BUSINESS
ECHO
★★★★
No Name is a good name
Start Survive Thrive
‘Cancer couldn’t stop my business’
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THE Intelligence Network has partnered with Groundwork Merseyside to stage a free seminar next Tuesday to advise small firms how to reduce costs, access new markets and become more competitive by becoming more environmentally friendly. It will take place from 8.30-11.30am in the Liverpool Hope University Education, Innovation, and Enterprise Centre at the Hope Park Campus, on Taggart Avenue, Childwall. Contact Ken. pye@theintelligence network.co.uk
Trust sets James on job path KNOWSLEY Housing Trust has helped Huyton 17-year-old James Jones train as an architect technician by supporting his apprenticeship with Liverpool’s John McCall Architects through the Working Neighbourhood Fund. James applied for the apprenticeship through Kirkby College where he was studying for a BTEC in electric insulation. KHT has helped find 12 apprenticeships in the past year.
THE Seven Steps to ● Success will be explained by Jon Archer, ON THE LADDER: Apprentice James Jones pictured with Joanne Mountfield of John McCall Architects
FPB BACKS CALL ON JOBS LAW REFORM by NEIL HODGSON Industry Reporter A SMALL firms’ champion has welcomed government plans to reform employment law, claiming the current system hampers growth. The coalition government says current legislation is weighted against employers. The Forum of Private Business (FPB) says that much of the existing employment legislation is a costly barrier to recruitment as well as to
Companies say existing system hampers growth
small business growth. FPB research manager Tom Parry insisted: “When we are talking about small business growth and job creation driving a private sector-led recovery,
employers must be given greater freedom to make staffing decisions based on aptitude, attitude and performance, without the fear of huge bureaucratic costs and being taken to a tribunal. “At present much of the employment law that is supposed to protect workers is a significant barrier to job creation for many small firms. “For too long the balance of legislation has unfairly favoured individual employees at the expense of smaller employers – and often the rest of the workforce.”
He added: “This imbalance must be redressed.” New FPB research has revealed that 38% of calls made to its employment helpline in the third quarter of 2010 concerned redundancy or discipline matters, grievance, dismissal and employment conduct, making it the biggest staffing headache for small businesses. However, a first quarter level of 41% of calls indicates that employment issues are becoming less pressing as fewer entrepreneurs are seeking help in an improving economy.
from The Little Yellow Training Company in the latest 60 Really Useful Minutes free seminar at Liverpool Chamber of Commerce in Old Hall Street. The event is this Friday, from 9am. For details or to book, visit Liverpoolchamber.org.uk
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MERSEYSIDE training company Mercia Partnership has been awarded the TUC Unionlearn Quality Award, recognising its quality of training and close working with Union Learning Reps in a variety of organisations.
THE next Ladies ● Lunchtime Group event takes place at The
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2 NEWS
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
★★★★
BUSINESS INTERNSHIP SCHEME FOR SMALL FIRM SECTOR
THE small firms sector is now included in a quality scheme for internships. The National Council for Work Experience (NCWE) – part of the Higher Education Careers Services Unit – has extended its quality mark accreditation to cover businesses with less than 250 staff. So far the NCWE quality mark seal of approval has only been available to large organisations. The launch of a national standard for work experience provision specifically for small firms will recognise companies that offer quality internships, helping them to attract and compete for some of the best graduate talent. NCWE spokeswoman Jo Denye said: “The employability of graduates is hugely topical as businesses increasingly expect them to have some understanding of the world of work. “As a result, the demand for internships has risen and we’ve particularly seen more interest from smaller companies.” The quality mark enables companies to reduce recruitment and training costs by viewing interns as potential hires without commitment, enhance productivity by knowledge transfer on specific projects, and compete with larger companies for graduate talent.
SUCCESS FOR PROJECT CHIEF
LIVERPOOL project management specialist Turner & Townsend achieved two successes at the 2010 Association for Project Management Awards in London. Matthew Pendergast was named Project Manager of the Year for his work on Culcheth High School as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme. And the firm won Overseas Project of the Year for the King Shaka International Airport in Durban.
SMALL
BUSINESS of the Week
T
HERE is the cliche about people who can’t stand the heat, getting out of the kitchen. In the last couple of years, those who can’t stand the heat of the recession have been getting out of the kitchen game. Established names and more recent creations have gone up in smoke as housing developments stalled and finance, for builders and homeowners, dried up. But Bootle-based Capricorn Kitchens – which operates the brand name NoName Kitchens – is continuing to simmer nicely. “2008 was the best year we ever had,” said Tony Reed, contract sales director and son of founder and managing director Eddie Reed. “The week before Christmas we had 40 kitchens sent out and we averaged 27.5 kitchens a week for the year. We fitted 98% of them. “But the first week in January was really quiet and a lot of work we had booked in for the following months never happened. We were down to about five kitchens a week in early 2009 and went on a three-day week. “Now we are averaging about 15 and have quoted for more than 5,000 kitchens so far this year. “Our product hasn’t changed. The difference is that where people used to go to two or three kitchen companies they will now go to several and also look on the internet for the appliances. People are fragmenting the job, using four or five different tradespeople. “It’s gone a little bit back to the MFI school of thought, that everyone goes for the cheapest.” But the difficulties are nothing new to Capricorn Kitchens, which has previously seen off two recessions. The 35-year-old company was started by Eddie Reed – who first served his time at Hygena Kitchens – in his father’s shed in Dovecot before moving into a factory by the docks. The company has been at its current Birchall Street location for 26 years, where it occupies three buildings. That includes its showroom, which belies the building’s unappealing industrial exterior, although that doesn’t mean they haven’t looked a bit further south to promote their products. “It has been a pipedream for all of us to have the glass-fronted showroom in the city centre,” said Tony. “But we’re happy now that we didn’t do it.” It falls on the shoulders of Capricorn’s retail sales director, Phil Oliver, to maximise sales from Bootle. He has been with Capricorn for 16 years, having started as a salesman. Originally from Durham – “he’s one of us now though”, said Tony – his
35 years on and still cooking up a storm in Britain’s kitchens
Alex Turner hears how NoName Kitchens is turning up the heat attachment to the city comes from football, where he used to stay at the Adelphi Hotel with his dad when he came down for the games, not missing a home match for three years. “I was going to open a company here,” said Phil. “But one of the lads
snapped his Achilles tendon and it was put back. I was already here so I got a job working for Allerton Windows then I got the job here. “I had been selling kitchens in the north east and have been here ever since.”
Although sales are tough, he is always looking to turn up the heat on the competition. He said: “There are a lot of people a lot worse off than us. We still want to push on. “We are trying to push forward – we have an offer now to beat the VAT rise where people can order the kitchen now and we will fit it in the new year. “But we have to keep coming up with something new.” The increase in VAT is causing headaches for companies selling big-ticket items – like kitchens – adding £100 to a £4,000 kitchen. NoName Kitchens range from £3,000 upwards, with the most expensive they
St Helens Chamber hails 1,500th start-up milestone ST HELENS Chamber has celebrated the 1,500th business set up under the Entrepreneur Kick Start programme since 2006. Retired police officer Jeanette Wrigley has created Family Liaison Professionals to provide support to bereaved families. She said: “Family liaison
was part of what I did in the police and it became obvious to me that this was a role that could be outsourced. “When there is a murder investigation, or someone has died as a result of a road traffic collision, a family liaison officer is appointed to the investigation. “However, you don’t need
police powers to do the role and that’s where Family Liaison Professionals will hopefully step in. “All the people working with me will be retired, fullytrained people, who are very experienced at doing the job.” Jeanette is working with Merseyside Police to develop a pilot scheme which will see
family liaison outsourced to her firm, which she says will free up police officers’ time to focus on front-line duties. Once the pilot is completed she hopes the model will be rolled out across other forces and organisations. Her business received a start up grant from the Chamber and continues to
receive ongoing business advice and accountancy support. She has also taken a small business unit in the chamber’s Enterprise Greenhouse. Entrepreneur Kick Start is funded by the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative via St Helens Council.
★★★★
NEWS 3
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
SHOPPERS IN SIGHTS OF CALM
OPENING DOORS: No Name’s retail sales director, Phil Oliver
A LIVERPOOL organisation helping combat depression among young men is targeting companies to get its message across to as many people in its 15-35 age range as possible. The latest collaboration by CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably) involves high street clothing chain Topman. They have jointly launched a free bimonthly lifestyle magazine, Reset, which will be distributed throughout stores in Merseyside, Manchester and London. Future editions will be generated from CALM’s new website – www.thecalmzone. net – allowing contributors to have their say on its content. The magazine also features advice and contributions from famous and everyday people on how they have dealt with high levels of stress in their lives and how they turned their lives around. Each day in the UK three young men are driven to take their own life by suicide and on average 162 suicides occur within Merseyside and Cheshire each year. CALM offers help and advice.
have ever installed costing £120,000. “The VAT increase will be a killer,” said Tony. “I think it just gives people another excuse not to pay the money, for them to leave it. “In most kitchens, if the door is hanging off, people will try and fix it, unlike when their car engine goes.” Contract sales are showing some signs of bubbling under, although the company is having to be patient and look further afield to secure work. Tony said: “Kings Dock Mill, which we have just completed, we first quoted in 2006. But some can be very quick. “The enquiries are starting to pick up now, we are just pushing and pushing as hard as we can. “We did the Grosvenor stuff in Liverpool One on the Hanover Street side on the residential – about 276 apartments. We completed on Elysian Fields last year, we have done a social housing site in Broadway for New City Vision, and we have just completed some work in Chapel Street. “Up until 2008 we had a 30-60 mile radius. Now, if the job is viable it’s anywhere. We are in Birmingham and Leicester at the moment. “We can’t be Liverpool-centric. It’s just not possible anymore.”
NATIONWIDE REACH: Tony Reed says NoName Kitchens can no longer afford to be Liverpool-centric
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4 NEWS
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
★★★★
BUSINESS
BIG Fighting back from C cancer to find hi-tech business success INTERVIEW
Alistair Houghton talks to Chris Morland, founder of games developer Citrus Suite
HRIS MORLAND was already battling to set up in business when he found himself in a fight for his life. His hi-tech company Citrus Suite had been up and running for just a few months when he was diagnosed with cancer. Chris had to put his work at the fledgling digital design studio on hold while he endured several chemotherapy sessions to treat his Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. But late last year he was given the all-clear and returned to Citrus Suite determined to make an impact on the city’s digital sector. The company will be attending tomorrow’s Develop video gaming conference at Liverpool’s Hilton Hotel, which will see games developers from across the UK debate issues facing the sector. Citrus Suite, based in Liverpool city centre, is creating its own video games and is working on iPhone apps and digital artwork for other companies. It created the iPhone app for Liverpool Design Festival, which runs until Saturday. And it is working on pioneering projects for the new YouView platform that will eventually allow people to use the internet on their televisions through set-top boxes. Chris admits he was frustrated when he had to step back from the business while he was ill, but realised he had to put everything on hold to give his body a chance to recover. “I regularly visited the Liverpool Sunflowers support centre for people with cancer,” he said. “I told them I didn’t want to waste my year and that I wanted to come up with some good ideas for the business. “They just said ‘take it easy and slow down. This is quite an extreme situation you find yourself in’.” Chris started working in the gaming sector after getting a sound technology degree from LIPA. He joined Merseyside games firm Jester Interactive in 1997 to write music, and soon rose up the ranks. Jester developed an application for PlayStations that allowed users to create their own music and their own beats. Chris’s music technology background meant he slotted in perfectly, but working for a small company in a fast-moving field meant Chris could quickly gain experience in new fields. He remembered: “They said things like ‘We’ve got a trade show in Germany but we’re all working on a game – can you go over?’ “Before I knew it, I was an associate producer.” As Chris rose through the ranks at Jester he met Paul McNally and Steve Donovan, who are now directors at Citrus Suite. Chris left Jester in 2004 but continued to work in the games
RARING TO GO: Chris Morland beat Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and today has big ambitions for his company Citrus Suite industry as a freelancer on various projects. In 2007 he joined Steve’s business producing artwork for the games industry. But the following year, he decided to strike out on his own. “I’d always had aspirations to go back to my roots. I loved the original setup at Jester, where you had small teams that could turn projects around quite quickly.” So in 2008 Chris set up Citrus Suite. He began by carrying out outsourced projects for other developers – work the company still does today – but was all the while looking for new opportunities. Thing began falling into place – but in early 2009, his health began
failing. “I had a cough which I assumed was a normal cough, but it lingered,” he said. “It was there for six weeks and I didn’t feel right. “Eventually I went to A&E and had an X-Ray there, and they could see it was a tumour. “The initial period in hospital was quite bleak. It all happened quite quickly, really. Thankfully it was something that was treatable.” At first Chris kept working through his treatment. “But as the chemotherapy went on,” he said, “I got weaker and weaker and less able to bounce back. “By the end I was in bed. I
‘Liverpool is a good place to be for video game developers’
couldn’t face even checking email. “Chemotherapy is so harsh. It really does knock you out. I was right at the threshold of being able to tolerate it.” Citrus Suite’s work continued through freelancers but by late last year Chris had been given the all clear and had recovered enough to return to work and start pushing the business forward. Paul and Steve joined as directors early this year. This year has been about developing software that can be used on various different phone, computers and consoles, including the iPhone, iPad and Nintendo Wii. Next year will be about launching products to market. “We got this technology base that means we are not constrained to one platform. We can build on a PC and within a few days we can change the codes and get it running on other platforms.
“We’ve got a really good basis for moving forward. While we were doing that, we were busy creating our first game. That’s ready to roll now and we’ll be looking to launch it in January, definitely on PC, probably for iPhone and iPad.” This year Citrus Suite took part in a scheme run by support agency Vision & Media to help small firms win work on the YouView project. You View, formerly called Project Canvas, PC, is a joint venture between the BBC and other broadcasters to produce a universal set-top box people can use to view the internet through their televisions. Chris believes YouView will encourage people who have never owned a computer to start using the internet. He said: “YouView is particularly exciting because it has the potential to put games and interactive services in the hands of people who won’t have used them
★★★★
NEWS 5
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Employers urged to address eye care A LIVERPOOL opticians has urged workers to exploit free eye tests after it found 64% of people who work with computers were unaware of their rights. Batty and Dexter Opticians, owned by Karl and Beverley Spinks, quizzed 1,000 people in the city centre and found 54% use computers, but 64% of them did not know they are entitled to free eye tests from their employer.
Karl Spinks said: “Although we had a feeling some people may not be aware of their eye care entitlement, we were shocked by the number of people who had no idea that if they spend their day working with computers they are entitled to an eye test paid for by their employer. “I meet people every day who have struggled without glasses when they need
them for work – it’s imperative that all employers ensure the safety of their staff by sending them for regular eye tests.” More than 75% of those questioned said they would be more likely to visit the opticians if their test was paid for by their employer. Karl added: “It’s very simple for an employer to set up an eye care scheme in the workplace.”
SHOCKED: Karl Spinks
ADVERTORIAL
GOOD PLANNING IS IN YOUR INTEREST BY LEIGH TAYLOR Area director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in the North West
before.” That means companies such as Citrus Suite could be among the first to develop new apps and games for people to use on their televisions. Chris believes there are still opportunities for growth in the market for iPad and iPhone apps, as well as apps for Google Android and Windows Mobile phones. As this week’s Develop conference shows, Liverpool is a national hub for the video games sector. Sony employs hundreds in Wavertree and, while the future of Liverpool’s Bizarre Creations is unclear after it was put up for sale. Chris says there are many other small innovative companies such as Citrus Suite busy developing the gaming hits of the future. “Liverpool is a good place to be for game developers,” he said. “There’s a lot of new companies forming all the time.”
STEPPING UP: Chris Morland outside Citrus Suite’s Liverpool office
Current economic conditions mean that business owners in the north West need to be more aware than ever of the impact that market movements could have on their business. A key area of consideration for businesses when borrowing is the impact of changing interest rates. With the Bank of england bank rate currently at an historic low, those on floating rate repayment schemes (which track the Bank of england bank rate) may currently be paying less than they originally budgeted for. Whilst the current low level of interest rates is a welcomed boost in difficult times, it is unlikely that interest rates will remain this low for long. As a result, budgets that are based on the current levels will see profitability squeezed as rates increase back towards their historic average, making cashflow suffer – even if the rise takes a few years. It is therefore essential that businesses start to think about protecting themselves from future increasing interest rates that could potentially damage their profitability longer term. At Lloyds tSB Commercial we work with our customers to help them balance the benefits of current low interest rates against the risk of future increases, suggesting appropriate risk management strategies to match their longer term objectives. We have a variety of risk management products that can be used to tailor the interest rate that your company pays. Whether it be to fix your rate to give you absolute certainty, or to cap the amount you will pay at a level you are comfortable
HELPING LOcAL BUSINESSES: Lloyds TSB commercial’s Leigh Taylor with, whilst allowing you to benefit from current lower interest rates. With the Bank of england bank rate at its lowest ever level, now is a sensible time to review your company’s finances. Some businesses may see this as a chance to ‘lock in’ at low rates, but a decision to do so requires careful consideration. A number of factors such as risk appetite, re-financing requirements, seasonality, and internal and external market factors could all impact on your business. Our locally based relation-
ship managers can put you in touch with our financial markets experts in the north West who can help you identify, manage and mitigate risk exposure from interest rates and other financial markets risks such as foreign exchange. You can outline your requirements and be assured of an integrated view or solution to suit your individual needs. For more information please contact your relationship manager or visit www. l l oyd s t s b. c o m / s u pp o r t i ngukbusiness
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. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority under numbers 119278 and 191240 respectively. Licensed under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 under registration numbers 0004685 and 0198797 respectively. We subscribe to the Lending Code; copies of the Code can be obtained from www.lendingstandardsboard. org.uk
6 NEWS
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
★★★★
BUSINESS
HELPINGNEW
Neil Hodgson looks at exploiting support networks for entrepreneurs
FOCUS S . . . on support
O, you’ve had your killer bright idea and steeled yourself to press ahead and launch your business on a waiting world – what next? The daunting prospect of taking the first baby steps on going into business can seem positively mountainous to first entrants into the self-employed sector. And that is where a support network is vital, to point budding entrepreneurs towards the information and experience that can help them avoid the not-soobvious pitfalls to the uninitiated and discover the short cuts to success. Merseyside offers an abundance of advisory bodies that can provide the hand-holding reassurance many small businesses require. A worthwhile first stop is always the Business Link network which lists a range of valuable services online and a more tailored response over the phone. Andrew Green, head of marketing and knowledge at Preston-based Business Link said: “Our website – businesslink.gov.uk – can help with things like, how to think of a company name or how to deal with Companies House. “Among the business tools are how to write a business plan and a marketing plan and a grants finder. “Or people can phone our call centre and talk to a business adviser to deal with more specific points, like, ‘how do I find clients in a particular field’, or find a property. “We can advise people to talk to their local authority about properties that may be available. From our website we link through to property finders for local businesses that usually sit on the local authority website.” Regeneration body Liverpool Vision offers similar help, via agencies in the field such as Everton Development Trust and Aintree community based economic development agency Centec which act as a filter for Vision, in that, they can recommend fledgling firms with a sound business plan for a £500 payment to help with start-up costs. Vision also funds the three business support bodies Enterprise, Dream High and Enable. Tony O’Neill, head of business support for Vision, explained: “These organisations include a lot
FRESH START: John Haynes of Liverpool’s International Coaching Academy says many former public sector workers are setting up businesses of mentoring by private sector people and volunteers who meet regularly and offer help through a panel to young businesses. “They can help with things like accountancy or marketing.” Women’s enterprise organisation Train 2000 is also assisted by Vision, as is Stepclever in north Liverpool which has business advisers out on the patch talking to businesses, as well as specific startup specialists who will assist entrepreneurs. Another source of specialist help for small firms is the International Coaching Academy in Maryland Street, founded by former Royal & Sun Alliance director John Haynes. He teaches accelerated learning methods and leadership and reports a recent increase in enquiries from public sector staff, who could be affected by swingeing job cuts due to the coalition government’s public spending review. He said: “People in the public sector want to learn how to start and run a business in the private sector.” He added it is vital to acquire
business skills before taking the plunge: “If it doesn’t happen these poor people will come out with redundancy money and their business will go bust. “Business is an exact science and people need the tools and the knowledge to make a go of it.” He added: “Figures from business consultants Dun & Bradstreet show 95% of new businesses fail in the first five years because they haven’t been shown how to run a business.” Learning from others’ mistakes can also save valuable time and money and one route to acquiring business nous, as well as contacts, is the networking route. Joel Jelen, head of Liverpool PR firm Ubiquity, organises and participates in a range of networking promotions. He said: “Nothing’s new in networking in 2010 and beyond because nothing’s changed. “In seeking out the best networking events, the key to establishing which of those are worthwhile is to first gather information on who’s behind them. “If the event is being organised
by a business with a minimum of five year’s networking experience, it’s likely they’ll have the credibility amongst their business peers to attract the calibre of guests you’ll want to meet. “Also, any good marketing and PR company worth its salt will know about the best networking events because they are either organising them or are invited to them.” The aim of networking is to build up as many business contacts as possible and Joel added: “The trick in using your contacts is to always think, givers gain. And, to remember that little of the bestconnected people’s networking activity is carried out with a specific goal in mind. “Granted, if you ask for everything when networking you get nothing. But if you concentrate your effort on people you most like and who seem to like you back, watch your business grow. “Don’t forget that the best networkers are altruistic and selfless. Give referrals like you don’t remember and receive them without forgetting.”
Joe carves new career HELP on how to run a small business enabled retired Huyton man Joe Nutting to set up his home-based venture Greenhill Garden Workshop. After 30 years as a BMW parts manager he became restless six months into retirement and a year ago began making birdnest boxes and giving them to friends, family and neighbours. Someone suggested he turned his hobby into a business, so he approached pet shops and garden centres and realised there was a ready market. He soon added bird tables, dog kennels, picnic benches, bat boxes, wheelie bin covers
FIRMS
ADVICE: PR guru Joel Jelen warns networkers, if you ask for everything you get nothing
BOXING CLEVER: Joe Nutting set up Greenhill Garden Workshop at his Huyton home with advice from ELECT and children’s playhouses. But he needed business know-how so approached Dovecot-based ELECT – East Liverpool Economic and Community Trust – which first of all helped him identify his target market.
“I went on a few courses with ELECT. There was a course about tax that was very helpful and a marketing course that was really useful. “They also helped me to draw up a cash flow diagram, so that was very helpful too.”
Due to the seasonal nature of his work Joe knows he has time to build up stock when demand for garden furniture goes down, but he adds: “Around January/ February I expect it to start building up again.”
NEWS 7
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
★★★★
MONEY MATTERS INSURERS have seen flood claims triple during the past decade following a rise in severe weather, a trade body said. Payouts to customers whose homes or businesses have been hit by flooding have totalled £4.5bn since 2000 – a 200% increase on the £1.5bn paid out during the previous decade in real terms, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The increase has been driven by a rise in both the frequency and severity of flooding in the UK, as well as the growing problem of surface water. Major floods during the past decade have included the flooding during the summer of 2007, which cost the insurance industry £3bn, as well as the 2005 floods in Carlisle and last year’s problems in Cumbria, which cost £272m and £174m respectively. Around 5.2m homes in England are currently at risk of flooding, 2.8m of which are at risk from flooding due to surface water, according to the Environment Agency. Nearly 500,000 people face a significant flood risk, and
the ABI warned this figure could rise to 840,000 by 2035 without adequate investment in flood defences. Overall, it is estimated that the total value of assets under flood risk is more than £200bn. The group is calling on the Government to ensure that spending on flood defences is targeted at the most vulnerable communities. Speaking at the ABI’s Fighting Flood Risk Together conference, Tim
with Nicky Burridge, personal finance correspondent
Breedon, ABI chairman, said: “Flooding devastates lives and communities. “Insurers play a key role in helping those affected recover, but prevention must be better than cure. “The recent announcement of a cut in government investment in flood defences was disappointing, and it is now vital that Government spends its money wisely to bring real improvements where they are most needed.” The insurance industry reached an agreement with the previous government under which it would continue to offer flood cover to existing customers in areas that were at risk, as long as the flood risk was being adequately managed. Barry Smith, chairman of ABI’s property committee, said: “To ensure flood insurance continues to remain widely available and competitively priced, further investment in flood management is needed when the public purse is in better shape.”
8 NEWS
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
★★★★
ECHO Business to Business
BUSINESS
Business For Sale
TOTAL GLASS EXPANSION
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by NEIL HODGSON Industry Reporter KNOWSLEY-BASED Total Glass has invested £440,000 in new equipment to keep pace with anticipated expansion during 2011. The PVC-U window and door frames manufacturer has taken delivery of a new range of processing machinery manufactured by Emmegi (UK) and Dubus. Emmegi’s machines are mainly dedicated to the production of the awardwinning Total Glass highsecurity aluminium communal entrance door, which recently clinched the title of product/innovation of the year at the 2010 Builder & Engineer Awards.
Investment will increase productivity Installation of the company’s latest additions will increase productivity to meet rising demand for the door product from housing associations and social housing providers throughout the UK. Total Group managing director Frank Deary said: “This investment has been triggered by on-going product development across our aluminium operations, which has been very much led by the
communal door and additions to this range. “The speed, accuracy and user-friendliness of both machines have streamlined the preparation, cutting and machining processes to make us ultra-efficient and price-competitive.” He added: “On the PVC-U side, the new Dubus centre will further improve our production output and its arrival happily coincides with confirmation of several large social housing fenestration contracts. This gives us a flying start for 2011 and beyond.” The company said its new Dubus machinery will boost its existing window production capacity by 25%, which is equivalent to around 500 windows a week.
Former ECHO champ hits 21 SPEKE medical machinery manufacturer Powder Systems Limited (PSL) has celebrated its 21st anniversary. A former ECHO Enterprise
Champion, PSL has expanded from a small specialist pharmaceutical processing equipment manufacturer to a mini-international enterprise with a
presence in the USA, Czech Republic, France and Japan and plans for expansion into India and South America. Chief executive Maurice Pitcher said: “PSL has learnt so
much from combining skills and talents from many different regions. We continue to embrace and better understand the changes in the global economy.”
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• Established 60 Years • W/T £2,500 • Located In Affluent Area • Scope To Increase T/O • Loyal Large Cliental Base • Viewing A Must • Bus & Prop £115,000 SAV
NESTON - Pet Shop
LIVERPOOL - Off Licence 1632 • Prime Town Centre Position • Wt £18,000 • Established For 15 Years • Large Premises • Potential For Extending Store. • Must Be Seen • Business £109,950 SAV
WIRRAL - Guest House
LIVERPOOL - Convenience Store 1712
Affluent Area • Close Proximity To Beach • Excellent Family Home • Scope To Increase Turnover • 90% Occupancy Rate • Viewing A Must • Bus & Prop £870,000 SAV
• Freehold In Prime Position • Annual Turnover £ 45,000 • 3 Bedroom Living Accommodation • Massive Potential • Densely Populated Area • Viewing Highly Recommended • Bus & Prop £185,000 SAV
INVESTMENT: An operator using the new equipment at Knowsley-based Total Glass
LIVERPOOL - Bar/Restaurant 1763 • Excellent City Centre Location • Annual T/o £2 Million • Well Established • World Heritage Site • Scope To Increase T/o • Viewing A Must • Business £1,800,000 SAV
1785
1808
1740
Business Opportunities
HYDROPONIC Business for sale situated L31 Sefton Lane Ind Est. 0151 520 0667
HAVE YOU GOT A FANTASTIC BUSINESS IDEA? Do you need Premises/Offices/Land? Do you need help Financing your business? We may be able to help! Please contact us by email htm@live.co.uk
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 LARGE SHOP & Office Premises & small warehouse, kitchen, toilet etc. Secure yard parking, main rd Maghull 01695 423489
L4 shop takeaway planning, ideal newsagent/takeaway, £90pw. 07710 498 311
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
BARBERS/HAIRDRESSERS For rent Wavertree. Furnished, 9 chairs. £550pcm 0151 722 9451 or 07901 593869
Business Services
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
B A R B E R S S H O P TO LET. Bridge Road, Crosby, L23. Equipped with barbers chairs / Mirrors / Stations. etc. £650pcm Call: 0151 9209999/ 07900424441 BARBERS SHOP TO LET. St Johns Road, Waterloo, L22. Equipped with barbers chairs / Mirrors / Stations. etc. £650pcm Call: 0151 9209999/ 07900424441 LATE NIGHT OFF LICENCE To Let. Prime Location on South Road. L22. Trading Times 7am− 12am. Rent £700pcm Call: 0 1 5 1 9 2 0 9 9 9 9 / 07900424441
WEBSITE DESIGN up to 5 pages £45. 07854 054700
1940
Prime Main Road Position
ST HELENS - Sandwich Bar/Convenience Store 1868 • Well Established • Wt £1500 + (Payzone £700) • Huge Potential • Excellent Freehold Proposition • Well Equipped • Well Respected • Business £25,000 SAV • Property £85,000 ST HELENS - Off Licence/Convenience Store 1892 • Busy Main Road Parade • W/T £11,000 (Increasing) • Superb Mod shop Unit • Valuable Mostly New Equipment • Very Easily Run • Highly Recommended • Business £54,995 SAV WIRRAL - Cafe/Deli 1913 • Established For 20 Years • W/T 2,500 • Newly Furnished To The Highest Standard • Excellent Customer Base • Huge Potential To Increase Turnover • Viewing Highly Recommended • Business £59,995 SAV
BIRKENHEAD - Off Licence 1924 • Prominent Town Centre Position • W/T £8,500 Payzone £1,000 • Fantastic Scope • Superbly Fitted • Ample Parking • Highly Recommended • Business £75,000 SAV WARRINGTON - Bakery / Sandwich Bar 1839 • Impeccably Presented • W/T £4,250 • Enviable Reputation • High Gross Profit • Huge Scope • Extensive Building • Bus & Prop £299,995 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 LIVERPOOL - Bathroom & Kitchen Suppliers/Fitters 1956
Prime City Location • W/T £6,154 • Large Premises • Huge Scope • Excellent Trading Position • Viewing Essential • Business £150,000 Inc. SAV SKELMERSDALE - Nightclub 1959 • Well Established • W/T £3,000 • High Value Equipment • Well Fitted • Excellent Reputation • Prime Location • Business £30,000 SAV
Taxis/Cab & Plate
Building Trade
C A B S F O R S A L E 02 TX2 £4000: 05 TX2 £8500: 02 TX2/TX1 Engine £6700. WIRRAL CAB & PLATE, RENT OR BUY, Fairway new interior / seats TX1 spares. 07812 380 535
FRAMELINE TRADE SUPPLY COMPOSITE DOORS
AVON SETTLE CARS LTD quality cars available in excellent condition £160pw inc insurance and sat nav. 05 − 07 plates. 07943 754640
LONG COLLAR CITY CAB TX1 07923 599709. N I G H T C O L L A R C/O Pilch Lane 07801 564776
UPVC
WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES. 5 Day Turnaround Tel 0151 546 5577 Fax 0151 546 5588 ACCREDITED WITH BS7412 & BS7950
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
readertravelholidays.com from
£25da9ys
for 4
Business Equipment SHOP EQUIPMENT CENTRE 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
Accountancy / Bookkeeping TAX RETURN DEADLINE APPROACHING need help or advice from an experienced chartered accountant. Call Gavin on 0151 493 9700
ACCOUNTS/TAX tradesmen from £170. 0151 287 7725
Website Design
LIVERPOOL - Off Licence
• W/T £22,000 News Sheet £300 • Adjacent To Town Centre • Excellent Profits • Newly Re-Fitted • Fantastic Scope • Business £169,000 SAV
NEWSAGENTS FOR SALE double fronted, electric shutters busy road in Maghull. low running costs all reasonable offers considered 07852 161349 (after 6pm)
Commercial Premises
CHESTER - Cards & Gifts/Coffee Shop 1820 • Well Established • W/T £1,635 Under Management) • Cafe Business On First Floor • Prime City Centre Location • First Class Opportunity • Huge Scope • Business £49,000 SAV
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
Bruges by Eurostar Selected departures up to November 2011
Rail to London included*
For further information and a FREE brochure
Call: 0151 227 5987
Visit: www.livriviera.co.uk
HOLIDAY ORGANISED BY RIVIERA TRAVEL ABTA V4744 & ATOL 3430 PROTECTED. PER PERSON PRICES BASED ON TWO SHARING A TWIN ROOM. SINGLE ROOMS & OPTIONAL INSURANCE ARE AVAILABLE AT A SUPPLEMENT. *SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY ON SELECTED DATES, SUPPLEMENTS MAY APPLY