0265 inspire issuu july number four

Innovation Bridge Help for your business Page 5

Safe as houses Top advice on security Page 8

1 Purchasing funnel Marketing tips Page 11

Issue four • July/August 2014

It’s our business to inspire your business

MAIN FEATURE

Young inspiration Entrepreneur Georgia’s decision not to go to uni pays off.

Awards feature. Pages 18 & 19

The charity business

Profile of Mary Seacole Housing Association. Page 5

Motor insurance fraud A-Plan’s helpful advice if you’re a victim. Page 6

Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

Welcome to the region’s

newest and best

business magazine Issue One

Page kindly sponsored by

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

Editor: David Tooley inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk

Advertising: Mostaque Koyes mostaque@communitycommunications.co.uk 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.

For copies of the magazine for your reception or to receive a top-up supply, email inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter @INSPIREBizMAG

Giving young people their chance I’m proud to highlight a young person’s story in this edition of Inspire.

Georgia O’Keefe is only 20 but has been identified as one to watch after she picked up the overall county winner’s trophy at the FSB’s awards.

Georgia clearly has enterprise in her DNA, setting up her own social media management business at the age of 18. She decided to create a job for herself and go for it at an early age. I wish I’d had the courage, insight and inspiration to do it for myself at her age.

Georgia’s family values of hard work, seeing her entrepreneurial dad working at all hours on his own venture, played their part in her decision to set up LookC. Now she’s being looked on as an inspiration by her own peer group. It’s a message that needs to get through to other young people if the UK is to continue to be outward looking, innovative and growth-oriented.

In my day and for those before me, work was about getting a job and keeping it for life. Then it became about being flexible.

The next stage is about creating ventures. Encouraging people to be entrepreneurs needs a different kind of education, one where people are taught to think, to be adaptable and to take risks and to learn how to win and lose.

The Young Enterprise (YE) scheme goes some way to doing that and we highlight the enterprise charity elsewhere in the magazine. It’s great to see schemes like YE in action because it’s where the older generation passes on business advice to sixth-formers.

In my humble opinion, we need more of that.

Thank you for reading the magazine and being a part of #TeamInspire. Follow us on Twitter @inspirebizmag or email me inspire@communitycommunication.co.uk

In this issue usiness is personal, B photography advice (p7) Right to request flexible working (p9) and the business case FOR flexible working (p17)

we are listening

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How to advertise in the magazine (p16) Startup Stan cartoon (p22)

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Issue Four

4

feature

Charity business Inspire takes a look at how one good cause is becoming more connected to the commercial community Charities like the Mary Seacole Housing Association are having to become much more business focused at least partly because of cuts to funding across the sector, writes David Tooley.

Management at the Friendly Society, which provides supported accommodation in six premises for young single homeless people aged between 16 and 35, are looking at ways to strengthen the relationships with the local business community.

Matthew Bushnell, Deputy Chief Executive at MSHA, says Luton would be a more harsh, less caring place if the charity, which employs more than 50 people, were not around. “There would be added costs on the NHS, police and the courts if the people we help were left to fend for themselves on the streets,” he said.

MSHA helps 50 of the most vulnerable young people in Luton to gain control of their lives. Many of them have been affected from situation such as family breakdowns, parental eviction and the lack of awareness around lifeskills needed to live independently.

“Luton’s not that big a place,” said Matthew, who has been with the charity for six years. “Everyone knows someone who needs or has needed our help. It could be a family member or someone you know. This is the reality of our society today and if places such as Mary Seacole were not to exist, who would pick up the pieces and guide our youth of today?”

The business arguments for helping Mary Seacole are subtle but powerful none the less. It’s not just about ticking a box marked “corporate social responsibility” and leaving it at that.

Direction “We need businesses to be involved because business people can help give young people a direction in life, to show them there is something more to life, to aspire to,” said Matthew.

Projects involving the charity’s clients are welcomed and community use of MSHA’s training room, in Brantwood Road, is being actively encouraged. MSHA was founded in 1986 by Cllr Desline Stewart MBE, in reaction to the increasing number of homeless young people in Luton. Her work was influenced by the caring model developed by solders during the Crimean War. Mary Seacole is constantly looking for new ways to maintain its high standards, and raise funds to ensure that those most vulnerable access the services they require. Each year the organisation hosts a Charity Ball which is a fund raising event. The ball aims to raise funds for the organisation to use towards the continued support of the service users. They aim to make the evening a spectacular occasion by hosting a “1920’s themed Great Gatsby Ball”.

The Charity Ball will take place on Saturday 1st November 2014 at the Auction House, Crescent Road, Luton.

Tickets available from Training & Events Manager – Elaine Cruise email ecruise.maryseacole@btconnect.com for further details.

July/August 2014

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

growth

5

A bridge to better business Central Bedfordshire Council and the Universities of Cranfield and Bedfordshire have launched an exciting new scheme, partly financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme, to increase business innovation and deliver a more competitive business base for the area.

Called Innovation Bridge, the scheme builds on the council’s existing ‘Business Timebank’ initiative which offers short term consultancy help for businesses from expert advisers.

Jason Longhurst, Director of Regeneration and Business at the council, said: “The scheme gives local businesses a fantastic chance to

New scheme has been launched to increase innovation and strengthen the local economy access expertise at the cutting edge of research, by using the resources we already have in the area. Businesses looking to grow have an easy platform to link up with expert academics and help their businesses innovate.”

Businesses interested in participating in the scheme will have an initial assessment carried out either face to face or over the telephone, to understand what they need to achieve in order to grow their business, and a range of support will then be on offer from the Universities to help the client develop a low carbon business action plan.

Those businesses selected to participate in Innovation Bridge will be offered the support of an adviser to help develop an action plan. To meet their objectives they may be able to access fully subsidised workshops, University research facilities and consultancy support.

Jason went on: “This really is a scheme that is designed with businesses in mind. Not only does

it raise awareness of innovation and technology, it allows businesses the space to really work out how they can benefit. By establishing the current capability of your company, you can take steps – and steps influenced by experts in their field – to implement technological or other improvements and improve your business’ efficiency.”

For more information on the scheme, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/ innovationbridge. The Innovation Bridge project is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs.

For more information visit www.gov.uk/browsw/business/funding-debt/european-regional-development-funding

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Calling all businesses looking for extra expertise...

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Free support for a limited number of businesses is available! /1B7=<A 723<B74732

• would you like to develop a new service or product?

• would you like to be more efficient and save money?

• would you like to talk to experts at the cutting edge of research?

Innovation Bridge offers you a free business review with innovation experts and further help to implement new solutions to grow your business.

For more info, contact the Innovation Bridge team on innovationbridge@beds.ac.uk or 01582 743544.

?J=9L HD9;= LG DAN= 9F< OGJC Find us online

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www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/innovationbridge

Issue Four

6

insurance

Luton slides down the table

and this time it’s a good thing A Plan’s Martin Blower looks at the issue of fraudulent motor claims Back in 2009 Keoghs, published the first ever Motor Fraud Index, essentially a league table of places in the UK where fraudulent motor claimants were most likely to live.

In that first index Luton had the questionable honour of claiming a top 10 position. The town ranked above much larger places like Leeds, North London, North West London, and only a few places better off than Manchester.

In the 2014 report Luton has significantly improved its position from that first Index, and is placed outside (just) of the top 20.

July/August 2014

The impact this kind of move has had on your car insurance premiums is significant, and premiums have reduced significantly over that period.

All in the garden is not however rosy. Whilst Luton has seen its ranking reduce over that period, in the last 12 months it has started to creep back up the fraud table, and that will not be a good thing for motorists in Luton if it continues to move that way and your insurance premiums start creeping back up.

The types of fraud highlighted in the report are the sorts of things you will have read about over the last few years in the national press.

Examples of these incidents are as follows: 1. Contrived incidents: where an accident is staged in order to pursue a claim against an insurer 2. Induced claims: Where somebody deliberately brakes in front of you in order that you collide with their rear, enabling them to pursue a claim against you (usually at low speed, although that does not stop a personal injury claim being pursued), or indicates to turn inducing you to pull out, and then carries on into you.

3. Bogus passengers: An incident occurs where there are no passengers in the vehicle, but claims from multiple passengers are submitted.

4. Exaggerated claims: Where a minor incident is enhanced by further damaging the vehicle involved in order to ‘help’ the validity of an injury or vehicle hire claim.

There are things you can do to prevent becoming a victim of such an incident.

1. Remain vigilant, especially on the approach to a hazard or in a line of traffic: This may seem obvious, but the fraudsters don’t actually want to get hurt, they merely want to be able to claim for being hurt. As such most incidents happen at low speed, when concentration levels often drop. So if approaching a roundabout, traffic lights, or waiting in a queue of traffic, don’t expect the car in front to act rationally, and leave plenty of room. That way a sudden application of their brakes won’t lead to a collision. In one case where the fraudster was caught and jailed, it was because office staff noticed that the same person kept on being hit in the rear at the roundabout outside of their offices and reported their suspicions to the police (he was sentenced to 4 ½ years in jail, having staged over 90 crashes) 2. Take pictures: If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a collision, use your mobile phone (assuming you have one with a camera) to take pictures of the damage to the third party vehicle, and to verify the number of people in the vehicle, this can help keep costs down.

3. Wait for the manoeuvre to take place: Take care not to rely on indicators too much. It is not uncommon for fraudsters to tempt you into pulling out in front of them by indicating and slowing down, only to continue once you have pulled out. Proving they were indicating will be very difficult (and provide little defence anyway), leaving you responsible for the claim.

Motor insurance premiums have been coming down in Luton over the last few years and at A Plan insurance we are keen for that to remain the case, and work hard with insurers to ensure that in Luton our knowledge of the local accident ‘hotspots’ helps keep the fraudsters at bay. By following a few simple steps you can play your part in making that happen.

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

marketing

7

People - Business

is personal!

We all know the old adage, “people buy from people” and that has never been truer than today.

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

With Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and the myriad of other social media, we get to know so much about people without ever actually meeting them.

With so many chances to make a first impression, an image or avatar is very powerful – and important decisions are made based on this online impression, long before a handshake.

Results At AC Photography we photograph a lot of people, and if we had a pound for every utterance of “I hate my photo being taken”, we could buy a new camera every month!

But, we like to think we can get sitters at ease quite quickly and, so we are told regularly, get some great results from ‘unwilling’ volunteers.

Here is what we do to try to ensure we keep getting great results.

1. Get sitters used to the camera; rarely, are the chosen images within the earlier shots, so we have some ‘playtime’ to relax the sitter and let them review what we are taking throughout the shoot. This ‘playtime’ also enables us to learn what is going to work with them.

2. Always start seated, generally on a high stool or table edge, again more comfortable, more relaxed.

3. Clothing – we recommend neutral, unfussy patterns unless that is their true personality. Suited, jacket on and off, tie on and off, hair up and down; and if possible an alternative outfit.

4. Props – we often ask sitters to bring a prop to reflect what they do or who they are, these offer an editorial style image that tells a story.

5. Techniques – we can go bright, soft, and dramatic with lighting.

Add punch with wide angled lenses and unusual angles. Backdrops can be whatever you want, black, white, neutral or even green screen to put you in front of graphics, logos.

6. Perspective – During a session we would take images up close, half, three-quarter, and full bodied to offer maximum choices.

7. Direction – Use of experience to position sitters working within their strengths & weaknesses or personality.

8. Above all, the session should be an enjoyable, relaxed experience!

Serious Portraits are a serious thing, but should be fun to create; they should reflect a person well, represent their company or employer to the highest standard and not make anyone ‘cringe’ when they look at their own avatar.

With social media and company websites, your image is very important, so make it a good image!

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 Four

8

security

Protecting your identity has

never been so important Jon Spellen says safes are now an everyday essential Quite often we meet clients for the first time after there has been an incident such as a burglary – sometimes being first on the scene to secure their homes.

One of the things we have noticed over the years is that whereas it used to be the TV the thieves took, nowadays we see that smaller items such as passports, utility bills

July/August 2014

and driving licenses are being targeted.

And, sometimes these smaller items can go unnoticed for some time.

With a 25% rise in fraud recorded by Action Fraud the new central organisation recording fraud in all Police areas it’s never been more important for to protect your personal identification items - But what can you do?

The best answer to keep your items secure is a safe Safes were previously thought of as something used by banks to store money or something used in your hotel room when on holiday. But nowadays it is an everyday essential.

Available in varying sizes and shapes these can even be installed in a wardrobe in your bedroom – or if you wanted to be really flash behind a picture in your lounge!

Whatever your needs there is a safe for your home and or business and with small safes starting from just £160 professionally installed and insurance rated there’s no excuse.

Why not call us today to discuss your security needs on 01582 519910?

Other tips from Action Fraud include: • Do not give any personal/business information to people calling unless you have verified the call • Destroy and preferably shred receipts with your card details on • Make sure your computer has up-todate anti-virus software • Sign-up to Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code whenever you are given the option • If you receive bills, invoices or receipts for things you haven’t bought, or financial institutions you don’t normally deal with, contacting you about outstanding debts, take action • Be extremely wary of post, phone calls or emails offering your business deals out of the blue Don’t forget 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

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

legal

9

Dear Boss, I want to work flexibly

to spend more time in bed Important changes to the law on the right to request flexible working came in to force on 30th June. Peggy Barnard from Pictons asks, is your business up to speed?

Flexible working is a term used to describe any working arrangement that is outside an employee’s normal pattern of work.

A request for flexible working can include a request to change the days or hours worked, the times of work, or even the place of work (such as a request to work from home).

What has changed?

Prior to 30th June, only employees with children under 17 (or disabled children under 18) and those who were carers had the right to request flexible working.

However, the Children and Families Act 2014 has greatly extended this right and now any employee with 26 weeks’ continuous service can make an application to work flexibly, for any reason.

This is likely to cause an increase in the number of employees making requests and employers should therefore ensure that they are fully up to speed with the new provisions.

However, employers should not panic, as they will gain some flexibility too. The new law dispenses with the previously onerous statutory procedure for consideration of flexible working requests, and instead replaces it with a slightly relaxed duty on employers to deal with requests in a ‘reasonable manner’.

ACAS have published a new code and detailed guidance regarding what this should involve in practice (www.acas.org.uk).

In summary this includes meeting with the employee to discuss the request as soon as possible, considering the request carefully by weighing the benefits against any adverse business impact of implementing the change and informing the employee of the outcome in writing (including details of reasons for refusal if applicable).

Whilst it is no longer a requirement in law, ACAS also suggests that it is good practice to allow the employee to be accompanied at any meeting by a work colleague or trade union representative and also for the employee to be given the opportunity to appeal the outcome.

Key points employers need to be aware of • Any employee with 26 weeks’ continuous service has the right to request flexible working; • An employee can only make one request in any 12 month period (starting from the date on which they make their request); • An employee’s application for flexible working must:a) be in writing; b) be dated; c) state it is an application under the statutory procedure; d) specify the change they are seeking and when they wish this to

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e) explain what effect if any, they think the change would have on

the employer and how any such effect should be dealt with; f) state whether they have made any requests previously.

• The employee must be advised of the decision within 3 months of the request being made (or such longer period as may be agreed).

When can an employer refuse a request?

The legislation does not give employees the right to work flexibly, just the right to make a request to do so. An employer can therefore refuse a request from an employee on any of the following eight grounds:• the burden of additional costs; • detrimental effect on the ability to meet customer demand; • inability to re-organise work amongst existing staff; • inability to recruit additional staff; • detrimental impact on quality; • detrimental impact on performance; • insufficiency of work during the periods the employee proposes to work; or • planned structural changes.

An employer can also refuse a request if the application does not include the requisite information, as set out above. Given the broad nature of these grounds, it is likely to be relatively easy for employers to justify a refusal of requests in most circumstances.

Avoiding discrimination In considering requests, an employer must be careful not to inadvertently discriminate against particular employees because of their protected characteristics, such as age, sex, disability...etc.

For example, a flexible working arrangement for a disabled employee could amount to a reasonable adjustment, and a failure to implement this could therefore be discriminatory.

Consequences of breach Provided the decision to refuse a request is not discriminatory and is for one of the reasons set out above, an Employment Tribunal cannot question the commercial rationale or business reasons behind the employer’s decision.

However, if an employer has not acted in a “reasonable manner” in considering the request, and the employee submits a claim, then an employer could be liable to pay compensation up to a maximum of eight weeks pay (subject to the statutory limit on a week’s pay, which is currently £464).

Compensation for discrimination is uncapped.

Conclusion It remains to be seen exactly how much of an increase there will be in requests for flexible following the changes, but employees with children or employee carers may now be in competition with employees looking for flexibility at work for other reasons, such as to study, to volunteer, or simply to make time for hobbies..etc.

The changes are aimed at re-addressing the work-life balance and employers will need to recognise that accommodating, or at least properly considering, flexible working requests is becoming a common feature of managing a workforce.

If employers do not currently have a flexible working policy in place, now might be the time to consider implementing one. Any existing policies should be reviewed and updated accordingly. Managers should also be trained as to how to deal with requests for flexible working properly, in order to avoid potential litigation.

For further information or advice on flexible working, or any other employment matter, please contact Pictons’ Employment Team on 0845 263 7505

Issue Four

10

finance

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Claim the Employment Stoten Gillam’s John Wright urges action on a new tax incentive for businesses

Allowance

One of the Government’s latest tax incentives for businesses came into effect at the start of the current tax year.

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booming!

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July/August 2014

The Employment Allowance, first unveiled by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the 2013 Budget, is a new relief under which employers have the opportunity to reduce their National Insurance liability by up to £2,000 this tax year.

The Government estimates that up to 1.25 million businesses and charities will benefit from the Employment Allowance and that around 450,000 of them will not have to pay any NI contributions at all.

However, although the Allowance is generally available to employers, it is up to them to ensure that they gain from it.

The way in which the Allowance is claimed is through the PAYE system and it is available as a deduction against each month’s class 1 employers NI contributions until the £2,000 limit is reached. You can claim the Employment Allowance if you are a business or charity (including a Community Sports Club) that pays NI on your employees’ or directors’ earnings.

If you have a company which is part of a group of companies, only one company can claim the allowance. Likewise, you can only claim the £2,000 against one PAYE scheme even if your business runs multiple schemes.

The Employment Allowance can be claimed via your own payroll software or through HM Revenue & Customs’ Basic PAYE Tools for 2014/15.

The expectation is that the Allowance will be available in future tax years and, once made, HM Revenue & Customs will automatically carry forward your claim each tax year. This does mean that at the start of each new tax year you should check your eligibility to claim the relief.

As mentioned, the relief is generally available to most employers.

However, there are particular employers who are excluded from the scheme, for example, if you: • Employ someone for personal household or domestic work, such as a nanny, au pair, chauffeur, gardener, care support worker • Already claim the allowance through a connected company or charity (as mentioned earlier) • Are a public authority, which includes local, district, town and parish councils • Carry out functions either wholly or mainly of a public nature (unless you have charitable status). There are several categories, including: • NHS services • General Practitioner services • Providing a meals on wheels service for a local council • Refuse collection for a local council The detailed rules in this area are quite complex and, if in doubt, you should check that you are eligible under the scheme.

Here at Stoten Gillam, we act for many local small and medium businesses who will gain from the new Allowance. If you need further guidance or assistance, we shall be pleased to hear from you. We can be contacted on 01582 608601 or at john.wright@stotengillam.co.uk.

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

marketing 11

Don’t ignore the purchasing funnel in your marketing Give your customers a little more and get far more back in return, says Robert Willford, of Sure2Door Ltd Why do you advertise? Is the core aim to get more customers to buy your products or services?

There’s nothing wrong with that. A progressive business needs a healthy turnover to fuel future growth.

Sadly for many, this is the only aim and the content of their marketing material is all too often just about making the quick sale.

This overlooks many important stages of the purchasing funnel and can put your customers in a negative mindset.

Businesses, therefore, need to revisit what they’re offering so that they don’t come across as overly aggressive and just interested in getting a signature on the dotted line! At the end of the day, we all want value but also to feel good about what we buy.

Attempting to move a potential customer into purchase mode too soon can be detrimental in terms of keeping them interested in what you have to say.

They need to feel that they are in control and what you have to offer is worth spending their hard-earned money on.

The key questions are: What do people think of you when they interact with your marketing material or advert? Does it make customers feel like they’re getting good value for money? Are you offering just a bit more than the company down the road? Does it convey a business that really understands what they want?

Many big retailers are getting it right by using their advertising to drive potential customers to social media pages and persuading them to sign up to their mailing list to allow future interaction.

It can mean the difference between a mediocre campaign and one that really puts your business on the map. Remember, it’s not always about a quick sale.

Customers have high expectations. Buying from you should be an absolute pleasure, so make sure you keep all your doors open!

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Issue Four

12

community

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Little shop

of heroes

Jon and Liam Downey-Handley are putting something back into their village by planning to open a community kiosk

Two company managing directors have launched a campaign to get their village a desperately needed local shop.

Jon and Liam Downey-Handley, Managing Directors of Berics Accounting and Newton Blossomville residents have started the steps toward easing this problem by setting up a crowd-funding page to finance `The Village Kiosk’.

Jon said: “Having your local shop just a five minute walk away is something most people nowadays take for granted. But what about when it’s a 10 mile round trip just to visit your nearest Tesco Local?”

Living in a village without even its own bus route, this is a journey many of the residents of Newton Blossomville, nestled between Bedford and Northampton, must endure.

When asked why they were so keen to start this project, Jon’s answer was simple: “We ran out of milk! The village is such a great place to live and has a real community spirit, its just such a shame that when you run out of a basic kitchen item you have to make that 30 minute drive to and from Olney just to replace it.

“During the winter months the country roads are icy and with their lack of lighting can be dangerous. The village has such a diverse range of residents, many retired or with young families we just want to do what we can to make life a little easier.

We certainly aren’t in it for the money.

July/August 2014

“We are fully aware this project will never make money, and we don’t want it to. Any profits we do make will be donated directly to our village church.”

The funds they are asking for would go towards purchasing the kiosk and paying for the council trading applications. They would personally be paying for the initial stock order and internal fittings, envisaged to be about £5,000. They say they would run the shop themselves but welcome any local volunteers to help out.

The kiosk they have in mind is a wooden structure that would be in keeping with the village. Should they not reach their target, they would use any raised cash to purchase a smaller structure that they could perhaps use as an interim until they could raise the full amount.

The key products they intend to sell will be fresh milk, eggs, bread, long-life products, (tinned goods, dry foods etc,) daily newspapers,

bottled drinks. As they will be re-stocking on a weekly basis, they could take orders from villagers, if there is something specific they need.

And they believe it could be a real community hub.

Jon said: “In the summer we would have tables and chairs outside, and encourage the locals, particularly the elderly, to pop down for a cup of tea and a chat.

“Being in such a beautiful area, on a sunny weekend we can have as many as 500 cyclists pass through the village each day. This could be an ideal resting point for them to stop and refuel. In the winter we will be fully stocked with wood and coal to keep our fires burning and our houses warm.”

It could also be a central purchase point for all village fundraising, selling the raffle tickets for a summer fete, getting Santa’s gifts ready for the children of the village.

To read more about their project and how you can help or be involved, visit www.villagekiosk.co.uk email shop@villagekiosk.co.uk or call 01234 924290.

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

motors 13

A new lease of life Inspire editor David Tooley reviews his decision to lose his motor owning habits Looking back Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure why it took me so long to be convinced of the benefits of leasing a car instead of buying one outright.

Ownership of a motor isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t an issue for me, it never has been, so essentially renting a car as a point of principle wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever a sticking point.

When your personal policy on cars, like mine, was to buy second hand and run it into the ground, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hardly bothered about getting much back from the resale, apart from scrap value, perhaps!

Buying new always seemed slightly foolhardy because as soon as you take it off the forecourt, it has lost a huge slice of value.

Maybe it is because even though car salesmen can see me coming, buying a car outright, be it second hand or new, is the way it has always been done. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a budget and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their job to sell you something that makes them a reasonable slice.

We all know where we stand, it is the customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job to cough up as much to the car trade as possible, right?

When I first came across Paul Mayhew, the affable Managing Director of Carnoisseur, at a networking meeting in Dunstable about four years ago, he had a roller banner that left a lasting impression. Not because it was coloured bright yellow, in tune with the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s branding, but because of the message.

There was an offer, something like, â&#x20AC;&#x153;lease a new car for as little as ÂŁ99 per monthâ&#x20AC;?. I remember making a mental note to find out more about leasing.

Carnoisseurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s websites are as yellow as the branded shops in Luton/ Dunstable and Milton Keynes and it was my first port of call.

I needed to know more and was impressed that the website seemed clear and open about what a lease is and what extras might be needed.

Gap insurance was new to me and means there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a shortfall in insurance if I write the lease car off in an accident. I checked out the basic information on a range of other websites to double check what Carnoisseur was telling me is true. Happily it is and the testimonials backed that up.

The company is honest about what leasing is and what the costs are so I felt there were no hidden charges that were going to rear up and bite at a later date.

At the start of the contract I needed to make an honest assessment as to how much mileage I would be racking up. I looked back at the MOT record of my last three years and I had never driven more than 10,000 miles in any 12 month period, even when I drove to Scotland to visit old friends.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to get the mileage right and to keep an eye on it because the lease contract is in part based on it. The finance company needs the car back at the end of the contract in a state fit for the number of miles.

Once Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d sorted out that my next car decision would be a lease with Carnoisseur, it was only a matter of time... until my little red Fiat broke down and could not be repaired. When it did in April this year, I popped in to my nearest Carnoisseur shop, in Dunstable, and spoke to them about what would be best for me.

We sorted out a brand new red VW Up that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been very happy with ever since. It suited my budget and the whole process was made very easy.

With the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new website, customers can use exactly the same software as the experts do in the shops, to build their own offer.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now my responsibility to make sure that I hand the car back in as good a state of repair as possible. I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made me a better, more careful, driver who is thinking about every mile.

Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

Screaming if and when â&#x20AC;&#x201C; letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be honest, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when - I crunch the gears is a distinct possibility.

If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t considered leasing either for business or on a personal contract, I recommend having a chat with the team at Carnoisseur. Their customer-friendly approach isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t about selling you a motor at all costs and getting you out of the showroom, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about the best deal. They are independent of manufacturers and if leasing wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t perfect for me, I believe they would have said so. I find that a hugely refreshing approach.

Visit www.carnoisseurleasing.com or phone Luton & Dunstable 01582 690262 or Milton Keynes 01908 617708. Carnoisseur also has high street shops in Northern Ireland, Worthing and Carmarthen.

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Issue Four

14

strategy

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Young Enterprise Inspire was at the county final of YE and here’s a picture special, with images supplied by Dave Wellbelove A team of sixth formers from The Beaconsfield School were named overall company of the year at the Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Final of the Young Enterprise competition.

Their Med-A-Lert products, designed to help paramedics deal with people in medical need, were praised by the judges as having a real potential social impact, with the team showing “passion and commitment”.

They were joined by the runners-up, Revival, from Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School, in Aylesbury, at the Regional Finals of Young Enterprise, at Dorney Lake, on June 17.

The Milton Keynes leg of the competition saw eight teams competing for marks in business categories including trade stands, company reports, best presentation and innovation. Each of the eight teams, from four areas, made four minute presentations at the Berrill Theatre, at The Open University, earlier this year.

Category winners and runners-up: Trade Stand, sponsored by thecentre:mk. Winners, HESH, from Ousedale School, Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes. Runners-up Simply Slate, Aylesbury Vale Grammar School.

Company Report, sponsored by Nampak Plastics. Winners Med-A-Lert, The Beaconsfield School. Runners-up Surge Enterprises, from Misbourne School, in Great Missenden.

Best Presentation, sponsored by CMI. Winner: Muro, from Milton Keynes Academy.

Runners-up SpArkzz, from Sir William Borlase Grammar School, Marlow.

Innovative Product or Service, sponsored by The Open University. Winner: Are We There Yet?, from John Colet School, in Wendover. Runners-up: Med-A-Lert, The Beaconsfield School.

The overall winner award was sponsored by Giles Foods while the runners-up award was supported by Lightsout.

Mary Cloake, the Area Manager of the Young Enterprise charity, presented Ousedale School, Newport Pagnell, with a special award for being a Young Enterprise Centre of Excellence. It was collected by headteacher Sue Carbert.

July/August 2014

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

training 15

Room for growth in Bedfordshire’s economy David Taylor, Estate Manager at Wrest Park Enterprise, outlines key points when looking for commercial premises Many solid and lasting businesses have historically been borne out of recession.

Whether it is diversification of products or services in search of new income streams, redundancy prompting new start ups, upsizing, downsizing or relocation in search of better terms on premises, if you are looking for commercial premises there are some key points to consider: Budget Know your budget and be clear on the running costs of your business versus predicted cash flow, ideally over the first three years as this will provide a clear focus when negotiating a deal. Make sure you factor in all the start up costs including lead time to income generation.

Environment: Proximity to transport network, public transport, potential work force, market place and other suppliers and amenities are all an important factors to consider.

Do you need a secure or public access site? If secure, what are the arrangements, who pays and how is it run – manned patrol, gatehouse, remote CCTV etc as this can have a significant bearing on your budget and insurance costs.

Is the location one of heavy industry, pollution or noise? Knowing your neighbours will help decide if a site is right for you as Mechanics and eco product manufacturers do not mix!

Commercial advantages Check out with agents, government websites and local authorities if your preferred area has any tax advantages, breaks on employer NI contributions, grants and funding available for new or relocating businesses – a little can go a very long way!

Premises How does your business operate, what building size and layout, including facilities, offices, storage, vehicle access or turning space, car parking etc will you need and will any of these be affected by neighbours?

Does your budget cover adaptations or do you need a bespoke solution?

What power supply and communications infrastructure services do you require? Is there mains drainage or septic tank or is there an eco system on site for water treatment, as this may affect your production costs if the waste from your process has to be disposed of in an alternative way.

Getting a deal Firstly, know your strengths – not all commercial landlords are falling over to get deals, many still have a strong hand if their location or product is right. You still need to be an attractive proposition, have a good covenant and remember that you want to build a long term relationship so getting off on the right footing will help if you ever need a favour later!

Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

Secondly, know the market - what are the supply and demand, current rents and offers? Rent free periods, staircase rents and the like are all possible, but do remember that this is often short term and generally, in the longer term the discount will be reclaimed. Will your business support this?

Do you want a break clause giving short term flexibility or would a longer lease, meaning the rent is fixed for a longer period, be a better option?

Terms Read the small print! Do you pay all the legal costs, is VAT payable, are utilities your responsibility, do you pay a maintenance charge and how is it apportioned? What are the rates payable, are there any restrictions on your business process such as access times, vehicle sizes and traffic flows. Is the contract a full repair & insure lease or a license, do you need a schedule of condition. Can you sublet or assign the lease, does the landlord have a right to veto potential changes?

And don’t forget…

Once you take on premises how long will it be before you are fully operational and therefore start to generate revenue? If you need to obtain planning consent ask for an agreement to lease, which means the lease is conditional upon that consent.

Contact David Taylor, Estate Manager, Wrest Park Enterprise, Bedfordshire by telephone 01525 864350 or email info@wrestparkenterprise.co.uk CAP_WPE2013_150x113mmAW_Layout 1 09/12/2013 12:55 Page 1

Fully serviced furnished offices, business units and conference facilities to rent in a beautiful parkland setting, just off the A6 in Central Bedfordshire, accessible to the M1 & A1 in minutes.

• Flexible license easy in / easy out terms • • Ultrafast dedicated broadband • • Wi-Fi & telephony provided • • Manned reception & ample on-site parking • • Meeting & training rooms with interactive AV • • Virtual offices, coffee shop •

Book your viewing today

Call: 01525 863900 info@wrestparkenterprise.co.uk

www.wrestparkenterprise.co.uk

Issue Four

16

advertising

Inspiring offers Scan your business card and we’ll print thousands for just £40 You can get some great offers on business cards, including from Bartham Press the printers of Inspire business magazine!

But we have a great offer for you if you have a business card.

How about you scan a copy of your business card and send it to us at inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk. We will then print thousands of copies on thousands of copies of the magazine.

Not only that, because we distribute to venues across the MK, Luton, Bedford, Aylesbury, Hitchin and Hemel Hempstead area, your business card will be distributed, too.

We also hand out copies of the magazine at business networking events. Each one printed with your business card. Now that’s a great offer.

But wait... there’s more... we’re active on social media, too. Follow us on Twitter @inspirebizmag and see how we promote the magazine and the people and businesses who support us. We call it #TeamInspire We’re also online at http://issuu.com/inspirebizmag where we attract hundreds of readers.

For an offer like that, with printing and active promotion, you’d expect the cost to be sky high. Well, how does £40+VAT sound?

Good eh? Don’t delay, scan your business card and send it to: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk now.

The first to apply, quoting #InspireOffer will get a surprise discount.

-Q :CTGJCO ( jo@thelittlebrandingcompany.co.uk : www.thelittlebrandingcompany.co.uk 7 01582 583575 0 07852 951425 36 Ventnor Gardens, Luton, Bedfordshire LU3 3SN

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Tel: 01234 345534 Mob: 07792 251970 www.atlantic-experience.co.uk

Mob: 07792 251970 www.bedford-business-centre.co.uk

For more information and to join visit www.fsb.org.uk/bedscambsherts July/August 2014

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

flexible working 17

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ZĞĚƵĐĞƐ ĂďƐĞŶƚĞĞŝƐŵ

ŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞƐ ŵŽƚŝǀĂƚŝŽŶ Θ ĐŽŵŵŝƚŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ

,ĞůƉƐ ŽƌŐĂŶŝƐĂƚŝŽŶ ƌĞƐƉŽŶĚ ƚŽ ĐƵƐƚŽŵĞƌ ŶĞĞĚƐ Ύ/>D ĞĐ ϮϬϭϮ

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ Žƌ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚ ǁŝƚŚ ƵƐ ͗ ůƵĐŝŶĚĂΛƚĞŶϮƚǁŽ͘ŽƌŐ ͗ ϬϭϰϲϮ ϲϱϵϵϯϲ ͗ ǁǁǁ͘ƚĞŶϮƚǁŽ͘ŽƌŐ ͗ ΛƚĞŶϮƚǁŽE,ĞƌƚƐ Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

Issue Four

18

Inspiration

Georgia on our minds A 20-year-old entrepreneur has been identified as one to watch after picking up awards from the FSB An inspirational 20-year-old female entrepreneur beat established companies and leaders that she admires to win the overall county title at the Federation of Small Businesses Bedfordshire Business Awards.

Georgia O’Keefe, owner of social media management company Look C, in Shortmead Street, Biggleswade, decided to set up her own business instead of going to university.

“I knew you can’t get a normal job without experience, so I decided to create one for myself,” said Georgia, who was stunned to receive the trophy at the awards event at The Conservatory at Luton Hoo. “My friends have gone to university which has only driven me to work harder on the

July/August 2014

business. I can’t put into words what this means to me; it helps me realise that there is so much more I can do.”

LookC has been developing social media strategies and managing platforms since 2012. The company also has a video production team to boost presence on the second largest search engine, YouTube.

Georgia comes from a family of entrepreneurs and she now speaks to people of her age group to tell her about her journey.

Her dad, Mike O’Keefe, also started in business at the age of 18. He owns Royal Images, which supplies bespoke frames for anniversary cards received from The Queen for special occasions like 100-year birthdays and 70 year wedding anniversaries.

Proud dad Mike said: “I think her growing up in an environment where she could see me working at 1am and speaking to customers at the weekends rubbed off on her.

“Apart from being her dad and giving her advice if she wants it, I work for Georgia part-time, take out the luggage and do the tea-making. It’s her business.”

Georgia was also praised as “encouraging for us all” by Daniel Whittemore, of headline sponsor Center Parcs Conferences & Events.

“It is good for the future that she has won.

She may look up to her peers in business but with this win she has arguably surpassed them.”

As well as the overall county title, Georgia also won two categories; the Young Business Person, sponsored by Silvertoad, and Real-Life Entrepreneur, sponsored by Alltech Signs & Graphics limited. She also finished runner-up in the Best E-Business category, sponsored by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

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

Inspiration

19

Our inspirational printers The work that Inspire’s print company does in the community was recognised at the FSB Bedfordshire Business Awards.

Bartham Group, off Sundon Park Road, Luton, was praised, with the judges saying: “giving something back is very close to this business”.

Bartham’s Mostaque Koyes, winner of the Employee of the Year award, sponsored by Luton company Basepoint, was praised for his own “selfless involvement in the wider community.”

Community Awards Mr Koyes is the creator of the annual Community Awards which have raised many thousands of pounds for charity and was also in the team collecting the Community Business award, sponsored by Center Parcs, on behalf of the Bartham Group.

Mr Koyes said: “The awards night was fantastic and with so many great businesses in Bedfordshire it was amazing to win. It was not expected as our application was made at the last minute after one of our friends recommended that we enter!

“Doing business these days is not just about providing great customer service as that is expected. It is more about giving something back to your community and people who need a helping hand.

“I always look to the long term and work with people to build relationships of trust. I have found that by doing that, business automatically comes back, even if it takes a while.

Mostaque Koyes receiving his Employee of the Year trophy from Fiona McDermott, of Basepoint, Luton

Winners “The whole Bartham Group team thoroughly enjoyed the awards and I am looking forward to seeing many of the winners at the Community Awards later this year.”

The awards, handed out at The Conservatory at Luton Hoo, also saw a raft of other businesses from across Bedfordshire win.

Irena Oliver, of home-based franchise FM Cosmetics, won the Business Person of the Year category, sponsored by George Hay Chartered Accountants. One of the judges said “wow, what an inspiration!” She also took a runner-up spot in the Real Life Entrepreneur category, sponsored by Alltech Signs & Graphics.

Bartham Group receive their Community Business of the Year trophy from Daniel Whittemore of Center Parcs, right

The full list of winners:

Overall County Winner: Georgia O’Keefe, Look C, Biggleswade Best New Business: Office Wings Limited, Bedford.

Young Business Person: Georgia O’Keefe, Look C, Biggleswade.

Business Innovation: Community Life Magazine, Bedford.

Employee of the Year: Mostaque Koyes, Bartham Group, Luton.

Enterprising Business: The Play Doctors, Bourne End, Cranfield.

Real-life Entrepreneur: Georgia O’Keefe, of Look C, Biggleswade.

Community Business: Bartham Group, Luton.

Business Person of the Year: Irena Oliver, FM Cosmetics, Luton.

Training & Development: Osborne Morris & Morgan, Leighton Buzzard.

Best E-Business: Trademaid Limited, Ampthill.

Service Excellence: Community Dental Services CIC, Bedford

Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

Irena Oliver being handed her business person of the year trophy by Phil Blackburn of sponsors George Hay

Issue Four

20

business advice

MK picks up speed Velocity, the regional business growth programme picks up thousands of clients and is launched in new city More than 3,500 companies have accessed a new growth hub for ambitious small and medium sized businesses that will help create jobs, support entrepreneurship and boost the region’s economy.

Called Velocity, the programme involves firms from across Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and beyond engaging directly with business advisers who work on a one-to-one basis with businesses to help them grow.

Some 200 companies are already engaging with the advisers.

The Milton Keynes business community turned out in force in May for the launch of Velocity at the internationally renowned heritage attraction and home of the World War Two Codebreakers, Bletchley Park. More than 100 businesses went along to learn more about how Velocity could help their business flourish.

Business owners were the first to be told that Velocity’s match-funded grants have increased from £5,000 to £10,000 with Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive of Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce, breaking the good news.

Milton Keynes Chamber is delivering Velocity to local businesses.

Paul said: “Velocity is a very exciting initiative and one with which the Chamber is delighted to be involved. The key point to make is that it’s free business support and open to all businesses in Milton Keynes. We have a dedicated local helpline number which is 01908 540637 and businesses can also benefit from one-to-one support from Emmanuelle Clément, a Business Adviser based here in the Chamber.”

Velocity, a business support initiative provided free for companies across the South East

July/August 2014

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 with grants of up to £10,000 available.

Velocity is also providing free help and support via an online portal www.VelocityBusinessSupport. com as well as one-to-one mentoring and support from locally-based Business Advisers.

Emmanuelle Clément is Velocity’s Milton Keynes Business Adviser. She said: “We are hearing all the time from SMEs who need funding that they are being turned down by banks; this is where Velocity can help as we can provide grants of up to £10,000 to businesses who need a cash injection to expand and develop.

Benefit “We are actively looking for business owners in Milton Keynes who would benefit from grant funding, mentoring and support and will work with them on a one-to-one basis to set out realistic and measurable growth plans and help turn these plans into reality.”

Daniel Mouawad, Chief Executive of SEMLEP, which will manage the roll-out of Velocity, said: “This is a significant opportunity for businesses in Milton Keynes.

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 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 Milton Keynes itself.”

Skills and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock said: “Small businesses are the cornerstone upon which our long term economic plan is built. In order for them to thrive they need the support to start up and scale up.

“The launch of Velocity in Milton Keynes is a positive step to providing the right environment for ambitious small businesses to grow and access the help they need.”

Pam Gosal, Milton Keynes Council’s Corporate Head of Economic Development, said: “Velocity will be a fantastic new resource for Milton Keynes, helping to support and boost the work already being done to help businesses take off and flourish here.

“We at Economic Development: Invest Milton Keynes look forward to working closely with them.”

Velocity has been designed to attract over £2 million of private sector investment and to engage with around 15,000 businesses by June 2015.

For more information on Velocity and to make an appointment with a Business Adviser, go to www.VelocityBusinessSupport.com.

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

news 21

Catapulting into the

future

A new government supported centre has opened in Milton Keynes designed to help UK businesses grab a slice of a market that could be worth up to £90billion in the UK by 2025.

The market is in data – said by some to be the new oil – and the centre is the Transport System Catapult’s new Imovation Centre, based in the Pinnacle, in the city centre.

The Imovation Centre, named from a combination of the words intelligent mobility and innovation, will help make journeys more seamless, smart and efficient, or that’s the plan anyway.

Inspire business magazine was the only regional publication to attend the launch of the Imovation Centre in Milton Keynes

Applying business-led research, the aim of Catapults is to help businesses transform great ideas into valuable products and services to compete in the global markets of tomorrow.

The centre was opened by Business Secretary Vince Cable in June. He entered the first ever journey on a new app designed to measure journey experiences. The app was developed by a London company called Commonplace as an example of the sort of business ventures that the Catapult is promoting.

Milton Keynes’s Catapult is one of a number across the country backed by the government designed to push forward innovation in a range of sectors. This one, in the emerging market of Intelligent Mobility, crucially, depends on the public availability of information and is involving the Open University in a project to find that data.

Dr Cable told said: “Britain has a long history of transport innovation; from the shipbuilders who paved the way for globalisation, to the railways, that underpinned the industrial revolution.

“This new innovation centre will ensure the UK is well placed to profit from the increased demand for high-tech transport solutions creating jobs, supporting businesses, and driving economic growth.”

Located in Milton Keynes and spread across an area of 36,000 square feet at the Pinnacle encompasses demonstration and visualisation studios, labs, presentation areas and workspaces.

It offers, so they say a world-class collaboration space for innovators, entrepreneurs, research organisations and businesses using the latest technological developments to improve the transportation of people and goods.

The launch events included a series of festival debates about the future of transport.

Steve Yianni, Chief Executive of the Transport Systems Catapult, said: “Intelligent Mobility harnesses new technologies to create seamless journeys, where transport is smart and connected, and delays and congestions are a thing of the past. The Imovation Centre will take the brightest solutions to the most pressing transport challenges, and help make those ideas a commercial success.”

Following the official opening by Dr Cable, staff at the centre provided a series of demonstrations and simulations of some of the

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projects already being worked on, including the LUTZ Pathfinder programme which will see driverless pods being tested on the pavements of Milton Keynes.

Key players from the transport industry and members of the media were also able to tour the facilities and see examples of the centre’s state-of-the-art modelling and visualisation capabilities.

It is estimated, by the Catapult, that the global market in Intelligent Mobility will be worth around £900bn a year by 2025, and the Imovation Centre aims to help the UK secure at least a 10 percent share of that market.

The Transport Systems Catapult is one of a new network of elite technology and innovation centres established by the Technology Strategy Board as a long-term investment in the UK’s economic capability.

City leaders see it as part of an effort to make Milton Keynes a “smart city” were all kinds of services are intelligently connected, including energy supply.

Issue Four

trade local

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22

Keep Trade Local Businesses across the Thames Valley are backing a campaign to support independent traders Regular campaigns can get a bit stale if nothing new is done or said... but that’s not the case in the Thames Valley where Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) members have been breathing new life into the Keep Trade Local (KTL) campaign.

They’ve launched the Keep Trade Local Challenge where people are encouraged to use

July/August 2014

local businesses for one week with a chance to win £250.

The KTL Challenge week takes place from August 4 to 11.

Buckingham MP and Speaker John Bercow launched the campaign in a very wet and windy Winslow earlier this year.

He went on a tour of Winslow independent businesses, trailed by a crew from the BBC, visiting a florist, a cafe and a pet food shop.

He bought some cat treats for his moggy called Order!

The BBC was interested in the day as not only are they keen on promoting KTL, but they were able to use the day to illustrate latest retail figures showing shops that are on the increase and those that are in decline and how FSB members are making them thrive.

The campaign this year involves the KTL cow, which has been spotted in various places, including Milton Keynes Business Council, as part of the publicity drive.

The social media campaign on twitter uses the hashtag #ktlchallenge and organisers are encouraging people to take photos of their KTL cow visiting local businesses to keep the ball rolling. People are encouraged to sign up to the campaign at www.fsb.org.uk/thamesvalley and register to receive a KTL cow or cotton shopper.

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focus on bedford 23

Creating vitality through

Love Bedford BID brand Inspire takes a look at one of the country’s first Business Improvement Districts to see what difference it is making Bedford was one of the original Business Improvement Districts launched in 2005 by the then Labour government.

Now BIDs are held up as the solution to town centre challenges by the coalition government.

All parties recognise that businesses understand what works best to keep customers coming back.

Run by a Board of volunteer business owners and managers, BedfordBID manages a levy collected from all but the smallest businesses to support the trading environment for all.

The larger businesses pay much more than the smaller and effectively subsidise independents.

BedfordBID has had a successful 2013/14 in which vacancy rates have fallen, more than 60 businesses have opened, ‘churn’ is down – that’s the number of business openings versus closures, and foot flow has consistently outperformed regional and national levels with businesses reporting “outstanding” performance over the Christmas period.

BedfordBID’s mandate is based on the principle that it delivers specified projects which come out of consultations with businesses and are then presented in a ‘business plan’ which levy payers approve through a vote every five years.

Independent from Bedford Borough Council, projects are NOT intended to substitute for the local authority’s statutory obligations.

BedfordBID marketing activity has been held up by successive government leaders as a fantastic example of its success.

Most recently chairman Rae Levene met with Business Minister Brandon Lewis to demonstrate Bedford’s two decades of experience. BedfordBID uses the Love Bedford brand to promote the town centre and all information can be found on www.lovebedford.co.uk BedfordBID employs a full time director, Christina Rowe, who comes from a background in national retail management at Milton Keynes.

She manages the small office team and Bluecap guides who are employed by the BedfordBID. She says: “BedfordBID uses numerous indicators to judge our performance such as dedicated practical support for small and independent businesses, reported crime statistics, Bluecap guide logs, daily footflow counts, monitoring of sales data, sale and redemption of Love Bedford vouchers, number of graffiti reports/removals etc.

Safer streets “Whilst BedfordBID is not responsible for policing in the town, crime in Bedford centre is down and membership of the BedfordBID Exclusion and Retail RadioLink scheme is at its highest with over 240 members.

Talking to business leaders, Christina Rowe at “The scheme’s performance the BID2BID breakfast at The Park Inn Hotel was recognised in 2013 by the Association of Business Crime “The use of town centre Love Bedford gift Partnerships with a distinction in the Safer vouchers continues to rise and is now at an Business Award. BedfordBID lobbied for the unprecedented level with over 270 businesses return of ‘resident’ police officers in the town now redeeming the vouchers; redemption rates centre and works alongside partners in the are around 90% and sales to date are £700k Bedford Borough Community Safety Partnership +. The initiative promotes loyalty to the town Community Tactical Action Group. and helps the local economy grow stronger “A dedicated campaign to benefit the late This is money which has stayed within the local night economy ran in 2013. BedfordBID economy. sponsored the Best Bar None Awards (which “BedfordBIDmarketing includes events, support professionalism in pubs, clubs and promotions, ‘indie’ trails, glossy magazines and bars) aimed at making Bedford an even more sponsorship deals, all aimed at raising the profile welcoming place for visitors, day and night). of the town and promoting a broader role of the It also sponsored the training in BIIAB Level 1 town centre beyond shopping The focus is to Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing and the promote Bedford as a destination for residents on-going Taxi Marshals scheme. and visitors alike. Bedfringe, Open Air Cinema, Business backing the Bedford Film Festival and launch of the John “Practical support has also been given to all Bunyan Community Boat all of which attracted independent businesses securing them £1,000s in extensive coverage in surrounding areas including savings on small business rates relief, utilities and Milton Keynes. café seating licence fees.

“BedfordBID sponsored the annual Christmas “The customer service auditing and training Fireworks display securing a ‘launch’ date invitation enabled businesses to establish their and time to best benefit the town centre and customer satisfaction levels and obtain advice on businesses. In addition BedfordBID provided how to improve. financial support towards the FREE parking this Warm welcome Christmas.

“Bluecap guides, employed by the BID interact “Regional advertising including radio, door to with members of the public, retailers, street door delivered glossy magazines as well as direct traders, businesses, emergency services, council mail, local press, on-site posters, social media officials, special event promoters and participants. and PR continue to play an important part of They also work with street cleansing & highways our communications mix as does the distribution engineers to maintain our zero tolerance against of newsletters and e-shots to businesses in the town centre graffiti.

BedfordBID area.

Marketing mission Offices also “The www.lovebedford.co.uk website has “In March BedfordBID launched a door to door recently been redesigned so that it is now mobile delivered magazine and an exclusive event which device compatible and contains all the latest was held at The Park Inn Hotel aimed at the nonnews and listings of businesses. The Bedford retail, office sector.

Town Guide Love Bedford App by BedfordBID is “If businesses vote “No” to a 3rd term of also going from strength to strength. the BedfordBID then the £450,000 collected “The Directory of Services remains themost in levies each year will be lost to the town – it cannot be not collected in any other way.” popular public page on www.lovebedford.co.uk

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Issue Four

24

hr

Is your disability

being closed-minded?

Discrimination against people with disabilities is rife but a new Employer Academy plans to change all that A new Employer Academy has been launched with the intention of educating businesses about the benefits of recruiting and retaining people with disabilities.

Launched at the Disability Resource Centre (DRC) in Dunstable the Employer Academy will be arranging free seminars on employment issues as well as networking events so employers can learn how they can transform the culture and skills mix of their businesses.

Speaking at the inauguration in June, Disability Resource Centre Chief Executive Mick Dillon said: “Most people with a disability want to work but people still discriminate and we should be more honest about that.

“This isn’t about creating false jobs, it’s about real jobs for real people.

“It’s not about pushing shopping trolleys at the supermarkets; it’s about changing attitudes.”

The DRC is a provider of Employability Programmes for disabled people but is also approaching it from an employer’s point of view and supporting them, too.

Mr Dillon is a highly trained architect and also a wheelchair user, who was dismissed from a job in his youth because he fell over and could not get back up again. He puts his employer’s attitude down at least in part to a lack of knowledge about what could be done.

Initiative “It might be about access or adaptations but these can be covered,” said Mr Dillon.

Peggy Barnard, an employment lawyer with Pictons Solicitors, said the Employer Academy was a “great initiative” and one which the company was delighted to support.

She said: “A large proportion of the population are disabled but people with disabilities are still massively under-represented in the workplace. This is about trying to address the imbalance.

“There is unfortunately still a reluctance amongst employers to employ disabled people and we need to work together to break through the barriers preventing this from happening, including addressing the common lack of knowledge, education and understanding about what employing people with disabilities actually involves in practice.”

The DRC itself employs 60 staff in Northampton and Dunstable, where it has 24,000 sq-ft of space, including a retail arm for aids and adaptations.

The launch meeting was told that sometimes quite simple adaptations can make a huge difference.

A speaker from the DWP said the government could help support employers and disabled people. > The DRC will be holding a free Disability Awareness Workshop from 8.45am10am on August 5. There will be a complimentary breakfast buffet and the opportunity to network.

For more information phone the DRC’s health, learning and work team on 01582 470900 or email hlw@drcbeds.org.uk Visit the website at www.drcbeds.org.uk

July/August 2014

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Page kindly sponsored by

legal 25

www.clarkhowes.com

Is your business

prepared for

auto enrolment?

The clock is ticking on what businesses have to do to comply with pension law, Clark Howes Partner Juliet Gillett gives Inspire the low-down In the biggest change to pensions in 30 years, autoenrolment has been operating in the UK since October 2012. From 1 August 2015 – 1 October 2015, businesses with 30-49 employees will need to begin automatically enrolling staff onto pension schemes as well.

According to a recent survey, four in 10 (44%) of SMEs have not thought about finding a pension scheme compatible with auto-enrolment.

With such monumental compulsory company pension changes, there are key things that you need to be doing in order to be compliant.

• Be aware of your staging date – the date by which you need have enrolled your employees.

• Assess which workers may be involved and which won’t.

• Make sure that you have sufficient budget for these changes.

• Review your employee benefits package and pension offering.

• Find the right pension and provider.

• Communicate in a timely and efficient way with employees.

Your start date, known as a staging date, will depend on the number of employees in your PAYE scheme on 1 April 2012.

You can find out your exact staging date at www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk using your PAYE reference.

The Pensions Regulator website also has a chart that sets out each step and the appropriate time schedule for each step and staging date.

With auto-enrolment, an employee only sees a minimum of 0.8% of their earnings going to their workplace pension. Tax relief adds another 0.2%.

Meanwhile, an employer is obliged to add a contribution that is the equivalent of 1% of the worker’s earnings.

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Despite the cost and resource implications, it’s worth remembering that running a pension scheme can have benefits for small business employers.

These include boosting staff morale and helping to recruit and retain talent.

Your costs as an employer can also be alleviated through corporation tax relief and employee contributions will be eligible for income tax relief.

Clark Howes Partner Juliet Gillett said “The Pensions Regulator recently announced that national retailer Dunhelm Soft Furnishings Ltd had become the first company to be found in breach of auto-enrolment regulations.

The accompanying report said that the company had failed to auto-enrol staff on time for its staging date of 1 April 2013, and consequently failed to pay £143,000 in contributions to the pensions of its employees.”

Failure She continued. “And, whilst Dunhelm cited difficulties in its bespoke payroll system, data quality issues and key staff departures as the main reasons for its failure to comply, they will still have to pay the penalties.

You need to make sure that your business is fully compliant to avoid penalties so early advice, planning and preparation is essential.”

If you are concerned about auto-enrolment or have any further questions, you can get in touch with Juliet via email at julietg@clarkhowes.com or by calling +44 (0)1869 322261.

Issue Four

26

networking

Giving something back Inspire business magazine attended a big event aiming to team businesses up with students One of the biggest business networking events of the year saw representatives of companies from across the Inspire patch find out how they could help young people make a success of their careers.

July/August 2014

Career Academies is a national organisation that aims to link students at schools and colleges with mentors from the local business community who can help them learn about the world of work.

Students who would have never dreamed of speaking in front of large audiences even a few months ago spoke about meeting the leaders of big companies like Sainsbury’s.

Representatives of companies and sole traders heard students explain how the scheme at Luton Sixth Form College had helped them gain confidence.

The college’s Career Academy also heard from mentor John Freer, who works for DHL, explain what his business gets out of being involved.

Benefits for business involvement in Career Academies include the development of coaching, communication and interpersonal skills, talent spotting for future employees and making a real difference to a young person’s career aspirations.

As well as hearing about the Career Academy, businesses also had plenty of time to meet contacts established and new and enjoy a curry meal supplied by Luton’s Community Curry Club.

Potential Career Academy students have the academic potential to get a job, but lack the right networks, role models and aspirations.

The programme gives them regular contact with employers who can help them develop this “right attitude”, teaching them anything from the value of a proper handshake to a wellresearched presentation as well as opening their eyes to the wide range of job opportunities that exist in specific sectors.

Mentor

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my story

27

Bina and the Idi Amin’s brutal rule forced Asians to find new lives in the West, Bina Briggs was among them

Bina Briggs, now a highly respected co-company owner, came to Britain after her family was given three months to leave their home in Uganda following brutal dictator Idi Amin’s rise to power

dictator

Bina, who co-owns Plain Talking HR with Bronwen Philpott, faced the horrors of people in the Asian community “disappearing” and gangs of thugs with guns roaming the capital city Kampala, looking for victims.

“Fifty thousand Africans and Asians were massacred by Amin’s men,” said Bina, who was aged 20 when the former British Army officer seized power in a military coup in January 1971, deposing Milton Obote.

“Some of our neighbours were killed. They used to target businesses, there was continuous pressure on everyone with the horror and atrocities. There was also a dusk-to-dawn curfew when anyone seen outside could have been shot.”

The International Commission of Jurists estimated the death toll of Amin’s rule to be no fewer than 80,000 and more likely around 300,000.

On August 4, 1972, Amin ordered the expulsion of the 60,000 Asians who were not Ugandan citizens, later amended to include all 80,000 Asians and Indians, except for professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and teachers.

The country’s Asians were given three months to leave, and only allowed to take with them one suitcase each and a small amount of cash each. The family homes, cars, everything they possessed had to be left behind.

Nightmares “We didn’t sleep for three months and my sister had nightmares,” said Bina, whose mother and father, being Indian, held British passports. The British Embassy in Kampala organised the evacuation, with 30,000 Indians and Asians heading to the UK. Their 20-mile coach drive to Entebbe Airport was fraught with tension and danger. “The journey seemed like an eternity,” said Bina.

“A soldier boarded the coach and we were searched by men at the airport. We weren’t sure we were leaving even when we were sat on the plane.”

Bina, a Hindu, gains strength and inspiration from the fact that at crucial points in her life she has received help from people, including the British Embassy. “An experience in life like that I think helped make me more resilient and adaptable.”

Standing at Heathrow Airport in October, 1972, wearing her only cardigan, Bina and her family found themselves facing a new life.

“You just have to get on with it,” she says.

She soon found employment at Luton Airport and became the first Indian/Asian person to work at Luton Telephone Exchange later on, in Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

Dunstable Place. She met her husband, Ian Briggs, on a BT company training course.

Bina, who was studying microbiology in India, then developed her HR career in BT, becoming a manager at London Luton Airport.

Striking out She met Bronwen, who was thinking of starting her own company while working at Monarch, and the idea of striking out of the corporate world started to grow and grow.

“I hadn’t thought of that before,” said Bina. “The seed was planted and it grew.”

Then, just over five years ago, when circumstances changed at work, Bina and Bronwen started up Plain Talking HR which is based at Jansel House, in Luton.

“Those five years have been fantastic for us,” said Bina. “I don’t make a point of remembering those days in Uganda but they helped make me the person I am today.”

Contact Bina Briggs, Director at Plain Talking HR Limited, by phoning 01582 488410 or visit the website www.plaintakinghr.com

Issue Four

28

economy

Small but beautiful SMEs in Bedfordshire are leading county’s ‘very impressive’ growth charge A new report has revealed that Bedfordshire’s top 100 businesses are in much better shape than this time last year, showing excellent growth in profitability with earnings up 13 per cent.

And the county’s small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) are performing as strongly as larger corporates.

The Bedfordshire Limited report, compiled by business and financial advisers Grant Thornton, uses the latest company accounts available for the county’s top 100 privately owned businesses, selected on turnover and trading address, to provide an in-depth health-check of Bedfordshire’s business community.

Announced to more than 80 business leaders at a breakfast event at Woburn Abbey Sculpture Gallery, the results paint a much more positive picture than last year’s inaugural report which showed Bedfordshire businesses working through a challenging economic climate.

In comparison, Bedfordshire Limited 2014 shows excellent overall performance and highlights that, unusually, Bedfordshire’s small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) are performing as strongly as larger corporates.

Headline figures • Combined turnover increased by 2.8% to £2.8 billion • Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), a measure of cash generation, increased 13.2% to £191 million

• •

Employment has risen 0.8% Average employee remuneration increased 2.7% to £32,074 Jeremy Read, partner at Grant Thornton leading the report, said: “The Bedfordshire Limited results are extremely impressive and show a strong performance across the board. Double digit growth in earnings of 13% is well above the national average, and from our analysis of neighbouring counties, Bedfordshire is also outperforming in this area at a regional level.

“This strong performance in profitability compared to an increase in turnover of 2.8% shows that local businesses have been incredibly savvy in taking the right steps to safeguard their businesses during the recession and have emerged in great shape.

Although employment hasn’t seen a dramatic increase at this point, employment growth has been steady in the county. However, a 3.5% rise in remuneration costs indicates that availability of labour may be a future issue.”

The Bedfordshire Limited report also includes a breakdown of the financial data by sector and shows Automotive & Motor Retail, Property & Construction and Technology as leading the way in sector growth.

In terms of profitability, Business Support Services, Food, Drink & Leisure, Property & Construction and Technology have all delivered good profitability. Particularly strong are Property & Construction and Technology

Steve White (left) and Jeremy Read (right), both of Grant Thornton, with guest speaker Tom Grundy of Hybrid Air Vehicles, reveal the Bedfordshire Ltd results.

July/August 2014

standing out with 60% and 53% increase in earnings respectively.

Jeremy Read continues: “What is unusual about Bedfordshire is that the 84 SMEs (less than £50 million turnover with no more than 250 employees) in the report have displayed a significant 13% rise in earnings against only a 1% increase in turnover.

“This highlights a strong improvement in productivity within this community and, importantly, has been delivered against a backdrop of increased employment within the SME sector. This demonstrates once again the importance of the SME base as the bedrock of the local economy.

“The key message from this report is that Bedfordshire has moved on significantly in the last 12 months - the results really are very impressive. We’re keen to see what next year will bring for the Bedfordshire economy but feel confident that the strong performance will continue.”

Delegates at the event heard a key note speech from Tom Grundy, operations director at Hybrid Air Vehicles - the world’s leading developer of the next generation of lighter-thanair craft - about the company’s own impressive growth. Hybrid Air Vehicles have featured in the Bedfordshire 100 for two consecutive years and featured second in last year’s ‘Five to note for outstanding turnover growth’.

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collaboration

29

Education and business in new alliance for growth The Institute of Directors and MK College have teamed up to launch a new local hub. Inspire business magazine was there The Institute of Directors (IoD) has chosen Milton Keynes College’s ultra-modern Silbury Campus as the base for its new local hub.

Members from Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes IoD will be able to use a host of facilities at the campus following the launch event.

The region’s 1,000-plus IoD members will be able to take advantage of an impressive range of benefits at Silbury Campus including access to a comprehensive selection of professional training courses at discounted rates.

They will also be able to use the building’s state-of-the-art facilities including meeting and conference rooms, office support services and workshops for new businesses.

Excited Director of Business Engagement at the College, Jane Horridge, said: “Everyone at Milton Keynes College is delighted and really excited to have the opportunity to host the Institute of Directors here at Silbury Campus.

“For such a high powered and important business organisation to choose us is testament to the marvellous facilities and staff

we have here. This will give IoD members a place to work where they can access not just the courses and facilities but our students who are themselves a terrific potential resource.

“The College is all about building partnerships with business and this is precisely the kind of relationship we want and need to help us support the city’s economy. We have a lot to offer companies of all kinds and sizes and this will raise our profile not only in the city but across Buckinghamshire as well.”

A packed launch event was addressed by Dr Ann Limb who chairs the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership.

Dr Limb told the audience she joined the IoD while serving as Principal at MK College and warmly welcomed the new relationship.

Branch Administrator for the IoD, Terri Stubbings, said, “I am so thrilled with the turnout and it’s going to be such a fabulous venue for the members to use. It’s wonderful to have a hub in MK at last; it’s something we really need. It will help us engage with the membership more and join in with College events.”

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IoD branch Vice-Chairman, Peter Parkes added, “Many of us travel to London to the IoD in Pall Mall for networking and I’ve long thought wouldn’t it be great if we had somewhere like that in Milton Keynes? I already knew the College though my own work and it struck me as a perfect fit.

We can help them and they will help our members.”

Prestigious College Principal, Dr Julie Mills said she was delighted to host such a prestigious organisation as the IoD. “This symbolises the way we’re supporting the needs of business, not by telling them what we think they should have but by sharing a location like this and learning from them what they need to grow and become more successful. It’s a terrific opportunity for the College but it also has huge potential to benefit business in Milton Keynes. It just shows that the College is an education institute but it’s an institute for growth as well.”

Issue Four

30

growth

LEPs celebrate success!

The government has decided to support plans to fund vital infrastructure projects across the Inspire patch Thousands of new jobs look set to be created after the government agreed to pour millions of pounds into developments.

The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) has been awarded a Local Growth Deal of £64.4million - £23.5million to pay for a new stretch of the A421 dual carriageway between Bedford and Milton Keynes and £20million for the Woodside Link between Dunstable and the M1.

SEMLEP has also been awarded £2.5million to build a new engineering and construction skills centre in Leighton Linslade, which will train young people and adults to work as technicians.

The A421 project will create an estimated 2,500 new jobs and 2,900 new homes, while the Woodside Link will create 5,800 much needed new jobs and 5,150 new homes and the skills centre will bring with it over 300 new jobs.

Dr Ann Limb, who chairs SEMLEP, said the funding will pay for much needed, local and strategic projects which will drive growth across the area and deliver the necessary infrastructure to enable new homes to be built and new employment sites to be developed.

The announcement means the A421 will be dual carriageway from Junction 13 of the M1 to Fen Farm in Milton Keynes. Itwill enable people to drive between Bedford and Milton Keynes on uninterrupted dual carriageway.

The new 3.3km Woodside Link will connect Houghton Regis and the industrial estates in Dunstable to the planned new M1 junction 11a.

It is hoped that it will reduce traffic congestion in the centre of Dunstable, Houghton Regis and parts of Luton.

The Leighton Linslade Engineering and Construction Skills Centre will meet the skills gap in the engineering and construction industries in Central Bedfordshire, with young people and adults gaining relevant skills for employment.

Excellent news James Jamieson, SEMLEP Director and Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “All these projects are excellent news and will bring huge benefits. The Woodside Link will open up the area north of Houghton Regis for much needed housing and jobs and will also get traffic especially heavy lorries - out of the urban areas of Dunstable, Houghton Regis and Luton.”

Clive Faine, who chairs SEMLEP’s property, development and infrastructure group, added: “The Woodside Link will improve access, ease congestion and deliver new investment and jobs to Central Bedfordshire, Dunstable and Luton and will open up opportunities for new homes and businesses.

“The A421 is a key strategic route between Bedford and Milton Keynes and the M1 so this funding will enable the final dualling of this important strategic road, providing opportunities for new developments for homes and businesses, ease a congestion hotspot and make journeys quicker and easier for commuters, residents and visitors to Milton Keynes.”

There will be a total of seven major strategic projects across the South East Midlands - an area which covers Aylesbury, Banbury, Bedford, Bicester, Corby, Daventry, Kettering, Luton, Milton Keynes, Northampton - have been awarded funding, with an initial £19.9 million confirmed for 2015/16 and a further £23.9 million to be spent by 2021. This is in addition to the £14.7 million for major transport schemes already announced.

July/August 2014

SEMLEP Chair Dr Ann Limb

The announcement confirms that SEMLEP has been awarded the following funding: • £23.5m to complete dualling along a stretch of the A421 which will result in uninterrupted dual carriageway from Milton Keynes to Bedford • £20m for Bedfordshire’s Woodside Link, a new road which will connect Houghton Regis and the industrial estates in Dunstable to the planned new M1 junction 11a • £800,000 to promote sustainable transport choices within Luton and Dunstable through Central Bedfordshire’s Smarter Routes into Employment programme • £6.5m for Northampton College to fund a purpose built campus in Daventry town centre which will focus on vocational facilities and a curriculum that meets the needs of local employers.

• £2.5m to build a new engineering and construction skills centre in Leighton Buzzard, which will train young people and adults to work as technicians.

• £1.5m to develop Bletchley Station and create a high quality station gateway that will connect several recent developments and provide a catalyst for further investment.

The government has also provisionally earmarked £20.6 million for two projects: a link road within SEMLEP’s Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone and improved access to London Luton Airport.

SEMLEP supported a successful bid of around £16 million for the Aylesbury Eastern Link Road and Stocklake Link Road, awarded to Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (BTVLEP).

The total investment from government will unlock an addition £43.1 million of investment from local partners and the private sector.

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skills 31

View to an upskill A college has stepped in to support a vital new teaching base for science, technology and engineering skills

Bedford College says it will be working flat out during the summer to welcome new and existing pupils to Central Bedfordshire University Technical College (UTC) after stepping in to support the venture.

The UTC, in Houghton Regis, is one of a national network of specialist schools set up by the Government to allow 14 year olds to focus on careers requiring the latest skills.

Pupils take a variety of qualifications including GCSE and A Levels in subjects like Maths, IT and Physics.

They are skills very much in demand by engineering companies across the region.

Big name employers are continuing to back the UTC and more are following now Bedford College is involved.

Bedford College Principal and CEO Ian Pryce CBE said: “We have much to do and will be

starting straight away. The Bedford College project team will be working all over the summer to welcome new and existing pupils in September.”

Bedford College has links with thousands of employers – particularly engineering and technology companies.

It is the largest provider of Bedfordshire apprenticeship training and is going to put all those contacts to good use on behalf of the University Technical College.

Mr Pryce added: “We at Bedford College have a history of engineering education excellence, we are committed to technology training and are looking forward to helping the UTC improve as quickly as possible for the benefit of its pupils, “We will be recruiting more 16+ pupils from this September (2014) who will be able to benefit from Bedford College-supported experience on their doorsteps in the South of the county rather than having to travel to our campus in the North.

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“There will be investments of time and money in back-office functions, estates, marketing and most importantly for parents and pupils, in the curriculum and teaching.

Provision “Improvements are already being made in the education provision by the existing team and with the backing of Bedford College the UTC will grow bigger and better.”

The UTC, which currently takes pupils from the age of 14 – 18, has welcomed Bedford College as a new sponsor following an Ofsted report which said it needed support.

The age range could be dropped in 13 to be in keeping with the change over to upper schools which still exist in parts of Bedfordshire.

Consultation Extensive consultation will be conducted to consider widening the curriculum to include wider technology training – as all careers will require higher IT skills in the next decade.

Bedford College is planning a 13+ Bedford Technical Academy in the north of the county.

Issue Three

32

awards

Herts of business Awards nights give businesses a chance to network, let their hair down and perhaps take away a trophy.

Independent van leasing broker Vanarama based in Mark Road, Hemel Hempstead, received the overall county title, sponsored by Pitney Bowes, in addition to one category and two runners up trophies against tough competition from across Hertfordshire in the fifth year of the growing Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) awards.

Best new business, sponsored by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Talent HQ Ltd, in Stevenage, with the runner up KTD Surveying, in Letchworth.

St Albans Business of the Year, sponsored by St Albans City and District Council, won

by Verulam Clinic, runner up Lanwarne Landscapes Ltd. Training and development award sponsored by the University of Hertfordshire, won by Crane & Staples Solicitors, Longcroft House, Fretherne Road, Welwyn Garden City. Runners up were Vanarama, from Hemel Hempstead.

Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Business Buzz, won by Angela Spencer, of Angels at Play, in Ware. The runner up is Nick Evans, of One Life Wealth Planning Ltd, in Hatfield.

Real Life Entrepreneur, sponsored by George Hay & Co, was won by Angela Spencer of Angels at Play, in Ware. The runner up is Tom Shurville, from Distinctly Digital, in Rickmansworth.

Young Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Oaklands College, was won by Sophie Burnett, of PA Business Support, in Harpenden. The runner up is Daniel Moss, of Broomfield Youth, in Hitchin.

Service Excellence, sponsored by Austins Family Funeral Directors, was won by Knight Property Management, in Hertford. Runner up Vanarama, from Hemel Hempstead.

Business Innovation, sponsored by btc, in Stevenage, was won by Training-n-Promo Films, of Watford. Runner up is Actus, in Redbourn.

Broxbourne Business of the Year, sponsored by Broxbourne Borough Council, had a joint winner for the first time in five years of the awards. Ashbourne Insurance and Teens Unite Fighting Cancer, based in High Road, Broxbourne, could not be separated by the judges. The runner up is Cameo Kitchens, in Nazeing.

Community Business of the Year, sponsored by My Mustard, was won by Teens Unite Fighting Cancer, in Broxbourne. Runner up is Broomfield Youth, from Hitchin.

Dacorum Business of the Year, sponsored by Dacorum Borough Council, was won by TSE Productions, from Great Gaddesden, near Hemel Hempstead. The runner up is Golden Giving, from Tring.

Olderpreneur, sponsored by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), was won by Jan Hunter, of Knight Property Management, in Hertford. Runner up is Neil Ben, of Training-npromo Films, in Watford.

East Herts Business of the Year, sponsored by East Herts District Council, was won by Knight Property Management, in Hertford. Runner up is Lance James the Jewellers, also in Hertford.

Employee of the Year, sponsored by uPrint, was won by Paul Richardson, of Ashbourne Insurance. Runner up is Laura Clark, of Osborne Appointments, in Welwyn Garden City.

Stevenage Business of the Year, sponsored by Stevenage Borough Council, was won

by Lawrence Dean Recruitment Group. Runner up is Gladleys Courtyard Brasserie.

Enterprising Business of the Year, sponsored by Growth Vouchers, was won by Vanarama, of Hemel Hempstead. Runner up is Angels at Play, in Ware.

July/August 2014

Can you spot someone you know from the FSB Hertfordshire Business Awards night?

Inspire business magazine was there

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property 33

Firms are fit for purpose Milton Keynes commercial property boss Joe Muscat praises entrepreneurs Fitness businesses are becoming increasingly popular in rented company space in Milton Keynes, says a commercial property landlord in the city.

Two new clients have recently joined rapidly developing health-oriented hubs at the www.

BUCKS-BIZ.co.uk centres at Denbigh Business Park, Bletchley Business Campus and the i-Centre, in Newport Pagnell.

Joe Muscat, chairman and principal of BUCKS-BIZ, said: “Our clients already include great businesses like MK Pole Fitness, PC Physiotherapy, Core Fitness Gym and Cross-Fit Milton Keynes and we have recently welcomed Hotpod Yoga and strength and conditioning training facility WEIGHT ‘N TEARS.

“It’s fascinating to see businesses of all kinds take space at BUCKS-BIZ and it is certainly a great opportunity for us to be as flexible as possible with the kind of space we have available. The needs of a health-oriented business are different to the needs of an IT company and so on but they all need the space to grow and we will bend over backwards to accommodate everyone.”

Hotpod Yoga is a highly successful franchised business with bases around the country. The business holds vinyasa yoga classes in inflatable, heated studios. The Milton Keynes franchise is run by director and yogi Emma Brinsden.

Emma said: “I fell in love with the concept of hot yoga in an inflatable pod with controlled music and lighting. This is the perfect environment to do hot yoga as it totally cuts you off from the outside world, so it’s easier to concentrate and meditate.

Perks “Opening my business in Newport Pagnell is also ideal due to direct access from the M1 and being close to the city.

The free-parking and café at the i-Centre are great perks for my customers too, making it easy for them to visit and keep themselves fit and healthy.”

Strength and conditioning training facility WEIGHT ‘N TEARS, at MK:TWO Business Centre, Barton Road, Bletchley, is owned by Ryan Kruger. The facility specialises in cross-functional training with the use of Kettlebells.

Jay Raj, director of Clock Property, a Milton Keynes based firm of surveyors and commercial property agents, says that enquiries for commercial space since the start of the year have increased with a noticeable rise from leisure and retail operators.

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He said: “The positive swing in economic activity over the past 12 months or so has been mainly attributed to pent-up consumer spending. This now looks set to drive increased demand for commercial property from office and industrial occupiers who now have greater confidence to invest in new infrastructure, staff and premises.”

BUCKS-BIZ rents in excess of 250 units all with dedicated point to point fibre internet. Units are of varying sizes from one person serviced offices to a 10 studio filming complex, workshops, warehouses, trade counters, kitchens, health suites and a host more. Licences start at £240 per month all inclusive of rent, business rates, service charges, building insurance, CCTV cameras, red care intruder alarms to individual units, night patrols and a lot more.

For more information about BUCKS-BIZ visit www.bucks-biz.co.uk For more information on Hotpod Yoga visit www.hotpodyoga.com/popups/milton-keynes For more information on WEIGHT N TEARS visit www.weightntears.com

Issue Four

34

in the news

In the news Broad minded Scam Councils are investing in superfast broadband and other business-friendly services across the Inspire patch.

Recent news includes Bedford Borough Council’s support for £990,000 of match funding to ensure the area receives the full benefit of the government’s Superfast Extension Programme. The Central Superfast project will now see Superfast access expanded to at least 95% of properties by 2017. The borough is involved in the first phase of the project to make superfast broadband available to 90% of homes and businesses by 2016 and broadband speeds of at least 2 Mbps available to all homes and businesses.

The rollout will see fibre broadband made available to more than 35,000 homes and businesses in Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes by spring 2016.

Luton Borough Council’s executive has approved a number of one-off investments, including £180,000 towards superfast broadband in areas of the town where it cannot currently be received, £600,000 in highway repairs and £250,000 to update and market the Council’s vision for Luton, with the twin goals of identifying new inward investment opportunities and stimulating economic growth.

There will also be a £240,000 injection to ensure maximum benefits are being realised from the Council’s Luton Traded Services arm.

letter

The Trading Standards team in Central Bedfordshire has warned businesses to act with caution if they receive a letter regarding the “UK Corporate Portal”.

The letter is part of a mail-shot which has been sent by a German business and claims all companies to provide their VAT Registration Number on various documents and could result in a bill of nearly £2,400.

Advice is to ignore the letter.

More homes White gold

Executive councillors in Central Bedfordshire have endorsed a new draft strategy setting out a vision for what the district should look like in the future and planning for new homes, jobs and infrastructure up to 2031.

They are planning for 31,000 new homes and 27,000 new jobs over a 20 year period from 2011 and the development map identifies key housing, employment and environmental sites as well as highlighting key infrastructure improvements, plans for settlements and areas of Green Belt.

The previous housing target of 28,700 has been revised in response to latest population data, showing trends in births, deaths and migration, and to meet the need for homes in the wider area, specifically Luton.

The additional homes needed to make up the 31,000 total will come from small-scale sites on the edge of existing towns and villages. Meeting the increased housing target would mean increasing the building rate from the current 1,250 new homes a year to 1,550 homes a year.

Jobs will be created building the homes but also through the 139 hectares of new employment land included in the strategy.

July/August 2014

A new £150 mega-dairy on the outskirts of Aylesbury is expected to support the local and regional economy through the payment of £20 million in wages to up to 700 employees.

Arla’s fresh milk processing facility has a a capacity to produce 1.5 million bottles a day and also supports more than 90 apprentices.

The dairy has the potential to process up to one billion litres a year, supplied by around 900 British farmers, the majority of whom are owners of Arla, which is a cooperative.

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in the news

35

Engine house Growth Buckinghamshire County Council leader, Martin Tett, is backing a report which calls for increased central government investment into local transport projects.

The Mind the Gap report sets out a 10-point programme of transport investment across the South East to bring economic benefits, which are badly needed in order to protect and grow the region’s position as a major contributor to the UK economy. Mr Tett said: “The South East continues to be the ‘engine house’ of the UK economy; if it doesn’t prosper then the

taxes are not generated to help fund the Long Term Economic Plan nationally. Road and rail investment in local and regional schemes is essential.

“Over the next four years, we at Buckinghamshire County Council will invest at least £65m into repairing our roads but this is not enough.”

The report highlights three local schemes which would benefit Buckinghamshire, including extension of the high-quality road route from Dunstable to Aylesbury by building a bypass, improving access to the M1 corridor and Milton Keynes for Aylesbury Vale and north Buckinghamshire.

Tourist destination The visitor economy is worth more than £200 million to the Milton Keynes area every year and is a key part of region-wide economy.

To highlight this, Destination Milton Keynes, the official destination management organisation for the city, organised a Visitor Economy Conference on July 18.

Thing-ternet Government-backed blue sky thinking Catapults for the Connected Digital Economy and Future Cities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build a city-wide, open access demonstration network for Machine to Machine (M2M) communications and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Also involved are Milton Keynes Council and the Open University in the project to demonstrate the ability of a city-wide M2M infrastructure to cope with a large number of static and mobile sensors.

The mission for the project is to attract many other innovators to use the infrastructure as a test bed for commercial applications, new products and services that could potentially be adopted by other areas. The technology is being supplied and managed by BT and Neul Ltd. The project leverages existing and recent £8m HEFCE-funded collaborative smart cities project in Milton Keynes (MK:Smart) led by the Open University.

A 10 year Destination Management Plan is being developed for the city, supported

by SEMLEP, The Stables and Experience Bedfordshire.

Visit www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk or email steven@destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk for more details.

fund

Businesses have been invited to bid for a minimum of £1 million from the government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF).

Round 6 of the RGF opened on June 19 and at least £200 million RGF support is being made available. Bidders have until midday on September 30, 2014 to submit their applications.

The £3.2 billion RGF supports projects and programmes that are also raising private sector investment to create economic growth and sustainable employment.

Rounds 1 to 5 of the RGF have supported over 400 projects and programmes across England – allocating £2.9 billion of government support, which is projected to deliver 573,000 jobs and £16 billion of private investment between now and the mid- 2020s.

Brews of the world Brewing is back in Leighton Buzzard after more than 100 years with the opening of the Leighton Buzzard Brewing Company.

It is a micro-brewery realising a long held wish of Leighton Buzzard resident Jon d’Este-Hoare to turn his passion and hobby into a local business.

Located on the Harmill Industrial Estate off Grovebury Road, from August the brewery will produce cask ales for sale to the local pub and club trade, and will open on Saturdays for the public to visit, sample, and buy beer direct in two and four pint take-out containers and 500ml bottles.

Jon d’Este-Hoare said: “Leighton Buzzard is a great town with a real sense of community which is why I have long held a desire to open my own business here.”

Wages of sin

Twenty-five employers who failed to pay their employees the minimum wage were named and shamed in June.

Between them the employers, one of whom is in Herfordshire, owe workers more than £43,000 in arrears and in addition have to pay financial penalties totalling over £21,000.

Business Minister Jenny Willott said: “If employers break the law they need to know that they will face tough consequences.”

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The government has announced the following rates will come into effect on October 1, 2014:

•

a 19p (3%) increase in the adult rate (from £6.31 to £6.50 per hour)

•

a 10p (2%) increase in the rate for 18-20 year olds (from £5.03 to £5.13per hour)

•

a 7p (2%) increase in the rate for 16-17 year olds (from £3.72 to £3.79 per hour)

•

a 5p (2%) increase in the rate for apprentices (from £2.68 to £2.73 per hour)

Issue Four

36

July/August 2014

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