BUSINESS
ECHO
★★★★
Indie band gets shirty
Start Survive Thrive
‘Liverpool needs bold decisions’
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THE latest free session in the “60 Really Useful Minutes” series hosted by Liverpool Chamber of Commerce tackles the removal of the default retirement age. Mark McKeating of law firm Hill Dickinson will discuss the implications and its effects on employee benefits at the chamber’s Old Hall Street offices, from 9-10am, next Tuesday, March 8. Book online at Liverpoolchamber.org.uk
First fund loan for glass firm PROCESSED glass maker Tuff X, of Knowsley, is set to expand thanks to loans totalling £400,000 from FW Capital and Lloyds TSB Commercial. This is the first loan given out by FW Capital as a fund-manager for the new North West Fund financial scheme to grow small and medium-sized enterprises. FW Capital and Lloyds TSB Commercial have each invested £200,000. Tuff X will use the loans to double its production capacity and expand into the lucrative and increasingly popular conservatory roof glass market. The loan also allowed it to relocate to a 55,000sq ft office and manufacturing complex in Knowsley.
LIVERPOOL-based ● Top Gear Recruitment, a specialist
in supply chain recruitment, has boosted its specialist driver training team with the hire of Paul Rowlands, 55, to grow the company’s dedicated driver training service in the Liverpool area.
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TEAMWORK: From left, Gary Guest of FW Capital, Carol Duffy and Graham Price of Tuff X, and Gareth Hall of Lloyds TSB
FSB IN ATTACK ON TAX CRACKDOWN by NEIL HODGSON
Industry Reporter
SMALL firms’ lobby group the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is concerned that a crackdown by the taxman on company records could just be a “revenue-raising” exercise. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is planning spot checks on the records of more than 50,000 small firms. If HMRC finds they do not meet minimum reporting standards, fines of up to £3,000 could be levied, to raise £600m over the next four years. The FSB is concerned that HMRC consultation on the proposal lacked
Move ‘may just be bid to raise tax revenue’
information on how it would choose businesses and carry out the checks. Another worry, says the FSB, is that HMRC did not draw up details of what standard criteria would be used to assess each business, and that it will be difficult to justify a “significant
failing”, as firms across sectors differ so much. Also, the HMRC consultation document offered no breakdown of the model used to reach the £600m figure, raising further concern that the process is solely going to be used to raise revenue for the department.
The FSB recommends the charging process is left as it currently stands, and that small firms are given the opportunity to improve their records if processes are deemed inadequate.
It said it would not be fair to impose a “first offence” penalty, where the business is unaware of the offence that has been committed. The FSB said guidance should also be produced so that all small businesses
know what actions they can put in place to ensure they are compliant. John Allan, FSB regional chairman, said: “FSB research has shown that one in 10 small firms spends more than six hours per week fulfilling their tax responsibilities. “However, many small businesses do not have a dedicated finance department and will be unaware of the intricate details of tax obligations – especially when starting out. “Rather than imposing fines which could cripple some small firms, it would be more pertinent for HMRC to move to a system where small businesses are encouraged to improve record keeping and understand tax obligations better.”
A FREE seminar on the Directors’ Liability and Bribery Act is being held by Aaron & Partners on Thursday, March 31, from 8-10am at the Park Royal Hotel, Warrington. Email scott. hadden@aaronand partners.com for details.
HAYDOCK Park ● Racecourse is hosting a free open day
on March 30, for businesses and organisations across the north west to highlight conference, events and hospitality facilities it can offer. The guest speaker at the event, which will take place between 11am and 3pm, is Cheshire-based John Timpson who heads the 850-strong nationwide chain of engraving, watch repair and dry cleaning businesses. Visitors need to book in advance on 01942 407295 or at www. haydock-park.co.uk/ open-day
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MANUFACTURERS’ organisation the EEF is inviting Merseyside firms to enter its Manufacturing Future Awards. Six regional winners will be announced in November and the national awards held in London next January. Visit www.eef.org.uk/awards
2 NEWS
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS FIRMS ‘YET TO REALISE IMPACT OF NEW LAW’
ONLY 7% of UK employers have conducted an assessment of how they will be affected by the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) due to become law this October. Research by recruitment firm Randstad, which has two Liverpool offices, also found that 37% of firms surveyed admitted they are unfamiliar with the regulations. AWR will ensure agency workers receive the right to the same basic working and employment conditions as those in the equivalent permanent job. Agency workers make up about 4% of the UK workforce, the highest proportion in Europe, and Randstad estimates that at least half of them will be affected by the AWR. It says sectors such as construction, education and healthcare are likely to face some of the greatest challenges. Brian Wilkinson, head of Randstad UK, said: “With the implementation of AWR just a few months away it is a concern that such a high proportion of organisations are so unprepared.” He added: “We urge all users of agency workers to conduct a thorough assessment of their human capital resources and the impact of the regulations.”
WARNING OVER BROADBAND
A REPORT by Warrington-based telephony giant TalkTalk says 70% of the UK’s small firms are still relying on domestic, rather than business grade broadband connections. TalkTalk Business, formerly Opal, says such reliance is lowering productivity and business efficiency and impacting on the wider UK economy. The survey says small firms could save £357m a year by switching.
SMALL
BUSINESS of the Week
A
COMBINED loathing of the music industry has inspired three Liverpool musicians to develop their own T-shirt printing venture. In The Room Print Company has been formed by brothers Matt and Alasdair Smith and Paul Rafferty, otherwise known as Liverpool indie band Hot Club de Paris. Matt met Paul in 2003 and the band played their first gig at Seel Street’s Heebie Jeebies in 2004 before signing to London label Moshi Moshi a year later. Two albums – Drop It ’Til It Pops, in 2006, and Live At Dead Lake in 2008 – and two EPs followed and the band is currently working on its third album in their Elevator Building recording studio in Parliament Street due for release later this year. In the meantime the trio has taken its quirky brand of rock all around the world, with gigs in America, India, Iceland, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Holland, Germany, France and Bulgaria. Two weeks ago they played Berlin’s Magnet Club and next week are due in Madrid. Guitarist Matt said one of their most surreal gigs was as the only western band to play the Indian city of Ahmedabad, in Gandhi’s home state. “People from five to 80 came out to see the gig. Everyone was really nice. The kids just wanted to talk to us after about metal. It was great.” He admits they were somewhat taken aback when someone in the crowd shouted for one of their songs: “They had been at Newcastle University and had seen us there a couple of times.” But they are the kind of gigs that the band are eager to play, rather than be dictated to by a music business that, it would be fair to say, is held in miniscule regard by the band. Matt said: “We have made a living as musicians for five years, but none of us are keen on the music industry. “We don’t want to do crappy shows. We will only do the shows we want. It means they’re rarer and better attended. “If you play London 10 times a year people become blase. But if you do it once it becomes an event.” His disdain for the industry is illustrated further when he adds: “When a band gets dropped by a label and they split up, you think it means they were only in it because people were paying for it. “We will keep on making records in this band forever, really. It doesn’t matter whether anyone wants to listen to them or not.” And he said the T-shirt printing business gives them even more independence with the opportunity to earn money outside the band.
Indie band Hot Club obsessed by ‘fine print’ of music biz Neil Hodgson meets a Liverpool band finding that business suits them to a ‘T’ They bought the silk-screen printing equipment from the printer who produced the first Hot Club de Paris shirts. Bassist Paul is a fine art graduate who had done some printing. “We took it over as a good idea to make our own T-shirts, then decided it would be good to do other peoples’.” One of their most recent deals was the European tour T-shirts for US band Joan of Arc, among Hot Club’s own favourites: “We shipped them to Luxembourg for the start of their tour.” Later this month Paul is heading to the South By South West (SXSW) music conference in Texas to tout for
business from English and US bands. Matt said: “We are targeting US bands who come on tour to the UK or Europe and we can say their gear will be there for their first show.” Another recent contract was 500 T-shirts for Frankie and the Heartstrings, on London label Wichita Records, who are also among Hot Club’s friends. “We know a lot of people in the industry and it would be daft not to tap into that and use our contacts to get business.” He added: “We always try and operate ethically. We are not interested in stepping on people and that is how
we operate. We do things for friends and keep it in-house. Everyone helps each other out and can survive.” But the lads plan to look beyond music in the future. They already provide Bold Street’s Lost Art Skate Shop with a range of shirts and are looking at items like tote bags and even pillow cases: “We’re going to do one for ourselves, saying ‘I slept with Hot Club de Paris’ on it – hilarious. “But we can do any printing, for example, stuff for schools, or PE kits, fun runs etc. People don’t really tour in the winter so music T-shirts can be somewhat seasonal. “We’re quoting for someone in Manchester at the moment for retro football shirts.” Only Matt was available for interview as Alasdair and Paul were busy printing: “We’re doing a lot more printing at the moment than music because we want to get to the point where it is about 50-50. We want to be part time musicians and selfemployed.” For more details visit: www. intheroomprintco.com
Trust awarded top social enterprise mark of quality THE organisation that brought Antony Gormley’s “Iron Men” to Merseyside has become the first social business in south Sefton to secure the Social Enterprise Mark. Bootle-based South Sefton Development Trust has been
awarded the Fairtrade-style accreditation – supported by the government’s Office for Civil Society – for putting “people and planet” at the heart of its work. Would-be recipients have to meet a number of criteria, including clear social or
environmental aims, show at least 50% of its profits are spent on socially beneficial purposes, and demonstrate that it earns at least 50% of its income from trading. In addition to its arts projects the Trust was able to point to the wide range of
business advice and support it offers to the social enterprise sector across Merseyside. It also manages the awardwinning Investment Centre office building in Bootle town centre which includes the i-space incubator centre for fledgling businesses.
Chief executive Cate Murphy, said: “We’re delighted to be the first south Sefton recipients of the mark. “Merseyside is fortunate in having an innovative and expanding social enterprise sector, and we’re proud to be playing our part.”
★★★★
Do you want to be our Business of the Week? Contact Neil Hodgson 0151 472 2451 or email neil.hodgson @liverpool.com
HE’S IN FASHION: Matt Smith of Hot Club de Paris and In The Room Print Company
Shaw Hall Caravan Park
NEWS 3
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
LAUNCH OF HOPE’S 02 AWARDS
LIVERPOOL Hope University has launched its 2011 O2 Graduate Enterprise Awards which offer four interest-free £10,000 loans for winning businesses. The scheme aims to give graduates a head start in their business life and includes incubation space to develop their ventures. Hope University Business Gateway chief executive Dr Martin Carey said: “It is even more important in these tough economic times that we support our graduates in developing new businesses. “These enterprising graduates will be the drivers and innovators of tomorrow.” The deadline for applications is March 31. Contact Sean Clift at clifts@hope.ac.uk or ring on 0151-291 3982 for further details.
Advertising Feature
Park enjoys pearl of a celebration
S
HAW Hall Caravan Park has been welcoming guests now for 30 years and is celebrating its Pearl Anniversary this year. To coincide with the planned year-long programme of events, the park can now boast a 50week-per-year licence. This means that caravan and holiday home owners, as well as touring visitors, can enjoy the first class breaks and entertainment the park has on offer from February 15 to January 31. The park is well-established and situated in a very desirable area, a stone’s throw from some of the most picturesque destinations Lancashire has to offer, from
the elegant seaside resort of Southport, to the bustling market town of Ormskirk. It is also very accessible as a comfortable and welcoming bolt-hole for those living in the region, particularly Merseyside and Greater Manchester. Many touring customers return time and time again and often decide to buy a holiday home on the site. Indeed, now that there is virtually an all-year-round licence, many have decided to make Shaw Hall their permanent home, taking a break abroad during the two weeks they cannot be there. The Pringle family arrived at Shaw Hall on July 1, 1981, and, over the next 30 years, developed the park to customers’ expectations, with constant attention to
SHAW HALL: Welcoming guests for 30 successful years
customer demands and the changes that they require in a holiday home. Founder, Alec Pringle, had the vision and determination to start the development of Shaw Hall, then with very few amenities, into the first class park that it is today, and his family have continued his dream with the same passion and enthusiasm. Family members, Alison and Sally admit that, without the solid support of all the family and the huge efforts of the team behind them, none of the success they enjoy today would have been possible. Guests will always be sure of a happy and comfortable stay, whatever the weather, there’s never an ‘off-season’ when it comes to facilities at Shaw Hall, which includes a well-stocked shop/ off licence, launderette, children’s play area, bowling green, putting green, fishing and a clubhouse which provides first class entertainment every weekend. ● Visit Shaw Hall Caravan Park, Scarisbrick, Ormskirk, L40 8HJ. For more information call 01704 840298 or click on www.shawhall.co.uk. Check out the sister site on the other side of the Pennines: www.cawoodpark.com.
Stay as long as you like... Whether you’re looking for a long stay holiday home, somewhere to weekend away from your busy life or somewhere to bring your tourer occasionally
Shaw Hall Caravan Park is the place for you! Just a stone’s throw from all the major towns and cities in the region, it’s a great getaway in the countryside, near the beach and within minutes of all sorts of activities, plus all-year round entertainment in the clubhouse.
Open 50 weeks and there’s a full programme of events celebrating our 30th Anniversary. Call 01704 840298 or click on www.shawhall.co.uk Check out our sister site across the Pennines on www.cawoodpark.com
4 NEWS
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS
BIG City has the INTERVIEW Neil Hodgson hears the forthright views of David Wade-Smith on Liverpool’s strategy
W
E live in momentous times which, says businessman David Wade-Smith, require momentous decisions – but he fears that Liverpool might not be equal to the task. “You don’t get many opportunities to take a long hard look at where you are and we are being presented with, in the current circumstances, the opportunity of a lifetime. “These are embodied by massive political and economic change. The two combined are physically shaking the tree to its foundations – and what concerns me is the determination by some to do things the same. To try and do tomorrow what they do today. “People in the business community are looking on with incredulity that we are not taking this opportunity to examine and question how could we do things differently, but most importantly, how can we set ourselves up for success in the future” Yorkshireman Mr Wade-Smith established his Liverpool business credentials as co-founder of iconic youth-orientated clothing retailer Wade Smith in the 1990s and more recently as founder of the Livesmart smartcard group, and as new business adviser to the city council’s ruling Labour cabinet group. It is in this capacity he has circulated his views on how the city should seize the day to shape its fortunes over the coming decades. Key proposals include folding The Mersey Partnership (TMP) into regeneration agency Liverpool Vision and establishing stand alone bodies to exploit the potential value of the tourism and knowledge economies for the region. He acknowledges TMP has performed a vital function, but argues it overlaps with the six Merseyside boroughs. He said: “They all have tourism departments and economic development departments and the city region would be better served if there was less overlap and these budgets were pooled. We should not waste any time in examining more closely how we can do that.” He believes the value of tourism to the local economy means it should be run as a stand alone entity. Recent figures revealed a significant under-estimation of its worth. In 2009 the Merseyside tourism economy was valued at £1.3bn annually, supporting 23,000 jobs. New methodology for calculating its worth revised those figures to £2.8bn and 40,600, respectively. And accordingly, future projections have
chance of a lifetime to decide where to go from here
MOMENTOUS TIMES: David Wade Smith says Liverpool needs to take bold decisions been re-calculated, increasing its annual worth from £1.4bn to £3.2bn and supporting 42,600 jobs compared with 25,000 by 2012. By 2020 Merseyside’s tourism economy is estimated to be worth £4.2bn – double previous targets – with 55,500 jobs depending on visitors to the city region. “In 2007 Visit Britain said Liverpool had the potential to be bigger than Barcelona. There’s more to be done, but we are there. “The city has never looked shinier, cleaner, brighter and never as accessible as now. “It is recognised well beyond Liverpool’s boundaries that
Liverpool is being held up as a beacon as to how to transform a city and city region. “We have got this unbelievable reputation as a visitor centre now. But where do we want to be? Is it bigger than our nearest competitors in 30 years or bigger than Birmingham in a generation? “The question now is, is the visitor economy ready to stand on its own with its own leadership and chief executive? In my opinion, with a potential value of £4.2bn, it does warrant its own focuses and targeted structure,” said Mr Wade-Smith. He believes the same is true of
‘We have got this unbelievable reputation as a visitor centre’
the knowledge economy which, he insists, can be developed regionally from Liverpool’s world-class asset base. “The knowledge economy – IT, media, life sciences, the universities, science, bio-sciences, nano-technology – is an area I think, out of all the areas, we need to be thinking regionally, north west and beyond,” he said. He points to the development of digital industries as the region’s opportunity to become a global centre of excellence. “We need a plan and an ambition to be the digital capital of the British isles at the heart of the digital revolution. “One thing is for sure, there are other cities and regions having similar ideas in China, India, Japan and the US. “They will all be mapping out plans to be a digital capital and
digital hub. Digital is the future. It is 21st century. “It can keep us very busy and create a lot of wealth and jobs over the next 10-20-30-50 years and that is such a big priority that could keep some highly-skilled and world quality people very busy. “Areas like tourism and knowledge are big enough to stand on their own feet,” he said. However, he warned that the region’s leaders need to recognise and exploit these opportunities. “At the moment there are no proper targets that anyone is signing their name to. There’s a lack of focus. We need a stronger, more tangible Liverpool Vision and a tangible structure of how we are going to deliver it,” he said. In the meantime, Mr Wade-Smith is working towards the April launch of the latest generation of his smartcard technology which
★★★★
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
NEWS 5
AWARDS FOR MERSEYSIDE COSTAS
LOFTY ASPIRATIONS: David Wade Smith believes Liverpool can rival Barcelona, above, as a tourist destination
A MERSEYSIDE Costa Coffee franchisee is celebrating after revealing a leap in sales and a major accolade. Alan Rawling runs 11 Costa outlets across the Liverpool city region and the manager of two of his stores has scooped the nation chain’s Manager of the Year award. Steffi Wilson from Allerton runs the Costas in Tithebarn Street in Liverpool city centre and the branch in Allerton Road. They were judged to be the best in a Costa survey carried out across the UK. She said: “In both the shops it’s the team who are the reason for our success, and everyone is committed to providing the optimum experience for all our customers.” She was presented with a bottle of champagne by Costa’s marketing director, Jim Smith. Another of Mr Rawling’s outlets, in the Cherry Tree shopping centre in Wallasey, is reporting a 22% surge in sales in the past 12 months. The store has been open for two years. Outlet manager, Susan Cullen, was also presented with an award for her efforts by Mr Smith.
GAP HELP WITH DRIVER COURSE
enables leisure and retail businesses to target customers. His new One Card is a pay-as-you-go travel ticket, similar to London Underground’s Oyster Card. The associated website will host a live calendar for participants to load information on events and online ticket sales, including opportunities for cross-selling. “People could buy tickets for Beatles Story, the Echo Wheel, and Mersey Ferries. The site makes
attractions of all sizes equally accessible to all,” he said. More than 50 tourism attractions have already signed up and even ahead of the official launch some are reporting a 50% increase in sales. “We hope One Card can grow into other centres, such as Chester, Manchester, London and European cities. We are already one of Europe’s most successful city cards with more than 100,000 members,” he added.
SMART CARDS: David Wade Smith pictured in 2008
RECRUITMENT firm Gap Personnel is bidding to ease a national shortage of HGV drivers, and improve road safety, by paying for drivers registered with it to achieve the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, a new legal requirement for all professional truck drivers in Europe. Gap supplies drivers daily to more than 100 clients and has offices in Liverpool’s Bixteth Street, Warrington and Preston.
6 NEWS
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS
Green power surge A MESSAGE FROM LIVERPOOL CHAMBER
Entry Details Your name: Company: Position: Contact number: Address:
LIVERPOOL Chamber of Commerce, as the largest and most respected business organisation in the city, has been acting in an environmental leadership role for a number of years, winning national accolades for its support of Year of the Environment, recruiting Green Ambassadors throughout the city’s business community to spread the environmental message to their peers and setting up an environmental club for businesses to provide guidance and support. The culmination of this was the Chamber securing ISO 14001 and encouraging other companies to work towards and adopting this environmental standard. Merseyside has a long history of pioneering new developments and innovations. We know that environmental considerations are now driving research and developments across all sectors. Innovation and technology have the potential to drive the biggest transformations in environmental protection, from enabling more efficient use of resources to positively influencing behavioural change. We are proud to support this award.
Postcode: Email: If you are nominating someone else please also complete the following Name of company/ individual you are nominating: Contact number: Address: SHINE ON: Solar panels can offer fuel alternatives ENTRIES are open for the first It’s Our World Merseyside Environment Awards. The 2011 awards, supported by sponsor Groundwork, recognise and celebrate the work of community groups and public and private sector bodies which are contributing to making Merseyside a greener place to live in. If you are involved in projects helping with the sustainable development of Merseyside, then we want to hear from you. ECHO editor Alistair Machray said: “We want you to honour the people and organisations who have helped to make Merseyside a greener place to live in. it does not matter how big or small. Every
Liverpool Chamber of Commerce Innovation & Technology Award ● HAS your organisation come up with an innovative energy-saving device or service, or developed a novel way of working that helps to tackle climate change? This award is for inventive organisations that
have developed energy-efficiency technologies or services, or conducted research with positive environmental implications. Novel ways of adapting existing technology will also be considered.
little bit helps and we want to hear all about it.” The awards are free to enter and are in two categories: private and public sector; and community. Categories include start-up environmental award; innovation and technology award and personal achievement award for the public and private sectors, and neighbourhood improvement and environmental champion in the community awards. Entries must relate to the period January 2010 to March 2011. Nominations must have a Merseyside address. Closing date for entries is March 18. Visit www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/ environmentawards for entry forms.
The Mersey Partnership Carbon Champion Award ● IS your organisation at the forefront of the low-carbon economy? This award recognises energy and emission-reduction champions. It is for a body that has reduced its carbon footprint by changing the way it works. Applicants should demonstrate achievement from carbonmanagement or energy-efficiency projects. You should also be able to demonstrate business benefits to show the environmental benefits are lasting.
Postcode: Email: Trinity Mirror group companies would like to keep you informed of new and exciting offers and promotions. Please tick here if you would prefer not to be contacted. Your details will not be passed to third parties.
Please tick the category or categories you are entering (you can enter more than one) Start-up Environmental Award Liverpool City Council Environmental Enterprise Award Liverpool Chamber of Commerce Innovation & Technology Award Carbon Champion Award Sustainability Award The Mersey Forest Corporate Responsibility Award Personal Achievement Award Environmental & Health Project Award Neighbourhood Improvement Project Award Sustainable School of the Year Award Community Project Award Environmental Champion Award
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NEWS 7
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Nectar Business
Advertising Feature
Do you have what it takes to win a Small Business Award?
APPRENTICE STAR JOINS THE JUDGES
N
OW in its third year, the Nectar Business Small Business Awards 2011 is once again looking to recognise the achievements of exceptional small businesses and entrepreneurs.From balancing books to customer relations, small business owners have to learn a lot of skills outside of their trade – highlighting the level of work that is required to set up and run a successful small business. These exceptional business people are committed, enthusiastic and determined to make their business a success and it’s this tireless dedication that Nectar Business is looking to reward. Nectar Business wants to find the best of the UK’s small businesses that can demonstrate excellence. Whether that’s through shrewd business moves, employee relations, community work or new innovative ways that are specific to their business needs, Nectar Business wants to hear why your small
business is ahead of the rest. If you run a small business, a social enterprise, an online empire or if you have a winning entrepreneurial streak in you, then this is your chance to be recognised and rewarded in the Nectar Business Small Business Awards 2011.
THE CATEGORIES
There are five categories to enter which are judged by Nectar’s panel of business experts, with the exception of the Contribution to the Community Award which is put to a
public vote: ● Small Business of the Year ● Entrepreneur of the Year ● Online Business of the Year ● Start up of the Year ● Contribution to the Community
THE PRIZES
The five winners of the Nectar Business Small Business Awards 2011 will each receive £2,000 and 50,000 Nectar points as well as the accolade of being the winner of a Nectar Small Business Award and winner’s trophy.
HOW TO ENTER THE SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS FOR 2011
● Entering the awards is simple and completely free. ● All UK small businesses and online enterprises can enter until April 30, 2011, by visiting www.nectar-business.com/SBA2011 where they can download an entry form. ● Successful applications will be shortlisted and notified, with the winning business being announced in August.
With Karren Brady on the judging panel KARREN BRADY: The well-known business woman, vice chairperson of West Ham Football Club and star of TV’s The Apprentice, is one of this year’s judges
John O'Keeffe – merchandising and marketing director, UK and Ireland, for Office Depot
Guy Clapperton – national business journalist
James Frost – marketing director for Nectar
KARREN Brady is one of the UK’s leading business women, adviser to Alan Sugar on the current series of The Apprentice and now a Nectar Business Small Business Awards Judge. Karren says: “I’m honoured to be part of the judging team for the Nectar Business Small Business Awards 2011. The awards recognise hard working entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the UK who work tirelessly to make their businesses a success. “Many companies don’t get
past their first year, which emphasises the tenacity and dedication needed to turn dreams into profit. “By acknowledging best practice and celebrating great ideas as well as outstanding achievements, the Nectar Business Small Business Awards 2011 ensure that the people behind Britain’s small businesses receive due credit. An army of imaginative, resourceful, dynamic men and women are constantly working to turn their business ideas into reality.”
For more information, visit www.nectar-business.com/SBA2011
8 NEWS
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
★★★★
Business to Business
BUSINESS
WIRRAL FIRM IS FIRST IN ITS CLASS
Industrial Property
Business For Sale
UNITS TO LET Bootle Area 5,000−15,000 sqft. Flexible terms 0151 486 0004
SANDWICH BAR Established 9 yrs, Bootle office quarter. Turnover between £1,500 & £2,200pw. Grants available £35,000 ono. 07725 869968
Commercial Premises INDUSTRIAL UNITS To Let. South L’pool 500 to 4000 sqft, monthly tenancy, competitive rents. From £50pw Tel: 0151 427 5051
KNOWSLEY IND ESTATE 750 sq ft unit & office. Excellent condition, lots of parking £225pcm. Short or long lease. 07974 371836(day) 0161 980 1654
OFFICE TO LET Knowsley Industrial Estate, 1st flr, s/c, brand new decor, 1500sqft, £600pcm 07587 130170
L21 SHOP FOR TAKEAWAY. Great location. £100 pw 07710 498311 WELLINGTON RD L15 Variety of Industrial units available now 0151 227 2875 L21, L4 Secure Units/offices fr £40pw 0792O 461551
Investment Property H O U S E F O R S A L E Near Walton Church. HMO Licenced for 5 tenants. Set up to earn £15,360pa, giving 18.4% return. £120,000, ono. Tel: Roger 07939 288948
Business Services N.E.B.O.S.H. CERTIFICATE course starts April 1st, 1 day per week − 12 weeks cost £990 +vat − venue Garston contact Ray 0151 427 1678
Taxis/Cab & Plate DAVY LIVER TAXIS Require more full/part time private hire owner drivers. Company cars still available Call Alan 0151 708 7080 or 07795 417333
PRIVATE HIRE Lpool plates. Excellent cars avail rent fr £140pw inc ins. & lady drivers. Quarry Cars 07713 368196 NIGHT COLLAR 60 PLATE. With radio. C/O Thornton. £220pw. 35 + Tel 07979 985112 LIVERPOOL CABS & PLATES for sale 0151 922 3626/ 07753 814014 KNOWSLEY CAB & Plate TX4 07 single shifted just passed £24,500. 07747 192429 BLACKCABSALES.COM City Day/Night/Lng 07500 444 600 Visit website for CAB & PLATE
TRAINING CENTRE: Al Tunnington has opened a learning facility at Combined Harvesters
by ALEX TURNER Business Reporter BIRKENHEAD firm Combined Harvesters is going back into the classroom to make sure Merseyside can be at the forefront of developments in the low carbon economy. Wirral’s Mayor Cllr Alan Jennings officially opened Combined Harvesters’ training centre at its site at Wallasey Dock Road. Combined Harvesters is a firm specialising in rainwater harvesting and stormwater management and works with major housebuilders across the country. Al Tunnington, managing director of Combined Harvesters,
Harvesting low-carbon knowledge said: “We have grown quickly since inception in 2005 and with the Code for Sustainable Homes requiring every new home built in the UK to install a rainwater catching system we really are operating in a sector that is experiencing rapid growth. “Because of this we wanted to build our own training centre so that more people could gain the necessary qualifications to work in this industry and are grateful to the Invest Wirral team for their
support with a project that further enhances our offer as a company. “All of our training courses provide a CPD and BPEC qualification and give a sound grounding to fitters and specifiers alike.” He believes that his company can play a part in the growth of the low-carbon economy across the region. “Merseyside has a real chance to become a leader in developing the UK’s low carbon economy and Combined Harvesters intend to be at the forefront of this sector,” he added. “We currently employ twelve people but I think we will be nearer 50 staff in the next few years with turnover set to treble. “This industry is moving
Picture: JASON ROBERTS
incredibly fast and we are constantly innovating and manufacturing new products because after 25 years in the landscape construction industry I can see new opportunities all of the time. “We have new products in the pipeline and it really is an exciting time to be involved in the sustainable futures industry.” Cllr Alan Jennings said: “There are definitely jobs to be had in this industry over the next few years and it is great that Combined Harvesters are doing their bit to enable local people to gain the skills needed to work in this developing industry. “It is companies like Combined Harvesters, with the potential for growth, that we are keen to support and see flourish.”
Warning on north west jobs ‘bloodbath’ THE government must have an economic “Plan B” if its forecasts on the economy and employment fall short, warns a business group. Private Sector Partners (PSP) represents 24 trade associations and professional bodies that cover 140,000 north west firms.
Its Liverpool- based leader Len Collinson has expressed unease about the strength of the UK economy and the vulnerability of the north west to job losses in the public sector. He said: “If job losses in the UK exceed 200,000 in 2011, that would move joblessness well above the
Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecast of 8% unemployment. “We are facing a blood bath in the north west with 27,000 job losses announced already in the public sector, according to the TUC. “We cannot afford to lose sight of the fact the north west is especially
vulnerable, given how dependent certain parts of the region are on the public sector. “On Merseyside, for example, it is estimated that between 26% to 37% of people are employed in the public sector, compared to 20% to 28% nationally. “My anxiety is that
there is not enough focus on the north west.” He said the government had to find plans beyond cuts and look to growth. Mr Collinson added: “We do need a national economic plan B. And it is critical we start looking at strategies for economic growth.”
BLUE LINE TAXISNew drivers wanted urgently. Earn £500 − £800pw. Tel 0151 709 0101 PRIVATE HIRE Lpool Plate £140pw Inc ins 07523 976108 BOTANIC CARS Requires owner drivers 0151 220 2020 N I G H T C O L L A R c/over Dovecot. 07957 636549 CITY LONG COLLAR available. 07769 708311 LPOOL Hackney Plate £35k. No offers 07977 631967 TAXI PLATE For sale. 0151 226 5142 or 07502 089448 NIGHT COLLAR TX4 £200 c/o Huyton 35+ 07595 339574 TX1 Y REG Good condition £3,995. Tel: 07949 699906 X REG TX1 £1,750, 56 E7 £6,000. 0151 298 3450
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Business Opportunities INVESTMENT FOR SALE − FREEHOLD PETROL FILLING STATION For sale by auction. Annual rent is £30,000. 15 year FRI lease. Operated as a Gulf/Mace filling station at 36 Chester rd, Hooton, CH66 6AQ (near Ellesmere Port). auction LOT 37 on 9th March 2011. Cushman & Wakefield. 0207 9 3 5 5 0 0 0 www.cushmanwakefield.com/ auction.
TAKEAWAY BUSINESS TO LET Prime location, St Johns Rd, L22. Recently refurbished throughout. All new equipment inc Range, Pizza Oven, Kebab Cooker etc. Ingoing £2,000. Rent £250 per week Call: 0151 9209999/ 07900424441
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Building Trade FRAMELINE TRADE SUPPLY COMPOSITE DOORS 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 TILE TRADE big discounts for regulars, 10ltr adhesive £6.99 Homeright/ Protile (Behind Taskers Aintree) 286 8286
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