BUSINESS
ECHO
★★★★
Ex-marine showing bosses how to lead PAGES2&3
Start Survive Thrive
Liverpool’s stars of the salon scene PAGES6&7
BARCLAYS TARGETS SMALL FIRM SURGE EXCLUSIVE
By NEIL HODGSON Industry Reporter
THIS month’s Government spending review could lead to a surge in small firm start-ups – and Barclays Bank has beefed up its support network to help the growth in the self-employed sector. Ian Aitchison, head of local business for Barclays Business and former Waterloo rugby union star, believes the anticipated attack on public sector services will lead to a new wave of entrepreneurship. He said: “If the public sector suffers, particularly in the north west, people will look at their options. “There’s a lot of skills in the public sector and I think people will ask, ‘should we start a new business?’ – and we will help them.”
He acknowledges banks’ stock plummeted among small businesses during the recession, but vehemently defends Barclays’ handling of its small firms’ accounts.
“I don’t accept we have pulled the plug on businesses. Providing the customer is open and honest with us we have been really supportive. “Banks have been unpopular, but fundamentally we still look at a business and ask, is it a good trading business and can it cover its debts?” He added: “Barclays have got a good track record through this recession. “In 2009 we lent £35bn for business and households and the Merseyside lending book has grown just the same as the national picture. Our lending figures have held up particularly well.” He said: “If I am in any way critical of banks, it is how can we add value for the customer, and we have done that.”
Public sector cuts could drive rise in new entrepreneurs
A FREE seminar by Ralli Solicitors explaining the opportunities and pitfalls of limited liability partnerships (LLPs) to Merseyside businesses will take place at Liverpool’s Hilton Hotel next Wednesday. LLPs are a way of protecting the assets of business partners and the number of LLPs in the UK has increased by nearly 50% in the past four years. Contact Gillian Nuttall at gillian.nuttall@ ralli.co.uk to book.
CHRIS LAVERY has ● been appointed partnership director of
STRATEGIC VIEW: Ian Aitchison, Barclays Business head of local business on the terrace of the bank’s Chapel Street offices
It’s Signature Café’s 1st Birthday To celebrate we are giving away freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam all day on Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th October with every sale.
www.signaturecafeliverpool.co.uk
0151 703 0249
BUSINESSES will ● be able to assess their commercial health
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Barclays Business is targeting firms ranging from start-up level to up to £5m turnover, or with debts of up to £3m.
Full alcohol licence • Free Wi-Fi • 5 star rating on last food and hygiene inspection
LAW firm Maxwell Hodge has joined forces with strategy experts the Business Doctors to offer a free seminar for local firms giving advice on legal and financial issues and business growth. It will take place at Southport’s Ramada Plaza hotel tomorrow, between 12 noon and 2pm. To book a place call 0845 219 7077 or visit www. businessdoctors.co.uk
in the latest ‘60 Really Useful Minutes’ session hosted at the Old Hall Street offices of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce this Friday, from 9-10am. Free to members, attendees can book online at Liverpool chamber.org.uk
Last year was the best since records began in 1988 for Barclays helping start-up firms, with a 14% increase, while company failures on Merseyside came in less than the national figures. He said: “We are really supportive of the start-up market.” That is backed by a team of almost 60 relationship managers assisting Merseyside firms which Mr Aitchison says is essential to establish a working bond with business owners. “I have more than 30 years in this industry. It was about how the bank manager could help you and not trip you up. “Bank manager would have been one of the first ports of call. I am not sure we are at the moment and that’s what I want to get back to. Sometimes customers are nervous to come and ask for help, so we want Barclays to be the ‘go-to’ bank.”
Products include help with foreign exchange and a credit rating search allowing firms to check on prospective customers that does not leave a footprint: “We don’t want to damage the trading account and trading business,” explained Mr Aitchison. He added: “Small businesses will lead us out of the recession and Barclays will play its part in that.”
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Signature Café is situated on the 2nd floor in Rapid on Williamson Square. There is a huge choice of pastas, jacket potatoes, soups, paninis, all day breakfasts, pastries, cakes and much more…. Recently launched, the café’s sandwich delivery service in and around the city centre is proving popular amongst local businesses. Ged Gibbons the CEO of City Central BID said “Signature Café’s food delivery service is ideal for those times when you want delicious sandwiches delivered straight to the door, with no fuss, I would recommend Signature Café to all”.
Tell us you have seen us in the Echo and receive extra jam and cream with your scone!
2020 Liverpool, the joint venture between professional services provider Mouchel and Liverpool City Council. He was most recently regional director for Mouchel north west.
2 NEWS
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
★★★★
BUSINESS NEW HOPE IN PRINCE’S TRUST INITIATIVE
LIVERPOOL’S Prince’s Trust has helped more than 100 budding entrepreneurs into business over the past two years through its Enterprise Programme. With one of the highest levels of youth unemployment in the north west it is estimated that more than one in four 16-to 24-year-olds are struggling to find a job in the city. The Trust targets disadvantaged 18-to 30-year-olds, many without qualifications, work history or with a criminal record, offering loans, mentoring and advice. A recent success has been Mike Kerrigan, 25, and Emma Jane Martin 30, who have founded The All Day Breakfast Bar in Norris Green. Emma Jane was a single parent and Mike had served 18 months in prison on a drugs charge. Mike said: “If it wasn’t for the Trust I would be at a dead end and most probably unemployed. The only work experience I had before prison was in the building trade which has taken a big knock in the recession.” Emma Jane added: “Our mentor has been really helpful and given us fresh ideas. “We are so grateful for this second chance.” Call 0800 842 842 or visit www.princestrust.org.uk for further information.
BT BROADBAND CHALLENGE
BT is urging Merseyside businesses to compete in a race for super-fast broadband. They can show local demand by taking part in a nationwide BT survey, the Race to Infinity, which will identify the top five ‘hot spots’ where demand is high. The winning areas will be upgraded by early 2012 at the latest. Visit www.bt.com/ racetoinfinity to influence BT’s future deployment plans.
SMALL
BUSINESS of the Week
M
ANAGERS beware – the cushy days of afternoons at the races and golfing getaways are numbered. Companies are realising the merits of bootcamp and former Royal Marine Greg Pye is the man to deliver. His Go Commando team building business is in increasing demand as organisations seek no-nonsense bonding solutions for their top teams against the current backdrop of business austerity. Greg said: “There’s a lot of money spent on golfing and days at the races and we are a fraction of those costs.”
And after almost six years in the Royal Marines he and his team can guarantee to get the corporate message across: “As a Royal Marine you have to be able to communicate, regardless of the situation.
“You might have a radio but if you’re under fire or in mountains or severe weather it’s not going to work. So you have to get a concise message understood very quickly. “There are so many good traits from the military. It’s been around longer than any business. They have built and built on the good points and dropped the bad.” As one of the Army’s elite forces Royal Marine training is twice as long as other units. After 15 weeks of standard training the commando force undergoes a further 17 weeks: “That’s where you learn your unique skills. I found it easy to relay information because it has been drilled into me.” Greg’s first solo venture after leaving the forces seven years ago was a personal training service in his West Kirby Body Solutions gym on Banks Road where he employed his people skills. He said: “You only have one hour with someone in a week so you have to get the best out of them and make them feel fantastic. You have to get your message over very quickly in a very short space of time. “It is very blunt. We’re not there to hold peoples’ hands. You have to achieve what you set out to in a very short space of time, and that’s what chief executives want.” One chief executive to take the Go Commando challenge was Mark Newton-Jones, head of Speke online and catalogues retailer Shop Direct, who took 11 of his directors on a two-day course with the aim of creating a more cohesive boardroom unit. Greg said: “We do a process of ‘engage and align’. We align staff behind the company ethos and engage the people, which is what we did with Shop Direct. “We ran a two-day programme in
Greg draws on military know-how for bosses’ challenge Neil Hodgson talks to ex-Royal Marine Greg Pye, a team leader’s team leader North Wales. They break down barriers that have formed in work, which is quite unhealthy. “We looked at the new model he had created and implemented that model for the new management team to take on and spread to the rest of the staff. “Each course is tailor made to whatever end result is required. “It’s not just turn up and do some swinging between trees, which was done to death in the 80s and 90s.” He added: “It could be about communications issues or a lack of adhesion or understanding, for
example, between sales and administration, or product development.
“Mark’s team had one day of conference-based activities to improve communication in and around the hotel. The second day we took them on to the side of a mountain. We taught them basic navigation skills and they had to get from A to B. “It tanked down from the second we arrived to when we finished.” But he said the change in the group dynamic is striking: “There’s a lot of faceless communications in the
business world these days. “People take so long to get simple tasks done because there’s so much email flying around and they are reading so many different things into them. Is it aggressive, does it mean something else? “But when you put people together people gel a lot quicker and it is a bit like speed team building.” Other clients have included the Prison Service, including HMP Strangeways in Manchester. Greg explained: “They wanted a perfect team, like a ‘Manchester United,’ to retain their Investors in People status. “The governor realised people need to feel their value in a company, otherwise sickness days increase and attrition rates increase.” Budget cuts have curtailed contracts within the prison service, but Go Commando is now working with prisons run by private operators. Private sector clients include pharmaceutical giant Glaxo
Merseyside to the fore in Morgan Foundation finals THE finalists have been announced for this year’s Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards, with 14 cash prizes available worth up to £20,000 for winning entries. A range of professional services will also be offered to winners of the six categories revealed at the Carden Park Hotel final on November 11.
Liverpool entrepreneur Steve Morgan, founder of the awards and housing group Redrow, said: “The standard is extremely high, so the judges need to really understand the businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them before we can decide who will lift the prizes.” All the best new business
finalists are from Liverpool: Leaf Tea Shop & Bar; SPD CAD Services; Tender Management Consultancy; The Chocolate Cellar; and Training Strategies. The venture providing an economic or social contribution to communities include: The Contact Company (Wirral); Expert
Language Solutions (Southport); and 20 Stories High (Liverpool). Best entrepreneurial charity or social enterprise includes: Elixir Foundations (Bootle); Fruit to Suit (Wirral); and Ykids (Bootle). Best entrepreneurial charity or social enterprise in Liverpool: Ariel Trust;
Chrysalis Domestic Violence Services; The Reader Organisation; 20 Stories High. Best young entrepreneur include: Thomas Darlow; Kris McDonald; Donna Redgrave (all Liverpool). And Against all odds includes: Ben Donnelly (Bootle); Debbie Stone (Widnes); Jo Wood (Wirral).
★★★★
NEWS 3
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
SNOW JOKE: Staff from Liverpool-based Smart Storage take a breather on Ben Nevis as part of their Three Peaks challenge arranged by Go Commando
CARA WINS BEST OF THE BEST AWARD
ORMSKIRK student Cara Henderson has won the main prize in this year’s Women in Property National Student Awards. Voted Best of the Best, she was one of nine finalists from an original entry of 64. Cara, 23, who is in the third year of a quantity surveying and commercial management degree at the University of Central Lancashire, said: “It has been a really interesting and inspirational process for me, both in terms of pushing myself the extra mile and also in meeting the other students, all of whom have been so impressive.” Housebuilder Redrow, founded by Liverpool entrepreneur Steve Morgan, has awarded Cara a year-long placement in its commercial department. Cara attended Merchant Taylors’ School for Girls in Crosby and King George V College, Southport.
Do you want to be our Business of the Week? Contact Neil Hodgson 0151 472 2451 or email neil.hodgson @liverpool.com
SmithKline which was keen to break down communications barriers due to the globalisation of its business: “We got them to interact in ways that weren’t by text or email.” He said the autumn is a busy period for team-building exercises: “There is a lot of strengthening of teams after people have lost their jobs during the year. But this also puts a bit of a value figure on peoples’ foreheads.” Team building has grown steadily since Greg was asked by a couple of his gym clients to provide some courses: “The first we did was a recruitment and selection exercise. “The client wanted to know who was the best candidate for an in-house role.” Candidates took part in the Three Peaks challenge to climb the three highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. “You find out so much about someone in an outdoor situation in terms of grit to get a job done.”
Greg is now considering leadership courses drawing on his service with the Royal Marines, where he attained the rank of Corporal, and US drugs giant Eli Lilly which has a Speke plant has already expressed an interest.
His other big project is a survival challenge on a deserted island off North Wales owned by TV survival expert Bear Grylls: “It would be aimed at senior management teams or sales teams, anything with a competitive edge, to see if they can survive for two days using the skills we teach them.”
Unmissable Business Events Free to Visit -
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Merseyside Business Fair Tuesday 2nd November St Georges Hall, Liverpool
Halton & Warrington Business Fair
COMMANDO: former Royal Marine Greg Pye is now running team-building courses
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4 NEWS
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
★★★★
BUSINESS
BIG Success bar none W from New Brighton to Bermuda INTERVIEW Peter Elson talks to Dan Davies, co-founder and chief executive of CPL Training
HEN the 18-year-old Dan Davies arrived one day at his bank job, he was struck by a thought like a thunderbolt. “I suddenly realised if I didn’t just turn my car around and drive away, I’d suddenly be 40, married, with two kids and my life would be over,” he said, aged 37 and engaged.
In less than two decades, New Brighton-born and bred Dan has built up Wirral-based CPL Training to have a £5m annual turnover.
The company’s main business is training staff for the pub and licence trade. Carrying no debt, Dan, as chief executive, actually grew the company over the last 18 months during the recession. He has just launched an internet training service CPL ELearning. Already training around 25,000 people a year, his next ambition is to crack the US market. He bases 70 of his 100 staff at two offices and a warehouse in Birkenhead. CPL Training has a satellite office in Glasgow and plans to open another in London. Obsessed with business, Dan has even helped fund two former employees to set up their own telesales company. Dan’s upward career trajectory started while working in a bar, aged 16, during sixth form, where he got to know entrepreneur Roy Adams. “My mum and dad, who was an estate agent, were so happy I’d got a job in a bank, but I knew it wasn’t for me,” said Dan. It was to Adams that Dan turned when he left the Bank of Scotland after four months. Before Dan was 19, he was managing Coasters bar in New Brighton and a staff of 35. “I’d always carried on the bar work part-time, so it was a natural progression,” he said. “But I did pick up some tips while in the bank’s commercial finance department which I still use today.” A friend had set up a small training company and, with a third partner, they realised there was a gap in the training market. “We all worked in the licence trade and realised there was a lot of potential for training,” he said. “People wanted to progress and get qualified to run pubs and bars, so we put together weekend training courses. “These dealt with aspects like cellar work, management, staffing and dealing with theft. “It was really a lifestyle business on top of our main jobs. “But we spent a lot of time getting our qualifications, plus talking to police and magstrates. “We expanded from courses in
Bolton to Stafford and Reading. “Soon we had semi-national coverage and were the first to have a proper national network. “Today we’re the largest supplier of licensing staff with training locations from Aberdeen to Southampton. Starting up CPL Training was a very exciting time.
Of course, you’re young and gung-ho, you can work all hours and be very flexible. “We gave up running our licensed businesses in 2004 to focus on CPL.” However, even since buying out his two partners in 2007 to take the business forward with his own vision, Dan works 12 hour days.
‘I am visible and available to both staff and clients’
The new licensing act of 2005 took licensing out of magistrates’ hands and gave it to the local authorities. “One of the conditions was that it became mandatory, rather than advisable, to be trained for a personal licence,” said Dan.
“We then started getting bigger customers like Threshers and its subsidiaries like Victoria Wine. Before long the big boys started using us like Asda, Tesco, Somerfield, Netto and hotels like Malmaison and Intercontinental.”
Meantime, the courses on the pub business continued alongside and
these remain CPL’s biggest sector. “The company had to diversify as we’d expanded on the back of training from the 2005 act and soon that would come down. “Some of our competitors didn’t see this and didn’t survive. I looked at the possible effects of the smoking ban on the pub trade and realised we’d too many eggs in one basket. Instead, we went into NVQ courses on hospitality, food and drink, and health and safety.” He also took 48 flights around the Gulf states in 2007 picking up contracts for further courses.
TOP TRAINER: Dan Davies, chief executive of CPL Training
NEWS 5
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
★★★★
SCANTEC PERSONNEL CONTINUES EXPANSION WITH THE CREATION OF SIX JOBS WIRRAL recruitment agency Scantec Personnel is creating six full-time jobs through the expansion of its commercial division. The firm currently focuses its commercial division to the recruitment of office and secretarial personnel. It is now branching out its services to offer accountancy & finance, human resources, sales &
insurance, information technology, marketing & advertising and law and logistics. Scantec managing director Peter Bates said its expansion was a direct response to growing demand for commercial candidates from both new and existing clients. He added: “To date Scantec has been a top technical and engineering
recruitment firm with a small commercial division. “However, we have noticed a growth in the need for commercial staff and we want to be able to provide a complete recruitment solution. “We have diversified the range of personnel that we can offer to our current and potential clients to meet their demands. “The growth of this
service has led to the creation of six new positions in Scantec.” In November 2009, Scantec launched a food manufacturing division, with food expert Sara Frith. The development of the commercial division is part of Scantec’s growth strategy to build its turnover to more than £100m over the next five years.
ADVERTORIAL
START UPS CRUCIAL TO UK ECONOMIC RECOVERY BY LEIGH TAYLOR Area director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in the North West
This includes teaching occupational English to Arab professionals who wanted to emigrate to Australia. He’s even run security courses in Bermuda. “Coping with the recession has involved a lot of very hard work. It’s been a reality check,” he said. “We got together with our suppliers to discuss how to face it. A lot of companies went under, including good customers like Threshers and Kwik Save. “But I expect a turnover of £5m this year with £1m profit after
growing the business by 35%. “Last year was £3.5m turnover with £400,000 profit. “My advice to anyone starting out is to keep the initial product, cost and selling simple. “Also you must lead from the front. “I am visible and available to staff and clients. Customer service is top of the list.
“We intensively researched what our clients wanted for our new CPL ELearning product. Otherwise what’s the point of trying to sell it to them?”
Business start ups are a vital part of a recovering economy and an indicator of improving business conditions. There are some 4 million small and medium sized businesses in the uK. Before the recession up to 500,000 new businesses were being launched in the uK every year. Research from Banksearch has shown that over 46,000 started up in July 2010 – 14 per cent more than the same month in 2009. Those who have travelled the start up road before will tell you that there are essential things every new business needs; a solid business plan, cash flow forecasts and general guidance about the pitfalls they may face in the first year of business. There are some great free resources in the north West – such as your local Business Link – and a wealth of support and guidance is available from a good banking partner such as Lloyds TsB Commercial. At Lloyds TsB we place emphasis on an approach where our locally based managers can help you shape business plans, offer guidance on how to manage cash flow and, where possible, work with you to anticipate issues which could hamper growth. Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) has pledged to help 300,000 new businesses start up by 2012 as part of its sMe Charter – in fact, Lloyds TsB (part of LBG) has already helped 80,000 companies in the last 12 months*. We want to make sure that businesses which need
OPPORTUNITIES: Lloyds TSB Commercial’s Leigh Taylor funding have access to it. Lloyds TsB Commercial has been one of the largest participants in the Government’s enterprise Finance Guarantee (eFG) scheme and about three in every 10 loans generated under this scheme have been offered by Lloyds TsB. Many of these loans have been taken up by businesses in the north West where Lloyds TsB Commercial is strongly represented. new businesses banking with Lloyds TsB Commercial will get their first 18 months day-to-day banking free – as
well as free sage business planning software to help develop and forecast their businesses, and preferential offers on sage accountancy software. Customers can then be assured that every penny they make will go towards building a successful business. For more information please call in branch and speak to one of our local business managers or www.lloydstsb.com/ visit business. * Figures relate to July 09 – June 10
Free business banking includes cheques, standing orders, cash, direct debits, deposits and withdrawals. All we ask is that you keep your account within agreed limits. 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. The Lloyds Banking Group includes Lloyds TsB Bank plc and a number of other companies.
6 NEWS
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
★★★★
BUSINESS
SHORTCUTTO
Tony McDonough
talks to haircare professionals who stay one step ahead
FOCUS L
. . . on hair salons IVERPOOL’S ladies have always had a reputation for wanting to look their best – and now the city’s men are catching on too. That is great news for Merseyside’s thriving hair and beauty sector. And Liverpool city centre-based Hooka Hair and Beauty is one business that is taking full advantage. Established just four years ago in Wood Street by Dion Padan, the business has already established itself as a leading player in attracting the city’s most stylish and fashion-conscious clients. Many salons will advertise they are unisex but in reality, the majority of their clientele will be women. Dion claims to have a 50/50 female-male split among its customers. He said: “I would describe our branding as young and quirky and I think that has been an important factor in our success so far. “We first opened as a men’s salon but that has changed over time and now we more or less have an equal number of both. “We are now living in a celebrity-obsessed culture and people often do come wanting to look like someone famous. “And it is not just women feeling the social pressures to look a certain way. That is increasingly the case for men too.” Hooka has taken full advantage of the social networking phenomenon and pushes itself on sites like Facebook and Twitter. Dion added: “A lot of people want to go to somewhere that is considered to be a bit cool but also obviously where they will get a good haircut. “People who work here are encouraged to push the boundaries and we encourage them to enter competitions.” The policy of entering competitions is paying off for the business. It made it into the final six in the Salon of the Year category at the British Hairdressing Business Awards. And its senior stylist – Ami Lou – is also Hair Magazine’s Salon Stylist of the Year. Dion says he would love to open another outlet but admits competition in the Liverpool
MEET THE TEAM: Barbara Daley, pictured with her staff, has been a feature of Liverpool’s salon scene for 20 years and Herbert Howe, inset, has been in the sector for almost half a century hairdressing and beauty market is Herbert says the salon sector is fierce. as competitive as ever with mobile “One of the hairdressers in particular characteristics of undercutting the big salons on Liverpool people is that price. they love a bargain and He added: “They key to our are often looking to get success is quality and what they want as professionalism. The likes of cheaply as possible – myself always on the lookout and Barbara Daley for a great deal or a trained for five years. special offer. “Quality is the “That makes it tricky for watchword of this us.” business – we have Herbert Howe is to give a service. Liverpool’s unofficial “I like to think king of the crimpers, of us as the having been Harrods of the operating in the city salon business.” for almost 50 years. Barbara Herbert of Liverpool Daley is one of in Hanover Street is a the biggest place that everyday names in the customers can rub Liverpool hair shoulders with salon sector. celebrity clientele. Barbara and “We have had a lot her husband of celebs in here and Paul have run young people want to their business for KEEPING UP: be where they are,” the past 20 years. Paul Daley he said. They operate
two salons – in Lime Street in the city centre and in Allerton Road. The business employs 46 people, including a number of apprentices, and caters for both male and female clients. Paul Daley acknowledges how competitive the salon scene is in Liverpool and that the Barbara Daley name alone isn’t enough to keep people coming through the door. He said: “It is very important we stay aware of what the current fashions and trends are. “Hair is like clothes. Fashions change over time and people want to keep up with those changes.” He points out that when they talk about competition they don’t just mean rival salons. “There are a lot of things people can spend their money on,” he said. “They can eat out at a restaurant, buy some new clothes and they might do those things instead of spending it on their hair. “Hopefully we can persuade them how their hair looks is important. It is something they walk out of the door with every day.”
Star of the sector HAIRDRESSING doesn’t need to be about small businesses – just look at Andrew Collinge. Andrew, twice-winner of the Hairdresser of the Year award, is one of the city’s best-known business figures and boasts celebrities and members of the Royal Family as clients. Today he has six salons – with his flagship base in Liverpool’s Castle Street – and his own range of hair care products. But his business has long roots – and this year the Collinge family is celebrating its 100th year in hairdressing. Andrew said: “We have a national profile but we are a regionalised business. The
PROFIT
NEWS 7
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
★★★★
MONEY MATTERS THE rate of VAT in the UK is set to increase to 20% from January 4, 2011. Its going to make the January sales interesting and potentially confusing for shoppers. They may have to show some alacrity between Boxing Day and the New Year. The VAT rate hike will also have important implications for businesses of every size. Companies need to start addressing its effect now. January may seem like a long way off, but putting in place advance plans so you are prepared for the increase will significantly ease the transition. Businesses will have to change their accounting systems and software to accommodate the rate increase. There will also be added complications if businesses have adopted the cash accounting or flat rate scheme. Most VAT registered businesses will pass on the rate increase to consumers with immediate effect. However, don't be surprised to see businesses, which use price as their most important differentiator, to
delay the increase in some way. I wouldn’t be surprised to see retailers advertising their January sales with messages around beating the VAT increase. Issues with the rate change will occur when businesses have supplies that run over the January 4 date, such as construction contracts, where part of the work is done before the rate change and part after. If customers are willing to
with Neil Sturmey, head of office for Grant Thornton Liverpool
pay for the work prior to the change, then they can be charged at 17.5%, subject to the anti-forestalling legislation. Organisations which charge members annual subscriptions which bridge the January 4 date, will also have to observe this legislation. Invoices issued for the year in advance will pay 17.5% for all monthly payments up to December 31, 2009. All subsequent payments must be at the higher 20% rate. The anti-forestalling legislation has been put in place by HM Revenue & Customs to effectively block any attempt by a business to charge VAT at 17.5% now for orders or services which will be delivered after the January 4 cut off date. The imminent VAT increase will force many businesses to take some important financial decisions, and any businesses that are wary of the new legislation or unsure about the changes should seek expert accountancy advice.
At McLintocks... ON THE UP: Dion Padan has turned Hooka into one of the city’s trendiest hair and beauty salons
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HAIRDRESSING ROYALTY: Andrew Collinge outside his Bold Street Graduates Salon boost when Andrew began future is very exciting for us.” Merseyside. Andrew started appearing regularly on ITV work at his father’s business His grandfather Wilfred daytime show This Morning, in 1974 before moving to Collinge became an turning him into a national London to train at salon apprentice in a barber’s shop hairdressing celebrity. Michael John. in Lord Street, Southport, Andrew is also keen to He rose to become that 100 years ago before bring new talent into the company’s artistic director becoming a ship’s barber. industry, and so the company before moving back to His son Peter became an runs a hairdressing academy Liverpool with his wife Liz in apprentice hairdresser in and two graduate salons to the 1980s. The Collinges’ 1943, and by the 1960s had a give trainees experience. business was also given a chain of salons throughout
E Financial Management
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0845 680 7800 for a FREE consultation or visit:
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56 Hamilton St, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 5HZ 2 Hilliards Court, Chester Business Park, Chester, CH4 9PX
8 NEWS
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
★★★★
ECHO Business to Business
BUSINESS
PRICE IS RIGHT IN CITY
The Business Sales Specialists WIRRAL - Post Office/Newsagents
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SKELMERSDALE - Pet Shop
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1026
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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
BIRKENHEAD - Counter News
1781
• Well Established, W/T £5000 - £6000 • Well Equipped • Extensive Living Accommodation • Residential Rental Opportunity • Sought After Location • Bus & Prop £949,995 SAV
LIVERPOOL - Newsagents
1795
• 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
Prominent Trading Position • WT £5,900, N/S £2,300 • Present owner 40+ years • Potential 6 Bed Accom • Bus £59,995 SAV, Prop £224,995
WARRINGTON - Convenience Store/Counter News 1860 • Established 40 Years, W/T £8,500 • Main Road Location Corner Plot • Limited Opening Hours • Scope To Increase Turnover • Large Residential Area • Business £85,000 SAV
1877
WIRRAL - Restaurant
ST HELENS - Sandwich Bar/Convenience Store 1868
RUNCORN - Cafe
1824
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 - Convenience Store 1872 • Well Established • W/T £2,500 - £3,500 N/S £250 At Retail • Huge Scope & Potential • Bespoke Building, Large Sales Area • Densely Populated Area • Bus & Prop OFFERS INVITED
Selling you business? For Free valuations talk to the experts
0844 820 0000 www.blacksbrokers.com
A LIVERPOOL-BORN Jersey-based businessman has returned to his home city to launch his latest venture. Alan Price is opening the UK arm of an already successful Channel Islands venture in Old Swan. Alan, 66, is managing director of CI Blinds Direct, which specialises in supplying wooden shutters and now forms part of the new Signature bespoke furniture outlet based in Prescot Road.
As an authorised partner of Irish manufacturer, Docura, he aims to use Liverpool as the launch pad to supply affordable wooden shutters across the north west.
Alan said: “With more people renovating their homes rather than moving house, I think there's a gap in the market for wooden shutters supplied at the right price. “Shutters were once a very
‘Tradesman to the stars’ back in Liverpool popular feature of Victorian and Edwardian houses, which then went out of fashion. “But now they’re coming back. Having shutters both enhances the appearance of your home and adds value.” Alan is currently flying into Liverpool every week to get the business off the ground. Having trained as a joiner at former Liverpool building contractors, Tyson, he left Liverpool in 1966 and spent the next 40-plus years developing building trade businesses in the Middle East, California and Jersey. While working in Beverley Hills, he became a tradesman to the stars, providing carpentry and joinery work for Sylvester Stallone and Jane Fonda.
NIGHTCLUB LEASE FOR SALE
EXCELLENT LOCATION, 500 CAPACITY WITH 250 MORE AVAILABLE ON SEPARATE FLOOR. 3AM LICENSE.
WIDNES
07970 007505 FAST FOOD TAKEAWAY & Sit in. For sale. Shop fitted out to high standard rec spent £150,000. Open 11−7 Mon− Sat. Takes in £3500−£4000pw. Possible to increase trade by opening later hours opening sundays and deliveries. Has taken £6500pw. Sale due to ill health. £69,000ono. 07841 115769
H O Y L A K E Busy profitable newsagents/convenience store for sale in excellent location. £120k + SAV. Ring: 07977 420 154 for details.
RESTAURANT FOR SALE Hoylake Wirral, £160pw, 13yrs lease remaining £32,000 ono. 35 covers. 07754 161 063
Commercial Property T O L E T N E T H E R L E Y Industrial/Workshop Units 506− 1,023 sq ft Rents from £62pw Wheathills Ind Estate. Whittle Jones 01257 238666
YARD TO LET half acre hard standing, steel fenced, secure, yard to let, Aintree, £1200 per month, 0151 525 7767
Industrial Property UNITS TO LET Bootle Area 5,000−15,000 sqft. Flexible terms 0151 486 0004
Business For Rent FREE OF TIE PUB FOR LEASE *Function room/kitchen *Located on busy road *Late Licence *Accommodation. Bakery Inn Rice Lane, Walton 0151 286 9421
LITHERLAND Off licence for sale T/O £5000pw. Also empty shop for rent £80pw. 078533 84014
EAT IN & TAKEAWAY SHOP L7 Fully equipped, plus seperate access to 3 bed flat with dg & gch, recently decorated 07930 369048
SANDWICH Delivery Business, 90k t/o, est 16 yrs. Ideal add on business, van inc £14,500 Tel: 07731 350863
DOUBLE FRONTED Office/ shop to let. Blundellsands L23. Would suit variety of business. £550pcm. 07799043982
Accountancy / Bookkeeping COMPANY DEBT increasing? Vat & tax arrears? We have solutions. 0151 428 0015
Debt Management STRUGGLING WITH DEBT? immediate local help, for all credit card and loan arrears. No home visit 0151 221 0861
LIVERPOOL - Newsagents
1785
• Established 52 Years, Affluent Area • Local Cliental Base • W/T £7,000 N/S £2,500 • Scope To Increase T/o • Viewing A Must • Bus & Prop £259,995 SAV
LIVERPOOL - Newsagents & ESP
1797
• 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
LIVERPOOL - Newsagents
1195
• Busy Main Road Location • W/T £1,600 & Rising • Extendable Opening Times • Scope To Increase T/O, • Excellent Local Reputation • Viewing A Must, Business £50,000 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
ST HELENS - Off Licence/Convenience Store 1892
• Well Established • Wt £1500 (Payzone £700) • Huge Potential • Excellent Freehold Proposition • Well Equipped, Well Respected • Bus & Prop £110,000 SAV
by TONY McDONOUGH
SHOP/FLAT TO LET St Johns Rd. Waterloo. L22. Large shop with 2 bed flat. Suitable for various of uses. £900pcm Call: 0 1 5 1 9 2 0 9 9 9 9 / 07900424441
Open until 9pm www.blacksbrokers.com
WARRINGTON - Bakery/Sandwich Bar 1839
RIGHT PRICE: Alan Price at the Old Swan store
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY For Heat/Fuel Merchants. Agents wanted nationwide to market quality heating product in all areas. For more details. email: aidan@hartepeat.com
0844 820 0000
• Impeccably Presented • W/T £4,250 • Enviable Reputation • High Gross Profit, Huge Scope • Extensive Building • Bus & Prop £299,995 SAV
Deputy Business Editor
Business Opportunities
Business For Sale
Busy Main Road Parade
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL UNITS To let. Peel Rd. Skelmersdale. WN8. From £550pcm Call: 0 1 5 1 9 2 0 9 9 9 9 / 07900424441 SHOP TO LET St Johns Rd. Waterloo. L22. Large shop various uses. £600pcm Call: 0 1 5 1 9 2 0 9 9 9 9 / 07900424441 SHOP TO LET Would ideally suit Barber shop. Bridge Road. Blundellsands L23. £600pcm Call: 0151 9209999/ 07900424441
PINK GIRLS PARTY THEME P A L A C E Well est in North Liverpool. Divorce forces sale. Contact Paul: 0777 332 1465
Taxis/Cab & Plate
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 - Sandwich Bar
1869
• Well Respected • W/T £1800 - £2000 • Huge Potential, Low Rent • Well Equipped • First Class Proposition • Business £50,000 SAV
• W/T £11,000 (Increasing) • Superb Mod shop Unit • Valuable Mostly New Equipment • Very Easily Run • Highly Recommended • Business £64,950 SAV
FORMER HAIRDRESSERS To Let. South Road, Waterloo. L22. Prime location. £700pcm. Call: 0 1 5 1 9 2 0 9 9 9 9 / 07900424441
WARRINGTON - Sandwich Bar
ACORN PRIVATE HIRE Knowsley Badge Drivers required by Acorn Private Hire, for new taxi offices opening soon in Kirkby Town Centre. Also required, new applicants for private hire badges. Help given in obtaining badge. Tel 0151 546 2701 DAVY LIVER TAXIS Require more full/part time private hire owner drivers. Some company cars still available. Call Alan 07795 417333 AVON SETTLE CARS LTD quality cars available in excellent condition £160pw inc insurance and sat nav. 05 − 07 plates. 07943 754640
S REG TX1 Knowsley Cab & Plate, 6 months pass 07801 199912
1887
• Well Established • W/T £1,450 +, Low Rent • Well Equipped • Corner Plot Location • Viewing Essential • Business £50,000 SAV
SEFTON PLATE & cab TX1 for sale will sell separately. 0781 3051 972 BLUE LINE TAXISNew drivers wanted urgently. Earn £500 − £800pw. Tel 0151 709 0101
WANTED TX1−2 CAB FOR SALE/PARTS 07812 380 535
Commercial Premises
Wholesale
PORTER STREET, LIVERPOOL L3
TOYS GIFTS m&s babywear, below trade price shops Ebay carboot etc 0151 298 1859
LPOOL CITY Cab & Plate sale 12 mth pass 07769 827156
Building Trade
ALL COLLARS AVAIL City cab, good rates 07958 021347
1,400sq ft refurbished offices. Ready for immediate occupation. Fully inclusive rental. Secure Parking. Ideal relocation from City Centre HURLSTON BROOK
01704 896516 SECURE INDOOR CAR EMPORIUM
Ideal for car maintenance & repairs. Units to rent Aintree area. Long & short term lets. Parking space. Close to M57 & M58. £100pw.
Call 0151 546 5222 or 07949 134122 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
TX1 DAYS with c/o + Night collar. 07715 172487 DAY COLLAR TX4 C/O Kirkby 0784 3379591
KNOTTY ASH TAXIS Owner drivers req’d 0151 259 2000
DAYS with c/o & Nights or Long collar. 07957 636549
FRAMELINE TRADE SUPPLY UPVC
WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES. 70MM X 70MM Duraflex Sculptured Suite 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
T X 1 Long Collar. £250pw. 07754 233548 C I T Y L O N G C O L L A R TX1 £250pw. 07711 615124
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS A-F TEL: 0151 472 2746 G-M TEL: 0151 472 2573 N-Z TEL: 0151 472 2377
reader travel holidays.com
L A R G E S H O P & 1st floor offices. Fore court parking. Kitchen & toilet, well decorated. Roller shutter security. Kitchen & toilet. Main Road Maghull, Low rent. 01695 423489 LARGE SALES PREMISES 4000 sqft+, secure yard, large warehouse, kitchen & toilets. Will divide, suitable furniture sales or office 01695 423489
SECURE UNDERGROUND car parking spaces available to rent in City Centre L2. 24hr access 7 days a week. 0151 425 3360
from
MOSSLEY HILL Shop to let. Suits small business/office 0151 724 2714 or 07764 331435 L4 GARAGE UNIT fully equip 2 sets of ramps, comp, 3 phase £160pw. 0792O 461551
Berlin
£3 for 4 49 d
ays
SHOPS TO LET Very secure 07785 562496
Selected departures up to November 2010
WORKSHOP UNIT To let. Very secure. 07785 562496
For further information and a FREE brochure
OFFICE TO LET fr £40pw fully inc. 07785 562496
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
Call: 0151 227 5987
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 AVAILABLE AT A SUPPLEMENT.