BUSINESS
ECHO
★★★★
Mapping out a path to success PAGES2&3
Start Survive Thrive
Mark’s vision for customer service PAGES4&5
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THE Huyton store of Merseyside butchers Bexleys is in the final of the UK Butchers Shop of the Year Awards’ North of England category to be held at The Sheraton Park Lane Hotel in London next Tuesday. Bexleys has also just become the first five-star rated butchers in Knowsley council’s recently-introduced “scores on the doors” food hygiene system.
Tess’s pub caters for functions CITY centre pub Tess Riley’s is launching a new function suite and cabaret lounge this Friday. The Great Charlotte Street watering hole, named after iconic Liverpool landlady Tess, is run by grandchildren Deniece and Joe Fay who have invested £80,000 in converting first-floor storage space into the Blackler Rooms, in honour of the former Blacklers store on the same site. Director Joe said the venture, which will create 15 jobs, will provide function facilities at much cheaper rates than the big hotels. he said: “We’re hosting a wedding party for a young couple which gave them a £4,000 saving on the day compared with city centre hotels.”
A FREE seminar on ● how storytelling can help improve
presentation and communication skills is being held at the Old Hall Street offices of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce this Friday as part of the 60 Really Useful Minutes series. To book visit www. liverpoolchamber.org.uk
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LIFE OF RILEY: Joe Fay in the Blacklers Rooms function suite, preparing to open above Tess Riley’s this Friday
£2M INVESTMENT AT BOOTLE HAULIER EXCLUSIVE
By ALEX TURNER Business Reporter
A BOOTLE haulier is preparing for its next phase of growth with a £2.25m investment and a series of changes within the business. Abbey Road Tanks (ART) is spending £1.5m on 15 trucks and six tankers that will be delivered over 13 months, starting in March, and a further £750,000 on its IT systems. It is also boosting its senior management team with a series of appointments and promotions to enable it to look after its existing customers
Abbey Road Tanks prepares to double size
while aggressively growing the business. ART transports the raw food ingredients – liquid chocolate, oils and syrups – to manufacturers, such as Burton’s Biscuits. It employs 250 people, mostly at
its Bootle depot and headquarters. Steve Granite, ART’s managing director, said: “We have grown the business massively over the last five or six years – and we want to double the size of the business in the next five. “These tankers and trucks will give us extra capacity in both the bulk liquid and bulk powder markets in the first quarter of 2011 and will improve the age and reliability of the fleet. “This is the start of our strive to improve service levels even further and ensure they are sustainable throughout the period of anticipated growth.” The European mainland is already proving to be one route to growth. From having done just one load a week in and out of Europe, it has grown
so that 10% of its near-£20m turnover is now being generated outside the UK. The changes will also see current joint owners Steve and Mark Lucy dilute their shareholdings, with 11% of ART’s shares to be shared between fellow directors Mr Granite, Harry Conroy and Dave Coulson. In July, it won the Haulier of the Year award at the 2010 Motor Transport Awards. It will go on to represent the UK in the European Transport Company of the Year contest next year. ART is continuing to strive to improve its customer service, and has just completed a survey of its customers – first run in 2008 – which shows significant improvements.
THE next free Mums in Business networking event for professional working mothers, organised by law firm Kirwans, takes place on November 24, from 12.30pm, in the conference room at the firm’s Martins Building offices in Water Street. To register, call Claire Currie on 0151-608 9078 or email ccurrie@ kirwanssolicitors.co.uk
BIRKENHEAD ● door drop marketing company
LinkDirect has appointed Simon Hedges, 40, formerly of McCann Erickson, as its new business development manager.
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INSTANT cash provider The Money Shop has opened a new store in Southport, its 350th outlet in the UK. The Money Shop, part of publicly-listed American company Dollar Financial, has been established on the UK high street for 14 years.
MERSEYRAIL ● employee Gary Briscoe won the Station
Staff of the Year award at the recent RailStaff Awards. The prize was presented by pop mogul and rail aficionado Pete Waterman.
2 NEWS
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
★★★★
BUSINESS BUSINESSES TO HEAR VIKINGS’ SUPER PLAN
RUGBY League club Widnes Vikings is holding a breakfast briefing next week about its “irresistible” bid for a place in Super League. The sport operates three-year licences for its top-flight competition and Widnes, one of the sport’s most famous names, are widely tipped to be given one next March. The briefing, by chairman Steve O’Connor and chief executive Julie Gaskell, is for businesses that want to find out how they could work with the club as it rolls out its ambitious plans. Ms Gaskell said: “The team at the Vikings is working very hard behind the scenes to ensure it produces an irresistible bid to the Rugby Football League and that the club achieves its rightful place in Super League. “That said, we still need to show that we have the support of local businesses as well as our fans and the council – and there are a number of ways you may be able to help us with this. “It will be a great way to meet other members of the local business community and to exchange ideas and make new contacts.” The event at the Stobart Stadium Halton, includes a stadium tour and is on November 19, from 7:30am. For details, call Janet Pheysey on 0151 495 4822.
CELEBRATING ENTERPRISE
KNOWSLEY Council’s Fresh Start will be celebrating Women’s Enterprise Day on Wednesday, November 17, by sponsoring a free event hosted by Knowsley Chamber of Commerce. The event will showcase a selection of businesses that have benefited from the Council’s Fresh Start funding and business support from Train2000. It is at Suites Hotel, Ribblers Lane, from 11am-2pm.
SMALL
BUSINESS of the Week
F
AMOUS people replacing the station names on the familiar Merseyrail route map? It might not sound the greatest recipe for success. But the quirky take on a well-known image, renamed Centre of the Universe and featuring Everton legend Dixie Dean at Birkenhead, Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard at Huyton and US golfing titan Tiger Woods at Hoylake, has travelled all over the world as Liverpudlians send prints, bags and tea towels to exiles abroad. For its creator, Graeme Currie, his gift business has been a labour of love – but not without turning a profit: “It’s on people’s walls in Houston, Sydney, Massachusetts – and Prenton.” On the rail diagram’s alternative version, Dan Dare is at Southport (where the comic-book character was created) and Paul McCartney is at the nearest station to his Forthlin Road home, Liverpool South Parkway, with a bus link to John Lennon at the airport. Retail chain Waterstone’s, along with the Merseytravel and Merseyrail stores, have stocked the tea towels, bags and prints bearing the image – in fact some 18 outlets have contributed to a turnover of £12,000, while more outlets have since been added. And as it graces the walls of the Tate Liverpool and Walker Gallery shops it manages to hold some sort of artistic kudos while also being a product that financially succeeds. The bags and towels are 100% cotton and made in the UK, while the prints are locally produced on heavy art paper. “It’s definitely the pricier gift end of the market, but I’m glad I didn’t go down the cheap and cheerful ‘Made in China’ road,” said Graeme. “You have to keep a tight rein on the cost. I make relatively small orders at a time but sell enough for it to be well worth it.” A percentage of Graeme’s income is online. He said: “The trick was to find a relatively low-cost flat fee webshop with templates which looked professional, needed no outside professional web designer to tweak it, and saved on back-office work. “How many people are put off by the website of a small business if there are spelling errors and ‘clutter’? Coming from a design background I knew that was key.” Orders from Mexico, Australia and Germany, as well as the UK, showed the image had found its way there somehow. Then it was a case of hawking it round several of the big stores in the region. Graeme said: “There are some, such
Graeme makes tracks as fledgling sole trader Neil Hodgson talks to Graeme Currie about mapping a route to success as Waterstone’s, and Borders before them, who delegate buying to a local level, and that’s the only way it can be if you are developing a niche product such as this. “You’ve just got to be bold as brass, believe in the product and speak to each branch’s local buyer. “I do believe that in these straitened times other chain stores need to be a little more flexible in allowing their branch manager to approve and stock quality gifts which are localised. Of course, it is about volume for them,
but a little quirkiness can give a store identity too. “I’m saying this not just for myself, but other quality producers I know and sell alongside at fairs.” When it came to street trading it is simply a case of trial and error. Graeme said: “I’ve been fortunate to be trading at fairs at great venues such as the Bluecoat and Hope Street Feast which attracts exactly the right kind of buyer. “Farmers Markets, too, are great as Christmas approaches. But I have lost
money on just three occasions, including the big zero in Mount Pleasant. “There, students unconcerned by the vagaries of conceptual art – or the prospect of buying an off-the-wall tea towel to take home to mother – queued right in front of me to clear out the hog roast next door. Some pitches you learn to avoid.” Graeme confessed: “I must admit to being a little uncertain about stall trading at first. But what I realised is how great it was to meet the people who are actually going to enjoy it. “People genuinely respond enthusiastically to the idea and I've had many a good-natured argument at art fairs over who is at which station and why. “One old fella said: ‘That’s not original – that was done by that Britart gobs***e’. He obviously meant Simon Patterson, the artist who put
Small firms express doubts on coalition red tape vow MANY small firm owners doubt the coalition government’s ability to free them from the shackles of red tape, according to new research by the Forum of Private Business. A study found that just 28% of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) believe the coalition will make a
noticeable difference to the rules and regulations they face. A sizeable 40% said they did not think the coalition would significantly reduce the amount of legislation small firms have to comply with. The remaining 32% on the Forum’s Red Tape research panel said they did not know
whether or not the government would achieve its stated aim of regulation reduction. Many Forum members base their scepticism on the historical failure of similar initiatives in the past, but an overwhelming 89% said they felt that legislators do not understand how regulations
affect small employers. Others claimed that civil servants and other policy-makers would get in the way of attempts to streamline UK workplace law. Forum research manager Thomas Parry said: “Traditionally, there’s always been a lot of support for the Conservative party among
small business owners. “However, it would appear that many small firms feel we are now past the point of no return with legislation – there’s a sense that, because there’s so much of it and it’s so deeply embedded in our legal framework, any attempts to tackle it are doomed to failure.”
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
★★★★
Do you want to be our Business of the Week? Contact Neil Hodgson 0151 472 2451 or email neil.hodgson @liverpool.com
ONLINE: A close-up of Centre of the Universe, the rail map as reworked by Graeme Currie of Hubcapmap, right Picture: ANDREW TEEBAY names on the London tube map. For that reason I took intellectual property advice and, of course, I have a licence agreement from Merseytravel who produced the original map.” The arguments continue about names. Graeme said: “It would be very easy – and boring – to place people exactly where they were born, although Gerrard and Dixie ought to be, as they are ‘local heroes’. It’s intuitive, rather than logical. I prefer to place people where they belong together, for example the trio of Mersey poets Roger McGough, Adrian Henri and Brian Patten. “Or where there’s a name with a coupling, like Seaforth & Litherland, I put Rushworth & Dreaper. There are also outsiders who made their mark such as Open Champion Tiger Woods at Hoylake and poet Allen Ginsberg, who called Liverpool ‘The Centre of the Creative Universe’.” The map has confused many foreign visitors to Liverpool Central and Moorfields stations, where giant blow-ups are on display, as at first sight it appears to be the normal diagram. Merseyshop.com and Graeme’s website Hubcapmap.com stock the full range of goods. Stores such as Waterstone’s, Blackwells, Pritchards, Linghams, Broadhursts, Port Sunlight Museum and The Freshwater Gallery at the Albert Dock are among Graeme’s 30 outlets.
NEWS 3
ECHO WINNER IN NATIONAL NURSERY AWARDS FINALS MAGHULL nursery It’s The Little Things, which won the ECHO’s Most Promising New Business award in 2007, is in the final of the outdoor learning environment category at The Nursery Management Today awards in London on November 26. Judges recognised its use of natural
materials, natural surfaces, its sense of outdoor play and use of the 42-acre woodland park where the nursery is located. Louise Waller, who owns the business with husband Simon, said: “It’s very exciting and we’re glad to be there. In the past 12 months, we’ve focused on the garden.”
4 NEWS
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
★★★★
BUSINESS
BIG Clear focus on personal L service is paying off for city opticians INTERVIEW Tony McDonough
talks to the owner of Blankstone Opticians, Mark Blankstone
IVERPOOL ONE has been credited with many positive things since it opened in 2008 – and it seems to have done Mark Blankstone a bit of a favour too. Mark, 46, opened Blankstone Opticians in Derby Square in the city centre back in 1992. Until a couple of years ago the bulk of his clientele was drawn from the city’s nearby central business district. However, Liverpool One’s launch has opened up new avenues for his business. “The opening of Liverpool One has shifted the core of the retail district more in our direction,” he said. “This has led to a broader cross-section of people now coming to the shop. “As a result we are now seeing business increase at the weekends and we have extended our opening hours.” Blankstone is one of a number of independent opticians in the city claiming to offer a more tailored and personal service than that often found in some of the larger high street names. The outlet is increasingly attracting the city’s fashionistas who nowadays often see the right pair of specs as being crucial to the look they are trying to achieve. Mark added: “Liverpool people have always been very stylish and they often love to show off. “Up until the credit crunch a couple of years ago there was a trend for designer frames with big logos. “During the recession people did not want to flaunt it so much. But in the last few months I have seen some of that old confidence returning. “Glasses are now very funky for many people.” Blankstone stocks a large range of designer frames and Mark recently landed a major coup after celebrity specs designer Oliver Goldsmith struck a deal to allow the store to sell his wares. Oliver secured his reputation by supplying John Lennon with his famous “granny glasses”. His designs have also adorned the faces of Cilla Black, Michael Caine, Dusty Springfield and Ronnie Corbett. Blankstone is the only outlet outside London to sell the frames. “In retail, you cannot be all things to all people,” said Mark. “What we try to do here is service people who are more discerning and want a little bit of quality.” Mark was born into one of Liverpool’s best-known stockbroking families but from an early age he showed little interest
FRAME GAME: Mark Blankstone has traded from Derby Square since 1992 Picture: JASON ROBERTS in joining the family firm – Blankstone Sington. He said: “My interests were always much more science-based. “I think when I was around 14 we had a careers fair at school and that is when I met Morris Miller, who had an opticians in the city called Miller and Santhouse. “He suggested I spend some time in the summer holidays working for them to see whether it was for me.” Mark found it was to his liking. It fed his liking for getting involved in the technical side and he also found he enjoyed dealing with the public. He trained in Glasgow as a
dispensing optician and ended up working for Miller and Santhouse from 1984 to 1990, when it was taken over by retail giant Boots. He stayed for a further two years before deciding to fulfil his ambition of running his own business. He said: “I opened up in 1992 in the middle of a recession and I’m still here to tell the tale. “I’d always known the business community and at the time there was no one else servicing this end of the city. And, despite the outlet’s increasing popularity with the
‘People in Liverpool have always been very stylish’
fashion crowd, Blankstone remains focused on servicing its traditional clientele. It has a number of contracts with local professional firms who send their staff for regular eye check-ups. These include the corporate law firms Hill Dickinson and Weightmans. He employs two full-time members of staff and one part-time worker. He also uses the services of two optometrists. As a dispensing optician, Mark claims to offer a personal service far and above what you might expect in any of the larger multiples. He added: “What we do has been lost in the high street to a large extent. I know about optics and can advise each customer of their individual needs. “I also like to think have an eye
for fashion so I can advise from that point of view too. “I can give a bit more personal insight than you might get elsewhere.” Mark admits that, like many retailers, he has found trading tougher during the recession but is confident his reputation for personal service will see the business continue to thrive. “Retailers have suffered at all levels but I think we have held our own pretty well. “When times are tough it is important you offer something that makes you stand out from the crowd and I think we do that. “I have never really considered moving from Derby Square. I think if we did then we would risk losing our identity – we have worked hard for many years to establish ourselves here.”
★★★★
NEWS 5
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Restaurant duo add 15% to The Quarter LIVERPOOL restaurant and deli The Quarter is continuing to fatten up – and has just taken more space in which to expand. It has added 465 sq ft to its Falkner Street site, taking it to 3,200 sq ft. The Quarter underwent a previous expansion in 2009 with the introduction of its deli, The Quarter Kitchen. Following a successful first year of the deli, along with continued growth of
the restaurant, it has acquired the space that was formally occupied by neighbour Tom Thumb. Part of the 60 Group, which includes 60 Hope Street and HOST, The Quarter is independently owned and managed by brothers Colin and Gary Manning. Gary Manning said: “We are committed to the continual growth and success of The Quarter. “We focus on local talent
and fresh seasonal produce, and as a result of this we have expanded to follow suit. “This allows us to attract even more business, whilst continuing to provide a service to the highest standard. “The Quarter is an extremely popular destination and the expansion adds another string to our bow, further boosting our development and investment plans.”
Gary Manning
ADVERTORIAL
LOCAL BUSINESSES ENCOURAGED TO GET EMPLOYMENT SMART BY LEIGH TAYLOR Area director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in the North West
FOCUSED: Blankstone Opticians serves business customers as well as the fashion-conscious Picture: JASON ROBERTS
In a recent survey commissioned by Lloyds TSB Commercial, businesses in the north West said their understanding of employment rules isn’t what it should be. A fifth (20 per cent) of firms admit that keeping on top of legislation is a lower priority than issues such as financial administration. The research also showed that 33 per cent of companies feel their overall knowledge of current employment regulations is low. Encouragingly, however, the majority of businesses (57 per cent) in the north West indicate they hope to keep employee numbers at their current levels over the next six months. In fact, a greater number (35 per cent) said they hope to increase staffing levels compared to those (6 per cent) who are looking to reduce. With this in mind, it’s important for SMEs to take time to ensure they are up-to-date and fully aware of the employment issues that impact on their business. This includes everything from recruitment to equal opportunities and diversity policies. There are a lot of changes on the horizon. For example, the default retirement age of 65 is to be phased out by October 2011 and additional paternity leave regulations implemented in April 2010 will begin to take effect for parents of children due on or after 3 April 2011. It’s therefore essential that firms make the most of the resources available to
HELPING LOCAL BUSINESSES: Lloyds TSB Commercial’s Leigh Taylor them. Often, HR issues and responsibilities form part of someone’s wider role. This means they can’t always be an expert on all the relevant issues. Having additional assistance and resource can be invaluable. At Lloyds TSB we’re doing everything we can to help local businesses keep on top of the issues of the moment. In support of businesses across the UK we are holding 200 events a year between 2010 and 2012 as part of our SME Charter. One of the
key themes for these events is employment. Speakers include HR experts who can provide guidance on complex employment issues and the responsibilities required of SMEs. Also, our locally based relationship managers are available to businesses to discuss any concerns or challenges they face. More importantly, they provide a useful link to specialists in the wider business community who can advise and help businesses develop and
improve their HR policies. To find out more and register for an event in your area please visit www.lloydstsb. com/businessguidance Research findings based on a survey commissioned by Lloyds TSB Commercial of 505 SMEs in September 2010. Lloyds TSB Commercial is a trading name of Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc and serves customers with an annual turnover of up to £15M.
6 NEWS
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
★★★★
BUSINESS
RESEARCHING
Enthusiasm is no substitute for knowledge, reports Alex Turner
FOCUS . . . on research
T
HE excitement of coming up with a great business idea can very quickly give way to the problem of proving it’s a great idea. The biggest stumbling block is showing why your product or service is needed – if it is not a new idea, how can you be sure you can compete against established players that may already have a large, perhaps even global, presence. That’s tough enough, but anyone with a new idea has to find a way to first explain the proposition and then establish there is a market. The answer is simple, but time-consuming. Research, research and more research. The words of wisdom attributed to famed military strategist Sun Tzu will provide some comfort. “Time spent in reconnaissance is seldom wasted,” he wrote. That’s because research can not only address the question at hand but also open up possibilities and opportunities that hadn’t previously been considered. Research ranges from intensive Googling, to getting data from trade bodies and Government, to creating your own surveys and focus groups. Business Link North West provides information for people looking to start their own business. It puts market research as one of the critical areas when planning a business start-up. It says: “Market research can increase your chances of success. It is much better to invest time researching before you invest your money. “It is very important that you are as thorough in your market research as possible, as mistakes made at this stage of development could prove costly later on. “The more information you have, the better you will be able to understand your potential customers, the marketplace and how your product fits in.” Detailed knowledge of the prospective marketplace can help to prevent falling into one of the many traps that await the wannabe entrepreneur. It says: “Lack of market research is one of the key problems for new businesses. “It’s easy to get carried away with a business idea and set up a business without testing its viability. Accurate market data will
ASKING QUESTIONS: Finding out what potential customers are looking for is an important part of creating a business plan help prevent over-optimistic forecasts. “If you do not complete adequate research, you are in danger of selling to the wrong people or of not understanding your marketplace. “There are three ways to avoid this. Use information, such as free government data or your own network of contacts, carry out field research to explore customers’ profiles and discover buying trends, and swap ideas with people in the same sector.” Smarta, a support organisation for business owners and entrepreneurs created by entrepreneurs, says research is central to proving that your idea is viable – first to yourself, but later to banks, investors and partners. It will allow you to add hard numbers to the words that make up your idea and strategy. It says: “The main reason market research is essential for any new
business is to find out if there will be a demand for your product or service. “Not only will this help you decide whether to go ahead with the business in the first place, but it will allow you to work out what volume you will need to produce and how many people you will be able to afford to employ. “Having all the figures and statistics at your fingertips when you are pitching for finance will help to convince investors and bank managers, demonstrating your business acumen and showing savvy enough to entrust with their cash. “A good understanding of your customers, their income levels and how much they are willing to pay, as well as an insight into how your competitors approach pricing, will enable you to determine how much you will charge for your offering.” Crucially, market research does
not end with the completion of your initial activities. Throughout the development phase, testing in the market can help to keep the business idea on track. By using demonstrations or prototypes, early feedback by potential customers and users can make sure flaws aren’t inadvertently introduced that could nullify your offer. Smarta added: “Market research shouldn’t just be used when you’re planning your business. “Conduct regular research to gain a deeper understanding of how your market and customers are changing.” But, after all that, if you really believe in the idea, then don’t necessarily be dissuaded. As Henry Ford said: “If I asked my customers what they want, they simply would have said a faster horse.”
Start-up tips BUSINESS Link North West has created a seven-point checklist to test a business idea: ● Does it satisfy or create a market need? ● Can you identify potential customers? ● Will it outlive passing trends or capitalise on the trend before it dies away? ● Is it unique, distinct or superior to those offered by competitors? ● What competition will it face – direct or indirect, local, national or global? ● Is the product safe for public use and does it comply with relevant regulations? ● Will the market want your product or service at a realistic price?
★★★★
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
THEBIGIDEA React to the findings
ALTHOUGH they didn’t know it at the time, the founders of Widnes-based Curiosity Research made a crucial change to their plans while looking into their potential market. Andy Cumming and Carl Wong were looking to start a market research consultancy aimed at financial services firms. Andy said: “When we started looking at it, we realised the level of competition was far greater than we had thought initially, so we looked at more markets. “We knew it would be difficult to concentrate just on financial services, so we added the public sector.”
That decision, in 2006, was just a year before financial sector was hit by meltdown – and ensured Curiosity Research is now thriving. “We spent three or four months researching – not solidly, but in building up a business plan and going to talk to customers,” Andy added. “Research doesn’t need to be onerous – it’s about getting the right information for you.” Andy highlighted three key points for research. “First, know your customer and what it is they want,” he said. “Second, give some thought to who is your competition and what other companies are offering. How can you do things differently? “Third, have a look at the size of the market. But don’t assume everyone who you think needs what you are doing or have said they like it will actually buy it.”
BE FLEXIBLE: Andy Cumming added to his offer
NEWS 7
PLASTERER STEPH BACK AT SCHOOL
A LIVERPOOL female plasterer’s success has inspired a new training course aimed exclusively at women. West Derby ‘Pink Plasterer’ Stephanie Kilshaw, 34, studied at Stockport’s DIY School before setting up her own business this April. After featuring in the ECHO’s Small Business of the Week slot she has been invited back by the school to teach both advanced plastering and a course for female plasterers. Steph said: “The School saw my story in the ECHO and decided to start a female-only course that got a massive response.” Her business is growing and Steph is now training teenagers through the Youth Initiative Team and inward investment agency Liverpool Vision.
8
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
ECHO Business to Business
A-F 472 2746 G-M 472 2573 N-Z 472 2377
Business For Sale
59 MERC VITO TAXI & Knowsley plate, black, 13k miles Taxifix demo, leather, extra seat £40K. Finance arrange sub to status 0151 482 5101.
0844 820 0000
DAVY LIVER TAXIS Require more full/part time private hire owner drivers. Some company cars still available. Call Alan 07795 417333
Open until 9pm www.blacksbrokers.com
AVON SETTLE CARS LTD quality cars available in excellent condition £160pw inc insurance and sat nav. 05 − 07 plates. 07943 754640
The Business Sales Specialists LIVERPOOL - Newsagents 1195 • Prime Main Road Trading Position • WT £10,500, N/S £ 1,600-1,700 Per Week, Payzone £6,000 • Counter Sales Newsagents • Well Established • 2 Bed Accommodation • Bus £99,995 SAV, Prop £89,950 or rent
WARRINGTON - Newsagents/National Lottery 1692 • Spacious Unit In Busy Town Centre Precinct • Wt £6,000 N/S £1,250, Payzone £1,000 Lottery £4,000 • Run By Staff • Tremendous Potential For Owner Operator • Adjacent To Multiples • Viewing Is Highly Recommended • Business £42,950 SAV
MERSEYSIDE - Hair Salon 1865 • Established 9 Years • W/T£6,500 • Rent Income From Nail Bars • Large Detached Freehold Property • Scope To Increase The Turnover • Viewing A Must • Bus & Prop £369,000 SAV
MERSEYSIDE- Hair Salon 1600 • Busy Precinct Location • Thriving Business • Established 22 Years • Sale Due To Retirement • WT £2,000, Investment Yield Of 9% • Freehold Available • Business £24,950 SAV
WIRRAL - Counter Newsagents 1745
ST HELENS - Sandwich Bar/Convenience Store 1868 • Well Established • Wt £1500 + (Payzone £700) • Huge Potential • Excellent Freehold Proposition • Well Equipped • Well Respected • Bus £25,000 SAV, Prop £85,000
LIVERPOOL - Convenience Store 1626
Prime Position, Town Centre • Adjacent Multiples • Audited Turnover, Gp 22% • Counter News • Vast Scope • Opposite Railway Station • Bus £150,000 SAV, Prop £385,000 Or Rent
• Busy Parade Of Shops • Wt £ 10,000, News Sheet £400 - £450, • Paypoint £1,500 & National Lottery £3,500 • High Quality Fixtures And Fittings • 3 Bedroom Living Accommodation • Well Established 10 Years • Viewing Highly Recommended • Business £189,995 SAV
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1632
LIVERPOOL - Newsagents
1795
SUNBED SHOP Good turnover, good location. With hair station and beauty room. Sunbed and showers included. Great potential. £10,000 ono. 0753 8671971 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 6 commercial coin operated, glass top football tables (2 machines already trading) also spares £2,250. Tel: 0151 428 9195
CONVENIENCE STORES For sale Warrington & Wirral. 07971 447558
Commercial Property TO LET Litherland Industrial/ Workshop Unit 775 Sq ft, Rent £110pw easy in easy out agreements. Bridge Rd Ind Estate. Whittle Jones 01257 238666
Industrial Property UNITS TO LET Bootle Area 5,000−15,000 sqft. Flexible terms 0151 486 0004
Business For Rent EAT IN & TAKEAWAY SHOP L7 Fully equipped, plus seperate access to 3 bed flat with dg & gch, new decor £250pw 07930 369048
ESTABLISHED CAFE BOOTLE Hawthorne Rd. Call for details 07814 267775
• Prime Location Within A Busy Shopping Centre • W/T £6,000, N/S £563.75 At Retail, Lotto £700, Payzone £6,000 Paypoint £14,000 • Recently Refurbished To The Highest Standard • Attractive Opening Hours • Potential Scope For Expansion • Business £65,000 SAV
LIVERPOOL - Newsagents & ESP 1797
WARRINGTON - Sandwich Bar 1887 • Well Established • W/T £1,450 + • Low Rent • Well Equipped • Corner Plot Location • Viewing Essential • Business £50,000 SAV
Well Established
• WT £11,500 N/S £2,500, Lott • £7,000 Pay Point £22,000 • Huge Potential • Prime Trading Position • Development Project, Planning Permission Granted • Will Split Premises • Bus & Prop £264,995 SAV
UPVC
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KITCHEN & BEDROOM FITTINGS from a hinge to a full kitchen/bedroom. 3D plans now available. Showroom & Trade Counter at 3 Rockley Street, Kirkdale, L4 0151−207 0008. www.brosna.co.uk
It pays to advertise in
Classified
BIRKENHEAD - Off Licence Prominent Town Centre Position 1924 • W/T £8,500 Payzone £1,000 • Fantastic Scope • Superbly Fitted • Ample Parking • Highly Recommended • Business £75,000 SAV
Commercial Premises
OFFICES TO LET
LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE 750sqft & 1,300sqft respectively
For Further Details Please call 0151 521 3080 (Press Option 3)
FOR SALE On behalf of liquidators
Industrial Warehouse Premises
Marl Rd, Knowsley Industrial Estate Approx 24,723 sq ft GIA Offers Invited
T J THOMAS 0151 708 6544 ERSKINE ST close to City centre Business units, 850 − 950 sqft. With or without int Office Space. £106−£125pw + vat. Modern Ind unit, Knowsley Business Pk 2600sqft £13k p.a. www.tjthomas.co.uk
TO LET Baltic Triangle/Jamaica St. Up and coming cutting edge destination. 1650sq ft showroom, restaurant, bar premises. Also 1650 sq ft, refurb office/ workshop space. 0151 709 7034 or 07989 149551
O F F L I C E N C E & NEWSAGENT + 4 bed flat. On Main road, large property. Leasehold £50,000. Shop rent £80pw, Flat £110pw. Freehold also available. 07738 763 706
Building Trade FRAMELINE TRADE SUPPLY COMPOSITE DOORS
BIRKENHEAD - Counter News 1877
• Established Over 40 Years • W/T £4500 N/S £1500 Lottery £3500 • 1 Bedroom Studio Apartment • Huge Potential • Excellent Location - Close To Schools/Free Parking • Densely Populated Area • Bus & Prop £189,995 SAV
• Prime Town Centre Position • Wt £18,000 • Established For 15 Years • Large Premises • Potential For Extending Store. • Must Be Seen • Business £109,950 SAV SOUTHPORT - Restaurant 1643 • Well Established 25 Years • Wt £7,000+ (Under Management) • Enviable Reputation • Immaculately Presented • High Street Location • Viewing A Must • Business £149,950 SAV
WARRINGTON - Sandwich Bar 1869 • Well Respected • W/T £1800 - £2000 • Huge Potential • Low Rent • Well Equipped • First Class Proposition • Business £50,000 SAV
FOR SALE ON BEHALF OF LIQUIDATORS
INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE PREMISES LEES RD, KNOWSLEY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE APPROX 18,468 SQ FT GIA OFFERS INVITED
WALTON Large Shop to let 600sqft, flex lease, elec shutters £400pcm 07767 888808 or 0161 439 1512
KNOTTY ASH L14 Shops and offices to rent from £50pw. 0151 261 0767 BARBER SHOP West Derby Rd. Tuebrook. £100pw. 07782 382554/ 0151 264 9922 PENNY LANE Small office to let. £60pw. 07836 369919
Loans CASH LOANS Secured against your car. Loans for any purpose. 0 1 5 1 2 2 0 4 4 8 8 www.mobilemoney.co.uk
Contracts & Tenders
Taxis/Cab & Plate
ST HELENS - Off Licence/Convenience Store 1892
Applications are invited from organisations wishing to be considered to work with Wirral Partnership Homes (WPH) for the supply of Building Maintenance Supplies and Materials by lots. WPH are looking for a professional and effective service from organisations with the appropriate experience and who share our values. The tender is being run under the OJEU open procedure. Contract Notice ref: 2010/ S205312727
NEW CABS or cab & plate. Finance arranged. 0151 298 3450/ 07974 291537
Further information and tender documents can be obtained by contacting; Wulston Alderman, Plan2Do Ltd, Stirling House, 6 The Courtyard, Harris Business Park, Hanbury Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 4DJ Telephone: 01527 558111 Fax: 01527 558101 Email: wulston.alderman@plan2do.net Or Annette Johnston Email:annette.johnston@plan2do.net Internet address (URL): www.plan2do.net
DAY COLLAR New cab c/o Old Swan over 35. 07884 190920
• W/T £11,000 (Increasing) • Superb Mod shop Unit • Valuable Mostly New Equipment • Very Easily Run • Highly Recommended • Business £59,995 SAV
WPH• Supply of Building Maintenance Supplies and Materials by Lots
E L I T E Settle Cars from £140pw, incl ins. Tel: 0151 207 4450 or 07894 448777
CITY DAYS Nights and Long Collar. 07809 464860
Busy Main Road Parade
Invitation to Tender
L O N G C O L L A R immediate start 07873 200893 NIGHT COLLAR TX4 £200 c/o Huyton 35+ 07595 339574
Business Services
LIVERPOOL - Newsagents/Convenience 1910 • Well Established (30 Years +) • W/T £7000 N/S £375 • Excellently Fitted • Loyal Client Base • Huge Scope • Quality 2 Bedroom Accommodation • Bus & Prop £650,000 SAV
Deadline for submissions: 16/12/2010 Our Vision: Our vision is to work in partnership across Wirral, creating sustainable communities and making our homes the first choice for tenants.
WIRRAL - Cafe/Deli 1913 • W/T 2,500 • Newly Furnished To The Highest Standard • Excellent Customer Base • Huge Potential To Increase Turnover • Viewing Highly Recommended • Business £64,995 SAV LIVERPOOL - Off Licence
1940
Business Equipment SHOP EQUIPMENT CENTRE
Prime Main Road Position • W/T £22,000 News Sheet £300 • Adjacent To Town Centre • Excellent Profits • Newly Re-Fitted • Fantastic Scope • Business £169,000 SAV
Stockists of Shelving, Counters Card Units, Slattwall, Fixtures & Fittings, Hangers, Mannequins, Price guns, Labels & Bags etc. Visit our new showroom: KIRKBY IND, L33 7UZ 0151 546 4525
TRAVEL
Business Opportunities
reader travel holidays.com
BUSINESS PARTNER WANTED Energy Saving Systems/Renewable Energy Solutions
• Sales ability essential • Electrical background highly desirable • IT/Networking experience an advantage Investment level £60K to £120K Stake a claim in a thriving industry unaffected by the current economic climate. Call Mark onT. 01942 217672 – 09am – 17.30pm Evenings/Weekends M. 07794 648145
QUEENS DR Busy hair & make up salon has 2 chairs avail for rent. £90pw. 0151 221 0222
IRISH TURF FOR SALE Available in bulk. 2 tonne bags & 25kg bags. Agents Wanted. Large Quantities available. For more details. email: aidan@hartepeat.com Aidan 00353 872827504
HAIRDRESSERS to rent space in salon L19 07821 426711
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS Appears every day in your
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13th February 2011 from
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTION WITH DIAMOND HOLIDAYS ABTA W0552. PRICES ARE BASED ON TWO SHARING. SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS MAY APPLY
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