Let’s talk Business - Winter 2015
Issue 11
Let's talk Business Ormskirk Town Centre Strategy Moves Forward
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Edge Hill University’s Entrepreneurial Students
Apprentices Grant Scheme
Finance and Funding Opportunities Economic Regeneration at West Lancashire Borough Council
Let’s talk Business - Winter 2015
Access to Talent and Expertise When you’re focusing on the important day-to-day job of keeping your business running, it can be hard to find the time to concentrate on growth, or to solve issues which are holding you back. Why not tap into Ormskirk’s Edge Hill University which work with a wide range of businesses from SME’s through to national organisations, helping them to:
Inspiration I love business and have had a passion for it from an early age. Inspired by programmes like the Apprentice and Dragons’ Den, I chose business as an option at high school studying it through GCSE, A level and then onto university. At the end of my first year at Edge Hill University, I had the option to take part in the Graduate Enterprise Group and decided this was the pathway for me. The group entails setting up a business and putting yourself forward for a particular role. I was appointed as MD and interviewed fellow students to build my team. We brainstormed some ideas and it was here that we founded our product - Portatech. Portatech is a portable phone charger, compatible with all smart phones with a USB attached.
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Introduce new products and services Improve performance and competitiveness Develop processes and procedures Enhance skills of employees
Read on to find out about entrepreneurial student Emily plus Edge Hill’s Web Factory service.
Q &A
Hi I’m Emily, I’m 21 and from Cardiff, Wales. I’m in my final year studying Business Management with Leisure and Tourism at Edge Hill University.
Challenges
The future
Our business faced many challenges along the way, one of which was dealing with suppliers and getting them to take us seriously. Our age seemed to go against us. We overcame the barrier eventually, only dealing with suppliers that we wanted to work with.
The future after university is looking good, I want to continue to develop Portatech and I’ve also been approached by the Manchester Airport Group to join their project management graduate scheme. I will always keep connections with West Lancashire and Edge Hill University, as this is where it all began.
I’ve had fantastic support from the University, we’ve entered and won many competitions and more recently won an award for the best trade stand at a Women in Business competition held in London, along with £500 prize money to invest back into the company.
For further information on how Edge Hill University can help your business visit: www.edgehill.ac.uk/business
The Web Factory is a social enterprise initiative based within the Department of Computing at the Ormskirk Campus, delivering web-based, other technology and digital media projects for local businesses. Edge Hill is a melting pot of creative industries; where students are learning, experimenting, solving and innovating on a daily basis. The Web Factory harnesses that creative talent and allows external businesses an opportunity to tap into it.
Does your business require a website or are you looking to develop a digital media project? If so, The Web Factory at Edge Hill University can help!
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The Web Factory team can draw on all kinds of expertise to develop websites, web-based systems, mobile applications, software development and other design and development tasks. Contact the Web Factory for further information about their services by visiting: www.webfactory.org.uk or email michael.banford@edgehill.ac.uk
Issue 11
Skills and Workforce The “Let’s talk Apprentices” grant scheme is in full swing! Are you thinking of recruiting an apprentice into your business? If so West Lancashire Borough Council could help with a grant of up to £1,000.
Let’s talk Apprentices
Wes Call out t Lan cash to i busi ness re es!
The Let’s talk Apprentices grant launched on 1 September 2015 and is proving extremely popular with local businesses; the scheme will run through to 2016 and aims to support eligible West Lancashire businesses to recruit West Lancashire individuals aged 16 to 24 into employment through an apprenticeship programme. Clarke and Pulman, Burscough are the first business to receive the grant, Lyndsey Smith, Commercial Manager said “Young people are crucial to our business; we’ve always had great success with previous apprentices remaining with the company long term. We’d like to thank the Council for their support in allowing us to employ more apprentices who are ambitious and bring lots of enthusiasm to the company”. Don’t delay apply today! For further information about the grant visit: www.westlancs.gov.uk/apprenticesgrant
Sign up to the Let’s talk Employment and Skills Charter. West Lancashire Borough Council will work together with your business and provide you with a package of support at no cost to you. In return, all we ask you to contribute is at least ONE DAY a year to support local employment and skills initiatives in West Lancashire. You may be doing this already?
Let’s talk Employment & Skills
For further information on how to get involved please visit: www.westlancs.gov.uk/business
For further information about the Apprentices Grant Scheme or the Employment and Skills Charter contact Tracey Shaw, Business Engagement Officer on 01695 712555.
A message from Frank... Frank McKenna Economic Development Champion for West Lancashire Borough Council These are exciting times for West Lancashire and we have a clear direction for economic development and regeneration in the borough. We are now beginning to capitalise on a number of key projects through the delivery of both the Ormskirk Town Centre Strategy and the wider Economic Development Strategy. Already we are reaping the benefits of the recently completed Moor Street improvements in Ormskirk and a Management Group is now established which will be driving forward further wide-ranging actions. Major up-coming transformational projects such as the regeneration of Skelmersdale town centre, Superport and Liverpool 2; Skelmersdale rail station and transport hub will be addressed through the Economic Development Strategy. Overall, we are committed to sustainable regeneration and growth by supporting our West Lancashire businesses, helping to create opportunities, improving skill levels and retaining quality jobs for local people.
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Let’s talk Business - Winter 2015
Ormskirk Town Centre Strategy % 62.6 moves forward
of Ormskirk’s retail businesses are classed as independent*
The final draft of the Ormskirk Town Centre Strategy was approved by the Council’s Cabinet in September and West Lancashire Borough Council is now moving forward with partners to deliver actions within the strategy. Although Ormskirk is in a relatively healthy position, town centres and retail habits are changing which presents challenges for the future. The Ormskirk Town Centre Strategy has been produced in response to these challenges to help manage the town centre so it can be responsive, adapt to changing needs, build upon its strengths and address some of the issues which it faces. Together with the recently completed improvements to Moor Street, exciting times lie ahead for Ormskirk as the delivery of the Strategy aims to add fresh impetus as we look to the future. 4
A new Town Centre Management Group has been set up to include representatives from partner organisations including: • West Lancashire Borough Council • Business In The Community • Love Ormskirk • Ormskirk Community Partnership • Edge Hill University • Edge Hill Students Union Moving forward the Management Group will utilise expertise of the different partners to help deliver: • Coordinated, evidence based marketing for Ormskirk town centre • A calendar of events to encourage more visitors into Ormskirk • Greater use of new technologies to widen Ormskirk’s appeal • Improving the outdoor market • New lighting in the town centre • Review of car parking in the town centre • Environmental improvements to the physical appearance of the town centre • Utilising the benefits of having Edge Hill in close proximity
The group will work together to promote Ormskirk as a visitor destination, helping to support the local economy and encourage footfall into the town centre. A number of events are already planned over the Christmas period including arts, crafts and vintage markets as well as a new Fairy Tale of Ormskirk festival installing bespoke animations and banners within the town centre as well as additional food and drink stalls to help make the twice weekly market more appealing. Visit: www.westlancs.gov.uk/events for further details about Ormskirk Town Centre events.
Issue 11
Ormskirk has joint lowest amount of empty shop units in the North West*
4.5%
Shaw’s Boutique, Ormskirk
44a Burscough Street Who are you? I’m Niki, owner of Shaw’s Boutique based on Burscough Street in Ormskirk which sells an eclectic blend of ladies wear, accessories, home ware and gifts.
What prompted you to start your business? From a young age I was creative and had a strong interest in textiles and jewellery. I’ve always loved working with people and when my work situation changed and my children became responsible adults (allegedly!), I thought it was time to refocus and do what I always wanted to do – open a boutique of beautiful items, showcasing the things I have carefully chosen to offer something different.
Why did you choose Ormskirk town centre? I live locally so I know Ormskirk well and often shopped here. The town has excellent transport links so it’s easy for customers to reach us and with the Thursday and Saturday market days, it makes Ormskirk a lovely place to visit. The shop has lots of original features which work well with the styling of the boutique, offering curiosity and character.
95.5%
of Ormskirk retail units are occupied
Q &A www.shawsboutique.com Have you accessed any support from other local networks? Edge Hill Student Services have been really supportive in promoting Shaw’s Boutique via their social media networks and I’ve worked collaboratively with them on events and at Fresher’s Fair. I’ve joined their national ‘Student Union Discount Scheme’ and made links with ‘Essential Ormskirk’ to offer discounts and privileges to card holders.
Have you any hints and tips for other independent shops looking to set up in Ormskirk Town Centre? The first year is about getting to know your customer, being friendly and open to ideas. Do your research, keep listening and always welcome customers back. I am constantly on the lookout for new ideas, products and designs both British designers and European brands so there is always something new in store. I didn’t realise the impact social media can have and I’ve had to get to like technology, as well as the face to face side of the business.
What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them? Reaching our first year milestone was a huge achievement for us and has been a challenge in many ways. Coming into a new industry meant I had to learn quickly about retail and I made mistakes. I was quite naïve in the buying process, working with suppliers and was at times let down or wrongly advised. I’ve listened to what the customer wants and tailored new collections with their thoughts in mind. Being small and independent gives flexibility to implement new ideas and try out new brands. I have also offered ‘pop up boutiques’ to reach the customer in a different way.
* Data from Springboard Oct 2015
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Let’s talk Business - Winter 2015
Growth and Funding Finding the right finance and funding to grow can be crucial to the success of your business. The following grant and loan programmes are currently available for Lancashire businesses which are planning ambitious projects to grow:
Grants Lancashire Business Growth Fund
Loans Rosebud Micro With Rosebud Micro finance, companies could secure loans of between £10,000 and £49,000 to support their plans for growth. As well as funding your growth ideas, Rosebud Micro also includes complimentary support and advice that’s tailored to your needs. You’ll get support from locally-based sector specialist advisors to help fuel your growth. This includes handson support, including half-yearly meetings with sector specialists.
Lancashire Business Growth Fund is a competitive business grant supported by the Regional Growth Fund and delivered in partnership with the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Regenerate Pennine Lancashire and North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. It provides capital investment to business projects in Lancashire that will stimulate company growth and create jobs. Eligible projects include machinery acquisition, property improvement, building expansions and infrastructure improvement. Grants from £10,000 to a maximum of £1,000,000 are available for small to medium enterprises dependent upon total project cost and job creation and contribute up to 20% of the total project cost.
Rural Development Fund 2015-2020 – support for the rural economy Rural Development Programme for England funding will soon be available to businesses across the rural areas of Lancashire. The fund provides money for projects to improve agriculture, the environment and rural life which create and sustain local employment.
For further information on any of the above funding programmes, please visit: www.westlancs.gov.uk/business or contact the Economic Regeneration team today. Email: info.edu@westlancs.gov.uk or call 01695 712692. 6
Things to know
about
ROSEBUD MICR O Rosebud Micro
loans are offered
above the Royal
at
4%
Bank of Scotland
with a one-off 2.5% Loans are typically
base rate
admin fee
taken out for
three to five yea
AND THERE’S N
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O PENALTY
FOR EARLY REP AYMENT
Issue 11
Locate in West Lancashire Locate your new business premises in one easy search. If you’re looking for new business premises, development land or want to relocate into West Lancashire you can do a quick search on: www.westlancs.gov.uk/locate The website includes: • Office space • Industrial units • Warehouse and storage premises • Retail units • Premises for leisure & tourism businesses • Development land for sale As well as searching for property, you can set up email alerts to inform you when suitable land or property becomes available.
ATTENTION AGENTS! Are you a commercial agent with land or property to let or for sale in West Lancashire? Our Locate in West Lancashire service is free of charge. Simply send the details of your properties or land to: info.edu@westlancs.gov.uk and we will add them to the database
Property of the month
Featured agent: Brighouse Wolff, Ormskirk Brighouse Wolff Estate Agents, Surveyors and Solicitors are a well-established practice in West Lancashire with offices in Ormskirk and Skelmersdale, providing professional services on all aspects of legal and property matters. The estate agency practice has a prime position in Ormskirk town centre and is well placed to offer guidance and expert local knowledge in respect of commercial sales and lettings, house sales and management of residential and commercial property. Chris Frost at Brighouse Wolff says
Our commercial property team at Brighouse Wolff have acquired a reputation for providing a high quality service in a costeffective manner. We advertise our commercial properties through West Lancashire Borough Council’s Locate in West Lancashire facility www.westlancs.gov.uk/locate which allows us to market our properties to a wider audience free of charge.
27 Burscough Street, Ormskirk
Occupying a pedestrianised location, this excellent ground floor shop unit is located in a prime position in Ormskirk town centre. Description: Total ground floor area extends to 916 sq ft, in addition to a basement area extending to 648 sq ft. Rent: £26,000 per annum Lease term: Ten year lease with a five year rent review, consideration will be given to three, six or nine years with a three year rent review pattern. Services: The property is connected to water and electricity and is individually metered. To find out more or to arrange a viewing contact Chris Frost on 01695 580801 or email c.frost@brighouse-wolff.co.uk For a full brochure visit www.brighouse-wolff.co.uk
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Let’s talk Business - Winter 2015
Useful business contacts Economic Regeneration Team
Dates for your diary A series of inspirational master classes at Lancaster University Management School will see some of the UK’s top businesses give insights into the stories behind the success of their companies. The series is open to all business growth owners and managers across the North West. Edwin Booth, Booths Supermarkets Many hands make light work – but too many cooks spoil the broth! Date: 9th December 2015 Venue: Lancaster University Management School Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Mark Addlestone, Beaverbrooks What has spirituality got to do with business? Date: 13th January 2015 Venue: Lancaster University Management School Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm
John Timpson CBE, Timpson Upside Down Management Date: 24th February 2015 Venue: Lancaster University Management School Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Places on the master-classes are strictly limited and must be booked in advance. To book your place contact Eve Tinker at Lancaster University on 01524 510703.
West Lancashire Borough Council is hosting its Apprenticeship Awards to recognise and reward West Lancashire’s top apprentices and supporting businesses. To nominate your apprentice or your business complete an online application form at: www.westlancs.gov.uk/ apprenticeshipawards (deadline for applications 12th February 2016).
Let’s talk Apprenticeship Awards 2016 Date: 10th March 2016 Venue: West Tower, Aughton Time: 8.00am – 10.30am Cost: FREE
Tracey Shaw Business Engagement Officer Anoek Petit Business Development Officer Kathryn Mulhearn Senior Economic Regeneration Officer Lisa Ratican Economic Regeneration Officer Dominic Carr Senior Planning Officer (Regeneration) Portia Taylor-Black Economic Regeneration Support Officer For Business Support www.westlancs.gov.uk/business info.edu@westlancs.gov.uk 01695 712692
Council Services Council services can be accessed online at: www.westlancs.gov.uk or by calling: 01695 577177 Business Rates www.westlancs.gov.uk/rates Planning and building control www.westlancs.gov.uk/planning Estates and property www.westlancs.gov.uk/business/ business-location-links Licensing www.westlancs.gov.uk/licensing
Let’s talk Apprentices
Congratulations Not one, but THREE West Lancashire businesses are celebrating success after winning prestigious awards at the recent Be Inspired Business Awards (BIBAs) 2015! Power Efficient Systems (Energy Ace Solutions), Skelmersdale Winner of Small Business of the Year Phil Lawson, Virtue Technologies, Skelmersdale Winner of Entrepreneur of the Year Direct 365, Skelmersdale Winner of Best Use of Information Technology
Has your business recently won an award? If so, send your details through to: info.edu@westlancs.gov.uk to be featured in future editions of this newsletter. 8
Paula Huber Economic Regeneration Manager
Refuse and recycling – trade waste collections www.westlancs.gov.uk/refuse-recycling/ trade-waste-collections.aspx If you have any news you would like us to include, or to find out about advertising opportunities in future editions, please email: lisa.ratican@westlancs.gov.uk Please note that not all contributions can be used and information may be edited to fit.
Do you have a business in West Lancashire? If so, register your contact details on West Lancashire Borough Council’s business database and be the first to hear information about: Networking and events; finance and funding; business advice; skills and employment guidance; land and property, plus much more. To sign up visit: www.westlancs.gov.uk/business and simply complete the business database online form.