in the list, which was based on nationwide survey and some in-depth desk-based research commissioned by Tech City UK. However what sets our town apart and is something that we should be immensely proud of, is this notion of surprise.

So next time you’re thinking about how to market your business, you could do worse than to look closer to home. Bournemouth is brimming with talent.

Considering the likes of Charles Babbage, Alan Turing and Stephen Hawking are all alumni, it is hardly surprising that Cambridge should be a notable hub, with a strength in microprocessors and software development. Nor should it be a surprise that Manchester, following the development of MediaCityUK and the relocation of the BBC, should be a hub for media. Or for the likes of Bristol with its pedigree in TV, or Brighton with its close commutable links with London, to be featured on the list is no surprise either.

Yet Bournemouth, which is best known for its fabulous beaches and being a terrific seaside resort, doesn’t have the history of Cambridge or a globally recognised institutional anchor like the BBC; and however much we might imply the opposite to visitors, nor does it have the proximity to the capital that Brighton enjoys. So what is it that has put Bournemouth on this map?

Well, aside from the wealth of great companies across the town, and the two world-class universities who ably serve these organisations, what truly sets Bournemouth apart and is something we should celebrate and promote more, is the community itself and the grass roots-led networks, events and initiatives that have developed out of it. Nowhere else in the UK has quality or quantity of credible, community driven networks

Here’s a list of some of these attributes that Bournemouth has that nowhere else does. It’s not a conclusive list, there are more. This list of ten is just the tip of the iceberg, but it represents an immense support network, built from the ground up, and that is why Bournemouth has been recognised as one of the UK’s leading creative and digital hubs.

Meetdraw A free, quarterly networking event that over the course of the past six years has staged 24 events that enjoy an average attendance of 250 people. www.meetdraw.com

Silicon Beach Based around an annual two-day autumn conference that attracts some of the best speakers in the world, Silicon Beach is recognised as one of the UK’s preeminent series of events celebrating digital innovation and is growing into a whole support network. www.siliconbeach.eu

A directory, newsfeed, events calendar and jobs board serving and celebrating the creative and digital agency community of the South Coast. www.thinkcreatedo.co.uk

Once Upon A Time A series of half-day conferences, celebrating the stories that are at the heart of some of Dorset’s most celebrated brands. www.onceuponatime.today

She Who Dares, Wins Created to encourage and support more women in to senior roles within the creative and digital economy. www.bit.ly/shewhodareswins

B&W Meet A semi-regualr series of meet-ups, started by a group of Bournemouth University graduates, that brings together people with an interest in all things digital. www.bwmeet.co.uk

Hack Bmth A bi-monthly event that draws out the digital tinkerers in the region and gives them space and time to develop innovative new ideas for ‘stuff’ (thats a technical term) www.hackbmth.org

ODL Bournemouth Westbourne is the home of one of Bournemouth’s best kept secrets: the World’s Largest Open Device Lab. 450 internet-enabled (connected) devices that are available for anyone to use, free of charge, to test their websites or apps on. www.odl.wearebase.com

Bournemouth Data Stream Bournemouth Borough Council commissioned an online platform that allows them to make open and share non-confidential data relating to the town, how it runs and what it operates; enabling the towns developer community to experiment and build useful products and services. www.bournemouthdata.io

Matt Desmier With over 20 years experience with the creative economy, working both agency and client-side and with big and small businesses, has given Matt enviable exposure to the industry. He’s also worked extensively with the public sector and has an in-depth experience of that sometimes strange beast too.

For more information contact: t: 07846263263 w: www.wiseolduncle.com

23

Talking business with...

W. Smith & Sons Ltd You are a family run business, how many generations has the company been passed down through?

Yes Four Generations, Established in 1892 by my great grandfather Walter Smith. Currently there are the three brothers Trevor (since 1970), Michael (1987) and myself Roger Smith (1978).

Has it always been the intention to continue the family business?

Hopefully for another 15 years at least as the youngest of three brothers, I hope to go on but at this stage none of the fifth generation are interested.

How did the business first begin?

In 1892 Walter Smith a wheelwright from Somerset, established his own coachbuilding business in Pine Road, Winton. He was occasionally involved with the construction of drawn carriages including an odd hearse and following a request to carry out a funeral for a gypsy family which the then local undertakers declined to do, he realized that he could supplement his coachbuilding work by providing a funeral service. By 1896, the business had expanded sufficiently to warrant a move to larger premises in Wimborne Road, Winton where it has remained to the presentday.

How have you seen W. Smith & Sons develop over the years?

Over the last 36 years since I have been involved in the family business we have seen many family Funeral Directors been bought out by large groups but still trade as the family name. We try to balance a mix of tradition and using new techniques in all aspects of the business. In the 90's we helped develop the first online booking service for Bournemouth Crematorium , the only problem was that many Funeral Directors at the time did not use the Internet let alone own a computer. Also from the mid 90's we were able once again to offer horse - drawn hearse and pre - paid funerals.

We use Golden Charter Trust Fund, which was set up for Independent family funeral directors like ourselves where our clients' money is placed in a separate trust.

From a business point of view how do you hope to grow the company?

Most of our business is by recommendation and we have many families that we have looked after over many generations. Perhaps being located in the north of Bournemouth we have not been so prominent to those who live in the Centre and the east of Bournemouth who may not venture into Winton or Moordown. We are one of very few Funeral Directors in the area who offer a genuine response by a Smith family member 24/7.

Do you wish to expand your business to other areas?

We opened an office in Westbourne in the late 80’s and another in Bransgore in the late 90’s, but the office in Westbourne was not suitable and we had to let that go, perhaps we might look at that again in the near future. If you expand too much you can lose that personal touch which most clients expect from a Family Funeral Director What makes your services preferable to competitors?

At one time bereaved families were happy to return without thinking of the cost, nowadays most ring around for quotations, We feel that

our services are fair and we don’t hide our costs even on line we show our costs and our always willing to make out a written quotation at any time as our National Association code of practice states.

Do you hope or the business to continue for many more years?

Yes we hope to continue working well past the age when most people retire. However we more than most are reminded how short life can be?

We currently hold over 1 million pounds worth of pre-paid funerals which our clients have entrusted to our company to carry out in the future.

t: 01202 528818 (Winton) t: 01425 674595 (Bransgore) w: www.funeraldirectors-bournemouth.co.uk

News

Lord Sugar Will see you now.

It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since Lord Sugar opened the doors of his shiny boardroom to the first batch of Apprentice candidates.

Over the past decade, more than 200 hopefuls have battled it out to hear the golden words, "You're Hired", with some soaring higher than Lord Sugar's chair, and others plummeting like shares after a profit warning.

And while the business prowess of some contestants could be called into question, one thing's for sure: this show has given 110% when it comes to entertainment.

The Contestants The Apprentice never fails to attract a brilliant mix of truly talented and hideously puffed-up candidates, some of whom are forever etched in our memory.

In series three, we met Katie Hopkins, who, despite displaying a gift for ruthlessness and back-stabbing, made it to the final three. She turned down a place in the final (claiming she didn't want to uproot her family), but quitting early didn't do her career any harm - these days, you'll regularly find Hopkins mouthing off on daytime TV or engaging in squabbles on Twitter.

Then there was Stuart "everything I touch turns to sold" Baggs, the series six contestant who modestly labelled himself "The Brand".

For reasons we still can't quite understand, the then-21-year-old managed to make it to the semifinal, where he made one last impassioned plea: "I'm not a one-trick pony, I'm not a 10-trick pony, I've got a field of ponies waiting to literally run towards this."

Remember 'Jedi Jim' Eastwood from series seven? Whether he was selling umbrellas to tourists in Covent Garden, or bagging a bargain from a fruit and veg seller, no one was immune from the Northern Irishman's charms. He even managed to convince project manager Leon Doyle to change his mind about bringing him back to the boardroom after an unsuccessful task. Eastwood made Apprentice history with a sales order of ÂŁ1.6m for his team's biscuits, but this wasn't enough to save him from the boardroom axe.

25

The Boss

The Tasks

Singing a cappella for Simon Cowell. Presenting Paul Hollywood with a burnt loaf of bread. Eating the congealed leftovers from an I'm A Celebrity...

Get Me Out Of Here! bushtucker trial... There are many things which would be preferable to a boardroom dressing-down from Alan - "the only fair you're gonna get is your bloody train fare home" - Sugar. Love him or hate him, Lord Sugar makes great TV, and there's no doubt his nononsense approach has helped make the show a ratings hit.

But just as Batman needs his Robin and Alvin needs his Chipmunks, Lord Sugar couldn't do without his boardroom sidekicks. When they're not hosting Countdown or attending West Ham matches, Karren Brady and Nick Hewer (who accused one candidate of being all over a task "like a tramp on chips") can always be relied upon to keep a wry eye on contestants.

We'll also always have a soft spot for Brady's predecessor Margaret Mountford, who sat by Lord Sugar's side for the first five series, and her priceless reply on learning that one candidate had studied Classics at Edinburgh University: "I think Edinburgh isn't what it used to be."

We're not quite sure how presenting on a shopping channel or appearing in a fake TV ad prepare you for life as a business mogul, but seeing the candidates try their hand at performing and directing certainly makes for entertaining viewing. Despite having their every move filmed for the duration of the show, they have a habit of going all starry-eyed when it's lights, camera, action for a task.

Remember series three's Simon Ambrose struggling to get to grips with a trampoline for a home shopping segment? Or Phil Taylor's 'Pantsman' creation in series five? This bunch make a GCSE media studies student look like Martin Scorsese.

Every series, the candidates also pack their shoulder-padded suits for a trip to a far-flung location. We've seen them try and flog British cheese to the French, sell crisps in Hamburg, and go shopping in Dubai. But our favourite overseas episode was in series four, when self-proclaimed "good Jewish boy" Michael got kosher chicken confused with halal in Morocco.

Never had an Apprentice candidate stepped down as project manager until last year, when Jason Leech discovered he couldn't quite cut it as team leader during the dating website task.

To be fair, if we'd had Luisa Zissman sniping in our ear (or "nipping at the heels of a bewildered sheep", as Nick put it), we'd probably have ran screaming for the hills.

Lord Sugar's Best Put-Downs I've heard you managed the Titanic restaurant.

Well, this is another disaster.

I know the words to Candle In The Wind. It don't make me Elton John

Don't tell me you're just like me. You're not like me. I'm unique

You were devastated when you got a B in your GCSE French. You're gonna be even more devastated now, because you've got a big F you're fired

I have an imaginary remote control strapped to my head and you're on pause

Talking Business

27

Circular Rockett

Is owning your own business something you have always aspired to achieve?

If so, why? If not, what made you choose to do so?

I decided I did not want to work for someone else, managed to secure independent investment and started Rockett Plumbing & Heating Supplies Ltd mid 2012. The real dream was to see the family name back above the shop door.

L I E S LT D

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Why did you choose to set up a plumbing business?

Due to health reasons I had to come off the tools and decided to make a career in the supply of plumbing and heating materials. I started at Jayhard plumbing supplies, this was a very busy branch and it is here that I developed my skills within Kitchen, bathroom and bedroom design and supply. When the business was sold to the Travis Perkins Group, I set up a merchant with two others but due to the recession we had to close the doors in 2012.

18:21:04

BI

Have you always worked in the plumbing trade?

I have always been involved in the plumbing and heating industry, My father was a Plumbing and heating engineer and opened his own shop when I was only 5 years old, and so he trained me in both selling the goods and the installation of them.

07/09/2012

P LUM

Talking business with...

Rockett Plumbing and Heating Supplies

logo.pdf

S &H E AT I N G

Why Bournemouth, if there is a specific reason?

I am Bournemouth born and bred and this is where the customers I have supplied over the last 45 years live and work.

We also plan to continue to build on our growing list of Developers who we supply Kitchens, Bathrooms, plumbing and heating equipment to from some of the leading manufacturers.

Where do you see the business heading in the future?

We want to continue to grow the business both on the high street in Moordown and through the internet.

Why should customers opt to use your services?

Above all else because we aim to provide the very best customer service and technical support through all aspects of design and supply, delivered through a passionate and extremely knowledgeable team of people. Simply put the best possible product at competitive prices with unbeatable service regardless of whether you are trade, retail, commercial or wholesale we really do aim to be a one stop shop.

Do you have plans to expand?

We are always looking for ways to expand the range of products and services we offer, but we refuse to allow the quality of the product or more importantly the service we offer to suffer as a result of any expansion plans we may have.

Although we are planning to launch a new web site during 2015 and we are looking forward to the new challenge of online trading. We have a small Ebay shop at the moment to test the market and better understand the logistics involved for us in the electronic market place.

Do you have any specific goals you would like the business to achieve?

We would like to strengthen further our relationship with the local hotel and guest house industry for everything from a tap washer to complete bathroom refit, or even a new plant room.

Do you have any personal achievements you would like to obtain in your career?

To see the brand we have created strengthen and grow to become the first choice for all things plumbing for years to come, and perhaps even see my grandchildren join the industry as my son has so we have including my grandfather possibly five generations all involved one way or another.

w: www.rockettplumbing.co.uk t: 01202 54 80 80 e: sales@rockettplumbing.co.uk

Talking Business

Talking business with...

Ally Case & Katharine Cleall Travel Counsellors night whether it is a last minute change to the booking or an emergency, they feel happy and reassured speaking to the same person. We genuinely care about the quality of their travel experience like nobody else.

What does corporate travel entail?

Our business clients need arrangements made usually very quickly and effortlessly. We take all

Katharine & Ally How did the concept of Travel Counsellors come about? Travel Counsellors, which was founded 20 years ago by David Speakman, enabled Travel Professionals to offer a personal service to their customers from the comfort of their own home. With a Head Office in Bolton, Travel Counsellors has more than 1,300 Travel Counsellors across eight countries making them one of the world’s leading independent travel companies.

What is a Travel Counsellor and why should people use you? We create perfect travel experiences and our approach is all about personal relationships – resulting in bookings that are about much more than getting from A to B in good time. We’re about giving you added value in your travel, wherever you want to find it.

The result - a travel guide built by experts, for a trip unique for our customers. We are also totally independent, with no ties to any travel providers; our advice is always impartial and honest.

What makes your business special besides the uniqueness of it? Ally – I specialise mainly in offering holidays to the leisure market both to single travellers, families and large groups. My business is all about building relationships with my customers so that I can offer them a personal service which is unique to them and their needs.

My customers are my friends.

Katharine - The relationships and trust we build with each individual client and traveller.

Specialising in corporate travel, my clients need that high level of trust at any time of the day or

the hassle and strain out of bookings by providing a personal concierge service alongside account managing and this is what gives us the complete flexibility to offer the very best service to all of our clients 24/7. Arranging business travel is a different world to booking a personal holiday.

You’re travelling because you need to, not necessarily because you want to.

Your expectations are a little higher, your patience a little lower. Your arrangements need to be flexible and you need to get to your destination feeling refreshed and at the top of your game.

You need somebody who can find the right flights, the best accommodation, convenient car hire or transfers at the best possible rates.

Someone who’ll check you in and ‘phone ahead if you’re delayed.

If you were inviting customers to book with you as opposed to the internet, what would you say?

Ally – A few years ago price was more important but now we are seeing a turnaround and customers are now looking for value. Customers want expertise and a personal service which the internet does not provide. I personally hold my customers hand from the minute I receive their initial enquiry to the day they return from their holiday…….nothing is too much trouble.

Katharine - Don’t waste your time and money on self-service business travel arrangements! Often sold-in on the promise of travel policy compliance and unit price, online booking portals were once hailed as the future of corporate travel.

Thousands of companies are now finding that it’s a false economy as their colleagues spend hours and hours of unproductive time searching for their flights, train tickets and accommodation and if something goes wrong, who can you trust to put it right again? Our 24/7 personal travel service is quite simply, unbeatable. It’s why 96%

of our customers would recommend us to their friends, family and colleagues - that’s the highest customer satisfaction score in the world!

What do you love the most about your job?

Ally - I absolutely love being a personal Travel Counsellor because of the flexibility it not only offers me but also my customers.

Katharine - The satisfaction that all my clients are enormously happy with the service they receive and are exceptionally relaxed when travelling – most of that is down to us!

How do you see the company growing? Travel Counsellors has grown immensely over the past 10 years with a turnover of over £460m globally last year. We are twice winners of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise and have appeared in the Sunday Times Profit track two years running 2013 and 2014. On the corporate side we are a top 20 UK Travel Management Company, with sales of over £100m in 2013. We have gone from strength to strength and this will only continue more over the coming years.

Do you have any aims or goals you wish the business to reach in the future? To ensure continuity and growth globally and to reach a point where the name is synonymous with arranging travel for both business and leisure clients in a personal and caring way.

Do you have any personal goals you would like to achieve in your career?

Ally – I strive to be the best I can possibly be and give my customers the best service, advise and holidays!

Katharine - To continue the growth of my business with success and longevity.

Ally and Katharine can be contacted as follows: Ally Case e: ally.case@travelcounsellors.com t: 01202 375180 w: www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/ally.case Katharine Cleall e: katharine.cleall@travelcounsellors.com t: 01202 802166 w: www.tctravelmanagement.co.uk/katharine.cleall

29

Talking business with...

Des Simmons Bournecoast Was enrolling into the family business something you have always wanted to do?

I always wanted to run my own business and studied Business Management (Tourism) at University in London. It was whilst helping my father out during the summer holidays that I realised how much Bournecoast was tourism related due to the holiday letting. This led to a conversation where we discussed the potential for me to come into the business after University and use the business management skills I had learnt to develop and grow the business. I have spent the last 15 years, together with my sisters, developing the company into a buy-tolet specialist agency where clients can use us to unlock the true value of their property.

Bournecoast has a strong reputation locally, what is it that has helped you build up such a good name for yourselves?

Established for 55 years, the company is a family operated property agency, and we manage, sell and let residential and self-catering holiday properties. The business was founded by my grandfather and grandmother, Major W G Webb and June Webb, in 1960. My father, Keith Simmons MBE, then ran the business for 26 years during which time he helped many thousands of holiday visitors, tenants, landlords, purchasers and vendors in the local area. The business was then taken over by myself, together with my two sisters Veronica Strongman and Anita Smith, and

we now run the company with our dedicated team. We have built up our reputation over many years and pride ourselves on the service we offer to our clients.

How do you see Bournecoast progressing in the future?

We would like Bournecoast to continue to provide good quality accommodation to the large number of tenants and holiday visitors who contact us on a daily basis looking for accommodation. In terms of progression for Bournecoast, the ambition is for us to attract more landlords to take advantage of the services we have to offer so we can satisfy the needs to these holiday visitors and tenants. We would also like to ensure that local landlords understand the benefits of holiday letting their property and the tax advantages associated with furnished holiday letting.

Do you have a specific clientele other than of course holiday makers in regards to the holiday lets?

The family leisure market is the core market for holiday lets but outside of the peak season we have a variety of corporate clients looking for short term furnished accommodation. We also find the accommodation we have registered with us suits mature language school students. There are a number of other opportunities for landlords to fill their properties during the winter months as

well, and our residential lettings team specialise in these short term tenancies for 3-6 months.

Why do you think Bournemouth is such a great place to run Bournecoast?

I have a passion about the tourism industry in Bournemouth and have been heavily involved in helping the town push forward innovative ideas. I dedicate a significant portion of my time for free to make things happen and to offer help and guidance to the town’s tourism associations and boards. I have been the Chair of the Bournemouth Coastal BID (Business Improvement District) since 2010 guiding it through a successful campaign phase and then Chairing the Board. I am now passing on this role and taking up the position of Chairman of the Bournemouth Tourism Management Board (BTMB) to help progress the town’s tourism strategy. The area has so much going for it and so much potential, running a business here is a pleasure.

Would you ever look to branch further out than the south coast?

In the future we may expand further along the south coast, but for now we want to concentrate on the huge potential still available in the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch areas. Our newer Westbourne office has allowed us to increase business on the west side of Bournemouth and running into Poole and Sandbanks, whilst our Southbourne office maintains its large market share across Boscombe, Southbourne and through into Christchurch.

For more information contact: w: www.bournecoast.co.uk e: info@bournecoast.co.uk t: 01202 437 888

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31

The Early Bird Catches the best pension Failure to act fast on pension auto-enrolment could leave businesses with limited options

Businesses that fail to carefully plan for and adopt the government’s auto-enrolment pension programme are at risk of having to choose from less favourable schemes than those businesses that act early, according to leading Chartered Accountancy and Financial Services business, Ward Goodman.

Recent consultation has shown that many employers are under the assumption that all pension schemes are essentially the same – many of which are failing to ask whether their chosen scheme meets their obligations or if it even represents good value for money.

Gareth Simon, Director at Ward Goodman Financial Services said: “Although pension auto-enrolment has been heavily publicised

in the media, some companies have not yet even begun to plan for the nationwide roll-out.

Businesses should not underestimate how long the process may take, as they need to consider how this may affect their internal systems, such as Payroll. Companies also need to make sure that they have a really good look at how their workforce will be affected, and that the process is clearly communicated internally too.”

Commenting on the work undertaken for them

by Ward Goodman, Trevor Holloway, Financial Director at Dorset Auto Spares Limited, said: “Ward Goodman were true to their word and managed to make the entire process from start to finish all come together. We now have a first rate pension in place for our staff!”

Gareth Simon continued: “The good news is that external advisers and experts will be able to help companies understand the whole process.

However, businesses should not assume that all staff are eligible for a pension, nor should they assume that once a pension provider has been secured that everything will be done for them.

Seek help early to make sure your business adopts the best pension scheme to suit your requirements and meet your obligations!”

Find out more information contact: w: www.wardgoodman.co.uk.

News

Bournemouth

By Numbers 183,500 - The population of

481 - The average weekly wage in GBP of the average Bournemouth resident

Bournemouth at the 2011 census

81,795 - The total number of residential dwellings in Bournemouth (Source: Household Survey Data)

57 - The total number in kilometres of principle roads in the town

59,000 - The daily amount of

46 - The total area in square kilo-

traffic that uses the A338 Bournemouth Spur Road (Source: dorsetforyou.com)

metres of the town of Bournemouth

7 - The number of miles of golden sands the Bournemouth resident has to relax on

21,570 - The number of Children registered in the 41 schools in the Borough in 2013

18,000 - The number of full time

1 - The number in pence (£0.01p) per home to reach all of these people

students attending Bournemouth University

Unless stated, all data above is taken from the Bournemouth Council Website Key facts about Bournemouth

The numbers quoted are staggering and show huge potential to businesses looking to engage with Bournemouth’s residents. Working in partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council this coming spring, Ringwood based IMS Group can facilitate the delivery of your message, personally addressed, to every householder and business owner/Director in Bournemouth, all for less than 1p per address. This represents extremely good value compared to Royal Mail's normal price of 53p to send second class mail. It’s all down to new cost-effective opportunities that Bournemouth Council are opening up to local businesses in and around Bournemouth.

IMS Group, through an exclusive agreement with Bournemouth Borough Council can now put local & national businesses onto, and into, premium advertising positions across the borough and online in 2015 and beyond. One sure-fire hit with local businesses is bound to

be the forthcoming mailing going to every household and business in the area. This opportunity is open to reputable businesses and is strictly limited meaning the early bird catches the worm.

It represents extremely good news for those businesses and marketing companies wanting to communicate with the majority of Bournemouth residents and businesses in a quick, efficient and cost effective way. A big bonus for businesses is that virtually all of the envelopes are guaranteed to be opened, once delivered, unlike many direct mailing items that can often be thrown away the moment they hit the doormat. All new residents moving into the area throughout the year will also receive the envelope giving year-long longevity. Bookings are being taken until 31st January (or until space runs out).

If you’re interested in learning more about this and other opportunities then call IMS on 01202 611 100.

Deliver your personally addressed message to every household and business in Bournemouth for less than 1p!*

Local Council Advertising

group

Working in partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council to offer unique advertising opportunities in and around Bournemouth

@imsgroupuk

facebook.com/IMSltd

*1p cost quoted is per address

To take advantage of this and many other new opportunities for 2015, visit our website or call one of our consultants

www.ims-group.co.uk

| www.bournemouthadvertising.com | 01202 611 100 | sales@ims-group.co.uk

33

Businesses Get on Board with the UK Charity Row What’s it all about? The UK Charity Row team consists of six crew, who will row a 26 year old Australian Surf boat 2500 miles around the UK. During the Challenge the team will stop at ninety major towns & cities around the United Kingdom.

The row is hoping to fundraise over £125,000 for Wessex cancer Trust and The Royal Marines Charitable Trust.

The story starts over 26 years ago when the very boat the team are rowing during the challenge was built in Australia and competed in their hotly contested surf boat league. The boat was later shipped over to the UK in the 1990’s to help launch the UK surf rowing league. After an illustrious career as the boat of Pete Gaisford (the father on UK Surf rowing), it was sold to a local club and then, for unknown reasons, it was left to rot for 10 years. This was until a group of rowers fresh from the highs of surf rowing on the hit film Robin Hood found her abandoned and in need of desperate repair.

Two years on, eight hundred hours of hard work, and £4000 invested and the team had their boat.

The crew have spent two successful years racing in the UKSRL, the ladies tam triumphing with silver in the European Championships; but this was only the beginning. The boat will now be used to take on the mighty UK Charity Row in 2015.

Setting off from Boscombe Pier on Saturday 2nd May 2015, the crew will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for oldest Australian surf boat to be rowed around Britain. Preparations are already well under way with training, route planning and fundraising being the priorities.

The team have been busy spreading the word about their planned adventure most recently at

their first patrons evening in Bournemouth on the 4th December 2014. The evening hosted at Keywest Bournemouth Pier was an opportunity for the crew to tell the business community about the challenge to row the 2500 miles of the UK coastline.

Somanous Launch New Wellbeing Programme

Ian from Draper Tools, sponsors of the UK Charity Row team said “Draper Tools are proud to sponsor such a fantastic and inspiring event and crew, for the benefit of the two chosen charities.”

The team also recently presented to local businesses at the Bournemouth Chamber Beales Breakfast networking event, providing a very inspirational talk to all attendees and there was certainly a buzz in the room about the challenge.

Hazel Hatch of Wessex Cancer Trust and Bournemouth Chamber Executive commented “It is an amazing challenge that the crew are taking on and we are over the moon that they have chosen to support The Wessex Cancer Trust. As with all our supporters, the passion that goes into fundraising is inspiring and we would love to see as many local businesses get behind the challenge and help the team achieve their goals.”

The challenge will be record setting, the first time that an open surf boat has been rowed around the UK coast. It will see the crew of six row for up to ten hours per day through very dangerous weather conditions and difficult seas. To maintain this blistering daily marathon they will have to consume 5000 calories per day.

For more information about how you can support the challenge and crew please contact: steen.stones@ukcharityrow2015.com or visit www.ukcharityrow2015.com

Somanous Ltd, a new Bournemouth health & wellbeing provider had a public launch to celebrate their opening last month at the Outset Enterprise Hub in Southbourne.

Somanous has been developed over two years in collaboration with a local GP, mental health professionals and martial artists, and is offering revolutionary courses to help people bring the best out in themselves. They have integrated this variety of disciplines to provide a programme that benefits anybody interested in increasing their physical and psychological wellbeing. Somanous use the latest studies into neuroscience, psychology and sports psychology to develop programmes which teach mind-management skills to people through structured exercise programmes. The result is a variety of physical and mental benefits ranging from improved self-control to increased physical flexibility.

The launch event showcased how the courses – available now - work and to celebrate the successful launch of this innovative start-up.

For more details, contact Carl Sams – Fitness Consultant on carlsams@btconnect. com or Michael Sones Managing Director and Programme Developer on michael@somanous.co.uk

Talking Business

Talking business with...

Paul Miller Dorset Soils & Aggregates How did the business begin?

We started from humble beginning of a man & a tipper van.At the time in 1998 I was racing motorbikes which was taking me to Europe regularly so needed something that I thought could fit in with my busy schedule, I was working on some home improvements myself and had some gravel delivered and decided that I would try to do the same, the rest they say is history (although we became so busy I had to give up the motorcycle racing !)

Have you always worked within this sort of industry?

No, but I have a building background so was familiar with the material and products. I had a lot of contacts in the industry and this gave me the confidence to start on my own.

How have you seen the business grow over the years?

We literally started with a van delivering small loads delivering to domestic customers, whereas now, we now employ 10 people, still operate the small tippers but also four large lorries. The depot we opened 7 years ago has transformed the business, where customers can browse, order and collect, we like to class it as a cross between a garden Centre and a builders merchant.

How do you see the company progressing in the future?

We are constantly looking to increase our current line of 500 landscaping and building product range, and at some point we will be opening a new depot.

You are currently serving the South. Do you wish to expand?

We will expand, but it will be within the south, an area we can support logistically which will further enhance our ability to continue supporting local residents and business’.

What makes the south the best place for your business?

Again, it is a logistical decision. The staff we employ are local people so we know the market needs of our customers.

Do you have any specific goals or aims you wish the company to achieve?

Our short term aim is to continue offering competitive prices whilst ensuring we deliver a good level of customer service and support, longer term we will expand the business to other area’s in Dorset and possibly South Hampshire.

Natural sources can have a limited supply, how do you deal with the challenges of this?

Locally we work very closely with our suppliers to ensure continuity of supply, globally, we work closely with our suppliers in India, supply there can be limited, but we visit the quarries about twice a year, this helps ensure the products we receive are not only ethically sourced, but of a good quality as well. The relationships we build up there then help stand us in good stead when supply is limited.

Do you often have new products becoming available to yourself?

We are constantly looking for new products that we feel will enhance our existing range, we have recently added the Easy Joint range of products, it’s a resin based patio pointing product that you simply brush in, eliminating the need for messy cement pointing.

INDIAN SANDSTON For more information contact: w: www.sandandgravel.uk.com e: mail@sandandgravel.uk.com t: 01202 874207

from

£14.95

Unit 4, 13 Cobham Road, Ferndown Industrial Estate, Wimborne, Do

01202 874207

www.sandandgravel.uk.

35

Talking business with...

Debra Adams NEarena4finance arena4finance is a Dorset based company located in the Business Centre at the historic Merley House on the outskirts of Wimborne.

The company specialises in the design and delivery of financial training and professional development for non-financial managers and career accountants and in 2014 celebrated 10 years of successful trading.

How did the business begin?

The business was formally created in March 2004 when I took the opportunity to pursue my ambition to provide good quality, interactive and engaging short courses in finance and accounting for managers working in nonfinancial roles.

+vat

orset BH21 7PE

What made you want to set up your own business?

Having spent a number of years in higher education and then in the training sector, I was ready to develop my own training company focusing on an area I feel really passionate about – helping managers to improve and deepen their understanding of the financial information and key performance indicators to enhance forecasting and strategic planning. Our clients include larger corporations as well as owner managed companies where we can provide professional development, coaching and mentoring or business advice – whatever the project the experience is always very rewarding!

.com

How has the company grown since starting?

Over the past ten years we have grown our team of trainers and have developed and delivered courses in finance for non-financial managers as well as financial planning and cost control, for clients across a range of sectors including hotels, restaurants, childcare, financial services, schools, engineering and construction.

Where do you see the company heading? How do you plan to grow, if you so wish?

During 2014 we have been developing our online content with ebooks and resources for easy access enabling us to offer ‘blended learning’ with face to face sessions supported with online forums for debate and resources for further

reference. We use secure virtual classrooms for hosting courses for learners in different locations with expert tutors and these can be branded to suit the requirements of our clients.

In terms of growth, we are looking to introduce more course titles to our current offering including sessions on measuring the financial impact of sustainability initiatives and waste prevention and, specifically for the hospitality sector, short courses on how to be compliant with the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry.

Do you have any specific goals or targets you would like the company to achieve?

Our next step is to launch a series of online short courses to support our face to face courses and to enable our content to be shared more widely.

What makes Arena4finance different from its competitors?

At arena4finance our aim is to excite our learners to develop a passion to continue to learn throughout their careers and our courses and resources are designed to help to make this easier with readily accessible, relevant and bite sized content. Every company course is developed with bespoke content to ensure that the topics covered are specifically applicable to the business using pertinent examples and case studies.

How would you stress the importance of management training?

Developing commercial skills is essential for all types of business enterprise to ensure the management team has the capability to manage the business effectively, understand the cost structure, and plan for future developments.

You have been celebrating 10 years. What has been your greatest achievement within these 10 years?

The depth and extent of the worldwide recession over the past eight years has brought many challenges to businesses both large and small.

We are thankful, that with the support of our clients, we have continued to grow throughout

this difficult period and look forward to the next 10 years.

How have you celebrated this poignant occasion?

During 2014 we have been celebrating in a number of ways including the development of further resources for our clients and this will culminate in the launch of our exciting new website in early 2015 which has been designed to make our resources and content even more accessible. I also wanted to mark the decade in a more personal way and as a result I took part in the Nepal14 Charity Trek for the UK based Springboard Charity in March 2014.

The Springboard Charity helps young people achieve their potential; nurtures unemployed people of any age into work; and helps alleviate poverty by supporting disadvantaged and underprivileged people into sustainable employment within hospitality, leisure and tourism.

I joined 22 trekkers from the hospitality industry and over 11 days we trekked to the 10th highest peak in the world, walked serene, rarely-trodden paths through untouched forests and villages.

The trekking was often strenuous, but always breathtaking, as we took in stunning views and received incredible, friendly welcomes in remote hillside villages. On returning to Kathmandu, we engaged in the final stages of a building project at a local village school to reconstruct three classrooms that were demolished by an earthquake in 2011. As a trekking group we have raised over £120,000 for Springboard and continue to raise funds for the school in Kathmandu to provide vital education resources.

Do keep an eye out for our new website being launched early this year at www.arena4finance. co.uk or, to discuss your training and professional development requirements, contact Wayne Gosden on 01202 842809.

Review

Casa Brasil The Spirit of Brasil

This month, I visited a restaurant with a distinctive difference. It was not fine dining. It was not haute cuisine. But what it was, was one of the most fun (and best value) dining experiences I’ve had in ages!

My wife and I visited the Casa Brasil restaurant on Old Christchurch Road on a cool evening, but things were soon to heat up once we were inside. You see, Casa Brasil is Bournemouth’s only traditionally themed “Rodizio” – a hugely popular dining concept in native Brazil, where red meat is in abundance and rum and caiparinha are in no short supply either.

Each table has a double-sided card, coloured red on one side and green on the other. Essentially, you are in control of your gastronomic fate, for as long as the green side is facing up, a team of around 10-12 waiters will bombard your table (in the best possible way), armed with long

serving around 800-1000 guests per week, and cook and serve up to 1 TON of meat per week – quite extraordinary.

This is the sort of place that a group of hungry friends could to some impressive damage – I know that I, for one, was wishing for a supplementary stomach to plug in to take advantage of the dessert tray at the end of our evening, complete with chocolate mousse and a chocolate tart with fresh fruit and cream.

I did, however, not pass up the opportunity to enjoy a passion fruit and rum liqueur to complete our Brazilian feast. And at less than £20 for this endless supply of food, I’ll be back with the gang to indulge again, no doubt. www.casabrasilrestaurants.co.uk

skewers filled with 14 different cuts of delicious and perfectly cooked meats – from beef, lamb, pork, chicken… and even KANGAROO! It’s true, vegetarians will probably struggle at this sort of eatery, with the never-ending smorgasbord of carnivorous dreams. Having said that, one of the skewers contained some divine spiced grilled pineapple, which went down a treat.

The “rodizio” concept is a simple one. You are welcomed into the casual dining room, with a centralised buffet of hot and cold starters, salads, vegetables, chips, sauces and a few other Brazilian delicacies (an interesting beef stew was a great find!). However, don’t be drawn into this “side show”, because once you reach your table, the real magic begins.

The only panic I had was when I forgot to turn our card over to red and the army of waiters were eagerly circling our table – it takes the expression “all you can eat” to the next level! I spoke to some of the waiters, all of whom were smiling, charming, and very accommodating to explain the unique dining concept. The restaurant is

37

Talking business with...

Rupert Holloway Conker Spirit What made you decide to produce your own Gin? Well, firstly I was sick of my day job as a Chartered Surveyor. I had that cliché moment of imaging myself in retirement looking back on my career and thinking, hmmm… I’m not too sure I’m overly happy about all that! So I decided to choose happiness and contentment in your work, over chasing a salary and that career path up the firm.

After a lot of sniffing around for ideas, the light bulb landed; why doesn’t Dorset have a gin distillery? What an outrage. We are tripping over local craft beer producers and yet when it comes to the mighty G&T, we are restricted to the industrially distilled big brands. So I decided to take a stand and took the leap to launch Dorset’s first gin distillery!

Have you always been interested in getting into the drinks industry?

I’ve always thought that brewing and distilling was a very romantic and intriguing job. I had visited whiskey distilleries and breweries in the past and had always thought, wow, what an amazing job being a Master Distiller must be.

But I always thought it was some sort of inherited right of passage. So while I was intrigued, I never thought that one day I would find myself in charge of a distillery!

Why Gin specifically?

Gin is so amazing because of its versatility. One minute it makes the perfect G&T cutting through the summer sun, the next it’s in an outrageously good Martini or an old classic like the Negroni. I would go for gin over vodka every time, purely because it’s got so much more to say in the glass.

What makes Conker Spirit so unique?

For me, it was essential we did everything ourselves. I didn’t want Conker Spirit to be yet another gin proclaiming to be a small batch craft distillery when in fact their gin is designed and made by a distillery hundreds of miles away.

Instead, we’re the real deal…

The botanical foragers, the bottlers, the label sticker-oners and most importantly, the distillers.

How did you do it?

The world of distilling was completely new to me, but ignorance can be a powerful thing. It forced me to take a fresh approach and look at things from a new perspective, without preconception.

After all, I wanted to produce a genuine alternative to the mob of London Dry gins out there. So whilst still remaining a classic gin that’s true to juniper, we were to create a Dorset Dry that’s defined by the flavours of this beautiful county.

So I started from scratch, right from the very beginning. I taught myself everything there is to know about distilling, got myself licenced on a small still and started distilling botanical recipes after work. I have to admit that in the beginning, most of my creations were pretty rough (these made excellent presents for friends). But milligram by milligram, the recipe was slowly refined, replacing traditional gin botanicals with those that can be found growing across Dorset such as elderberries, samphire and hand-picked gorse flowers from the New Forest.

true to what we are; an independent small batch distillery where quality is the number one priority.

So for now we are focusing on the launch of the Dorset Dry early in the New Year and we can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks!

How would you describe the Dorset Dry? The Dorset Dry is very different to the usual gins out there. But not because of some overbearing or unusual flavour. Instead, people are always surprised to find themselves enjoying drinking it neat, ice cold from the glass. Conker Gin is very smooth with a barely perceptible alcohol bite, and the combination of elderberries, samphire and the gorse flowers means that there is a bright freshness to the gin.

For me, a great gin is one where no one botanical spoils the show by shouting out above the rest. And our obsessive recipe tinkering has achieved just that; balancing traditional gin botanicals such as juniper and cassia with the flavours of Dorset. Mix at your pleasure, but this gin can definitely hold its own!

What do you love best about your job?

It has to be the amazing people I get to meet.

Since the very beginning when I made that first phone call I have met so many interesting people who have been so supportive of the Conker mission. I have been amazed how one coffee with a stranger can lead to a great friendship and many unforeseen business opportunities.

If anyone out there is thinking about launching a business, my number one piece of advice would be to pick up the phone, and make that call.

How do you see the company growing?

Conker Spirit is a small batch distillery, creating tens of bottles of our Dorset Dry gin at any one time. So we will grow as the love for our spirits grows. But it is essential to me that we remain

Have you set any specific goals you would like the company to achieve?

That’s simple one. We just want to be known for producing award winning spirits and for having a lot of fun along the way. For me, it has always been about creating the Community Spirit, where everyone is involved and just having a giggle.

Our doors will be open to tours and events later on in the New Year and we are looking forward to welcoming you all.

Would you consider developing any other spirits?

We have lots of exciting ideas for the distillery bubbling away in the background. But of course we can’t give too much away so you are going to have to watch this space!

For more information contact: w: www.conkerspirit.co.uk e: rupes@conkerspirit.co.uk t: 07956 431 518

Join Us

How to Join The Bournemouth Chamber To become a member you can join and pay online at www.bournemouthchamber.org.uk or complete this form, detach and send with your payment to: Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Argyll House, 158 Richmond Park Road, BH8 8TW. For more details please contact execofficer@bournemouthchamber.org.uk

Membership fees (Fees are based on the number of employees) 1-5 Members £75

6-25 Members £95

26-99 Members £135

100+ Members £195

Join Now Trading name of applicant Contact name Description of business Address

Telephone Email Website Number of employees Signature of applicant Date I / We apply for membership of the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce and, if elected, agree to be bound the Rules and Constitution of the Chamber. I/We enclose payment for the total amount of £ made payable to BCTC, for membership of the Bournemouth Chamber

By becoming a member you agree to share your contact details with other members, only for the purpose of informing you about their business and any offers they might make you. Addresses and contact details are never passed to non-members and never sold.

39

Talking business with...

Nina Basset Hotel Terravina Having sold Hotel Du Vin was it always your intention to purchase another hotel?

After selling HDV we had some time out and then realized we missed the buzz and excitement of being hoteliers and the daily challenges you get thrown, as well as the interaction between ourselves, our team and guests and so we opted to buy another hotel and do it all again but on a much smaller scale What do you love so much about running a hotel?

The people, the fact that every day is so different from the one before, the challenges and obstacles that you have to get over, but most of all the fact that there is tremendous reward in nurturing, mentoring and training a team and then watching them progress in their careers and the rapport you build between ourselves and regularly returning guests who appreciate what we and the team do.

Is having your own hotel something you have always wanted to do?

For me personally yes, or at least to be very involved in the hospitality industry, but Gerard would probably not agree that it was his first choice as wine is his obvious first love What made you want to purchase a hotel in the New Forest?

We love the New Forest, we have lived here for over 25 years. The hotel is not too far from home, our son’s school and within easy distance of Winchester, Romsey and Southampton so quite well located, albeit with no footfall so not as easy to market as being in the middle of a bustling provincial town.

What would you say makes Hotel Terravina so special?

The people we have chosen to work with us in our team. Guests often compliment us on the team and we are very proud of them all- they make TerraVina special and we couldn’t run the hotel without them all.

Have you any further plans to develop the hotel?

We have planning permission to build extra bedrooms but the recession has hit hard and so at present we are happy to just sit tight and wait and see what the economy does next before we plan too far ahead with expansion plans. That said if we had the right backers to help finance any such plans we would be pleased to develop further and sooner.

What goals would you like the hotel to achieve in the future?

A roll out of further TerraVina sites was once our plan, but with the uncertain economic times we face and so many hoops to jump through for small businesses, it has made us somewhat wary of the idea of expansion as it is not easy for small business to thrive, due to the beaurocracy and EU stipulations imposed upon them re: staffing, Health and safety etc. At present I think we will stay small and watch with interest what direction, small, independently owned hotels such as ours take as we have noted many changes in the past 8 odd years of owning TerraVina.

What’s going on at Hotel Terravina now we are into the New Year?

We have a young and talented team of people with us. Many of them have been working with us for the past 2-3 years and are now ripe for

promotion and mentoring into more responsible roles and that is always one of the best bits of being a hotelier- watching them grow, seeing them use the expertise we readily share with them and then eventually encouraging them to “fly the nest” and watch their careers go from strength to strength Are you offering any deals now the holiday season has come to an end and we are all a little broke?

We try to offer as best value as we possibly can for the standards of service and quality we offer- we always have great special breaks, offers and late offers during quieter times such as January, February and the early New Year….

It’s always best to check the hotel’s website and social media pages as that is where we promote ourselves. www.hotelterravina.co.uk Currently for mid week dates in January we have a Dinner, bed and breakfast rate of £177.50 for two people sharing, to include accommodation, 3 course dinner with a glass of Prosecco and full English breakfast and VAT. For more information contact: w: www.hotelterravina.co.uk e: info@hotelterravina.co.uk t: 02380 293 784

Talking Business

Talking business with...

Matt Budden The Highcliff Grill On Thursday 11 October, BH Business took a trip to the Highcliff Grill restaurant in the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel to interview Executive Chef Matt Budden.

Renowned in the area for his infectious passion and involvement within the community, we caught up with Matt to learn what drives him, and gauge a better understanding of his adoration for locally sourced produce.

Situated just a few minutes walk away from the shore it is obvious why Matt has a firm desire to brand the Highcliff Grill as a local restaurant. The Marriott is known by many to be a predominantly corporate brand, but why should the restaurant follow suit is the question Matt has been asking.

The Highcliff Grill has been leading the way, carving its own identity within the Marriott chain.

Having begun working at the Highcliff Grill two years ago, Matt has paid great attention to building awareness regarding sourcing local and sustainable produce. Matt spoke animatedly about taking part in local and regional cooking demonstrations at various food festivals going on throughout the year. He emphasised breaking down the barriers between the kitchen and the public mentioning bringing his son on stage to play sous chef, demonstrating putting together an afternoon tea. What was clear from listening to Matt was his inclination to get more chefs involved in promoting their business, essentially making each chef the face of their restaurant.

The prominent goal for Matt is to continually elevate and improve every aspect of the business. To do so each member of the team must understand the story and thought that has gone into each dish. Matt organizes regular trips to visit local suppliers so that the chefs can build their own enthusiasm for the produce, and hopefully inflict this into their cooking.

Taste panels are run in-house to allow the front of house team to trial the food and pair dishes with complimentary wine. By making sure front of house understand the attention to detail on every dish and the tales behind them, they are able to then relay this back to the customer detailing their own devotion to the dish.

Transparency of knowing where the produce has been sourced and the name of the supplier is what Matt believes makes the Highcliff Grill special in comparison to its competitors. Matt tells me they speak with their suppliers daily understanding what new produce is available, developing dishes around these ingredients. On the front of every menu the list of suppliers is printed for the diner to cast their own eye over.

This is a particularly unique part of the Highcliff Grill's menu, a component that Matt believes is growing in popularity as more diners request to know where their food has come from.

With several colleges and Bournemouth University nearby young talent is on the doorstep. Taking time to nurture these young

chefs is important to Matt and so he is heavily involved in various events and online blogs that link young students with current chefs and suppliers. One in particular he mentioned was The Chefs Forum, an online web blog that helps to bridge that gap between the professional and the novice. At the Highcliff Grill they also offer an apprenticeship scheme program, and work closely with Bournemouth College to scout out the next raw talent. As Matt puts it “we have first we have first choice for apprentices�.

Just this year Matt's own merits made him Marriott European Chef of the year, and he received the Food & Beverage culinary achievements award for Europe. The Highcliff Grill has been voted restaurant of the year for Dorset and received gold for the taste of the west award.

Bournemouth can be a little stuck in its ways and perhaps perceived as a little old fashion Matt tells, but things in the kitchen are far from this. What I absolutely loved hearing was that the social media was run by the chefs. By allowing them free reign to post new dishes they are developing, seasonal ingredients, what’s going on in the kitchen, they are able to engage with their client on a more personal level. Diners like to be informed and more people are paying attention to where their food has been sourced.

This is great exposure for the Highcliff Grill, exposure for suppliers and Bournemouth.

For more information contact: w: www.highcliffgrill.co.uk t: 01202 200800

THE BEST SUNDAY LUNCH IN TOWN. Nestled within the historic walls of the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel, Executive Chef Matt Budden and his brigade of chefs invite you to Sunday lunch in the award-winning Highcliff Grill.

Crafted using the very best of Dorset and Hampshire produce, enjoy a delicious two course lunch for only £15.00 per person or three courses for only £20.00 per person. With vibrant service and stunning sea views, it is the perfect Sunday afternoon.

To book, please call 01202 557702 or visit HighcliffGrill.co.uk

HIGHCLIFF GRILL At the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel St. Michael’s Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5DU T. 01202 557702 | W. HighcliffGrill.co.uk

©Marriott International 2015. Booking is not essential but is recommended to avoid disappointment.

From bricks...

...to clicks

We help independent retailers succeed online.

E-commerce consultancy, websites, expert advice and continued support.

ask@onlineretailing.co.uk T: 01202 798 321

Talking Business

Talking business with...

Online Retailing Oliver Williams How did Online Retailing first begin?

With 82% of British people shopping online and nearly 20% of all retail spend now via internet shopping, we wanted to offer retailers a sophisticated e-commerce solution with on going support to enhance online offering significantly. Having developed web applications for Governmental departments and large high street chains then we took those skills and experience and formed a company aimed at helping retailers.

How have you seen the company develop over the years?

With retailers now providing as much support, both financial and man-hours, to online side of businesses, Online Retailing has grown from being an e-commerce solutions agency for its clients to providing what feels like an in-house role. Guiding our clients through the intricacies of e-commerce whilst building successful web development and online presence for their brands.

How do you see the company growing?

Maintaining our place as the backbone of our clients businesses, our e commerce solution, Touch, continues to evolve both with regards to client requirements and technological advances.

We have always managed to adapt to on-going changes in the online market place and advise clients accordingly.

Do you have any specific goals you would like to see the business achieve?

The current trend of online spending is growing all the time and is the future of shopping. The Online Retailing team never ceases to continue learning about technological advances in order to stay ahead of the game, ensuring our clients compete with competitors in a successful way.

What makes your business unique in comparison to your competitors?

Unlike traditional ‘web design’ agencies, Online Retailing is 100 per cent dedicated to providing e-commerce solutions and offers ongoing support both online and in-store for clients.

Our e-commerce solution services a number of

onlineretailing

BH-based retail heavyweights including Clove Technology in Poole, Peeks in Christchurch and Snowtrax in Longham.

Are there any trends within the e-commerce industry that you have noticed in particular?

Price isn’t always the deciding factor for consumers, customer service, in particular strong communication, is paramount to repeat sales. This can be from maintaining good email communication in letting customers know about the status of their order until dispatched or the openness of allowing past customers to leave reviews about their own experiences shopping with you.

What area of your expertise are you mostly called upon for?

Initially our consultant service to review existing e-commerce offerings and how trading can be improved with the implementation of the Touch

.co.uk

system. Streamlining internal processes such as returns and stock control can have a dramatic effect and we aim to make a company as efficient as the workforce allows.

Do you have a specific clientele that you tend to attract? If so can you specify whom, and why you think this is?

Our level of service is aimed at both high street and internet-only retailers that have been trading, online, for a number of years but now require the next level of software in order to provide growth, more sophisticated stock control and better internet presence. w: www.onlineretailing.co.uk t: 01202 798 321

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Small businesses using Xero ‘outperforming the wider market’ Have you made the move to cloud-based accounting yet? A global survey found that, while only around a tenth (11%) of businesses were using the cloud, small businesses in particular are reaping the rewards. In fact, the poll found nearly two thirds (61%) of cloud-based small firms reported revenue growth in the past 12 months.

That’s compared to just a third (33%) of firms NOT using cloud accounting.

In the US, the figure is even higher - 81% of businesses using Xero reported revenue increases.

The poll was carried out by Xero in September 2014 on more than 5.500 clients in the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Xero seamlessly integrates with over 350 best-in-class business tools, and was recently ranked number 1 by Forbes as the World's Most Innovative Growth Company.

Dorset’s only Gold Xero Partners, based in Bournemouth, are Smart Accountancy Systems.

Their managing director Jon Jenkins has worked with firms large and small to move from outdated Sage and QuickBooks over to Xero, streamlining the bookkeeping procedure and making it easy to update records and send invoices on the move.

“Clients tell us that they can do their bookkeeping in a quarter of the time it took a bookkeeper to do in Sage ,” said director Jon Jenkins. “It can save them thousands of pounds in man-hours.

The software is PAYG, a simple monthly fee, and available 24/7 wherever you are. Security wise, it is as safe as online banking and a lot safer than storing all your accounting on one laptop or USB stick!”

As firms seek to expand in 2015, SMBs looking to expand should consider investing in their accounting.

Bookkeeping is an essential part of business but why waste time on an outdated system when you could be out drumming up new clients? “If you find doing your books a chore then switch! It is not as hard as people will have you believe,” Jon said. Call 01202 233293 or see www.smartaccountancysystems.co.uk.

The report also found that, in the US, when SMBs pair an outside accounting professional with an internal one and use online accounting software they increase the prior mentioned revenue gains by 50 per cent.

Bournemouth’s Hot No1!

Bournemouth has been voted number one in Property Week magazine’s Hot 100 List of Retail Towns, Mandy Payne explains what this means for Bournemouth.

In a recent article written by leading UK property magazine, Property Week, Bournemouth was scored as the number one retail hotspot in the UK. Described as the prime spot for retailers looking for space in the UK, the magazine attributed this fact to Bournemouth’s loyal, strong catchment, capturing high market shares from areas such as Christchurch and Ringwood. Alongside this Bournemouth’s strong tourism trade and the strong demographics of Bournemouth’s catchment, which include a significant increase of “career-climbers” with money to spend, were

"We're thrilled to see that small businesses are growing, thriving and hiring," said Jamie Sutherland, Xero's US President. "As a company that makes online accounting software, we hear every day from business owners how having an accurate, up-to-date view of their financials is key to their growth. It's great to see the actual data support this with significant revenue gains when business owners work with an accountant and use accounting software."

reasons for the town’s number one rating.

Of course, this rating confirms what we have known for a long time – Bournemouth is a great place for retailers to invest in. The changing demographic, which was highlighted in the Hot 100 article, means that Bournemouth has a growing population with money to spend on retail and with that comes a demand to increase the retail offering in Bournemouth as people actually want to spend money!

This makes it a prime time for developers along with retailers both large and small to invest in our town! I strongly believe that if these investments are made Bournemouth will continue to become an ever more vibrant place to live with more and more opportunities for a variety of commercial businesses.

Having been voted the number one retail town in Property Week magazine’s Hot 100 List, the commercial future for Bournemouth is looking bright with a wealth of opportunities currently available for businesses across Bournemouth and with even more to come.

There’s never been a better time to be a commercial business in Bournemouth!

Mandy Payne, President, BCTC T: 01202 372437 w: www.bournemouthchamber.org.uk

Talking Business

Talking business with...

Michael Scott Scott Castle Lettings How did Scott Castle first begin?

Following on from being a letting agency manager in two Letting Agencies in Bournemouth Michael decided to start his own company and this was registered in 1981 and premises were found in Boscombe.

Would you ever consider branching out from the Bournemouth / Poole area?

No

How do you see Scott Castle growing in the future?

We plan to expand the client portfolio in 2015 and are planning an advertising campaign in the New Year.

What type of client do you tend to attract if any?

In today's market we tend to attract more of the portfolio landlords who are the major part of our client base although we have many individual clients as well.

What do you pride yourself on?

Fairness and integrity to both clients and tenants

You recently achieved the UKALA agency accreditation, how will this benefit your business?

This shows both clients and tenants that we are fully qualiďŹ ed in all aspects of the letting industry.

How has Scott Castle developed from when it first began?

The portfolio has gradually expanded over the years, especially in the HMO (Houses of Multiple Occupation) sector which is a specialist part of residential lettings.

Are their any specific goals you would like the company to achieve?

To keep our portfolio of very loyal clients and increase this over time As a family run business do you think this is a benefit?

Yes, greatly so. We are all working as a team for the same goal. Together with three other loyal and experienced sta members.

What makes Scott Castle unique in comparison to it competitors?

We have more experience than most dealing with both ends of the market in letting and with the social housing/housing beneďŹ t market. We are always up-to-date with the latest legislation especially with the up and coming election and the strong possibility of major changes within the private rental sector.

For more information contact: w: www.scottcastlelettings.net e: scott@castle743.freeserve.co.uk t: 01202 397321

Scott Castle Letting Agents Residential Property Specialists

www.scottcastlelettings.net 01202 397321 743 Christchurch Road Bournemouth BH7 6AN

Faces in Places

Faces in Places Beales Breakfast November 2014 1.

Ellis Hagger, Steen Stones, Sean Leddy UK Charity Row. 2. Jackie Ford Bmth & Poole College, Wesley Gifford Scott Walby LLP. 3. Jane Williams Forever Living Products, Kate Wilkinson & Peter Lunn Cracking Media.

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7. Nigel Feast Deacon, Mike Potter HJS Essentia, Mandy Payne BCTC President.

8. Pete Doughty Hi Rein, Elaine Wilkins Princecroft Willis.

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4. Kate Wilkinson Cracking Media, Steen Stones UK Charity Row. 5. Martin Davies BCTC Executive.

6. Ellis Hagger UK Charity Row.

• CORPORATE EVENTS • WEDDINGS • FOOD • PRIVATE DINING • LIVE MUSIC

01202 405010

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FOOD • PRIVATE DINING • WEDDINGS • CORPORATE EVENTS • LIVE MUSIC

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Faces in Places BH Banter For more photos of all our events visit: www.bournemouthchamber.zenfolio.com

November 2014 1.

Ali Burridge Octapus Personnel, Tim Seward General Manager Cliff House Hotel, Chris Dicks Resolution Health & Fitness 2. Ana Nova Zacely, Jon Cullen Green Wing UK, Debbie Granville Deep South Media 3. Bill Riddle, Hannah Walker, Jacqui Rock, Mandy Payne, Bill Perkins, Sam Everard, Louise Berkhauer.

4. Chris Dicks Resolution Health & Fitness, Mike Richards Mikes Marine 5. Efe Ohwofasa Focus Guru, Ana Nova Zacely 6. Jess Hadley 4Couture.com, Rob Tanner Bespoke 4 Business, Lisa Morelli 4Couture. com. Roland Gilbert New Way UK.

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7. Jonathan Evans Freelance Voiceover Actor, Adam Dickson Author.

8. Martyn Brown Marketing Bugle, Angela Gilbert New Way UK. 9. Richard Baldwyn TFA, Jonathan Evans Freelance Voiceover Actor, Adam Dickson Author.

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Faces in Places

Faces in Places On The Road - Southbourne November 2014 1.

Heather Drayton, Sam Acton, Nigel Taylor, Mandy Payne, Paul Scadding, Nuria Sanchez, Jacqui Rock.

2. John Barr-Richardson Letters & Logos, Mandy Payne BCTC President.

3. Laura McHarrie Get Set For Growth, Mandy Payne BCTC President, Jacqui Rock BCTC Executive.

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4. Mandy Payne BCTC President, Jane Williams & Diane Avery Forever Living, Alexa Noble Hot Radio.

5. Mandy Payne BCTC President, Max De Kment Lovett Int'l.

6. Sam Acton Domestic Angels, Rob Nicol & Sally Pullen Travel Counsellors, Alun Williams Coastal Bid Manager, Mandy Payne.

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BCTC on the Road – next stop, Winton & Moordown!

After a second successful event held in Southbourne, the next BCTC on the Road event is heading to The Life Centre, Wimborne Road, Moordown, on Thursday 29th January 2015. As always, the event will be open to both members and non-members of the Bournemouth Chamber, and is the perfect way to meet like-minded business people, in an informal early evening environment.

With over 25 exhibitors at the Southbourne event and businesses already receiving enquiries due to exhibiting in Southbourne, local businesses are invited to showcase themselves, using their promotional materials in a designated area of the venue in Moordown.

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Jacqui Rock, organiser of BCTC on the Road events and Chamber Executive commented “SoSBA, the local Trade Group in Southbourne, and Outset were fantastic hosts and the evening was a great success. It is brilliant to see so many businesses developing relationships and winning business from showcasing at our events. We are already looking forward to the next “On the Road” event, which will see our first joint Trade Group event with both Winton Business Association and Moordown Traders Association joining forces.”

BCTC on the Road

For more information contact: e: execofficer@bournemouthchamber.org.uk w: www.bournemouthchamber.org.uk/events

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Faces in Places Presidents Cocktail Club For more photos of all our events visit: www.bournemouthchamber.zenfolio.com

October 2014 1.

David Coleman BCTC Exec, Mandy Payne President, Lynn Coleman BCTC Exec, Max De Kment Saxe Coberg.

2. David Coleman BCTC Exec, Rob Green Cafe Riva.

3. Debra Smith Southbourne Cards, Patricia Render Artist

4. Ian Nance, Sarah Longdon, Mandy Payne, Sue & John Slade.

5. Kate Green Cafe Riva, Sally Pullen Travel Counsellors.

6. Lauren Tompkins, Jacqui Rock, Lynn Coleman, Heather Martyn.

7. Mandy Payne, Heather Martyn, Jacqui Rock Lauren Tompkins, Sandra Graham, Lynn Coleman.

8. Mandy Payne, Sam Acton, Garry Junkuhn, Zelda deHollander, Max & Wendy De Kment, Lucy Lester.

9. Rob Nicol, Sally Pullen, Rob & Kate Green

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Faces in Places

Faces in Places LED Lighting Reputation of leading Dorset LED lighting design business, Led-Zip Lighting leads to expansion.

Chamber member, Led-Zip Lighting, celebrated the expansion of its LED lighting design business in true style, with a champagne and canapé reception.

As well as serving homeowners across the South, with indoor and garden lighting design, Led-Zip Lighting is also proud to count among its national customers Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Chatsworth House, Harrods, Manchester City Football Club and Norwich Cathedral – to name just a few.

Their new premises, in Northbourne Bournemouth represents three times the space of the previous facility. With a road facing showroom, office space, meetings room and large manufacturing space. Owner, Nick Bainton: “The evening was a significant event in the Led-Zip calendar, not least because it brought together many of the people who have played a part in making the company what it is today.”

Nick Bainton: “The beauty of our comprehensive range of lighting solutions is the fact that they not only looks fantastic when designed into the fabric of the building - or outside space, they also provide a low energy option resulting in impressive financial savings for both homes and commercial buildings – and therefore fast payback on your investment. We continue to be busier and busier as people switch on to the fact

that LED is a far cheaper and more comfortable form of energy – with no compromise on performance whatsoever.”

Led-Zip’s increased manufacturing space means even more products can be manufactured right here in Dorset, and the company has also partnered with a leading manufacturer in Norway to ensure the quality of products - and the technical and design advice they provide, continues to be of the highest quality.

T: 01202 577400 w: www.led-zip.co.uk

December 2014 1.

Simon Hart - LED-ZIP Lighting Mike Sullivan - Yesss Electrical, Poole

4. Richard Elsene - NGPS Renewable Energy Nick Bainton - Owner of LED-ZIP Lighting

2. Shop

3. Tony Moss - Bournemouth & Poole College Ian Siddall - The Bournemouth Network

5. Bill Perkins - Bournemouth Chamber Nigel Hedges - Bourne Engraving Sue Franklin - Recruiting Together LTD

6. Cake made by Ruth Bainton

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Southbourne on Sea Business Association A Little History The founder of Southbourne and the person to give it its current name was Dr Thomas Compton.

In 1870 Compton bought a mile of open seafront land east of a track (now Clifton Road) and called the quarter of a mile wide strip first ‘South Bourne’ and later ‘Southbourne-on-Sea’. The area was considered more refreshing than Bournemouth, due to being one of the sunniest places in the country with not only sea breezes but also winds from the Avon Valley to the north.

Renowned Russian Novelist, Leo Tolstoy is also said to have visited Southbourne towards the end of the 19th century as a guest of Countess Tchertkov who was visiting Southbourne for it’s bracing qualities. The Countess's son, Vladmir Tchertkvov came to Tuckton seeking refuge as he was expelled by the Russian Regime. He was joined by other exiles and set up a commune in Southbourne. As disciples of Tolstoy’s they bought another building in Southbourne to

house printing presses which ran off thousands of copies of Tolstoy’s works.

Today, Southbourne is a lively suburb of Bournemouth, centred around it’s long shopping street which consists of an eclectic range of many unique and individual shops. It still attracts many tourists, who are now keen to escape the busier areas of Bournemouth town centre.

Southbourne on Sea Business Association

SoSBA and BCTC

Southbourne once had a very active traders group, however by 2010 it had unfortunately become less active as a group. However, in 2010, Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce (BCTC) invited businesses from Southbourne to discuss how the once extremely active traders group could be reinvigorated once more. BCTC explained how recession funding was available from the Government to kick start high streets again.

Most recently BCTC visited SoSBA as part of their BCTC on the Road event. Despite the grisly winter weather and the fact that it had rained all day, there were over 25 exhibitors at the event with just as many guests in attendance. The exhibitors ranged from various different types of cakes and sweets which, to the delight of the guests, were all free to try, plus, hot on the heels of having won the Dorset Food, Drink and Farming award, Southbourne Ales also made an appearance. The event was also attended by BCTC Patron, Lovetts International, as well as many other Southbourne-based businesses.

After several meetings between the Chamber and businesses along Southbourne high street to discuss how best to allocate the recession funding to market and promote Southbourne, it was decided that Southbourne would be rebranded as “Southbourne-on-Sea” to promote the nearby beach and unspoilt cliff top area as well as its retail outlets. Alongside this the traders group was also rebranded as “Southbourne on Sea Traders Association” and the current logo was established.

By June 2010, in conjuction with Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the Southbourne on Sea Traders Association was officially launched at Southbourne School of English. The event was attended by several Chamber members, along with businesses from across Southbourne and the Mayor of Bournemouth at the time.

In August of 2010 the decision was taken to rebrand the trading association as Southbourneon-Sea Business Association (SoSBA).

Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce Executive, Heather Martyn, was instrumental in this rebranding, alongside other SoSBA members at the time who believed the name “traders” was an old fashioned word and out of touch with modern business. The rebranding was made to highlight that SoSBA was (and still is) open to everyone who owns a business in the Southbourne (BH5/6) area irrespective of whether they have a shop front on the High Street or work from home.

Today, SoSBA has an established structure, management team and active volunteers taking key roles and attending monthly management meetings. This strategic approach allows the team to effectively deal with the wide ranging topics and challenges which come their way from delivering Christmas events to roadwork’s management negotiations, from delivering comprehensive communications to integrating with the Coastal BiD for maximum gain, the list is endless. 2015 will see the introduction of new events and initiatives in Southbourne with a focus on defining and enhancing the identity and personality of this very special coastal village.

BCTC’s visit to SoSBA was a great success and received very positive feedback from the local businesses in attendance. The aim of the BCTC on the Road event is to bring the Chamber out to local businesses that might not have an opportunity to attend other Chamber events held more centrally during the month. BCTC on the Road provided a platform for SoSBA to continue their strong connections with BCTC alongside meeting other members and creating new connections for businesses and trading relationships, both within their local community and with businesses further afield in Bournemouth, to ensure a bright future for both SoSBA and BCTC. If you are interested in joining or supporting SoSBA, please contact Samantha Acton, Chair of SoSBA via: info@sosba.co.uk or the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce via execofficer@bournemouthchamber.org.uk.

Join Us

New Members See who is part of the Chamber Nigel Feast Deacon 01202 449613 Nigel.Feast@Deacon.co.uk www.deacon.co.uk Richard Baldwyn TFA 01202 048696 richard@tfaaccountants.co.uk www.thefriendlyaccountants.co.uk Paula Henley Henleys Response Ltd 01202 855108 phenley@henleysltd.co.uk www.henleysresponseltd.co.uk Georgina Kelly Go Let Properties 01202 512242 Georgina@go-let.co.uk www.go-let.co.uk

David Miller Best Western Plus The Connaught Hotel 01202 298020 davidmiller@theconnaught.co.uk www.theconnaught.co.uk

James Hunter Kindle Eye Films Ltd 07793 362989 james@kindleeyefilms.com www.kindleeyefilms.com

Chris White The Boat Club Sandbanks 07944 329001 info@boatclub.co www.boatclub.co

Jenny Barnes The Shabby Chic Shack 07711 724510 jennyi@barnesingram.co.uk www.theshabbychicshack.co.uk

Jason Harris IMS Group 01202 611100 sales@ims-group.co.uk www.ims-group.co.uk

Thomas Shutler Thomas Shutler Fitted Furniture & Joinery 07514 596597 t.r.shutler@hotmail.com

Andy Whyte The Inspiration Bureau Ltd 07717 870390 andy@inspirationbureau.co.uk www.inspirationbureau.co.uk

Lisa Pether Hey Create 07772 429961 designs@heycreate.co.uk www.heycreate.co.uk

To become a member you can join and pay online at www.bournemouthchamber.org.uk or complete the form, on page 38, detach and send with your payment to: Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Argyll House, 158 Richmond Park Road, BH8 8TW.

Membership fees (Fees are based on the number of employees) 1-5 Members £75

6-25 Members £95

26-99 Members £135

100+ Members £195

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Chamber Patrons:

Margaret, 75, living with cancer My day didn’t start too well.

Everything had got on top of me and I felt really low. When I called the Macmillan Support Line, I didn’t know where to start. But somehow they helped me find the words.

Just talking honestly about how I felt was such a relief. Now I don't have to cope with the bad days on my own.

For cancer support at home, over the phone, call the Macmillan Support Line free

0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm)

macmillan.org.uk Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604).

What's On

What’s On Make a date in your business diary: BH Monthly Events

Monday 5th BH Banter

Thursday 29th BCTC ‘On The Road’

January Monday 5th BH Banter Call in for a drink and make the most of the monthly gathering.

The Hotel Miramar 6:00 - 8:00pm Free Wednesday 14th AFC Business January Breakfast With the last AFC Business breakfast being a sell out, this is sure to be another great networking opportunity.

Goldsands Stadium 8.00am – 10.30am £15.00 Wednesday 14th New 2 Business Networking Join us to discover simple and powerful top networking tips.

Days Hotel 5.00pm – 7.00pm Free

Thursday 19th Beales Breakfast

Thursday 26th BH on the Go

February Thursday 15th Beales Breakfast Work the room with your business cards as much or as little as you want. You’ll be surprised what contacts you can make.

Beales Department Store 7.30 - 9:00am Free Tuesday 27th Green knowledge Network If you are a business offering green products or services… or a company looking for help with your sustainability programme…

Days Hotel 5.00pm – 7.00pm Free Thursday 29th BCTC ‘On The Road’ BCTC are going ‘On The Road’ and building on the success of BH Banter and coming out to the Trade Districts.

Life Centre, 711-715 Wimbourne Road, BH9 2AU 6.00pm – 8.00pm Free

Monday 2nd BH Banter Call in for a drink and make the most of the monthly gathering.

The Hotel Miramar 6.00 - 8:00pm Free Thursday 5th AFC Business January Breakfast With the last AFC Business breakfast being a sell out, this is sure to be another great networking opportunity.

Goldsands Stadium 8.00am – 10.30am £15.00 Thursday 19th Beales Breakfast Work the room with your business cards as much or as little as you want. You’ll be surprised what contacts you can make.

Beales Department Store 7.30 - 9:00am Free

Tuesday 24th Green knowledge Network If you are a business offering green products or services… or a company looking for help with your sustainability programme…

Days Hotel 5.00pm – 7.00pm Free Thursday 26th BH on the Go Please join us for BH On the Go – The Networking Lunch, your Free quarterly lunchtime networking event – lunch and refreshments included.

Basepoint Bournemouth 12.00pm – 2.00pm Free

INDIAN SANDSTONE

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Unit 4, 13 Cobham Road, Ferndown Industrial Estate, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7PE Unit 4, 13 Cobham Road, Ferndown Industrial Estate, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7PE Unit 4, 13 Cobham Road, Ferndown Industrial Estate, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7PE

01202 874207 01202 874207 www.sandandgravel.uk.com

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Where do youdolook if you need expertadvice advice onand taxaccounts? and account Where you look if you need expert on tax

Where do you look if you need expert advice on tax and accounts?

Call 715950 Call01202 01202 715950

e: heather.moncaster@morrislane.co.uk Road,Poole Poole BH14 Fax: 01202 715868 e: heather.moncaster@morrislane.co.uk 31/33 31/33Commercial Commercial Road, BH14 0HU0HU Fax: 01202 715868

www.morrislane.co.uk www.morrislane.co.uk Business Plans | Expert Witness/Forensic Accounting | Auditing | Preparation of Accounts | Inheritance Tax Planning | Company Formations

Business Plans Partnership | Expert Witness/Forensic Accounting Auditing |& Preparation of Accounts | Inheritance Tax Planning Formations Corporate, & Personal Taxation | Company | Acquisitions Disposals | Specialist Tax Advice | Management Accounts || Company Capital Allowances Corporate, Partnership & Personal Taxation Company| Acquisitions & Disposals | Specialist Advice||Care Management Accounts | Capital Allowances Raising Business Finance | New|Businesses Shareholder Disputes | Family BusinessesTax | Charities Homes | Property Specialists Raising Business Finance | New Businesses | Shareholder Disputes | Family Businesses | Charities | Care Homes | Property Specialists Registered to carry on audit work in the UK and Ireland and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales

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