July 2013
Update
Tirelessly working to make your business the best it can be...
You’re Unique
Just Like Everybody Else! As I left the house this morning, the sun came out. No really, it did! I kid you not! I even took my jacket off! There’s a funny thing about the sun. It doesn’t matter what kind of day you’re having, the feeling of the sun on your back just makes everything that little bit better.
Take a look at your Business The people behind the business New members this month Tip of the month
an d M ore...
www.thebestof.co.uk/worthing
Interestingly enough, amazing customer service can make you feel the same way. A friend and I recently visited a coffee shop I hadn’t been to before. Although there wasn’t table service at this particular shop, once we’d finished our drinks the waitress came over and asked us if we wanted a refill. Less than five minutes later our order arrived with biscuits on the side. As I reached for my wallet, the cheery waitress said ‘No need to pay now, just see Mark at the till when you’re ready to leave; the biscuits are complimentary, enjoy your drinks.’
Continued... Bestof-Worthing-July 2013.indd 1
18/06/2013 14:02
Rather pleased with the attention (and quite frankly the trust) we received, I watched the waitress in action and noticed that between serving drinks at the counter she quietly buzzed around the floor. To tables where families with small children sat, she brought extra napkins, as well as pointing out the pile of brightly coloured toys on a low table in the corner. To tables where people sat alone, she brought a paper. To tables where couples sat, deep in chat, she offered refills. Every table was served according to the people who sat there, and in doing so, that waitress brought a little bit of sunshine to every customer, making their day just that little bit better. There are lots of reasons why I will visit that coffee shop again. The coffee is great, and the environment is lovely. But, in truth, there are lots of great coffee shops out there now, and I could choose any one of four and get a similar experience. None of them, however, have that attention to detail or cater to individual requirements
in the same way. That waitress behaved much like a modern day business owner has to. Her attention to the individual needs of her customers made them feel special. To me, that makes that particular coffee shop stand out from the crowd. We all know that when it comes to marketing and customer service, one size does NOT fit all. When it comes to customer service, independent businesses actually have a major advantage over chains. We have an ability to be flexible with our service and make each interaction we have with our customers truly personal. Those small touches don’t just make a difference, they are often the difference.
M e l a n ie
Offer of the Month What is your business’ long-term IT strategy? JSPC are offering free consultations to businesses (from 1 to 100 computers) which will analyze your organization’s IT strengths and weaknesses. We will carry out an audit of your current systems and recommend any improvements and or money saving alternatives. Our service is personal and tailored to your individual business needs both for today and as your business grows. If you are interested in a free consultation for your business contact the JSPC offices on 01903 767122.
www.thebestof.co.uk/worthing Update July 2013 Bestof-Worthing-July 2013.indd 2
18/06/2013 14:02
The People Behind The Business Nicky Gleadow – The HR Point Nicky Gleadow moved to Worthing 7 years ago to develop and head up The HR Point, in 2012 she successfully undertook a management buyout and now owns and runs The HR Point. Before moving down here Nicky was a Divisional HR Manager in the leisure industry and can tell stories about HR situations that would make your hair curl! From faked armed robberies to chefs throwing chairs across the room Nicky has seen it all, this is one of the reasons she is never surprised by anything her clients ring her about! During this time Nicky was also involved in a massive downsizing project and then the purchase of two businesses and dealt with all of the resulting redundancies, TUPE transfer consultations and consolidating of three businesses. Nicky decided early on she wanted a career in HR, when at 14 she thought sacking someone sounded fun! Several hundred dismissals later Nicky doesn’t enjoy sacking people but does get satisfaction from helping her clients manage the difficult process successfully. Nicky is never one to shy away from a challenge and in 2010 she graduated from the University of Leicester with a Masters in Employment Law with merit! What Nicky doesn’t know or understand about employment law isn’t worth knowing! When Nicky isn’t helping dismiss employees, she will be writing contracts for her client’s which she believes are paramount in protecting the business.
uld It co
ou! be y
Outside of work Nicky has a fiancé (Guy) who she will be marrying in 2014 on a sandy beach in St Lucia (lucky her)! She also has a 2 year old son (Luke) and two dogs (Loki and Nero, both Tibetan Terriers). In the summer Nicky can be found running around fields with her dogs competing in dog agility, much to the amusement of her son! With all of that going on we wonder how Nicky has time to run her business so well! Nicky’s key to success is to know what you are good at and focus on that and utilise the strengths of those around you. To find out more about The HR Point and how they can help your business call 01903 783584 or email nicky@thehrpoint.co.uk
Bestof-Worthing-July 2013.indd 3
18/06/2013 14:02
Working Well... Worthing Town Centre has about 400 retail outlets in the Town Centre and more than 100 places to eat and drink. The town centre is busy and lively with a vibrant café society offering an eclectic mix of dining styles. Worthing’s thriving independent sector is located in the West End (the area down the West of Montague Street towards Heene Road), The Royal Arcade, Warwick Street, Bath Place, Montague Place and Portland Road. On top of this Montague Street and South Street are home to some well-known brands and lovely department stores.
our y e r a “Sh d let n a s e ss succe know what ie f Melan thebesto f bits o orking are w u.” for yo
It is important to nurture independent businesses because Worthing’s biggest asset, the fabulous seaside location, means the retail catchment is around 24% lower than an inland town. This fact can make it difficult for Worthing to attract some of the well-known brands to trade in the town. Every Wednesday, Montague Street holds the weekly general market which has lots of stalls adding to the variety of goods on offer in the town. There are also other markets such as The Emporium held through the year that don’t only encourage visitors but also helps businesses to develop and thrive. The summer sees Worthing come alive with flowers, and a fantastic events calendar to help encourage people into Worthing. Events help to encourage shoppers from the hinterland who have a choice where to shop to come into Worthing. This year there is a fantastic calendar of events with some of the highlights below :-
At thebestof Worthing we are on the lookout for other great members. This month we are looking for....
• Nail Salons • Hairdressers
6th / 7th July Food & Drink Festival in Steyne Gardens, with an evening event to celebrate the launch on 5th July with the Worthing Symphony Orchestra and an evening of comedy caberet and sketches on Sat 6th July. 10th / 11th Aug Worthing International Birdman 2013 where whacky aviators attempt to fly from Worthing Pier, a great family event with Jet Ski displays, movies on the beach and other entertainment.
• Cleaning Companies • Indian Restaurants If you know a business that fits the bill please contact the team...
01903 203673
3rd Aug – 1st Sept Temporary Beach in South Street to ensure children can build sandcastles even when the tide is high. There will be a great programme of entertainment with, Beach Parties, Disco’s, Magic Martin, Punch & Judy, Sandcastle competitions and Sand Art. Look out for special appearances from Dave Benson-Phillips the very popular Children’s TV presenter. The Lions Worthing Festival will be held the last 2 weeks in July with the Fair being on the seafront from 17th July to 28th July and the Rotary Carnival will be held on August Bank Holiday Monday
Worthing really is gearing up for a fabulous summer in 2013.
Bestof-Worthing-July 2013.indd 4
18/06/2013 14:02
We’ve uncovered more hidden gems over the last few weeks. A big welcome to the following businesses who have joined us recently:
Give them a call & make them feel welcome Highdown Car Audio & Security
Nineteenth Catering Ltd
For car audio Worthing, you should contact Highdown Car Audio & Security - they offer high quality products, installation and customer service. Make driving more pleasurable by calling Highdown Car Audio & Security to install car radios, CD tuners, GPS, hands free systems, DVD, Gaming and more! They even offer car security!
If you are looking for outside caterers Worthing to cater for your business or private event, you should contact Nineteeth Catering Ltd in Angmering. As a well established catering company, they have a reputation for providing high quality food for functions of all sizes including weddings, corporate functions, private parties and more.
01903 238119
01903 776167
Pure Personnel If you own a business in Worthing or West Sussex and you need professional advice and expertise relating to recruitment, give Pure Personnel a call. Owned by experienced recruitment consultant, Janet Scott, Pure Personnel can advise companies and candidates alike
07917 881781
Carpenter Box LLP Has an exceptional team of Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisers who offer a wide range of services to help your business develop and grow. Helping you to be the best at what you do, the team at Carpenter Box LLP knows how to improve your profitability through accountancy, taxation and business services.. For respected accountants Worthing, call Carpenter Box LLP today.
01909 2341094
Comfort Keepers UK
Simmons Signs Ltd
A fully trained and highly experienced team of care workers, Comfort Keepers UK provide care to elderly people to enable them to live at home. No matter what the level of care your relative needs, Comfort Keepers UK can tailor a care package to suit their needs. Call now to arrange a free in-home care consultation
For quality sign writers Worthing, contact Simmons Signs Limited. With years of experience creating and installing striking signs for your business or retail outlet, Simmons Signs Limited know how to make your business stand out from your competitors. Simmons Signs Limited - your first choice for sign writers in Worthing.
01903 691762
Bestof-Worthing-July 2013.indd 5
01903 754408
18/06/2013 14:02
The Importance of BEING ERNEST No, I’m not referring to the play… although it doesn’t matter how often I see it, the line “to lose one parent is unfortunate, to lose both is carelessness!” always makes me laugh. I’m actually referring to something very close to our hearts, fondly known as the G.A.S factor. “People buy from people. In this choice-filled, transparent world customers engage by recommendation and relevance. You can advertise until you’re blue in the face, but if you’re not part of your customers’ lifestyle and culture why would they want to spend time with you.” Sam Wilson, Wolff Olins
And how our culture has changed! Mobile phones and the internet mean we really do have a more transparent world. Celebrities cannot hide from their indiscretions, banks cannot pretend that they weren’t greedy and certain politicians cannot deny that they felt themselves above both the law and the populace. The hypocrisy and ‘cost to people’ will not be forgotten for a long time.
www.thebestof.co.uk/worthing Update July 2013 Bestof-Worthing-July 2013.indd 6
18/06/2013 14:02
So what’s that got to do with this here G.A.S factor? Well the truth is, people are now looking for businesses to display the same values as they do. They want you to prove that you’re not ‘just like all the others’.
They want you to ‘Give a S*!t’ “Never has there been a more exciting time for all of us to explore this great next frontier where the boundaries between work and purpose are merging into one, where doing good, really is good for business.” Richard Branson On saying that, there’s caring because it’s profitable, and only because it’s profitable, and there’s caring because you do, and as a consequence it’s profitable. Believe me, people can really tell the difference and this is why the banks pouring money into social causes does nothing to improve their public image.
We all care about something.
It may be a charity that’s close to your heart, maybe you’re a butcher whose passionate about British beef, maybe you’re a picture framer who loves to collect old images of the area where you live. Whatever it is, letting your customers know about it not only shows your human side, which can only help to strengthen your relationships, but also makes you stand out from the competition.
Bestof-Worthing-July 2013.indd 7
18/06/2013 14:02
thebestof Worthing is run by Melanie Peters
Our aim is to provide the best businesses in Worthing with a
world class marketing service. We’ll raise your profile, connect you to new contacts and customers - and maximise your business potential. We really do care about every one of our Business Members and we are there every step of the way to ensure that thebestof works for you.
1. Testimonials 2. Dual-branded postcards 3. Mix and match 4. Commercial photos 5. Certificates 6. Brand Awareness 7. Campaigns 8. Call Tracking 9. An Evening with 10. Social Media 11. Blog 12. Events 13. Video 14. Special offers for members 15. Quote me
Our 17 marketing tools
16. Mobile Website and App 17. Website feature
Here at thebestof, word of mouth just got louder! Every business we feature has been checked out by us AND recommended by other local people, so you can use them with confidence knowing they truly are one of the best at what they do...
Call Us: 01903 203673 Email: melanie.peters@thebestof.co.uk
Coming Soon
An Evening with the bestof!! Tally Ho we are off to the races... August 29th. £15 for members, £20 for non members & guests, Private suite for the day, plenty of light networking & Fun. To book on please email .. melanie.peters@thebestof.co.uk ..spaces are limited!
We are also looking for guest bloggers ...think you have something to offer then drop us a line. www.thebestof.co.uk/worthing Update July 2013 Bestof-Worthing-July 2013.indd 8
18/06/2013 14:02