17 minute read
BUSINESS HOUR AT UCLAN
Our editor, Helen Sanderson, kicked off this years Business Hours’ with a visit to The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) who were the top university in the north of England for producing start-up businesses in 2021
Through the Propeller Student Enterprise Service, UCLan has given formal business and enterprise support to 851 new businesses, including sole traders, in the last six years. These companies have been created by students and recent graduates, who have received expert help within two years of finishing their academic studies.
The success means UCLan is placed fifth overall in Tides recently published list of UK higher education providers.
Professor Graham Baldwin, UCLan Vice-Chancellor, explained: “To be ranked number one in the whole of the north of England for the number of student startup businesses we’ve helped is absolutely fantastic news.
“Some of the most innovative and bold ideas come out of universities and these are the places where the entrepreneurs of tomorrow can hone their business acumen. I’m delighted our wide range of business support has helped so many business startups flourish.
“Our commitment to establishing ourselves as a national leader in enterprise is embedded in our strategic priorities and this news means we know what we’re doing is working well and we can continue to build on that.”
UCLan has a dedicated team working with students to help set up their own businesses, as well as offering support throughout the first three years of trading. Propeller Student Enterprise Service offers skills workshops, online resources, oneto-one support from business mentors, and interaction with a community of local businesses who work from the Propeller Hub, based in UCLan’s Media Factory.
Professor Sue Smith, Director of UCLan’s Centre for SME Development, commented: “We pride ourselves on offering so many business opportunities to our students, staff, graduates, and members of our Centre for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.
“We work closely with sole traders, limited companies, co-operatives, social enterprises, freelancers, community interest groups, charities, not-for-profits and more to ensure they have the key skills to not only start a business but to continue trading.
“To know we’ve helped so many make that big leap to becoming their own boss is amazing and I know we’re looking forward to working with many more in the future.”
UCLan also made the list for the number of graduates who have secured patents, meaning their intellectual property is protected. The University was ranked 34th with 63 graduates filing patents by, or on behalf of, UCLan in the UK and overseas.
As we move in 2022 UCLan has launched the first Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) scheme. Seven business leaders have been chosen to become the first EIR at UCLan.
The successful businesspeople will bring real-world expertise and entrepreneurial practice to students, academics and the small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) who get support from UCLan’s Lancashire School of Business and Enterprise (LSBE).
The chosen seven are: Pam Steed, Managing Director of Monarch Personnel Group Ltd; Andy Gullick, Chief Executive of RIFT Social Enterprise; Glen Higson, Founder and Managing Director of Business Insight 3 Ltd; Michelle Bondesio, Business Coach, Consultant, Writer and Podcaster at Growth Sessions/Bondesio C&C; Rupert Gatty, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CoolKit Limited; Russell Hogarth, who ran his own companies for 25 years before retiring, and Joanne Boyd, Managing Director of CJX Business Services.
Joanne, who already works with UCLan’s Digitalplus to provide impartial advice and support to Lancashire SMEs, said: “As a business owner of an SME in Lancashire I am both delighted and honoured to be to be invited by UCLan to become a member of their new Entrepreneurs in Residence network.”
Each EIR will choose what support they will offer, but options will include mentoring students, guest lecturing, hosting student placements, sitting on advisory panels,
contributing to curriculum reviews, and supporting academic research. They will also be able to take part at ‘Ask the expert’ sessions and career and employer events.
Rupert, whose multi-award-winning company is the UK’s largest manufacturer of refrigerated vans, commented: “It is a great honour to be nominated to join the Entrepreneurs in Residence at UCLan’s Lancashire School of Business and Enterprise. The Business School has a great reputation for student start-ups, and I look forward to working with the next generation of business owners.
“I received great support from universities when growing my business CoolKit and so I am here to help the next generation as much as I can to unlock their true potential. I’m looking forward to supporting students with their own journeys and I can’t wait to hear their great ideas as part of the wider support that makes them a reality.”
The group was selected by a panel after nominations were submitted by LSBE staff. The EIR network will be coordinated by
the award-winning UCLan Centre for SME Development, a free network for the region’s SMEs.
Professor Sue Smith, Chair of UCLan’s Centre for SME Development, commented: “This helps us to continue to strengthen our links with SMEs, drawing on the expertise of our Entrepreneurs in Residence for the benefit of the University and the region.”
Professor Chris Pyke, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business and Justice, added: “This provides a great opportunity for our staff, students and graduates to receive even more enterprising support from the Lancashire School of Business and Enterprise.” n
Pam Steed Andy Gullick Glen Higson Michelle Bondesio
Rupert Gatty
Russell Hogarth Joanne Boyd
MATTERS BUSINESS
Business continues to boom across Preston and Fylde
If you have any business news to share then get in touch with the editor at: helen.sanderson@live-magazines.co.uk
LOCAL ARCHITECT BRINGS HOME TOP DESIGN AWARD
Firth Architects, based in Lytham St Anne’s have won the award for the Best Residential Build at the Northern Design Awards 2021. The prestigious award was received in recognition of the outstanding architectural design of the residential property Otter Bank, which is on the shores of Lake Windermere. Joel Firth humbled to receive the national recognition for his company’s work said: “I am delighted that Otter Bank has won the Northern Design Award. It was a truly fantastic project to deliver. They were exceptional clients who’s ambitions I hope we met and who’s patience and attention to detail I believe has made this property stand out.” This award joins the growing accolades and recognition that Firth Architects are getting for their work.
HAND PRINTED IN PRESTON AND WORN WORLDWIDE
Stranded in the UK after the pandemic hit in March 2020, and unable to return to his job in Australia, Jonathan Simpson from Penwortham set up his own clothing label. Inspired by his love of travel and traditional tattoos, That Life Clothing was born. Jonathan combined his experience of working in screen printing and digital marketing to launch the brand, which sells in Preston and worldwide, as well as helping to raise money for Derian House. Every month a selection of products are donate to the Derian House Children’s Hospice Shop in Preston city centre, you can get those products there for half price. Online they can be found at thatlifeclothing.co.uk. VETS TO OPEN IN FULWOOD
Oakhill Veterinary has announced it is opening a new branch in Fulwood this year. Set to open in summer 2022, the new branch surgery will be on Lytham Road, on the site of the previous Lytham Road Doctors’ Surgery close to the crossroads with Garstang Road and Watling Street Road in Fulwood. Once the renovations are complete, Oakhill will be opening the spacious, modern practice with off-street parking and separate dog and cat waiting areas.
TAP&GO COMES TO PRESTON
Tap&Go is being introduced to Preston buses to make using public transport more efficient. The new system will make paying for a bus fare quicker and easier for everyone. People using the bus will simply have to tap on with their contactless card at the start of their journey, and then tap off when they reach their destination. There will be no need to say where they are going, which means people are free to get off the bus at any point and only be charged for the distance they have travelled. Any journeys made will be charged to the bank card at the end of the day and the cost is capped at the cost of a Preston Bus Day Ticket. Children’s tickets will still need to be purchased from the driver, or on the Preston bus app.
APPRENTICESHIP ROLES IN PRESTON
BAE Systems is set to hire over 300 apprentices and graduates in the Preston area in 2022. The creation of the graduate and undergraduate roles in Warton, Samlesbury and Preston is part of the largest UK-wide intake of early careers roles the company has offered in a single year. Representing a 25 per cent increase on this year’s early careers intake, the recruitment comes as Ofsted has once again rated the company’s 50-plus apprenticeship programmes as ‘outstanding’. Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive, BAE Systems, said: “Creating high quality employment opportunities for young people across the country ensures we retain the critical capabilities we need to sustain our business for the long-term, while also helping to drive growth across the UK’s regional economies. Early careers employees are the foundation of our future and the diversity of skills and experience they bring enables us to continue to innovate and deliver the very best technology and support to our armed forces.”
A PERFECT TIME TO PLAN
FOR THE FUTURE…
Raymond James Investment Services’ Branch Principal, Wayne Hayhurst, talks about the importance of people taking stock of their financial objectives and life goals – and what better time to do it than as part of a New Year’s resolution
In the heart of Longridge, situated in the old NatWest bank building on the high street, Raymond James Investment Services offers a range of services and capabilities normally only found in big cities. Below are some ideas on what could be included in your 2022 financial plans, as well as how the Raymond James Ribble Valley branch could assist.
Make sure you’re on track to meet your financial goals
People often don’t know if they’re on track to meet their most important financial goals. In fact when asked, the answer to this question is typically ‘no’, or ‘I don’t know’. Financial goals are specific to each person and could be anything from making sure you are on track to fund a three-decade retirement without financial worry, planning an exit from your business, funding a child’s education, or perhaps making sure your estate will end up with the people you want it to, for the reasons you choose.
To get your financial affairs under control
It is often the case that individuals amass a variety of pensions, investments and policies over their lifetime. This can result in a bombardment of confusing statements and updates, leaving people feeling overwhelmed and not in control of their finances. At Raymond James, we can advise on all types of pensions, plans and policies, as well as help simplify and consolidate all these accumulated assets. Why not have 2022 as the year to get all the miscellaneous plans and policies reviewed, refreshed, simplified and back under control.
Review your pensions and retirement plans
Pensions are often people’s second most valuable asset after their home, but are frequently neglected. It is important that they are serviced and looked after accordingly, just like you would a car. For instance, such a considerable asset being invested largely out of line with your risk tolerance or an inappropriate asset allocation, could have a detrimental impact on your retirement plans.
How much will your pension provide in retirement? How much should you be saving? How many years will your pension last at your desired standard of living before running out? We can help you answer these questions and devise a smart plan to ensure you achieve your retirement income goals.
Educate yourself financially
Many people do not feel like they have a good understanding of the stock market or personal finance. A good way to increase your knowledge is to listen to a financial podcast or read a personal finance book. The book I would recommend everyone to listen to or read is Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.
Rebalance your investment portfolio
2020 was a year of extreme swings for virtually all asset classes. It is imperative you make sure your portfolio is well balanced and well positioned for whatever happens next, especially in the continuing uncertain economic and political environments we are currently in. At Raymond James, we may be able to obtain better investment performance with less risk.
How do we help people with their financial affairs?
We provide a high quality, independent, full-service solution for individuals and businesses. Having a wide range of experts here in the Longridge branch, allows us to help our clients meet their financial objectives and life goals. We help clients grow their wealth, live off their wealth, and pass on their wealth to loved ones. Our key service areas are savings and investments, pensions and SIPPs, taxefficient retirement income, stockbroking and estate planning. Our team of 20 in-house specialists enable us to provide bespoke solutions to match our clients’ individual financial objectives and circumstances. The specialist roles include: • Chartered Financial Planners • Chartered Wealth Managers • Pension Specialists • Detailed Cashflow Planners • Trust, Estate and Later Life Planners • Investment Analysts • Stockbrokers
• Discretionary Investment Managers
How are we different to other financial advisers and financial services?
My vision has always been simple – to build the most trusted and prominent wealth management firm in the Ribble Valley. We are able to offer the financial strength, infrastructure and resources of a large multinational financial powerhouse, with access to world class systems and research. But at the same time, we can provide the personable, quality service of an ownermanaged, local business.
We don’t subcontract out to other service providers or companies – we have the capabilities, resources and expertise to do everything in-branch in a full-service solution. This allows our clients to deal face-to-face with specific specialists and strips out layers of costs as clients aren’t paying several different companies for the solution they receive. n
Risk Warning: With investing your capital is at risk
Raymond James Ribble Valley 8 Berry Lane Longridge, Preston PR3 3JA 01772 780300 ribblevalley.raymondjames.uk.com
ECO WARRIOR
PAR EXCELLENCE…
It’s one wow after another with the iX - BMW’s stunning new all-electric flagship vehicle, writes Paul Agnew. Photography: Andy Tighe
Car designers are driven by a desire to lead – to foresee and capture the motoring demands of tomorrow and deliver them today. With the new iX – an all-electric motor par excellence – BMW has raced to the front of the field, leaving the rest to form an orderly queue, somewhere deep in the distance. If ever a car warranted a number plate ‘OMG 1’ this is surely it! BMW’s new technology flagship vehicle represents a fresh interpretation of design, emission-free driving pleasure, versatility and luxury.
The global market has just unveiled two model variants – the iX M40 and iX M50, both displaying extraordinary commitment to sustainability through responsible use of resources and minimisation of the carbon footprint at all stages of the car’s life cycle. You’ll find extensive use of secondary raw, natural and re-cycled materials, a high proportion of secondary aluminium and recycled plastic, almost no use of chrome, FSC-certified wood (Forest Management Certification), leather tanned with olive leaf extract, floor coverings and mats made from recovered fishing nets. But this is far more than an eco-warrior, designed to tick boxes. I was entrusted to test drive the iX40 which not only looks magnificent but handles superbly and can sprint from 0-62mph in a shade over six seconds – the iX50 knocks a second off.
Obviously no slouch and for those who still harbour ‘range anxiety’ with all-electric cars, just relax – the travel distance range is close on 250 miles (370 miles in the iX50). One electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear, gives both models electric all-wheel drive and outstandingly low energy consumption. State-of-the-art charging technology allows the battery to be charged from 10 per cent to 80 per cent of full capacity in 40 minutes, when using a three-phase charger. A 10-minute fast charge adds 56 miles (75 miles iX50).
This significant increase in efficiency and range is helped by intelligent, lightweight design and optimised aerodynamics. An aluminium spaceframe construction with carbon cage, minimises weight. The BMW iX refines the successful Sports Activity Vehicle concept. It’s an imposing, muscular beast with a nod to the proportions of models across the BMW portfolio – the exterior length and width of the X5, the height of the X6 and the wheel dimensions of the X7. There’s an eye-catching, vertical and (almost) enclosed BMW kidney grille serving as an intelligence panel with integrated sensors, camera and radar technology for advanced driver assistance systems.
The new technology toolkit enables further advances in the areas of automated driving and digital services with a very high level of computing power for data processing, extremely powerful sensors and 5G capability for optimised automated driving and parking functions. As a whole it’s been designed from the inside out and there is a luxurious feeling of wellbeing created by generous levels of space, a high-quality mix of materials, a slim instrument panel, newly developed seats with integral head restraints and an exceptionally large panoramic glass roof with electrochromic shading available as an option. And the breathtaking style continues with a unique curved display, spanning a fully-digital screen grouping made up of 12.3-inch Information Display and 14.9-inch Control Display with singlepiece, frameless glass surface. The best yet? Very possibly. An Intelligent Personal Assistant offers extra skills – an extremely intuitive sumptuously designed centre console with an innovative new rocker switch for gear selection. It’s one ‘wow’ after another, not forgetting the hexagonal steering wheel with heating on a three-stage control. Come on, get a grip! Optional Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system takes the in-car audio experience into a new dimension. There’s concert hall ambience created by a fully active sound system, audio control that responds to dynamic performance and five individually selectable sound modes.
There are 30 speakers in total, eight of which are integrated into the head restraints of the front and rear seats. There’s innovative 4D audio function generated using magnetically controlled ‘shakers’ in the front seats. Oh, and don’t ever worry about opening the bonnet – unless you’re an authorised BMW technician that simply won’t be necessary. If you want to fill the windscreen washers, just push down on the front BMW badge and the opening will appear, as if by magic. Anything left to say? Probably not. n
Bowker Preston BMW Channel Way Preston PR2 2YA 01772 769976 bowkerprestonbmw.co.uk
@BowkerBMW
@BowkerMotorGroup
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