BUSINESS
ECHO
★★★★
Stars flock to city cafe for a bite to eat PAGES2&3
Start Survive Thrive
Details man sees salon chain soar
PAGES4&5
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Be a part of flashy launch A CALL has gone out to trendy Scousers to front the launch of a fashion accessory. Flash MaTags are dog tags that can be ordered online and customised by uploading your own pictures or designs. They are the creation of Greg Sheen who came up with the idea while studying business and finance at Liverpool John Moores University. The recession hit his launch plans but he and business partner Musa Mpetha are now aiming to go live in August, with a national roll-out next year. They are holding auditions in Liverpool’s Marriot Hotel on June 26, and want potential models, aged 13-25, to register online, before June 21, at flashmatag. FLASHY: Company founder Greg Sheen, sporting a Flash Ma Tag, is calling for Liverpool models to help launch his venture com/audition
MORGAN AWARDS EXTEND SUPPORT by NEIL HODGSON
Industry Reporter THE fifth Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards will launch next week, with an extra category aimed at young entrepreneurs with a new business idea. Seven categories carry prize money worth £115,000 to winners and runners up, including £5,000 for the new category. Winners also receive mentoring and professional services to help them develop their businesses. Other categories include awards for new businesses and for entrepreneurial
New category to encourage fresh business ideas
charities and social enterprises. Awards founder, and Liverpool-born entrepreneur, Steve Morgan, said: “Unlike many others these awards offer substantial cash prizes, so the winners and runners up get more than just a pat on the back, they get a capital injection
that can make a real difference to their businesses. “Previous winners and runners up have said that winning has helped them in many ways: from a much needed capital injection into their business to improving staff morale.” He said that with government cutbacks beginning to bite in the charitable and social enterprise sectors the awards could prove to be a much needed fillip for some applicants
“Such organisations need all the encouragement they can get,” he added.
The awards will be launched on June 22 and are free to enter. The closing date for online entries is September 2 and the winners and runners up will be
announced at the Carden Park Hotel on November 10. Mr Morgan, who founded housebuilder Redrow in 1975 with a £5,000 loan from his dad, was himself named entrepreneur of the year at the 2011 PROPS Awards in London. One of the property industry’s most prestigious events, now in its 20th year, the awards have raised almost £7m for the children’s charity Variety Club. Neil Sinclair, co-founder and cochairman of the PROPS, said: “Steve Morgan was the unanimous choice of the judging panel. He is a true entrepreneur.” Full details about the Morgan Foundation awards are at www.mfawards.co.uk
A FREE event to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses is being staged tomorrow, June 16, from 8.4511.30am, at the city’s BT Convention Centre featuring Mike Southdon, author of The Beermat Entrepreneur, whose presentation, Something about The Beatles offers advice and tips on creativity, teamwork and branding, to business owners. To book a place visit www.ph-creative.com/ liverpool-invite.aspx
THE next Fish! ● networking event is taking place from
5.30pm to 8pm on July 20, sponsored by the 62 Castle Street boutique hotel and hosted in the adjoining Merchants restaurant, in association with Blankstone Opticians.
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SEFTON Chamber of Commerce today launches the South Sefton Enterprise Networking Club, in partnership with Hugh Baird College. It will feature a range of free events offering access to established business mentors and follows the success of a similar club in North Sefton. For further information on the initiative visit www.sefton chamber.com
MERSEYSIDE firms ● striking into overseas markets can
compete for a new category in manufacturing organisation EEF’s 2011 Future Manufacturing Awards. The Outstanding Export Award, in partnership with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), will celebrate new-to-export companies of all sizes. Entry is free on www.eef. org.uk/awards before July 31.
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SPEEDY Hire, the Newton-le-Willows based plant hire group, has been awarded a silver rating in Business in the Community’s 2011 Corporate Responsibility Index. Speedy has had a target-led approach to corporate responsibility since 2006.
2 NEWS
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS YORKSHIRE BANK LOAN WILL FUND EXPANSION
MANUFACTURING materials supplier Film & Foil is planning to expand after a £300,000 support package from the Liverpool office of Yorkshire Bank. The Haydock-based firm imports and converts plastic materials from Europe and Asia into narrow width rolls of film which are then distributed across the UK and Europe for use on anything from building cabling to birthday card laminates. Founded in 2008, Film & Foil posted a 200% jump in turnover for 2010, breaking into seven figures, and is on track to double that in 2011. Its client list of more than 180 includes greeting cards giant Hallmark. Managing director Ian Hillman said: “As a business, we are now operating more efficiently than ever and continue to post improved financial results and are working with our highest number of clients. “We have had a strong relationship with Yorkshire Bank for a number of years and this finance will help us exceed our objectives.” Bank business partner David Haworth added: “Film & Foil has built up a network of key clients in a range of different sectors and this has put the business in a very good position.”
MEETING FOR LANDLORDS
THE Merseyside Property Landlord Support Group is holding a free meeting on Thursday, June 23, for all “accidental, amateur, and buy-to-let landlords”. The event starts at 7pm in the first floor function suite of the Queens Royal Hotel in New Brighton. It will cover “a number of issues”. Further details can be obtained from Richard Globe by calling 0151 639 6253 up to 10pm Monday to Friday.
SMALL
BUSINESS of the Week
F
ANCY hanging out with soul sensations the Temptations, Isaac Newton Farris Jr – nephew of legendary US civil rights leader Martin Luther King – or even ex-Reds’ forward Ryan Babel? If you were a regular at Raggas Caribbean restaurant on Smithdown Road it would have been easy, as they were all notable visitors, along with locals like actress Margi Clarke, Hollyoaks star Ricky Whittle and X-Factor sensation Rebecca Ferguson, such was the reputation of the tiny eaterie set up by Verdain Griffin and his then business partner Ragga in 2006. They had the idea for a reggae-style cafe and although only sitting 10 customers it proved a huge hit. So much so that a second Raggas has opened on Lark Lane, run by Verdain’s 28-year-old brother Gareth and his 26-year-old business partner Natasha McLaughlin who worked in the first Raggas as a pot washer before progressing to chef, having studied the menu meticulously. Ragga has since returned to Jamaica, leaving Verdain, Gareth and “Tasha” to develop the distinctive brand. Gareth said they were delighted by the success of the venture that soon established an enviable reputation which attracted the Temptations during their reunion tour and Isaac Newton Farris Jr on his visit to the city for the opening of National Museum Liverpool’s International Slavery Museum. Dishes include the popular jerk chicken, curried goat, fried snapper and oxtail, stewed with dumplings and butter beans Caribbean-style. Gareth said: “We have a lot of customers from gyms because a lot of our food is healthy, like stewed fish.” He joined his brother in the business after various ventures, including time as a DJ, setting up an online record store, a law course and working for a removals firm, until work dried up as a result of the recession. He said: “When I was 16 I DJ’d and got work in Leeds and was asked to get a coach together and I found myself doing more of them and picked up business tips from that. “Then I did an online record shop when I was 18, called Gravity Records. “Then I thought I had to do something solid, so I did law, but that wasn’t for me. “I came to a crossroads and was thinking what do I do? But Verdain let me do this.” After joining Verdain in the family
Cooking to a different rhythm as Raggas expands Neil Hodgson meets the team behind Liverpool’s popular Caribbean eateries business he realised just how busy Raggas was: “I thought, there could be more to this. So I asked Verdain, if I work hard enough and learn the ropes, do you think I could open my own cafe?” By then Tasha was cooking in the Smithdown Road kitchen. Gareth said: “Tasha trialled her recipes in Smithdown Road for six months and no-one could tell the difference, so that’s when Verdain said, you’re ready to go on your own.”
Raggas in Lark Lane opened this February and the 18-cover restaurant has already made a big impression: “The locals have come in and thanked us for opening ‘on the lane’, as they say.” Gareth added: “Tasha has a passion for cooking I have never seen before. With her passion for cooking and my passion for business we’re doing well.” From lunchtime Raggas is busy with students accessing the free wi-fi service.
Customers from nearby gyms pop in during the day and Gareth said after 5pm, as people get home from work, they see a steady stream of diners winding down from their day. The downturn has resulted in a fall in restaurant dining as people watch their pennies, but a new home delivery service has proved popular during the week and weekends are still busy. Gareth said: “Our prices are reasonable enough and people are still coming. After four months we are still going strong.” He said he has a turnover target for the Lark Lane shop, which was self-funded independent of bank loans, of between £70,000 to £100,000 for the first year, adding: “We’re in the black in the first quarter.” Tasha is also adding a bit more to the menu by tweaking Ragga’s original recipes from his east Jamaican home of Port Antonio.
Rise in confidence among region’s company owners BUSINESS confidence is improving across the region, according to the latest Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales monitor. A confidence index score of 11.2 in the latest survey of company chiefs compares with 4.4 at the start of the year after it dropped from 18.9 in
the third quarter of 2010, due to fears over the impact of public sector cuts. The latest north west findings revealed an improvement in all 14 financial performance indicators and growth is expected to continue during the year. Average numbers of
employees are up 1.1% compared with a year ago, but job losses remain a concern. Average basic salaries have also increased by 1.5% over the year, although wage increases are still lagging the rate of inflation. Martyn Best, president of the Liverpool Society of Chartered Accountants, said:
“This quarter’s monitor shows that growth and certainty are returning to the north west economy. “Businesses are more optimistic about the future and this is reflected in their forecasts for turnover and profit growth. “That said, there are still likely to be many bumps on
the road to recovery. “While the labour market shows signs of improvement, job losses remain a threat in the region. “What’s more, wage increases are still lagging behind inflation, impacting on workers’ disposable income and threatening the speed of recovery in the north west.”
★★★★
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
NEWS 3
PEEL PORTS’ ROADSHOW UNDER WAY
THE first of a series of public presentations by Peel Ports on its 20 year Mersey Ports Master Plan for the Port of Liverpool and Manchester Ship Canal starts today. Liverpool’s Crowne Plaza Hotel will host the event where senior members of the management team will be on hand to explain their strategy. Eight more events, all lasting four hours from 3.30pm, are planned for: Halton Stadium (June 16); Crosby Civic Hall (June 21); Pyramid, Palmyra Square, South Warrington, (June 23); Wallasey Town Hall (July 5); Ellesmere Port Boat Museum (July 7); Eastham Lodge Golf Club (July 12); Digital World Centre, Salford Quays (July 14); and Bootle Town Hall (July 21). Peel Ports Mersey managing director Gary Hodgson said: “This is an extensive consultation and we are asking people to get involved and tell us what they think.”
PARTNERS: Gareth Verdain and Natasha McLaughlin inside Raggas
Picture: JAMES MALONEY
Do you want to be our Business of the Week? Contact Neil Hodgson 0151 472 2451 or email neil.hodgson @liverpool.com
“She’s working on a vegetarian menu and has just launched a Sunday Ragga roast dinner of jerk lamb and mash. “Our big seller is jerk chicken and we’re looking at selling the marinade on its own.” He dismisses comparison with the Reggae Reggae sauces created by TV’s Dragons’ Den winner Levi Roots: “The Reggae Reggae sauce is quite sweet, but ours is very low calorie.” This weekend’s Africa Oye festival in Sefton Park – the UK’s biggest free festival of African music – is a new opportunity for Raggas, said Gareth. “We will be supplying the staff with food and have our own pitch.” And he believes there is also scope in the future at other big festivals, such as Glastonbury, or for more restaurants: “We want to open more of this. We have been around the country looking at places.” Tasha is also keen to develop the brand, after realising her ambition for cooking. She said: “I always had a passion for cooking. I cooked at home and would bake cakes for the family. “I started in Smithdown Road washing pots, but volunteered for different things because I didn’t want to be a pot washer all my life.” And Gareth and Tasha want to extend similar opportunities to fresh talent by offering places to young catering students as part of their expansion plans.
FRESH FAYRE: Gareth says the healthy food has proved a hit
4 NEWS
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS
BIG Attention to detail I ensures Voodou is a cut above the rest INTERVIEW Tony McDonough
talks to Rob Webb, managing director of Liverpool salon chain Voodou
T WAS once said that Liverpool had a pub on every corner. That could now be accurately changed to a hair salon on ever corner. According to Rob Webb, managing director and founder of the Liverpool-based Voodou chain, there are actually more than 800 salons across Merseyside. When you add to that the multitude of mobile stylists working in people’s homes with very few overheads, you begin to get an understanding of how competitive a market place this is. That Rob, 53, can quote that figure from the top of his head is not surprise. Aided by his financial controller and right-hand woman, Christine Valiant, he has a firm handle on the details, probably one of the key drivers of his success so far. Voodou has five outlets across the city – two in Bold Street, one of which is just for men, one in Button Street, West Derby Road in Tuebrook, and Breck Road in Anfield. It also has a concession based within the city’s Topman store. In the last year the company has also opened a hairdressing and barbering training academy. In total the business employs 90 people. Bold Street is Voodou’s headquarters but it is at the Breck Road salon where it all began 35 years ago. “I left All Saints School in Anfield at 16 with no qualifications,” said Rob. “I was no great academic. “I went straight into hairdressing and when I was 18 I borrowed £1,000 from my uncle and opened the shop in Breck Road. “Within a year I had opened the second store which when I look back now was probably pretty crazy – but it worked. “Now, 35 years on, I am shoulder to shoulder with industry leaders. Quite simply, it is all about hard work. “I do work long hours. Our car park here closes at 5.30pm and we all have to leave but I will take work home with me and I always have a pad by the bed for any ideas that come to me.” Attention to detail seems to be key to Rob’s approach to running the business – even the Big Issue seller outside the main shop in Bold Street appeared to be perfectly coiffed. “From a hairdressing point of view, we aim to make people feel great about themselves,” he said. “Proper training is important – that is all about the nuts and bolts – but behind the skilled stylist is the individual with a personality. “That is important because we
A CUT ABOVE: Rob Webb’s attention to detail has turned Voodou into one of Merseyside’s leading salon chains try to match a client up to a stylist with whom they will feel comfortable. “For example, if a 70-year-old lady comes in then we may not match her up with a young trainee as they may not have much to talk about. “Retail sales come from good consultation. You cannot give a client something they don’t want. “It is all about finding out what the client’s needs are.” Rob says one of the biggest changes in the industry in recent years has been the effect of celebrity culture. And he adds that it is now as important as ever for stylists to be aware of ever-changing trends and
fashions. He said: “From day one when we take a trainee on what we want from them is some kind of idea about fashion and clothes – that is fundamental. “As a business we spend a lot of time looking at what is appearing on the catwalks around the world. “Celebrity culture is now huge. The other day we had Chloe from the TV show The Only Way is Essex. “It was great that she chose us and she put it out on Twitter that she was here – we had a load of people arrive here within a short space of time, including the paparazzi.” That particular event, said Rob,
‘You cannot give a client something they don’t want’
demonstrated the power of new media and Voodou has not been slow to appreciate this. “Facebook is massive for us “ he added. “Five years ago we realised that new media was something we were going to need to get our heads around. We now have more than 9,500 followers on our Facebook page and we have some research which suggests that could be more than any other salon in the world. “However, we are careful about selling directly to our Facebook friends. We use it for soft selling – giving out special offers, for example. “We also get 11,000 unique visitors on our website every month which is pretty good going.” Voodou’s new media presence is a key part of Rob’s wider strategy of being able to pinpoint precisely his target markets.
Both he and Christine spend a lot of time analysing the profile of their clientele. He said: “ We know that 39% of our customers are students. That is a rise as the last few years it has been around 30%. “So we know that around September time we can expect to see people who have left home to come to university for the first time wanting to have green hair. “We keep on top of the figures telling us exactly who is coming in because it is ever-changing.” Rob admits that, in common with many other salon operators, Voodou has not been immune to the negative economic environment. “Probably for the first time since I opened 35 years ago we are not seeing year-on-year growth. “Clients have not stopped coming in but where in the past they might come in once every three weeks,
★★★★
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Stepclever
NEWS 5
Advertising Feature
Over 50? It’s not all over... Karen Tate, business start-up advisor at Stepclever, has some advice for readers
A
EXPERTISE: One of Voodou’s stylists at work in the Bold Street outlet in the city centre
now it might be once every four or five weeks. “Thanks to Christine, we have a lot of breakdowns that we can analyse. We have key performance indicators and we measure how many clients a stylist will see in one day and what they do. “For example, a stylist in the barber’s shop might do 12 clients in one day while a stylist with just female clients might do six. “However, we know that on average ladies spend more than men and come in more often so that can even itself out. “The next thing for us is online booking. We have been looking at it for a long time – we think it would particularly appeal to male clients.” Voodou also has a loyalty scheme. Those joining are known as “disciples” which starts off with a “getting to know you” promotion. Rob said: “The first time you come in you pay full price, the second time it is 25% off and the
third time it is 50% off. “Then you become a disciple and enter our loyalty scheme and with your loyalty card every eighth haircut is free. We have other partners in the scheme – the restaurant Gusto, for example. “We now have a database of 30,000 people. But we don’t bombard them with emails. We send something out once every three months – they don’t get bombed.” Voodou has won a string of awards over the years including a global award in 2006 that it held for two years. Rob’s instinct is to keep on expanding but he says Christine helps him to keep his focus. He added: “The future is to carry on doing what we do best – we are in the business of making people feel great. “We have the capacity to expand within the existing salons. If it was left to me I would open 10 more salons but luckily Christine keeps my feet on the ground.”
RE you over 50, in the prime of your life, and considering what’s next in your life? Have you always dreamed of working for yourself and turning those years of experience in the workplace to your own advantage? When people think of a new business start up, they often think of young entrepreneurs with bags of energy and no commitments. But, in reality, one in six new businesses are started by people over the age of 50 (NESTA, 2009) – and the failure rate for these business is lower! It’s never too late to think about going it alone: Ray Kroc was 52 and suffering from diabetes when he opened a hamburger outlet in San Bernardino, California. It’s better known today as McDonald’s. Age is no barrier to global success. A recent Labour Market Bulletin from the Office of National Statistics appears encouraging on the surface. Unfortunately, the drop of 36,000 in the quarterly unemployment figures masked an increase of 11,000 unemployed people over the age of 50. As a result, more over 50s are starting up in business than five years ago, according to fresh research by a leading charity. ‘Olderpreneurs’ have increasingly turned towards self-employment as they’ve found themselves crowded out of conventional jobs during the recession, as a study by UK charity Prime has found. It’s very difficult for those made redundant to come back into the workforce, with lots of evidence of age discrimination. Not surprisingly, when no one will give you a job, you have to create your own. But it could be the best thing you have ever done! Later in life, you have more experience of work, more personal and social skills and a wider group of contacts to help you on your way in setting up alone. This all helps towards the lower failure rates and a whole host of other advantages. According to research, the biggest motivation for older entrepreneurs was the desire to do something pleasurable, followed by achieving a better work-life balance, and not wanting to work for someone else. Nearly half of all entrepreneurs over 50 are happier than they have ever been, the study also found, despite the fact that 79% work alone. So, why not take that next step? Whether to talk about moving on an idea you have, or just to test out the feasibility of it, contact Stepclever today where we can work with you every step of the way. ● Stepclever has a range of services to help you on your way from turning an idea into a real life business. To find out more visit Stepclever.co.uk or call 0151 934 4672.
INNOVATOR: Rob Webb has made full use of social media to promote his business
6 NEWS
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS
FAMILYWAYIS
Neil Hodgson on the values family firms say everyone can learn from
FOCUS . . . on family businesses
T
HE secret of business success is good stewardship – that was the message to almost 200 leaders of UK family firms at the recent Institute for Family Business (IFB) national conference in Liverpool’s BT Convention Centre. Family-owned firms account for two thirds of the total 4.5m private sector enterprises in the UK economy and more than 40% of private sector employment, providing jobs to 9.5m people. Family businesses also generate more than 30% of UK GDP, with in excess of £1 trillion of turnover – the IFB’s 208-members alone generate £40bn in turnover. And the organisation, which boasts among its members local firms such as Bibby Group, Edward Billington & Son and Grosvenor, the developer behind the city’s £1bn Liverpool One retail scheme, believes the wider business world can learn from the values that maintain family businesses through generations of growth and success. It argues that the stability of a family business is in stark contrast to the “short-term investment horizons of the capital markets”. It says family-run firms are often a breeding ground for entrepreneurial talent and start-ups, as well as encouraging gender diversity with more women in senior positions than non-family firms. The IFB also claims that family firms, before anyone had ever dreamt of a ‘big society’, are committed to social responsibility and philanthropy, often being rooted in their local areas for generations. A new report by the IFB and think tank Tomorrow’s Company, focusing on family business stewardship and highlighting examplars such as Grosvenor, was the theme of its 10th annual conference in Liverpool last Thursday and Friday. IFB chairman Ross Warburton, a fifth generation member of the Bolton bakery group, said in his opening address: “UK businesses have been through a challenging period in the past few years, but those businesses that have been properly led and managed are emerging stronger into the future.
FAMILY VALUES: Ross Warburton, IFB chairman and fifth generation manager of Bolton baker Warburton, addresses almost 200 delegates at the organisation’s 10th national conference held for the first time this year in Liverpool “Many of those are strong family businesses that have continued to build their capital, whether that be family, people or financial.” He went on: “The past few years has put certain models of ownership back in the spotlight – listen to Vince Cable and private equity ownership of care homes. “Perhaps it is time for the wider community to recognise that our model has much to commend it, especially when the principles of good stewardship are followed.” The IFB report states that, among the characteristics of good stewardship, are clear purpose, lasting values, a responsible approach to funding investment, and a commitment to long-lasting employee and stakeholder relationships, all supported by stable leadership. The four principles of good stewardship, the report claims, are: setting the course; driving performance; sensing and shaping the landscape; and planting for the future. And, it highlights the stewardship of four different types
of capital which a successful business needs to accumulate to develop and pass on through the generations. These comprise: ● Family capital, which is an attachment to their business that goes beyond a financial relationship. ● People capital, or the strength of knowledge, skills, behaviours, energy, loyalty and commitment which exist within the non-family members of a family business. ● Financial capital, defined by prudence combined with a sense of financial responsibility towards future generations which can be manifested in dividend restraint or ambitious investment timescales rarely envisaged by other forms of business. ● Social capital – the trust and reciprocity invested in relationships that generate a deep and enduring link between the business and all those around it, to the mutual advantage of all concerned. The report says: “The values passed down through the generations shape the attitude of
owners to their stewardship of the assets of the business. “This can have a viral effect on the people who work in the business.” It goes on to suggest that such a culture can be extended to the point that employees, themselves, become stewards. The IFB report says: “This is reinforced in some family businesses by the policy of recruiting managers from within, on the basis that they have been socialised into the values. “In some instances, the term family business not only denotes a company owned and or managed by a family, but also one in which several generations of the same family serve as employees.” IFB director general Grant Gordon said in his address to the conference: “There is clear evidence that employees rank family firms as better places to work overall. “The best family businesses are adept at creating a win-win environment for employees and owners, engaging everyone behind a shared sense of purpose.”
No time for short term THE head of Liverpool’s oldest family-owned manufacturing firm supports the IFB’s long-term view for business in a world seemingly dominated by the ‘fast buck’. Ian Meadows, pictured, of Toxteth lubricants specialist RS Clare which was founded in 1748, said: “I go to business meetings and find most people have a completely different attitude. “Everything is very short term. Can you make as much money as possible in as short a time as possible and to hell with the consequences once you have sold the business – and that’s not good for the future of the economy. “You get these private
BEST
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE YOU only have to turn on the television or listen to the radio to get the message that obesity is on the rise – caused predominantly by our unhealthy diets. But with the increasing pressure to work longer, more unsociable hours it can be difficult to find the time to prepare a healthy, satisfying meal.
NEWS 7
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
★★★★
Enter Can Cook, an innovative social enterprise, based in Speke, which in just four years has created an 20-place cookery school dedicated to teaching children and adults alike how to cook healthy meals at home. Can Cook emerged from the endeavours of Robbie Davison, a local social entrepreneur born and
with Jo McGrath, chair of the Social Enterprise Network
bred in Speke. Having left school with no qualifications and spending years out of formal work, caring for his disabled father, Robbie was shaped by social injustice and he was one of the founding members of the FRC Group. A chance meeting with a top chef coupled with a realisation that many
people in deprived areas knew little or nothing about cooking spurred Robbie on to create Can Cook. Its work in schools has recently been evaluated as the most successful of its kind in the UK with a 95% success rate in getting children to cook at home – something which until now was unprecedented.
ADVERTORIAL
EXPORTING TO AID RECOVERY BY LEIGH TAYLOR Area director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in the North West
EXEMPLAR: Grosvenor, developer of Liverpool One, above, is an example of good stewardship
equity people who come in to a company, who know nothing about them and build them up for five years then flog it and don’t give a toss that they have destroyed a business that may have been around for hundreds of years.
“It leads to short-termism. And short-termism is one thing we don’t suffer from in a family business. “Having said that, I don’t believe in a family business being a honey pot. You have to be really objective.”
Evidence from a number of leading business organisations* points to overseas demand fuelling growth for firms that choose to export. Yet a survey commissioned by Lloyds TSB Commercial suggested that only a quarter (24 per cent) of British SMEs are involved in the export market. There is clearly an opportunity for the right firms but research is key to assessing how suited your company is for exporting to established or emerging markets. Those wishing to explore new territories should conduct extensive market analysis, make use of available guidance from bodies such as UKTI, and ensure they have the appropriate funding in place to support growth. Thorough planning is crucial and it’s important for firms to consider the interwider impact of national expansion, such as additional pressure on resources and cash flow. While it’s important to take a cautious approach when entering new markets, it’s also vital that businesses don’t let perceived barriers stop them from exploring the potential opportunities that exist in other countries. A recent study estimated that as a manufacturing heartland, the North West contributed almost £25 billion to exports of just over £70 billion from the UK in 2010, a rise of six per cent on the previous year. UK Trade and Investment North West, which carried out the exporting research earlier this year, highlights that key sectors for growth in the region include advanced engineering, manufacturing, chemicals, materials and food and drink.
Thorough planning is crucial to exporting success Economically, now is a good time to consider exporting. Favourable exchange rates and growing markets in foreign economies offer an opening for UK firms with a unique and competitive product or service. Weak domestic demand is also encouraging more businesses to look abroad for growth opportunities. In Lloyds TSB’s last Business in Britain report, over half (54 per cent) of North West companies questioned said weaker home markets pose the greatest threat to their business over the first six months of 2011. worth it’s However, remembering exporters are
exposed to less risk if the country they enter has an investment protection and promotion agreement with the UK, whereas territories that suffer from political instability, a poor infrastructure and a high crime rate can be risky options. Whether it’s the convenience of a foreign currency account because you’re already exporting or a short term currency loan to help you get started, Lloyds TSB Commercial can offer access to locally-based international specialists who can guide you and make overseas trading as simple as possible. For more information about how Lloyds TSB
can help you explore new overseas markets, please contact your Relationship Manager or visit www. l l oyd s t s bb u s i n e s s . c o m / exporting 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. Lending is subject to status. * May 2011 CBI quarterly SME Trends Survey says 23 per cent of firms said export orders were up. The ONS says exports grew 11.7 per cent.
8 NEWS
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
★★★★
Business to Business
BUSINESS
MARITIME FIRM FLOATS NEW IDEA
Commercial Premises 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
T O L E T Orrel Park. Large corner shop busy location. Was barber shop 20 yrs. Suit any business. 07711 819 835 DOUBLE FRONTED SHOP South L’pool. Electric shutters, nicely refurbished (ideal pound store). 07785 562496 RAINFORD St Helens WA11 8HP. Industrial Units to let 600 & 1,200sqft fr £75pw Tel: 07841 915503
WORKSHOP To Let Rainhill, 630sqft £75pw 0161 980 1912 SMALL WORKSHOP UNIT To let. Very secure, Bootle area. 07785 562496 SHOP UNIT TO LET Stanley Rd, electric shutters. Call for info 07785 562496 PRESCOT YARD/CELLAR OFFICE For rent. Ideal for small builder £50pw. 07710 815649
A FLOATING accommodation business has been launched by Liverpool-based Sanderson Maritime. The venture is targeting the offshore renewable energy sector, such as wind farms, and allows contractors to base staff on floating platforms providing up to 70 bedrooms close to their operations, rather than on coastal sites which could involve a round journey of up to four hours for technicians to reach their work. Sanderson has formed a joint venture with global marine services specialists Svitzer UK, a subsidiary of the AP MollerMaersk Group, which has its UK
headquarters in Liverpool. Seatel is a specially-adapted North Sea barge with a 70 bedroom hotel module offering, what the partners claim is a comfortable, stable platform and high quality, floating accommodation at half the cost of current market alternatives. They say it can be safely and securely anchored in a deep sea location, minimising the time wasted moving staff and maximising man hours on site.
Sanderson Maritime, which has offices in Liverpool and Southport, is a global provider of specialist accommodation in shallow water and international barge transportation. Managing director Julian Sanderson said: “This is a natural partnership, both companies offer specialist experience and highly trained expert staff.
Svitzer is a harbour, coastal, offshore and ocean towage specialist working around the UK coastline.
Networking ace tests eastern promise A YOUNG entrepreneur with plans to build a global networking empire is embarking on his next stage of development. Wirral-born Alexander Jarvis 19, founded networking group Entrepreneur Club UK last summer from offices in Exchange Flags’ Horton House and within
six months had attracted 93 business and 75 individual members in Liverpool and Chester. Tomorrow he will strike deeper into Chester with an event for 110 people at the city’s Oddfellows bar and restaurant as part of his plan to build membership up to 8,000 across the north west in
the next five years. He said: “After Chester I am launching in Leeds next month, followed by Manchester in August.” He has also sold a franchise for Entrepreneur Club UK on the Isle of Man and hopes to extend as far as London. But his ambitions go
further and he says a long-held aim to open an operation in China will come a step closer this October. He said: “I am working with two recruitment companies in Shanghai and will travel there for two weeks to set up a major conference, hopefully early next year,
to promote the LinkedIn network.” He said business networking site LinkedIn was banned in China until recently but is now accessible and he aims to build up a database of more than 200,000 companies in Shanghai alone in time for next year’s conference.
INVESTMENT PROPERTY For sale. Due to retirement of landlord. Large detached freehold property. Comprises of 12 self contained flats. Ranging from studio to 3 bed. Building stands on large plot of land. Situated in S’port town centre. 3 mins from train station. Part of land used as private car park. Good plot for redevelopment. Property always occupied very good rental income. £549,000 ono. 01704 546657
D A V Y L I V E R T A X I S Have company cars available. Contact Alan on 0151 708 7080 or 0779 5417333 for more details.
BAG & ACCESSORY SHOP CCTV, alarmed, roller shutters, very secure, nicely fitted out. £3k of stock, all goodwill £4,500 ono, good lease, South Liverpool 07785 562496
BLUE LINE TAXISNew drivers wanted urgently. Earn £500 − £800pw. Tel 0151 709 0101
WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES. 70MM X 70MM Duraflex Sculptured Suite 5 Day Turnaround Tel 0151 546 5577 Fax 0151 546 5588 ACCREDITED WITH BS7412 & BS7950
Industry Reporter
Business Opportunities
Business For Sale
UPVC
“As the renewable sector develops there is more demand for more tailored accommodation, but at the moment the price is prohibitive and too much time spent ferrying staff from one place to the other. With Seatel, we can offer an excellent solution at a great price.” Svitzer UK managing director Mark Malone added: “At the moment most wind farms transfer their staff from onshore facilities out to the work location by boat, which can be a four hour round trip or more. “Seatel provides on-site accommodation to maximise the number of productive man hours. “Staff can be transferred by either helicopter or boat to the portable renewable work site.”
BEAUTY ROOM For rent Old Swan 07988 417412 or 07738 233289
Taxis/Cab & Plate
FRAMELINE TRADE SUPPLY
The 25,000 sq ft Seatel has been designed to offer the space and feel of an equivalent land-based motel and is totally self-sufficient, with onboard generators, maintenance workshop, storage facilities, restaurant, gym, lounges and social areas.
Aigburth Shop with PP for hot takeaway food & SC flat above. Aigburth Rd, Next to Light of Bengal Restrnt. Shop £200pw flat £150pw. 07938877632
OFFICE TO LET Easy in, easy out terms. fr £40pw fully inclusive. 07785 562496
Building Trade
Floating hotel places staff at heart of the job
Business For Rent
BUSY SALON L13, Chair for rent. 0151 228 0798 eves
UNISEX SALON strong client base low rent main rd Crosby £9500ono. 07874 220951
by NEIL HODGSON
UNITS TO LET Bootle Area 5,000−15,000 sqft. Flexible terms 0151 486 0004
L4/L21 UNITS−OFFICES from £45pw alarm, Secure yard s/c elec inc 0792O 461551
CITY CENTRE SANDWICH BAR Busy location. Low rates / rent. Fixtures & fittings. £19,000 ono. 07950 102 762
BUSINESS FLOATATION: A computer-generated image of a Seatel floating accommodation unit aimed at renewable energy firms
Industrial Property
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
Accountancy / Bookkeeping COMPANY VAT & tax arrears we can help 0151 428 0015
NIGHT COLLAR avail TX4 07 plate, c/o Walton. 1st 2 wks 1/2 price. £220pw. 07511 446594 P R I V A T E H I R E Liverpool plate. Rent £140pw 1st wk 1/2 price. 07523 976108 KNOWSLEY CAB/PLATE S Reg TX1, 5 months test £15,000. T: 07852 191148 C I T Y L O N G C O L L A R TX1 excellent cab. 1 owner. Over 35. 07533 398829 CITY CAB & PLATE For Sale. Finance arranged. 0151 709 5009 NIGHT COLLAR Very good rates 07958 021347 CITY DAYS,NIGHTS OR L COLLAR TEL: 07789 884399 ALL COLLARS AVAILABLE 07873 200893 DAY COLLAR WANTED TX2 Kirby or Fazak 0788 0722845 LONG COLLAR Avail £275pw nice 03 cab 07912 627277 CITY DAYS Nights & Long collar with c/o 07715 172487. NIGHT COLLAR Walton Day Collar Dovecot 07889 368241 BLACKCABSALES.COM City Cabs & Plates. 07500 444600
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
readertravelholidays.com
from
£8 for 9.00
2 da ys
Ludlow Medieval
Christmas Fayre
27 November 2010
Price includes:
• Coach travel throughout • One night’s bed and English breakfast accommodation at a good hotel in the Midlands area • Admission to Ludlow Castle and the Medieval Christmas Fayre • A visit to Stratford-upon-Avon • The services of a Tour Manager
book online: www.newmarket.travel/lpe11846 For further information and a FREE brochure
Call: 0151 227 5987
To make a booking
Call: 0844 391 2170 quoting code LPE BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES IN CONJUNCTION WITH: NEWMARKET PROMOTIONS LTD. ABTA V787X. 0844 CALLS COST 4p PER MIN.