Inspire business magazine by Inspire Business Magazine

SMALL PRINT

CRIME AND SECURITY

Tradesmen beware! Pages 6

Don’t be a statistic Page 8

KNOWLEDGE HUB 1

Helping businesses grow. Page 9

Issue three • Spring/Summer 2014

It’s our business to inspire your business

MAIN FEATURE

Putting achievement and failure in perspective Ian Rowe - pages 18 & 19

Getting up to speed New help for firms. Page 5

It’s all in the process Marketing advice. Page 7

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Welcome to the region’s

newest and best

business magazine Issue One

Page kindly sponsored by

welcome

www.acpclick.com 01582 600123

Publisher:

Community Communications, 12 Alexandra Avenue, Luton Beds, LU3 1HG

Editor:

David Tooley inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk

Advertising:

Mostaque Koyes mostaque@communitycommunications.co.uk

Design:

Heather Ellis heather@communitycommunications.co.uk

Printed by:

Bartham Group www.barthamgroup.com

Disclaimer

Any views expressed in Inspire Business Magazine are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. No part of the magazine should be copied or distributed without the prior consent of the publisher and remains the property of the publisher.

welcome TeamInspire’s mission is to help your business Editor David Tooley thanks readers and advertisers who have become part of our exciting, inspiring team It isn’t necessary to have a degree in rocket science to know that the economy across this region is really kicking on. National statistics show the economy has now fully recovered from the recession caused by the banking collapse. It doesn’t mean of course that starting or staying in business is easy but people from all walks of life are deciding to set up as sole traders or start new companies. It’s becoming a life choice for people with the drive and commitment to succeed. One of the people who helped me to decide to do it for myself was Ian Rowe, from Bedford, who is featured in this edition. I saw him speak at a Young Enterprise final in Milton Keynes about his experiences in trying to row across the Atlantic. Ian’s philosophy is a great help to anyone thinking of stepping into self-employment. When you’re faced with making one million oar strokes to get across the second biggest ocean on the planet, it’s no use focusing on a million. You have to focus on the first, then the second, then the third. It’s the same in business. Don’t be daunted by the length of the journey, break it down into the things you have to do next. Gain the confidence from succeeding at every stage and continue to build on it. Ian and his crew capsized 500 miles from their intended destination and theirs ended up being a fight for survival. But Ian has used the lessons learned about himself to grow in other areas of business and life, taking his message out far and wide. We also have other stories about people who are living their own dreams running their own businesses, who never look back. Our mission is to Inspire your business and we do that through stories of achievement and strong, practical advice from our fantastic advertisers. We couldn’t exist without our advertisers and readers in a networking family which I call TeamInspire. Our advertisers can help you, so please consider them as a part of your team, too.

In this issue 5

5 Velocity Growth Hub helps businesses strive for the next level

we are listening

8 Security should be at the top of your agenda 18

11 Repetition, repetition repetition is key to marketing 13 Make the correct commercial property decisions 18 Ian Rowe’s inspiring story

We want to hear from you: perhaps your expertise would be of help to others, or our advertising opportunities are perfect for you or you simply want to give us some feedback.

inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk We’re listening.

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Issue Three

feature

Kate is Sew Inspiring! Former council worker Kate Guiney has turned a skill into a business, just in time to ride a rising trend Primetime TV holds us spellbound watching contestants in a sewing competition grappling with darts and hems and bias binding. Our homes are going retro, filled by handmade knickknacks inspired by the likes of style guru Kirstie Allsopp and her designer cousin Cath Kitson. For former council worker Kate Guiney in rural Newport Pagnell, who didn’t know how to sew a year ago, it has given inspiration to join the rising number of women going in to the craft business. Kate, 27, with her sewing machine by her side, has launched a handmade craft and gift shop, Sew Inspiring, in Tickford Arcade, St John Street, Newport Pagnell. She’s selling both her own and local crafts people’s handmade goods at Sew Inspiring, just off the town’s main high street, aiming to help the town on its way to become a destination for handmade and vintage shoppers. “I think it is a kick back against antiglobalisation and overbranding – we’re going back to handmade, local goods and services to beat the recession and help the economy,” said Kate. Her shop hopes to give a lift to all those individuals who are out there, sharpening their skills in sewing, knitting, art and other craftrelated traditions and looking for an outlet. “There’s power in numbers,” she said. When planning her new venture, Kate quickly decided she wanted to make the shop a hub for crafters in the area. She put out the word on Facebook through her Kate Makes page and was flooded with replies from local people hand-making a variety of wonderful goods, who wanted to rent display space in the shop. In a week she had a list of 50 and more have continued to flow in. “I want to offer a selection of unique affordable gifts, it is something that Newport Pagnell doesn’t have. But Newport is getting there as a shopping destination, we already have retro-clothes shops, a sewing workshop venue, and I’ve heard there’s

Spring/Summer 2014

a wool shop coming too. And although I know that on-line shopping is massive competition, when you buy from the Internet you can’t touch anything. “I want people to walk in and love the feel of the shop so much, they want to buy something to walk out with. You can do that with the right displays, a friendly welcome and good atmosphere.” Kate was recently made redundant from the neighbourhood management department at Milton Keynes Council. She left her job dealing with complaints from the public about potholes, dog poo and overgrown trees – to set up her business venture. “It was only a bit over a year ago that I had even used a sewing machine before,” explained Kate. “I went on an adult education course and in 10 weeks learned to sew – I was hooked. I borrowed my grandma’s sewing machine and that got me started. Then my brother bought me one for Christmas and I couldn’t stop making stuff. The first thing I made was an apron for my niece and a tiny one for her doll for Christmas. I then tried an evening dressmaking course but I prefer homeware – quilts, cushions, peg bags,

ipad cases, tote bags, jewellery rolls – the more varied the better! “If I hadn’t been made redundant I would probably have continued there as I didn’t think anything else was possible. You become a bit institutionalised. “It is only when you are forced into a situation that you realise that this doesn’t have to be your future, you can do something else. I could have gone for redeployment with the council but then I realised, I want to make decisions in my own life. I didn’t have control, and I do not want to live like that any more. You have to have control of your own destiny.” Selected crafters will rent out their own section of the shop and pay commission to Kate on items sold. “I have been waiting for panic to set in but haven’t had that yet, “ said Kate. “If I was waiting for interview for a job I would be nervous, but maybe it is because this was meant to be. It has been fun setting up and a massive learning curve – but it is great to realise you are capable of starting your own business – I’ve realised it is not just what other people do, it is doable yourself.” Kate Guiney, Sew Inspiring, www.facebook. com/sewinspiring mk

Pictures by Jane Russell www.jarphoto.co.uk

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

growth

Getting up

to speed A new initiative called Velocity Growth Hub aims to help businesses remove blockages to growth. Inspire business magazine was at the launch

Businesses in Bedfordshire celebrated the launch of the all-new Velocity Growth Hub, a support initiative unveiled at Cardington Hangar No. 1. Velocity, an initiative for companies across the South East Midlands, has been made possible thanks to grants worth £1.75 million from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund through Lancaster University and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP). The growth hub has been set up to make it easier for businesses to maximise their growth potential. As well as an online portal at www.velocitygrowthhub.com and telephone helpdesk, there will be one-to-one mentoring and support from two locallybased business advisers as well as grants worth up to £3,000. Clive Haywood and Richard Cooper are the Velocity Growth Hub Business Advisers for Bedfordshire. Highly experienced, having occupied senior roles in management, customer relations and business development, Clive and Richard will support businesses across the county to help them achieve their growth plans. Clive Haywood said: “If you run a business and want to grow it can be very difficult to know where to go for information or even what support is available to you. Velocity Growth Hub aims to make it easier for

businesses to access help and advice by bringing together information, mentoring and grant funding in one place. “We are actively looking for business owners in Bedfordshire who want to take their business to the next level, whether that’s by exporting, hiring new staff or exploring new markets, and we will work with them on a one-to-one basis to set out realistic and measurable growth plans and help turn these plans into a reality.” Richard Cooper, also a Business Adviser for Velocity, said: “When you work in your business, it can be a real challenge to find the time or resources to work on your business. This is where we can help as Velocity Growth Hub Business Advisers. We can work with businesses, giving advice and knowledge, so that real growth and success can be achieved. “We can also advise businesses on access to grants and providing financial support towards business development activities.” Daniel Mouawad, Chief Executive of SEMLEP, which will manage the roll-out

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of Velocity Growth Hub, said: “This is a significant opportunity for businesses in Bedfordshire. “The funding we have received from Lancaster University has enabled us to develop a completely free business support programme and we hope as many businesses as possible contact us to see how we could help them. “One of the main objectives of Velocity Growth Hub is to increase employment opportunities and our aim is to create and protect at least 300 jobs across the South East Midlands with some of these being in Bedfordshire itself.” Velocity Growth Hub has been designed to attract over £2million of private sector investment and to engage with around 15,000 businesses by June 2015. For more information on Velocity Growth Hub and to make an appointment with a Business Adviser, go to www.velocitygrowthhub.com or call 0300 456 3565.

Issue Three

insurance

Tradesmen, beware

of the small print! Insurance policies make great bedtime reading, writes Martin Blower of A Plan! Great bedtime reading? That’s a statement most sane people probably wouldn’t agree with. When it comes to tradesmen’s public liability insurance though, if you are relying on an assumption that all policies were created equal, and ‘well public liability cover is public liability cover isn’t it’, then you may find yourself in difficulty just when you least need it.. Most liability policies have restrictions which on the face of it seem reasonable e.g. they prevent you from working in nuclear power

stations, on oil rigs, or airside at Luton airport. It is unlikely that this type of restriction is going to be a problem to most plumbers or painters and decorators. There are however additional restriction which many policies have over and above these more obvious restrictions which would probably at the very least surprise you, and more likely give you serious cause for concern, if not sleepless nights.. A common such restriction relates to the height of the building in which you work. As an example if you are a painter and decorator and are insured with a very well known, TV advertising, insurer you might be surprised to know that your policy doesn’t cover you if you have ever decorated any of the flats in Luton over three stories high (Marsh Farm, Hockwell Ring, Handcross Road, Park Street to name but a few). WHY? Because their policy says you are not covered if you work in any building over 3 stories high, even if you are just decorating the inside of a flat. Other trades such as plumbers, bathroom and kitchen fitters will have similar types of restrictions, and they are applied by many household name insurers. Put simply if something goes wrong you would be on your own and paying for any damage out of your own pocket. At A Plan we don’t sell policies with such restrictions (it’s a good job we don’t mind a slightly less enthralling bedtime read than most...). Have a quick look at your policy to check, or give us a call and we can check for you!

Spring/Summer 2014

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

marketing

It’s all in the

process! AC Photography has developed its 4P’s of commercial photography - Product, People, Premises & Process. Together they cover the full range of photographic requirements any business will need, writes Dave Pickering

It is fair to say that most of our commercial photography, when it comes to products, is of the finished item. All shiny and new, probably on a plain white backdrop so it can be cut out and placed on the page of a catalogue or website. Nothing wrong with that at all, in fact fairly essential if sales of the said item are to be increased. Of course we also produce images of said item in situ, in use, or in more creative images using lighting and backdrops for use in marketing, retail POS and exhibition graphics. But equally important and fascinating (if the Discovery Channel is to be believed), is the ‘manufacturing process’ that produced the finished item. Sometimes dirty, seemingly mundane, manufacturers see their process everyday and as we have found, think nothing of it. Maybe it’s time for a rethink! The process offers a full back story to the product and demonstrates the degree of investment required to produce the item. Images from manufacturing can be interesting, exciting & fascinating, adding to any companies story or portfolio, and, makes great wall art within the company buildings or reception. What do I mean? Engineering process will often have high speed turning or milling with coolant and swarf flying - freeze the action and you have some great images. Heavy machinery or welding, grinding and cutting of steel will produce some spectacular sparks. Again, imagery with life and excitement, with the right settings of course! Produce something in volume? Having hundreds of an item or thousands of components can be very impressive to those not seeing it every day, and again can make impressive imagery. Is your process a little less high volume? From artisan bakers to jewellery makers, skilled craftsmen and artists your process is equally fascinating with use of macro photography, the right lighting and techniques to show off your skills, tools and raw materials. It’s all about capturing that moment. We can do that. Of course the finished item is important and certainly needs to be shown, but let’s not forget the story of its production that can often be told in a series of stunning, interesting images. These images reinforce a company’s investment and commitment to the quality of raw materials, skills, components, product development, machinery & techniques they use. Take a look at what you see everyday, and if you are still not convinced there are some great images to help sell your finished item, just look at the Discovery Channel in your TV listings to see how many manufacturing processes are shown every day! If you want us to take a look at your ‘Process’, we’d be happy to offer a no obligation site visit and show you what we can see! AC Photography, The Incuba, 1 Brewers Hill Rd, Dunstable, Beds. LU6 1AA. www.acpclick.com • hello@acpclick.com • 01582 600123 Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

Issue Three

security

Don’t be a crime statistic 64% of businesses have been a victim of crime over the last 12 months - Dyno Locks and Alarms gives security advice

Welcome to our first feature in Inspire, writes Jon Spellen (pic). We are Dyno Locks and Alarms and myself and Luke will, over the next year, be sharing some hints and tips on security for your business and home. Crimes against your business not only causes monetary loss, but can affect your business operationally ongoing – imagine if all your computers, tools or stock were stolen how this would affect your staff’s effectiveness and morale. With the FSB reporting 64 per cent of businesses have been victims of crime over the last 12 months, costing each business on average £2900. - we thought this issue we would share some hints and tips on business premises safety and some solutions that can keep your possessions safe, but also could save you on your insurance. Lighting – can be key, ensuring you have adequate lighting inside and out to act as a deterrent Safes – If you have valuables, an insurance rated safe can be a great investment, with finger print recognition safes fast becoming a must for businesses Key monitoring – keep a record of all keys and key holders, ensure you have a policy in place for what to do should someone lose their key to ensure your premises security is not breached Alarm your building – The biggest deterrent of all, according to a Home Office report, is that 84% of burglars avoid properties with alarms, plus with the latest technologies your system

Spring/Summer 2014

can be monitored 24/7 by our team and the risk assessed before dispatching the emergency services, if required. CCTV – gives you the ultimate viewpoint, when linked to your alarm and monitored this can be a powerful tool, again acting as a deterrent and a way to review the alarm before acting Locks – Installing anti-snap locks and deadbolts to all entry points and locks to every window will again all work toward making your building as impenetrable as possible. But remember, always ensure you utilise all of your security measures as unset alarms or unlocked doors provides burglars the opportunity to invade – So reminders at the door with a checklist can be a great idea. As part of our commitment to reducing crime we offer free no-obligation security

surveys, so why not take advantage call us now on 01582 519910 to book. Alternatively if you have any questions about any of the security measures we have suggested please do not hesitate to contact me on 01582 519910 or email jon@dynoalarm.co.uk Be safe people.

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

business management

Would-be entrepreneurs

helped to B-innovative Leading regional law firm Pictons helps local businesses to grow at University’s Knowledge Hub. Inspire business magazine looks into it. Pictons Solicitors LLP, with offices in Luton, Milton Keynes, Hemel Hempstead and Tring is helping local would-be entrepreneurs grow their potential business ideas this spring by taking part in the University of Bedfordshire’s Knowledge Hub innovative entrepreneurial support programme, B-innovative. B-innovative is a European partnership programme funded by the European Union’s Lifelong Learning Programme. Since 2012 it has already assisted 180 local entrepreneurs to realise their dreams of starting their businesses. Each course offers a prize fund to the best would-be entrepreneur who has proved that their idea is a viable business. The B-innovative programme consists of a number of varied interactive sessions, with topics ranging from business idea development, costing and pricing to HR, employment, commercial law, sales and marketing. The sessions are delivered by local business experts such as Aye Limbin Glassey a Partner at Pictons and Head of the Employment dept, Tony Roberts, Senior Associate Solicitor and Pictons’ Head of Corporate, Emerson Patton from ActionCoach and Gary Jesson from EFM Financial Management amongst others. Aye said: “This is an excellent programme for new entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses and Pictons is delighted to be taking part. I work closely with employers who range from small start up companies, family owned businesses to large PLCs, assisting my clients in all aspects of the employment relationships, from drafting contracts of employments, policies and procedures to advising on restructures, grievances, disciplinary proceedings and employment tribunal claims. “There is so much that potential employers need to be aware of when they are starting out or growing their businesses. It is so easy to make simple mistakes which can end up costing a lot of time and money. It is vital for new start ups to invest in getting good professional advice.” Tony, who joined Pictons in January this year from one of London’s top international law firms, Herbert Smith Freehills, adds: “There are many legal issues to consider when starting a business. I will be presenting a broad session which will cover topics including different structures for the business, liability issues for directors and managers, methods of resolving business disputes and why exit strategies to sell the business need consideration at the outset. “I have extensive experience advising clients on starting, developing and selling businesses and the issues arising for consideration by directors, managers and shareholders at the various stages of the life cycle of a business.” Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

Aye Limbin Glassey

Daniel Nicholls, B-innovative Project Manager says: “I am delighted to have Pictons on board and we anticipate that this year’s B-innovative programme will be our best yet, with more content and support in aiding delegates to realise their business dreams. New additions include, more involvement from the local business community in delivery and as part of our assessment panels, a support network and the assistance of an expert business advisor to help delegates at every stage of the programme.”

Enhance Declan Sweeney the winner of the winter 2013 course prize fund has already started his business with two partners. Currently studying for a PhD at the University of Bedfordshire, Declan has created a hugely practical education tool that can be used by educational establishments to enhance and support student’s learning. Declan says “The B-innovative course has been very useful in helping organise my business. The structure of each session, the practical advice provided and the assessment process have provided me with milestones in developing my business idea.”

Issue Three

finance

Page kindly sponsored by

Telephone: 01582 608601

An ISA position to be in John Wright, of Stoten Gillam focuses on one important change in the Budget

Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) have been in existence for many years and allow people to save or invest tax-free. Anyone putting money in a normal savings account has 20% of the interest taken at source as tax; whilst higher and top rate taxpayers will suffer tax at 40% and 45% respectively after they have submitted their Tax Returns. In an ISA, by contrast, the money invested grows tax-free, year after year. Since the tax savings are so valuable, there are limits on the amount which can be invested in ISAs. From 6 April 2014, the overall ISA limit has been increased from £11,520 and £11,880, of which £5,940 can be invested in cash. However, the recent Budget introduced more radical changes which will take effect from 1 July 2014. On that date, ISAs will be reformed

into a simpler product, the “New ISA” (NISA) and all existing ISAs will automatically become NISAs. From 1 July, the overall annual subscription limit for these accounts will be increased to £15,000 for 2014/15, the most significant ever increase to ISA limits. The NISA will also offer the saver the option to save the whole of their allowance of £15,000 in cash, stocks and shares, or any combination of the two. This contrasts with the current position, in which only half of the overall ISA limit can be saved in cash.

Flexibility

Business is

booming! Make sure you’re part of it. Advertise with Inspire.

inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk

Spring/Summer 2014

Savers can open one cash NISA and one stocks and shares NISA each tax year. However, once open, they will be able to transfer their cash or stocks and shares NISA between providers as many times as they wish. The flexibility continues in that they will also be able to hold cash tax-free within their stocks and shares NISA if they wish and the provider allows this. Many savers will, of course, prefer to continue to hold separate accounts for cash, and stocks and shares. The Chancellor’s recently announced changes are quite generous and he is clearly determined to encourage more savings by the measures he has introduced. At Stoten Gillam, we are also keen to help our clients save as much tax as possible. If you would like to explore ways in which you can save tax, either personally or through a business, we shall be pleased to meet with you without obligation. We can be contacted by telephone on 01582 – 608601 or by email via john.wright@stotengillam.co.uk.

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

marketing 11

Repetition, Repetition, Repetition Robert Willford, Director of Sure2Door Ltd, takes a look at the principles of marketing If you’ve ever wondered why TV advertisers repeat the same advert – or versions of it – for weeks or even months at a time, then the tried and tested benefits of repetition is your answer. Repetition in advertising works – and it really does work – on the assumption that people who are busy and distracted by day-to-day worries need to be exposed to a message multiple times to make it stick. To put it another way, to make your brand and business register in the minds of your target audience, advertisers know that its benefits need to be repeated multiple times. The use of repetition has many specific benefits in advertising over and above generally raising awareness, notably building credibility, increasing brand familiarity and the holy grail of being a keystone in any successful campaign to make sure your business is viewed as the local expert in your field of excellence. So how does each of these work? Credibility You may think it would be hard to build credibility through advertising but it is one of the first results that comes from repetition advertising. It’s as simple as people trusting in what they know, and each time they see your business’s message delivered in a professional way, say once a month, that reinforces their instinct that you are an established and trustworthy company that they in turn can trust, not a new fly-by-night.

So, to recap, if you’ve ever wondered why TV advertisers repeat the same advert – or versions of it – for weeks or even months at a time, then the tried and tested benefits of repetition is your answer... Sure to Door are in Milton Keynes, Aylesbury and Leighton Buzzard and Bedford. www.sure2door.co.uk Tel: 01908 560 297 email: Info@sure2door.co.uk

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Brand Familiarity People love brands - just think of Apple and how people are willing to camp outside in all weather for days simply to be one of the first to get their hands on the latest must-have product as soon as it is released. Creating familiarity with your business can help take away any fears about what the customer experience will be, and additionally will make it easier to retain a customer once you have won them. Local Expert Becoming the local expert at what you do is a huge benefit of repetition advertising.

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Leaflet Distribution

Design

01908 560 297 Unit 20 Carters yard, Carters Lane, Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes MK11 3HL

Issue Three

feature

Being good can be good for you A conference on Corporate Social Responsibility outlined why companies get involved with good causes Companies find there are great reasons to support good causes in the community. Benefits described at a Mary Seacole Housing Association Conference included developing a strong, supportive business culture as well as getting known and trusted as a company. Good Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can also increase sales, profitability, productivity, brand loyalty and reputation. The conference, aimed at business managers, charities and voluntary and community service providers, was supported by regional law firm Pictons. Sukh Saini, Managing Partner of Pictons, was one of the keynote speakers. He said “My focus was to inspire and encourage other companies to get more involved in corporate social responsibility activities. I talked about our own experience at Pictons and how we support the communities in Luton through a variety of charity and support initiatives. “This has proved vitally important to us as a company. It has also created a strong supportive culture within Pictons where our staff actively raise money for many charities, whether that’s baking cakes, sky diving, night walking for breast cancer, donating to local food banks or abseiling down a high building.

Spring/Summer 2014

“By getting involved and showing our commitment to community projects we have become known and trusted as a business, so it’s been beneficial for all sides. We believe it is very important for businesses to work in partnership with the third and voluntary sectors.” Sukh’s presentation highlighted the many benefits of CSR to businesses and the environment, especially when firms are pro active and show initiative. He outlined that such actions increase sales and profitability, improve productivity, improve brand loyalty and reputation while the overall effect creates a happier workforce. The other speakers at the Conference included Audrey Lewis, Chief Executive of the Mary Seacole Housing Association, Deborah Inskip, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Tom Shaw, Chairman of the Mary Seacole Housing Association, Claire Gillies Barclays Bank Branch Manager and Area Citizenship Co-ordinator, Rosie Garwood, Lloyds Bank East of England Business Connector Coordinator and Michael Patterson, Commercial Entrepreneur and Director of Support Solutions Ltd.

Audrey Lewis, Chief Executive of the Mary Seacole Housing Association says “This was a very important conference for the Mary Seacole Housing Association. It not only gave us the opportunity to raise our profile within the business community, it was also aimed at encouraging businesses to get actively involved in CSR which reaps huge rewards for businesses and the community alike. “We fully appreciate the support of companies like Pictons, Support Solutions Ltd, Barclays Bank and Lloyds Bank without whom we would not have been able to host this conference.”

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

property 13

Secrets of avoiding

property pitfalls David Taylor, Estates Manager at Wrest Park Enterprise, tells Inspire business magazine his top 10 tips for choosing commercial premises Whether you are an established business or just starting out, one of the greatest challenges in a constantly changing economic landscape is finding the right premises. For an office based business the choice has traditionally been a long lease, taken on terms where there is little flexibility and the onus is on the tenant to maintain and operate the building – something that today’s businesses are trying to avoid. The ability to flex up and down in terms of space occupied and having the relative freedom to move without huge penalties is now the greatest priority for most business owners, giving them the comfort of being able to keep their cost base lean , but also react to new or emerging markets quickly and change their mode of operation, or staffing levels to suit. Modern business centres are designed to accommodate just that and if the centre is fully managed, the headache of facilities management is also taken away – leaving you free to concentrate on what you do best – running your business. But be aware, not all centres are the same and it is worth taking the time to compare each business centre carefully in the same way that you would when moving house, that way you can make an informed decision. Try to identify what your business needs, what your priorities are and if needs be, what compromises you are willing to make - The following list of top 10 pointers is designed to provoke that thought process and help you maximise the potential of your next move: 1. Compare like with like – Managed offices, serviced offices and workstations are all priced differently (per room, workstation, user or square foot) so make sure you work out what space you are getting for your money to determine who is really the best value. 2. What additional costs are there likely to be – Check out if support services (such as security, reception, cleaning, maintenance & repairs) & utilities (such as heat, light & power parking, use of common areas such as kitchens & break out areas) are included or charged separately as they are part of the ongoing cost. 3. Business rates – Many purpose built facilities have each individual office rated separately which means the occupant can apply for Small Business Rates Relief, a potential saving of between 50% & 100% - an opportunity not to be missed! 4. Investigate the facilities – How much parking or use of meeting rooms and secretarial support might you need? Some centres offer a suite of services but the cost of provision is built into the rent, plus they are charged on a per use basis making them expensive. 5. Provision of IT & telecoms – Are there managed networks for broadband and telephony or will you need to install your own service? If you do that could mean an installation charge and commitment to the provider for 1 to 3 years. Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

6. Cost & speed of broadband – The cost and speed of broadband can vary a great deal so ensure you know what you are signing up for. Is it ADSL or superfast fibre, shared bandwidth or dedicated up & download speeds? 7. Flexibility – How easy is it to move in/ out or transfer to a larger/ smaller space within the facility? Where you are paying per person the increase in cost can prohibit growth. Compare notice periods or penalty fees. 8. Offers – Some centres have incentives and special offers from time to time, particularly when they have a lot of space to sell, so ensure you are aware of what is available to help you negotiate the best deal. 9. Hours of business – Can you work and have access 24-7 if required? The last thing you want to find is that the nature of your business changes and your premises restrict what you able to do. 10. Networking – Find out which other companies are already on site and what services they offer. Work out how you can help each other. Shared contacts and experiences can be one of the greatest benefits to the success of your business! David Taylor is the Estates Manager at Wrest Park Enterprise, a campus of three business centres in Central Bedfordshire, offering serviced offices, virtual offices, meeting rooms and conference facilities and currently home to over 70 businesses. For further details visit www.wrestparkenterprise. co.uk, email info@wrestparkenterprise.co.uk or call 01525 863900 CAP_WPE2013_150x113mmAW_Layout 1 09/12/2013 12:55 Page 1

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Issue Three

strategy

Plan your way

to success Velocity Growth Hub Business Adviser Richard Cooper outlines the importance of taking a strategic view for growth

Business leaders I’ve been meeting around the time of the launch of Velocity Growth hub have been looking for very similar kinds of support and advice to help them to grow. Strategic planning is always, in my experience, an area where even very successful SMEs can improve. Business leaders are often successful in having great ideas and making great products but can lack the forward planning skills and knowledge to take their companies to the next level. Some businesses are great at getting their business off the ground and making money, but think that they, or even worse, don’t feel that they need to think strategically. I’ve seen some businesses who only turn to thinking about the next week on the Friday before! But it is important for the efficient development of any enterprise that they know where they want to be in one, three and five years’ time, as well as next week, so they can look at how they might get there. There are funding streams available to help companies to think strategically and Velocity Growth Hub advisers like me provide independent advice about how they can access the best possible funding solutions. It is not just about the grants worth up to £3,000 that Velocity has, it is about the signposting we can provide about accessing different funding streams to support business and employment growth, such as the Growth Accelerator, Grants for Growth and the Manufacturing Advisory Service. One aspect many companies haven’t even scratched the surface with is: how to go about exporting and with all the help available via UK Trade & Investment in gaining access to other markets. This is one of the untapped gems for small businesses. As well as strategic planning, some of the companies I have been in touch with are also looking for specific skillsets and training to support business growth. Many companies are looking to increase their knowledge and skills around multimedia marketing, including their websites, Facebook and Twitter. These are very important to many types of business and Velocity can support them in developing these very important activities. Velocity can also help if companies need to adopt greater organisational or technical skills, for example, or even to build the skills of teams as a whole. Sometimes companies know they have an opportunity for growth but do not know how to manage the steps they need to take to achieve it. It is perfectly natural for someone to be an all-rounder in a business, trying to do everything. People running small businesses need to have financial skills, marketing know-how and production ability. It’s no wonder that

Spring/Summer 2014

sometimes the planning process gives way to day-to-day pressures of production and sales. Understanding the current performance of your business is vitally important in future growth. The key is: TO MEASURE IS TO KNOW. That is, look at every aspect of current performance and examine the numbers. You can then stop doing things that are wasting time and money and concentrate on activities that give you a good return. It’s about making improvements and getting the best out of what you have got. I have seen companies transformed for the better when they take this approach. Velocity Growth Hub is a one stop shop for independent signposting and advice, with grants available, too, so businesses really haven’t got anything to lose from getting in touch with us. If your business is in my patch I look forward to working with you. I am the Velocity Growth Hub Advisor for the southern part of Bedfordshire, including Luton and Dunstable, and I am experienced in this and other aspects of business improvement, development and growth. For more information on Velocity Growth Hub and to make an appointment with a Business Adviser, go to www.velocitygrowthhub.com or call 0300 456 3565.

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training 15

Apprentices aren’t what they used to be

Inspire business magazine’s David Tooley takes a look at the benefits of in-work training Many companies are now using information on Apprenticeships to help determine supply chain selection criteria. Some 16% of SMEs and over a third (37%) of larger organisations say they have been questioned by clients or prospects about their apprentice recruitment policies.

Apprenticeships have changed enormously over the years but it doesn’t mean they are less valuable. Rare is the business today that trains a young person over seven years, now it’s more about time at college and time within the business over a much shorter period of time. The benefits of apprenticeships to the person receiving the training are clear – they can earn as they learn – but what is in it for employers? Research issued alongside National Apprenticeship Week in March found almost half (44%) of businesses in the country plan to take on apprentices in the next five years, compared with 36% last year.

Growth The study of 600 businesses also reveals that 20% of SMEs plan to take on one or more apprentices in the next 12 months alone, with more than a third (37%) of larger businesses planning to do the same, compared to 15% and 28% respectively in February 2013. Around a third (32%) of those that plan to take on apprentices say this is because they are a core part of their growth strategy.

Initiative

BT announced during the week that it was creating more than 700 new apprenticeships. Gavin Patterson, chief executive of BT, said: “Apprenticeships really deliver for our business. Hiring apprentices helps BT grow our own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. And for the apprentices, an Apprenticeship is a way for them to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future.”

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The National Apprenticeship Service, in conjunction with Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI), launched an initiative to help small business owners on their Apprenticeship journey. Apprenticemakers is an online peer to peer mentoring community providing easy access to other businesses who have already taken on apprentices. Traineeships can be used to get young people aged 16 to 23 ready for an Apprenticeship. It’s an education and training programme with a work placement that is focused on giving young people the skills and experience that employers are looking for. At its core are work preparation training, English and maths for those who need it, and a high quality work experience placement, tackling a criticism from businesses that young people aren’t work ready. For more details visit apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 600 to find out more.

Issue Three

Spring/Summer 2014

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business funding 17

The contract’s

out for you! Even though the public sector is being pared back, there is still plenty of opportunity for businesses. Inspire editor David Tooley investigates. Despite the austerity agenda the public sector remains a vital potential driver of local economies. Big local councils like Luton spend hundreds of millions of pounds every year and actively try to use local companies. In Central Bedfordshire they place contract opportunities on their website. The contracts can be from a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands. Firms do have to jump through hoops to get the work and there are criticisms that the system is over-bureaucratic but companies that get it right can find it lucrative. The public sector is a much wider beast than just local councils. There is also the health service and local arms of national bodies.

Register There are a range of websites to register on for alerts. Supply2health gives potential suppliers access to NHS procurement opportunities, while Luton Borough Council encourages companies to register as suppliers and select categories of alerts. Visit https://procurement.luton.gov.uk/web/ login.shtml If you are interested in doing business with Luton Council and would like to

stay informed of the latest contracts and opportunities, register your interest at https://procurement.luton.gov.uk Nationally there is a system called TED, Tenders Electronic Daily as Well as the Crown Commercial Service.

Free CompeteFor is a free service that enables businesses to compete for contract opportunities linked to major public and private sector buying organisations. For access to supply chain contract opportunities see www.competefor.com Look out on social media for Meet The Buyer events, including those organised by Stony Stratford firm Events & PR. Follow @awardschamp on twitter for updates. Nationally also look at www.gov.uk/ contracts-finder This site lets you search for information about contracts worth over £10,000 with the government and its agencies.

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Regionally the Central Buying Consortium is the largest local authority purchasing Consortium in the UK. With 17 local authority members it represents most of the major authorities from the midlands to the south east, outside London. Visit www.cbconline.org.uk The Centralised Commercial and Procurement Services provides an integrated service for government and the UK public sector, including health, local government, education and not for profit organisations visit http://ccs.cabinetoffice.gov.uk TED website http://ted.europa.eu/TED/main/ HomePage.do If you are interested in a free procurement course, Winning the Contract provides a good overview of the public sector tendering process and how to find opportunities. For more information visit the website www.learndirect-business.com and search for ‘winning the contract’.

Issue Three

Inspiration

When it came down to basic life and death moments, Ian found out about himself

Atlantic rower Ian Rowe puts achievement and failure in perspective during his inspirational talks When life was stripped back to basic survival, Ian Rowe found his inspiration for business success. Atlantic Experience director Ian was part of a world record attempt to row across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to the Caribbean, aboard a six-man rowing boat. The team capsized in the middle of nowhere, 2,200 nautical miles into its 2,700-mile journey. “Everything was stripped away when we went over. Our skipper was screaming the boat was sinking and I had a clear moment of knowing I was a dead man.’ said Ian, who runs his motivational experiences and property management businesses from Bedford. “Eventually, being able to reflect on that pivotal moment, I gained a new outlook on what is really important for me.” The team included a fruit and veg salesman, heating engineer, website creator, a banker and an author and was stretched to the limits of endurance, suffering severe weight loss, blisters, sores plus physical and mental exhaustion. “They say achievement happens when you’re outside your comfort zone - we were thousands of miles outside it!” Ian commented, “The ocean row confirmed

Spring/Summer 2014

my belief that there are only ordinary people in the world and it is ordinary people that do extra-ordinary things.” In his inspirational talks to businesses, Young Enterprise teams and schools, Ian describes how his focus narrowed to the job in hand, committing to giving his best on the oars and doing all the things required to allow him to do that - irrespective of conditions, weather, other crew, night or day.

Extremes “We had blisters upon blisters and a monotony to the rowing but always contrasted with extremes - scarily rough conditions, flat calm, stifling heat, rowing at night with millions of stars and the awe inspiring feeling of being in the middle of a massive ocean.’ He added, ‘The dynamics of the crew had extremes as well, excitement, camaraderie, support, antagonism, threat – you name it, we experienced it!’ These emotions and the brutality of rowing two hours on, two hours off with minimal sleep, 24 hours a day for 28 days brought Ian to the point where he had to face himself more than anything else. “You have to decide what kind of person you want to be. Nobody can make you do something out there, it comes down to each individual making a choice and choosing their attitude,” said Ian. Terrifyingly, the boat capsized just 530 miles from home. Dreams of becoming the first boat in history to break the sub-30 day barrier, to

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Inspiration achieve a new world record, were shattered and became irrelevant as a fight for survival ensued. There followed a fraught 14 hours in a life raft before being rescued followed by a nine day voyage where the crew could reflect on their challenge. Ian said: “The most important thing is that six of us went into the water and six of us came out. We failed in everything we set out to do, the 30 day record, a world record, simply getting across - but we failed because we dared to try, we dared to re-calibrate normal.” Ian went on: “It would take a million strokes to row the ocean, seemingly insurmountable, but you can do that one stroke at a time; building that relentless, resilient nature enables anyone to do extraordinary things.”

Focus Sport and business success need similar qualities, including teamwork, leadership, attention to detail, controlling the controllables and having a relentless focus on objectives – combined with the resilience to handle setbacks of course! Ian said: “The key ingredients for success are perhaps few, yet we all have them - recognising that, finding the way to use them and unlocking the desire to do so makes all the difference.” This step-by-step approach is at the centre of The Atlantic Experience, which Ian relates in his unique talks and workshop experiences. “Our core belief is that there are no huge tasks, no massive challenges – just small, manageable steps which taken one at a time can facilitate each individual ‘going their own way’ in life.” So, the Atlantic experience continues for Ian; he is also now refurbishing his own ocean rowing boat both for experiential sessions and to deal with 530 miles of unfinished business, but that’s another story! For more information, images and videos visit: www.atlantic-experience.co.uk or call/email Ian on 01234 345534/ ian@atlantic-experience.co.uk

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Issue Three

business funding

City investors and developers: Come to Bedford Advertise your vacancies with Inspire

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The borough’s council has launched a charm offensive to potential big spenders in London Bedford Borough Council launched its new Strategic Site brochure in London’s west end to investors and developers. Savills Commercial Agents hosted Bedford Borough Council at their prestigious London West End offices at Grosvenor Hill to much fanfare with a host of business investors and commercial developers in attendance. The event was organised to highlight and publicise those land holdings earmarked for commercial development and significant business estates within Bedford Borough.

Bedford’s Mayor and the council’s chief executive Philip Simpkins both presented at the event and discussions were had on the opportunities available which will host business premises and eventual jobs. The clear message presented was that Bedford is open for business and the one team approach is in place to give developers and businesses a seamless no-nonsense service. If you would like more information on the event or a copy of the Bedford Strategic Site Brochure, please call Patrick Lyons on 01234 276255 or email patrick.lyons@bedford.gov.uk

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news 21

Airport’s growth set to drive regional economy

After what seems like an age, Luton Airport has been given permission to expand and release its potential Planning approval for the circa £100 million redevelopment of London Luton Airport is set to have knock-on benefits to the regional economy. Luton-based airline easyJet has already agreed a 10 year deal with the airport which could see it more than double its size in Luton from four to nine million passengers a year. The expansion would also see the creation of 2,500 new jobs at the airport – the UK’s sixth largest - and in the surrounding region.

The airport’s infrastructure itself is being modernised to cope with more passengers. Construction will take place over three phases and will remodel the terminal building to accommodate and equip up to 20 security passenger screening lanes, 15 immigration passenger screening lanes and up to eight international and one domestic passenger reclaim belts. There will also be increased retail, catering, circulation and seating areas, plus a new twostorey pier. The road in will be newly configured, a new parallel taxiway built and a new multi-storey car park will also be in place.

plans to add new business and leisure routes and increasing frequencies on some of its existing 39 routes. Carolyn McCall, chief executive of easyJet, said: “We are looking forward to working with the airport, and the new concession owners Ardian and AENA.

Future Glyn Jones, managing director of the airport said: “We see this as a real vote of confidence in the Airport and its future, underlining the determination of our new owners, Ardian and Aena, to develop and radically improve London Luton and deliver a better airport experience for our passengers in the years to come. “The opportunities it brings for the local economy in terms of jobs and investment are significant, and Luton can now press ahead with making its local airport bigger and better, while remaining a good neighbour.” easyJet has 15 aircraft based at London Luton, its second largest London base, and

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Carolyn McCall

Their financial investment and long term commitment to developing London Luton were a key factor in our agreeing to this new deal and will help us deliver our plans.” London Luton Airport is one of the UK’s largest airports and carried 9.7 million passengers in 2013, departing to more than 100 destinations. The airport directly and indirectly employs over 600 and 8,000 staff respectively and is a key economic driver for the region.

Issue Three

feature

How to ensure effective

support for charities When it comes to giving, the heart often rules the head. Mark West, chief executive of Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation, argues for a more business-like approach

Most businesses support the charitable community in one way or another – be it sponsoring a football club’s strip, enabling staff to raise funds for causes close to their hearts or allocating some of their budget to give cash to deserving causes. But the question is, do they do this effectively? What is their motivation for doing it? And, importantly, is the charity they are supporting genuine and able to deliver on what they promise? When a business buys its IT system, or its office supplies or its raw materials, it gets several quotes and picks the supplier that offers a combination of good service, a good price and who will be there with after

sale support. Yet when it comes to giving hard earned cash or product or time to charity, this business like approach often goes out the window with the heart ruling the head. If a charity approaches you for support, what checks do you carry out on them? How do you know they are genuine? How do you know they have the skills to spend the money effectively? Do you know what difference your donation will make to those in greatest need in the community? How will you identify exactly what your support has achieved? Of course, if you are giving to a large appeal – be it an overseas disaster or research into a cure for a disease like cancer or diabetes - all you can know is that your support will make a difference in the long term help for the affected community or the person affected by a chronic condition. However, if you want to support local issues – particularly through small community groups, it is vital to make sure you are spending your money wisely. This is where the expertise of the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation can help you. All of these checks are those which are carried out by the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation, an independent charity that provides financial support to locally based and operating community groups.

Skills

We’ll help you leave a rather more lasting impression Sometimes it’s not about the right here, right now. Sometimes it’s about creating something that will stay in the mind and make a lasting impact. When that’s what you need, we’re the people to talk to. Always reliable, ever professional with the passion and expertise to deliver a more enduring product. Call us today to find out more.

Tel: 01582 573 471 e-mail: info@barthamgroup.com

Spring/Summer 2014

These groups apply to us for funding and we carry out due diligence on them to see if they are properly set up, if they have identified a real need in the community, if they have the skills to deliver and to see if they can prove the difference they would be making to the local community. We also look to encourage small groups doing similar work to join together so that they can become more sustainable and that groups don’t duplicate running costs. The Foundation supports around 300 groups a year and will distribute over £1 million in 2014/15. Our funds are drawn from a patchwork of citizens, local authorities and businesses in the county, and the projects it funds are just as diverse as our donors’ interests. We always report to our donors on the outcomes achieved by those we fund. We also make sure that gifts of cash are tax efficient. Any donation made to our work can be offset against Corporation Tax, so a gift of £1,000 will only really cost a business in the region of £800 to make. Of course, companies can claim relief on their Corporation Tax bill for any time during work hours they allow their staff to volunteer for a charity and also on the value of any goods or services provided. Your accountant would be able to be more precise about the figures, but the Foundation urges businesses to allow for these tax breaks and adjust their giving accordingly. If you would like to know more about funding local community groups, please contact the Foundation team. If you want to give time or products, then we can direct you to appropriate agencies who can support this. Contact telephone: 01234-834930 E-mail: administrator@blcf.org.uk Web site: www.blcf.org.uk

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focus on aylesbury 23

Pointing the way forward in Aylesbury

Residents given the chance to vote on future plans

Residents, town and parish councils, developers and organisations are being given an opportunity to feed into preparations for Aylesbury Vale’s new blueprint for future development.

A new education centre aims to add skills to the town’s workforce while the council is looking at its wider development strategy Building work on Aylesbury’s new £16.5 million education centre started in April. The four-storey building in Walton Street at the head of the canal basin, next to the Waterside Theatre, and will be called the Aylesbury Centre. Aylesbury College and Bucks New University through their partnership, Buckinghamshire Education Skills and Training (BEST), will lease the building, which is expected to open by autumn 2015.

Provision The centre will expand the degree provision available in Aylesbury. There will also be professional and commercial courses available. Councillor Neil Blake, leader of Aylesbury Vale District Council, said: “With AVDC’s investment, the centre will bring new jobs to the district and create opportunities for local people to increase their qualifications and skills. Having a more skilled local workforce will make coming to Aylesbury Vale a more attractive proposition for businesses.”

The centre aims to stimulate further economic growth in Aylesbury and across Buckinghamshire by offering a number of courses which are directly linked to meeting skills needed by local industry.

Good news It’s hoped that up to 2,000 students will attend the centre, together with staff, which should also be good news to local businesses. The project will also offer benefits to the wider public who will be able to use the restaurants and café on the building’s ground floor.

Improvements Improvements for the outside space include a new public square next to the canal basin, which will open up access to the whole of Waterside South from Walton Street. AVDC is working closely with the Canal and River Trust on their plans to encourage greater use of the canal and towpath. Secure pontoons have already been installed to enable visiting boats to moor up for a limited number of overnight stays.

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Aylesbury Vale District Council is now consulting on the content and scope of its new Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan (VALP), which will be the authority’s planning document for growth up to 2031. The council wants people to identify any land that might be suitable for housing, employment, retail, leisure or other uses. People have until 5pm on May 28 to comment on the content and scope of the new plan or submit their site suggestions and can do so online at www. aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk Alternatively, forms can be obtained from Planning Policy, AVDC, The Gateway, Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8FF. Call 01296 585439 or email planningpolicy@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk to request a copy.

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Inspire Business Magazine and Community Magazine. Sometimes two heads are better than one. www.communitycommunications.co.uk

Issue Three

my story

Drawing from life Inspire Inspire finds out how cartoonist Robert Duncan got to wherever he is today… Almost the first day I ever went to school, with the black and white miseries of the remains of the war-torn forties hanging around me like a dreary cloak, I realised that my mummy’s theory that I was desperately attractive, fun and just a bit cute was blatantly untrue. My pleasing lisp just seemed to irritate everybody, and my blonde curly hair, savagely combed into a powder-puff mound, only exacerbated the problem. So I was in danger. Answer? Draw my way out of trouble. Anywhere. On the corners of blackboards before the teacher came in, on walls occasionally if I was really trying to impress, or animating stick men to do rude things in books if you flicked through them quickly. My first earth-shattering cartoon, that found its way into the school magazine and turned me into a non-sporty hero (a rare breed) was a picture of a pilot getting out of a fighter plane with Nelson stuck on the pointy bit at the front, saying “Bad fog over London today.” I was 10. That very same year the old King died and I drew a Royal Mail van with a postman saying “They’ll have to change that to Royal Femail now.” My mummy lived off that one for years.

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By the mid-sixties I was deep into London’s display scene, visualising achingly trendy windows, doing bits of advertising when I could, and drawing large cartoons for boutique interiors. At the tender age of twenty two I was doing display work for Mary Quant’s Bazaar shops, and even did a Christmas scheme for Harrods windows. I left all this to become creative director of an emergent advertising agency called Byron Advertising and spent the next 14 years helping to bring that company from two employees to 72. In 1979 I started again, giving back my top of the range BMW, and eschewing my £40,000 a year salary. I opened a creative consultancy, Punchline, designed to sell my cartoons, and the creative thinking and copywriting that went with it, to the advertising world. That worked for a while until I decided I really wanted to work completely by myself. I closed Punchline’s doors and settled down to write a comedy play with six different endings, based on Cluedo. This toured the country to great effect for several years, and still holds the record as the most successful play ever at the Theatre Royal Windsor. A range of greeting cards followed, that kept me out of mischief for years. The Not Particularly Orange range was a worldwide smash and I ended up doing over 3000 images which ended up on cards, T-shirts, mugs, cufflinks, notebooks, mobile phone deckchairs and mini cakes. Today I spend my time either at conferences, where I instantly draw up to 25 wise and witty gags about the subject of the day, or sitting under a camera making speed drawing films. The idea is to draw cartoons live, and then the film is speeded up to fit the soundtrack. Good eh? They have taken off wonderfully, and the BBC has had five so far. Check them out on my website. A lovely distraction was a speed drawing version of Edward Lear’s The Jumblies I made

with my video chum Alan Fenemore, which went on to win IAC Film and Video Institute Diamond and Best Animation Award winner 2013, and the Colorado Film Festival 2013 Best Animation. See it on http://goo.gl/oTvksn No money at all, but we’re really proud of it - and that’s what really matters. Otherwise I’m churning out cartoons every day for people who seem to find me on the internet. I love drawing as much now as I did when I was that little lad with his chapped knees and grey gabardine shorts in the fifties. Trip me up again and I’ll tell matron…

01844 201200 me@robertduncan.biz www.duncancartoons.com

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personal development 25

Raising a toast to

public speaking Inspire business magazine editor David Tooley takes a look at a group offering structured learning at a low price Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking... which is why I’ve been attending meetings of Toastmasters International. Toastmasters is a non-profit organisation, with clubs around the world, that is devoted to helping its members develop their communication and leadership skills. There are branches dotted around Beds, Herts and Bucks, including in Cranfield and a brand new branch in Luton. It helps members by taking them on a structured journey through different types and styles of public speaking. Members must complete communication and leadership learning tracks. Attending a full meeting for the first time I was struck by how encouraging the members are. Vale Speakers, based in Leighton Buzzard, and soon to change its name, has around 20 active members at different stages of their personal development. Meetings are built around speaking in public, with members being given different roles. At every stage encouragement is given by generous applause and thanks. The whole idea is to build confidence and mould people into confident individuals who are capable of speaking to even big crowds on any topic. One of the most intriguing aspects of any Toastmasters meeting is the section called Table Topics. Subjects are chosen at random and members put together short speeches in their heads in seconds. A vital part of Toastmasters is evaluation. Members tell speakers what they think of the speeches and how they can improve.

The analysis is done from a positive point of view. Now I’ve heard some pretty awful speeches in my time, including from senior politicians. Talks and presentations so full of umms and ahhs and y’knows that it irritates and prevents messages being heard. Toastmasters hold regular competitions and

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many of the people I’ve had the pleasure of listening to would put senior leaders to shame. And as far as costs are concerned, it’s no more than attending networking meetings. I look forward to going on my own public speaking journey and raise a toast to Toastmasters.

Issue Three

enterprise

Businesses shine

under government spotlight Cabinet minister’s visit highlights success of three enterprises, a brand new business centre and two winners of Regional Growth Fund

When VIPs pay a visit it is often said that you can smell the new paint. But in the case of The Incuba enterprise centre it is genuine because it is new, writes David Tooley.

Business Secretary Vince Cable paid a visit to The Incuba, in Dunsable, as part of a mini-tour of Bedfordshire which also included a visit to automotive specialist Millbrook Proving Ground, near Bedford, which has won a share of £6 million awarded to East of England projects from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF). Millbrook has been joined by specialist pump maker Hayward Tayler Limited in winning RGF finance. Together the awards are expected to raise £40 million of private investment and create and safeguard up to 700 jobs.

Successful A total of 50 companies and projects across England that applied for RGF funding have been successful in Round 5, following a competitive round. For such a small part of England to win two of those bids is a significant achievement. Millbrook, a world class technology and test centre, is investing in new facilities and to strengthern its relationships with customers, public transport agencies and academic institutions.

RGF funding will ensure that business opportunities are not lost to international competitors. Mr Cable said: “The Regional Growth Fund will help increase our exports, expand our capacity for innovation and drive up the quality and range of our skills base and supply chain.

Support “The awards we’re announcing today like that of Millbrook see every £1 of government funding leveraging in £6 of private capital. They will support sectors from aerospace and automotive to tourism, and the benefits will be felt into the mid 2020s and beyond.” Specialist engineering group Hayward Tyler expects the funding, which potentially could be up to £3.8 million, will be used to expand its existing manufacturing and research and development facilities in Luton, as well as create a global ‘Centre of Excellence’ in Luton for designing mission critical motor and pump technology for the civil nuclear and oil & gas markets. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “This money will help unlock nearly £2 billion of additional private sector investment that will create sustainable and long-term jobs.

Encouraging

(left to right) Lord Hussain (college patron), Ali Hadawi, Vince Cable and Prof James Crabbe, chair of college governors

Spring/Summer 2014

“We’re seeing very encouraging signs that the British economy is on the road to recovery. Home-grown and British-based businesses are leading that charge for a stronger economy. “The Regional Growth Fund gives businesses a helping hand from government to fuel business expansion and create sustainable employment.” Business Minister Michael Fallon added: “We have fine-tuned the fund - improving its governance and getting money into the hands of businesses more quickly - and I’d strongly encourage any firms that can generate significant private sector investment and sustainable jobs to bid for a share of the next round we’re launching this summer.” Round 6 of the Regional Growth Fund, the last round in this Parliament, will open for applications in the summer.

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inspiration

Golden advice for

college students Football chairman promotes self-belief and education to budding entrepreneurs David Gold, joint chairman of West Ham United and owner of Gold Group International, told students at the Milton Keynes College Future Conference, how he rose from abject poverty to become one of the country’s most successful business people. Gold Group is the parent company of famous brands including Ann Summers and Knickerbox. Mr Gold stressed the importance of powerful motivation for success: “Each and every one of you will have a driving force. That’s why you’re here today, because you want to be better than those staying at home. Mine was to escape from abject poverty. What is your driving force?”

Perseverance The recurring themes of the talk were courage, determination and perseverance, as well as the importance of confidence and education. “Let me tell you about how important confidence is in our lives,” Mr Gold said. “I didn’t become confident until I was about forty. What a waste! It is vital for progress in life and in business, especially if you want success. “But how do you gain confidence? Recognising if you are not confident is important, because then you can do something about it. It is a very simple thing, but I urge you to put confidence at the top of your list of skills to develop.” When asked about what he had learned during his business career, Mr Gold responded: “Perseverance, determination to succeed, and courage. “All of you have the ability to be successful, but it depends on how much you want it.” Mr Gold also stressed the need for self-improvement, and the importance of education.

Education “People often say to me ‘do you need an education to be successful?’ Let me tell you, education is the most powerful thing. I wish I was educated. Don’t let me be an example. I am lucky to achieve this success without education, and education is as powerful as confidence.” College Principal, Dr Julie Mills, said, “It was great David could join us at the Futures Conference today. “He was so open, shared so many details about his background and the challenges he faced, and I thought he was really encouraging and affirming for our students, speaking about the importance of their Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

education but also of being confident and determined. Everyone here will have taken a lot away from his talk, and from all the speakers across today.” Students were treated to a range of talks from a number of influential and successful business people including Milton Keynes College alumna and founder of Rapid Sales Solutions, Vicky Beale, and Festus Akin, Managing Director of Ikan Facilities Management. There were also dozens of stands from prospective employers ranging from top national companies like John Lewis through military and emergency services.

Interesting Level two accounting students Robert Baker and Ben Blazey said they were intrigued by the varying routes to achieving their goals which the speakers presented. Robert said, “It’s really interesting hearing the different stories, and how there are so many different paths to success. It just shows it can be done.” Ben added, “The speakers have given us a much better understanding of their backgrounds and how they’ve got to where they are. They have shown how anything is possible as long as we work hard and persevere.”

Issue Three

personal development

The saboteur at the

heart of your business David Tooley discovers that finding out how we think and how that instructs our behaviour is central to releasing economic potential Every one of us has a saboteur as part of our character, preventing us from achieving our full potential. When that is scaled up to include everyone in a business or organisation, or even the whole economy, the destructive power immediately becomes visibly and strikingly immense. But the saboteur isn’t deliberately destructive, because he or she is acting on very powerful instincts. He or she is an Inadvertent Saboteur. That’s the central idea behind Laurence Coen’s company, Glorious Day, a change agency supported and promoted by Milton Keynes College. Laurence’s ambitions are immense. He wants the Inadvertent Saboteur removed from the economy, enabling it to reach its full potential. The Inadvertent Saboteur has a full range of powers, which has been characterised by a cartoon character wearing a fully loaded ammunition belt the existence of which he is totally unaware. The belt holds a range

Pictured: Laurence Coen

Spring/Summer 2014

of powerful weapons, including ego, twofacedness and the primitive instinct to fight, flight or freeze in the face of danger. In modern terms, this reaction has turned into a resistance to change. In organisational terms and in the modern world, that’s a dangerous thing.

Breakthroughs There are those who would reject such thinking as psycho mumbo jumbo. But Laurence’s programme doesn’t attempt to put anyone in the psychiatrist’s chair. The Inadvertent Saboteur method is backed by brain science and has already made some big breakthroughs, worth millions of pounds, with the likes of Vodafone, KPMG and TUI among others. And now, Laurence is bringing his counter-saboteur methodology to businesses of all sizes in Milton Keynes, through the Business Breakthrough programme in collaboration with Milton Keynes College. Laurence uses the Vodafone case study in his introductions to the Inadvertent Saboteur. Laurence, a former Guinness marketing

The Inadvertent Saboteur with his fully loaded ammo belt

director, recognised an inadvertent cultural saboteur holding Vodafone back. The communications giant worships technology – to which it owes its amazing success. But this fixation also causes a behaviour that holds back progress, whereby it’s OK for staff to multi-task on multiple devices during meetings. Since Vodafone staff spend the majority of their day in meetings, the impact on productivity and decision making is substantial. Laurence was given charge of a critical project within the Vodafone UK business, and, to the horror of the employees, forbade the use of devices in meetings. The impact on performance was instantaneous and transformational. So the good news is that the Inadvertent Saboteur is easy to deal with if you know how to recognise and then bypass him/her – which is what Laurence’s method aims to teach you. To learn more, why not attend one of the forthcoming, free, introductory sessions at Milton Keynes College, Silbury Boulevard Campus and join the increasing number of Milton Keynes businesses signing up for the Milton Keynes College/Glorious Day Business Breakthrough programme: Thursday May 22; Tuesday June 24; Wednesday July 16; Thursday September 11. Fore more information, Spencer Garner eMail: spencer@itsagloriousday.co.uk Twitter: @GloriousDay or @InadvrtSaboteur Linked In: Laurence Coen and Spencer Garner www.itsagloriousday.co.uk

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marketing

You never

know who’s

watching...

Being active on social media lead to partnership with iconic brand

Just 18 months after launching, boutique artisan bakery Nila Holden has landed a dream partnership with London based store Fortnum & Mason. Nila Holden is an elegant artisan bakery specialising in vintage and bohemian inspired cookies and gifts. Named after its talented owner and number one baker, Nila Holden is a little British enterprise, based in Luton, boasting an impressive client list including the Japanese Royal Family. Nila described how the deal came about. “Fortnums came across my work on social media and contacted me. I sent in samples which they loved and they put in an order within days. “So if there are any key messages to share with other businesses I suppose it is the power of social media and around the need to have an active and live presence on the key social media platforms – Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest etcetera.” Pictures are vital to Nila’s work. She explained: “My brand is quite visual – everyone loves a good cookie/cake pic so I do make this the cornerstone of my online social media strategy, and I also try to update regularly. You don’t need to have a particularly large following – just one that is engaged with you. “And you never really know who is out there looking at your work and following you – so don’t be disheartened if you don’t feel like you’re getting much back. Just keep at it and in time, good things will happen.” “I’m so thrilled to be working with Fortnum & Mason and it has been so exciting to see my cookies gracing the shelves of one of London’s oldest and most iconic food halls. “I was pleased to design a range of Valentine’s Day cookie gifts for Fortnum & Mason earlier this year and also launched a Mother’s Day range which was available instore.” Following a successful career in the public sector, Nila trained at the internationally renowned Squires School and Peggy Porschen Academy. Nila is also a proud supplier partner to popular gifts platform ‘Not on the High Street’. Developed over the last three years, all her cookie designs are influenced by Nila’s love of all things historic and heritage and, of course, by her travels.

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For more information visit Nila’s website: www.nilaholden.co.uk

Issue Three

charity

Black tie charity ball will be first event at Center

Parcs Woburn Forest County business groups have teamed up for moneyspinning occasion A money-spinning charity ball will be the first event to be held at Bedfordshire’s newest tourist attraction, Center Parcs Woburn Forest, it has been revealed. Membership organisations the Bedfordshire Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the county’s Chamber of Commerce have come together to support the charity ball on September 19. Ian Cording, chairman of Bedfordshire FSB said: “Businesses in the county do a huge amount to support charities and good causes throughout the year so I have no doubt this event will be an absolute sell out. “I must admit, too, that as well as being for good causes I can’t wait to have a nosey around this new venue. I think everyone knows Center Parcs

runs holiday villages but who knows they host conferences and events, too? They soon will! “Center Parcs Woburn Forest is a huge boost to the local economy, through the construction, the new jobs and through the company’s policy of employing local service providers.” Daniel Whittemore, Head of Corporate Sales at Center Parcs Ltd, said: “Bedfordshire’s business community has embraced Center Parcs Woburn Forest with open arms. The county is hugely positive so what better way to start the Center Parcs Conferences & Events presence in Bedfordshire that a big charity ball, to bring everyone together and give something back.” Bedfordshire Chamber Chief Executive Cheryl Smart welcomed the autumn event. She said: “Chamber and FSB members will have an exclusive opportunity to experience the latest tourist attraction in Bedfordshire.

“We are very fortunate to have this chance of launching the facilities of Center Parcs Woburn Forest encouraging growth within the county.”

Glittering

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Spring/Summer 2014

The FSB and Chamber believe the glittering charity ball will be one of Bedfordshire’s – if not the region’s – most glittering and glamorous events of the year, a fabulous networking opportunity and a chance to raise money for a worthy cause. The Chamber’s advice is “get in fast to buy tickets”. The tourist attraction, conveniently located close to the M1 in the middle of the county, has a conferences and events business on the same site as the the well known holiday village, including a centre capable of holding 600 people. Center Parcs Woburn Forest is a member of the Chamber. Businesses in Bedfordshire have volunteered their services to keep running costs as low as possible and maximise the funds raised. The name(s) of the charity beneficiaries have yet to be announced. Tickets for the charity ball on September 19 will cost £550 + VAT for a table of 10 or £60 + VAT for individual tickets. It will be a black tie event, with a three course meal, entertainment and plenty of opportunities to raise funds. For more details and tickets: Contact Paula Devine, Membership Services Manager, Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, by phoning (01582) 522316, Mobile: 07971 986074 or email Paula.Devine@chamber-business.com

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in business 31

Making a BID for business growth

Bedford’s Business Improvement District has won acclaim from local companies, now Luton wants to join in. David Tooley takes a look © Ben Sutherland https://www.flickr.com/photos/bensutherland/

When Bedford was identified as a Portas Pilot town, campaigners got to work, creating a Business Improvement District (BID) to make the town more attractive to visitors. BedfordBID (Business Improvement District) is voted for and funded by town centre businesses to improve the safety, cleanliness and appeal of the town centre, as well as marketing the county town and putting on events. Now moves are afoot to take the concept to Luton. A report compiled for the Luton Town Team by BID consultant’s pfbb (UK) identified that there is a potential for a BID to generate around £400,000 per annum for new ideas and initiatives planned by Luton businesses. Although individually many of the smaller businesses would be contributing no more than around £150 per year, or less than £3 per week, collectively it would all add up to a significant sum of money. Up the A6 the BID project has been welcomed by scores of businesses, posting positive

comments on the Love Bedford website and supporting it with hard cash. Jan and Deb Page, of Arcadia Sweet Shop, wrote: “BedfordBID has been brilliant for the town. It has made it a much safer place and somewhere that customers will want to return to.” Brian Davey, of Millman Jewellers, wrote: “From the outset it has had an innovative forward thinking approach. It gives businesses the opportunity to help themselves and help Bedford as a whole. There are great advantages in working collectively with this pro-active approach.” The Luton Town Team is made up of representatives from business sectors across the town centre,. Mark Broadhead, who chairs the Town Team and is manager of the Mall shopping centre said, “There are more than 135 locations across England which have a BID and the businesses in Luton are missing out by not having one here.” He added that he welcomes anyone to join the Town Team which is steering the development of the plan. Recent research identified that the biggest issue most talked about among businesses from all

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sectors, is the way in which Luton is perceived by people who do not really know the town and do not come to visit. The findings showed that those who do not visit Luton have a worse perception of safety in the town centre than those who do.

Influence Chris Woods, the centre manager of the Galaxy Centre said, “BIDs facilitate greater engagement from local businesses within a designated area. They allow business owners to speak with a unified voice as they strive to improve their town and represent a remarkable opportunity to directly influence the environment in which they do business.” Improvements are made if the majority of ratepayers in a designated area approve them through a vote. In Luton the vote will be in October this year. This enables businesses to have a direct role in deciding what improvements should be made in Luton town centre. After five years, the businesses will re-vote on whether they want the BID to continue and what they want to improve over the next five years. For more information about the Luton BID visit www.lutonbid.org or email info@lutonbid.org

Issue Three

disaster recovery

What would you do if... your business blew up Considering what to do if the worst happens should be at the forefront of company minds. David Tooley investigates I remember the huge Buncefield explosion on the morning of December 11, 2005. My little flat is less than 10 miles from the site of the biggest peacetime bang in Europe and my windows shook. My memories are nothing compared with that of people and businesses around the Maylands area of Hemel Hempstead, where whole factories were literally blown to smithereens. It’s incredible that no-one was killed. On the evening of December 10, 2005, nobody could have anticipated the destruction and the huge pall of smoke and the years of reconstruction that lay ahead. And that is the entire point of what is known in the jargon as “Business Continuity Planning”. Basically it’s thinking what you would do if the worst happened. Loss of power, flooding, ice and snow, right up to terrorist attacks and cyber crime. Shefford man Duncan Stirling helped his company recover from the Buncefield oil storage disaster and his story is featured on the website of the Bedfordshire and Luton Local Resilience Forum www.bllrf.org.uk Duncan Stirling says: “Planning for emergencies only seems expensive until you need it, and then it’s priceless. “When my 10 year old daughter told me the doors had moved on their own on the morning of December 11 2005 we didn’t

Spring/Summer 2014

know what she meant, but then I got a call from my boss and you could hear his voice shaking. “He told me about the Buncefield explosion and to start doing whatever we needed to do to get our business up and running again. What was uncanny was that we’d rehearsed our disaster recovery plan only the week before and even though I’d moaned about it, I was very grateful we had!” At the time Duncan worked for Steria, an IT services company who sold disaster recovery solutions, and were located only three buildings away from the Buncefield plant.

Intensive As part of a team rebuilding the company from the ground up he spent Sunday calling suppliers to get 180 laptops delivered to their makeshift offices; it was the beginning of three weeks of intensive effort as he and his team worked 14 hour days, living off takeaways, to save the business. “One of the worst things was imagining what would have happened if the explosion had happened during normal working hours. It had blown random holes in walls, embedded glass and debris in the chairs where people sat, blown steel shutters through two walls and wrecked new offices we’d just relocated people into. It would have been horrific. “While we were up and running on the Monday, taking orders and dealing with enquiries, it took three weeks for the situation to be stabilised and over a year before we could finally move back into some parts of our buildings.” On the subject of planning he said: “While you can’t plan for everything having some

kind of plan helps you hit the ground running when any kind of emergency affects your company. You might have to start from scratch but having a plan and good relations with your suppliers and customers means that you have an advantage over those who don’t. You need to think about the basics, what’s important to your business, what do you need to survive and to get back on your feet.”

Effect Staff had counselling and support networks were set up in Hemel Hempstead for those affected. He added there was a physical and emotional effect which you don’t notice at the time. “To get back up and running our staff worked long days for weeks and ate takeaways at their desks. People hit an emotional brick wall and need to take a break, fortunately they do this at different times, but you have to plan for your staff having time out from this rollercoaster so they don’t burn out.

Plan He advises businesses, whatever its size, wherever it is, to think about getting a business continuity plan. Events were held throughout the country in March, including a Milton Keynes Business Resilience Forum (MKBRF) event - Counting the Cost. More than 50 businesses turned up to learn more about the hot topic of Cyber Security. Another engaging event for businesses is due to take place in October 2014. Visit www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/business/ business-continuity-and-resilience/businesscontinuity-our-duties

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money 33

Pensions drama was

Budget’s highlight Inspire business magazine editor David Tooley looks at what was in the Chancellor’s red box So who was expecting that? Chancellor George Osborne pulled a huge rabbit out of his red box with his announcements on pensions. Flagged up as the “most fundamental change in the way people access their pension in almost a century”, the Chancellor said that from April 2015 people who put money into their own pension schemes will be able to draw down from from the age of 55. The effective requirement to buy an annuity will be removed, allowing people to choose how they access their defined contribution pension savings. They can take all their pension savings as a lump sum (subject to tax), draw them down over time, or buy an annuity.

Guidance At the same time the government is introducing a new requirement for pension providers to make sure that everyone retiring with a defined contribution pension pot receives free and impartial face-toface guidance on the choices they face. The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) reacted by saying it was “perplexing”. Joanne Segars, pictured, Chief Executive, NAPF, said: “Automatic Enrolment, one of the largest and most successful reforms of workplace pensions ever seen, was introduced to encourage people to make good financial decisions about their retirement, because experience tells us that people are often ill-informed and make poor decisions about financial planning for old age.

Incentive “On the one hand the idea that savers can take their pension as a lump sum, albeit subject to tax, may be an incentive to save. “However, this choice brings with it a significant burden of responsibility for individuals to understand the choices they are making. “We know this is not always the case as people often underestimate how long they will live and overestimate how long their pot will last.” She says there is a “recognised problem with the lack of financial literacy in the UK” and a lack of detail on how the government will ensure people have access to good impartial advice so they make the right decisions about their income for retirement. She added: “We fear these reforms, without careful scrutiny, will leave a large swathe of people vulnerable to poverty in old age.” Chris Hannant, Director General at the Association of Professional Financial Advisers (APFA), said people will need advice. Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

Crucial Chris said: “How to access retirement income is one of the most important financial decisions people take and with the compulsion to buy an annuity removed, having an adviser present to talk them all the options and the risks will be crucial. “While it is right people have access to information on their options, they need more than this. “By offering guidance rather than advice, consumers won’t be able to access financial solutions. “It is important that people get impartial advice and the ability to get a retirement solution.” Whatever look the final scheme takes, the outcome will be one where individuals will have an increased responsibility to make the right decisions in later life.

Issue Three

in the news

In the news Growth fund bid Unlocking An economic growth strategy for the South East Midlands has been submitted to government, with South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) pitching for a share of the £2billion Local Growth Fund. This strategy, known as the Strategic Economic Plan, details how SEMLEP will by 2020 grow the economy by £10.2billion, create an additional 94,700 jobs and build an extra 70,600 homes across its patch in

Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, Cherwell District and Aylesbury Vale District. As part of its Strategic Economic Plan SEMLEP has prioritised over 20 transport and infrastructure projects, including Dunstable’s Woodside Link, the Bedford Western Bypass, London Luton Airport Highway Access and a dual carriageway for the section of the A421 linking Milton Keynes with Junction 13 of the M1. Government is expected to make funding decisions by July 2014.

Accelerated

leadership

A one-day course in Accelerated Leadership Training will be held in Luton on Thursday, May 22 with the intention of provide delegates with relevant skills and give them the opportunity to reflect on their own attributes, identifying areas of development. The course used experiential learning, underpinned by reflective learning, to develop positive change in the those who attend. It is intended for supervisors, managers, team leaders, anyone with leadership responsibilities and potential leaders. The course will be held at Venue Central 2, Britannia Estates, Leagrave Road, Luton. For more information email info@globalisland.co.uk

Spring/Summer 2014

potential A multi-million pound scheme to finally complete Luton’s inner ring road after a wait of nearly 40 years has all but been completed and could lead to the redevelopment of town centre areas like Power Court. The £24 million Luton Town Centre Transport Scheme is a new two-way, singlecarriageway link which runs from the junction of Hucklesby Way and Old Bedford Road as far as a new signal-controlled junction with Church Street and Hitchin Road.

Vital Colin Chick, corporate director for environment and regeneration, said the scheme is a vital part of the major infrastructure improvements being delivered by the council to attract new investment and employment into the borough.

Regeneration He said: “It delivers major benefits for Luton’s retail sector and greatly improves prospects for delivery of major regeneration projects including mixed-use developments at Power Court and High Town Village and extensions to The Mall shopping centre.

Funding “It could also further help release muchneeded funding for the improvement of Luton station.”

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in the news

New M1 junction Shore Work on the Dunstable Northern Bypass A5-M1 Link Road, including the new Junction 11a, has been approved by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin. The work will involve utility companies diverting some key infrastructure, including moving two overhead high powered electricity cables underground, and the

relocation of gas and water pipes and fibre optic broadband cables. Moving the cables and pipes will support the main construction of the A5-M1 link road and, which is due to start by March 2015. Roads Minister Robert Goodwill said: “This improvement is vital for the economy and for motorists travelling between the M1 and A5 in Central Bedfordshire, cutting congestion levels in Dunstable and making journey times quicker.”

£260m health campus If plans are given the green light, work could start on the business areas of the £260 million Watford Health Campus project as early as next year. The Watford Health Campus project, a long-held ambition for the town, will use a 29 hectare site for 375,000sq ft of hospital redevelopment space, retail and business

areas, housing and public open space. Phil Woods of Kier Project Investment, a partner in the Watford Health Campus Partnership LLP, said: “There has been considerable support shown for the Watford Health Campus for many years as stakeholders recognise its benefits for Watford in terms of new jobs, quality homes and better access to green, recreational space.”

thing

Large companies are bringing manufacturing back to the UK from abroad under an increasing trend called ‘reshoring’. The government has announced a £100 million fund to help companies strengthen their domestic supply chains and create or safeguard thousands of jobs. Called the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI), four previous rounds of funding have secured nearly half a billion pounds of public-private investment to 44 projects including more than 180 organisations, directly creating or safeguarding more than 15,000 jobs. The scheme has indirectly created or safeguarded a further 15,000. In the last 3 years, 1 in 6 companies have re-shored production back to the UK with many turning to a UK-based supply chain for parts and components.

Look to

India

Indian firms are now the fifth largest investors in the UK with more than 50 per cent of the capital investment into Europe going to the country. The UK government and the Indian Angel Network (IAN), Asia’s largest angel network of over 250 investors, have joined forces to ease access to finance for start ups and attract foreign capital.

Innovation Saurabh Srivastava, co-founder of IAN, who is leading the initiative said: “The UK is home to some of the best innovation and R&D in the world. IAN, is a rare and possibly the only angel group in the world that has global membership and invests globally, with nimble yet robust, standardised, transparent processes that operate across geographies. To contact the Indian Angel Network email Padmaja Ruparel on padmaja@indianangelnetwork.com

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Issue Three

Spring/Summer 2014

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