BUSINESS
ECHO
★★★★
‘We don’t let anyone walk out orange’ PAGES2&3
Start Survive Thrive
Tough laptops for tough challenges PAGES4&5
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FREE one-to-one advice for a number of businesses will be available, funded by Liverpool city council, at the latest Old Swan Business Association breakfast meeting next Wednesday at the Red House pub. Speakers include Phil Linley, from regeneration body Liverpool Vision, who will talk about apprenticeships and available funding. To book, call Paul Aberdein on 0151-228 7730, or email pa@ bartlettsos.co.uk
Pair put their shirt on success THE movie business has inspired two Liverpool film fans to set up a T-shirt venture with a difference. Uber Torso creates designs based on fictional brands that feature within films, such as Blade Runner’s The Tyrell Corporation, or Quint’s Deep Sea Fishing, from Jaws, that only fellow film buffs will spot. David Metcalfe and Barry Hodgson design the logos and are shipping T-shirts all over the world, including one to the chief creature artist on recent blockbuster Avatar, who unsurprisingly chose the film’s RDA design. A selection of Uber Torso T-shirts is to be showcased in the city’s Picturehouse at FACT on Wood Street.
EMIRATES, the ● Dubai-based airline, is holding a recruitment
day next Thursday for first officers to join its expanding flight deck crew. The airline, which employs 352 UK pilots, is holding recruitment sessions at the Manchester Crowne Plaza, Manchester Airport. To apply, visit www.emiratesgroup careers.com
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GETTING SHIRTY: David Metcalfe (left) and Barry Hodgson model a couple of designs from their Uber Torso range
COUNCIL ‘FAILING CITY’S BUSINESSES’ by NEIL HODGSON Industry Reporter A LIVERPOOL business leadership coach says the city council has lost direction and is failing the region’s firms. Former Royal & Sun Alliance director and founder of Liverpool International Coaching Academy, John Haynes, last month delivered a leadership development course to civic leaders in Mombasa, Kenya. He posed six key questions from Harvard Business School’s Growth Matrix which gauge how business friendly a city region is, and said
Leadership guru says city lacks enterprise spirit
Liverpool is weak on several, such as “do we have dynamic political and entrepreneurial leaders who promote free enterprise and unite the city with an exciting vision?”, or “are the public and private sectors united in this?” and “is the city using its economic and political powers to the maximum to
attract new investment and business?” Mr Haynes quoted IBM president T J Watson, who said: “It’s all right to fail, as long as you are failing in a forward direction.”
He said: “I believe after 30 years of studying and practising leadership, our own city leaders are not failing in a forward direction and have stopped learning from past mistakes.
“Author Ambrose Bierce said: ‘The sure sign of insanity is to do the same things and expect different results’. “Our city leaders are acting the same way Bierce predicted and still expecting different results. “When was the last time you heard them say, ‘I made a mistake, I am sorry,
I was wrong?’ In my humble opinion they have stopped learning, growing and developing their true skills of leadership. This city and country must demand, and should expect, only the very best people in office. “They seem to have moved from playing in non-league football to premier football without changing their thinking, behaviour, or skills. Unfortunately, they are still habitually saying, doing and playing the same old non-league game.” Max Steinberg, Liverpool Vision chief executive, said: “As a city which, in partnership with the private sector, has established an ‘embassy’ in London the evidence for this would seem to be weak.”
RECRUITMENT and training agency Acorn has promoted Olwen Kilgannon, from Widnes, to branch manager for its Runcorn office. Christian Ash, previously a branch manager for Preston and Runcorn, has been promoted to regional manager overseeing all four branches in the north of England and north Wales.
SEFTON Park’s St ● Hilda’s C of E school is appealing for
businesses to help with an activity week in March, leading up to International Women’s Day on March 8. As well as celebrating women’s achievements, it wants to raise awareness among female pupils of opportunities in traditionally maleoriented industries. Contact Joanne Poole on 0151-733 2709 or at jpoole@st-hildas.com
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HELEN MacInnes has joined data8, the Ellesmere Port-based data enrichment specialist, as account manager to support its ambitious expansion plans.
2 NEWS
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS FREE HELP FOR FIRMS TO PREPARE CRISIS PLAN
A FREE guide on how small firms can plan to cope with a disaster has been launched by insurance group Aviva. In a recent survey, it found only 28% of small firms have a business continuity plan in place. According to the Federation of Small Businesses, 80% of companies affected by a major incident close within 18 months and 90% that lose data from a disaster are forced to shut within two years. Aviva commercial product manager David Bruce said: “Given the current economic climate, it’s understandable that business owners are focusing on the day-today aspects of their business. But that doesn’t mean they should take their eye off the business planning side of things. “A disaster or crisis can strike a business at any time and failing to plan for such an event can undo years of good work and hard trading in an instant. “If the worst does happen, then having a business continuity plan in place may be the difference between your business recovering or failing.” A continuity plan template for small firms can help them respond to any unforeseen crisis. Business Continuity Planning for Small Business is free to download at https:// help.aviva.co.uk/risk solutions/businesscontinuity/BCP_004
FREELANCERS’ UNCERTAINTY
FREELANCE and contract workers in the north west admit to feelings of uncertainty for the coming year, claims a January survey by the Chester-based Brookson Enterprise Freelance Fair. It says 51% now feel uncertain, compared with 76% who felt things were getting better in the last survey in November. The business has organised a freelance fair in Liverpool on March 16 at Liverpool Innovation Park.
SMALL
BUSINESS of the Week
W
HEN Nicola Harris qualified as a beautician in the mid-1990s, beauty and spa treatments were considered the exclusive reserve of affluent Londoners. But what a difference a few years make – Liverpool’s cultural credentials are now beyond reproach, even to mean-spirited doubters south of Watford, and Nicola’s stylish Allerton spa is the talk of the celebrity pages in style bibles like OK for her pamper days and full range of “feelgood” treatments that even northern oiks can now aspire to. Nicola left school 18 years ago and studied beauty at St Helens College. She recalled: “There were hairdressing colleges, but no beauty colleges in Liverpool at the time.” Working conditions were also a lot more strict: “You had to have GCSE in biology to do beauty then. And even in college you had to wear a white dress, white tights and have your hair tied back. It was just like being a nurse.” Nicola’s ambition on qualifying was to work on cruise ships: “There weren’t that many salons or spas around – beauty was more London-based.” But she got her big break in the industry by joining one of the first salons to open in Liverpool when French group Clarins of Paris established a site in Woolton: “It was very elite.” Nicola spent five years at Clarins building up a specialism in facial treatments and massage before striking out on her own. Initially, she offered a mobile service, but after another five years she invested in her first salon, Rouge, in Wavertree’s Picton Road, offering a full range of beauty treatments. A further five or six years later she became aware of an Allerton property that she was certain had the makings of the perfect spa. Nine Mather Avenue was available as rented accommodation but had been empty for a couple of years. Its appeal was instant, including its distinctive phone number. Nicola said: “It was the old fire master’s house and I wanted the 999 phone number (724 4999).” Nicola eventually secured a long lease in September 2009 and, after restoration and extension work, opened her dream spa last June. She said: “It was unique – there wasn’t anywhere in Liverpool someone could go and spend the day and relax and be pampered, unless it was in an hotel. “Even in Rouge, when a client came out of a treatment there was nowhere
Stressed? Harassed? Phone ‘999’ for a good pampering Neil Hodgson discovers a ‘me time’ oasis where clients feel instantly at home to relax apart from reception. If you’re relaxed after a massage you need half an hour to enjoy the experience you have just had.” The scale of the project led to Nicola forming a new joint business venture with a long-term client, and new investor, Margaret Harry. “She believed in me,” said Nicola. “Margaret lets me get on with running the salon and she looks after the administration side. We completely renovated the property and extended it
to turn it from a house into a spa. Now, everyone walks in and says, ‘I want this as my house’.” Nicola said the house’s Georgian theme was perfect for her venture: “A lot of spas tend to go down the Thai or oriental route, but we didn’t want it to be too feminine because we have men coming in for treatment and didn’t want to put them off with ‘girly’ things.” Despite the ravages of the recession on disposable incomes Nicola said
“me’ time” was still high on people’s agendas. “People go for spa treatments on holiday but never think of doing it back home, but now more and more are doing it,” she said. “We have seen a big growth in men taking spa treatments. Facials are uni- sex. They brighten and tighten the skin up. Men love it for the races.” Treatments now are more sophisticated than the early days of tans and eyelashes. But Nicola argues they need not cost the earth. Even a pamper package, including a facial, back massage and hands and nails treatment, starts from £45. “People think it is really expensive but it is not because we can tailor our service to clients,” said Nicola. She, or one of her six staff, will assess a client’s skin type on their first visit: “We will then tailor the treatment to their skin type.
£1m boost for Runcorn fuel cell pioneer ACAL Energy RUNCORN’S ACAL Energy has won a £1m award to help accelerate polymer fuel cell technology. It has secured the investment from the Carbon Trust after winning a competition to drive use of alternative fuel systems. The Carbon Trust said ACAL’s technology is close to
making hydrogen fuel cell cars a mass-market reality, contributing to the creation of a global industry estimated to be worth more than £180bn by 2050. The technology could make fuel cell cars the lowest carbon vehicle available and also potentially cheaper to run than plug-in hybrids or
battery-only electric vehicles. Amanda Lyne, ACAL vice president strategic business development and chair of Liverpool City Region’s Low Carbon Economy Committee, said: “In these tough economic times, the promise of green growth is not just good news; it’s a life line for many organisations.
“With the support of organisations such as the Carbon Trust, the north west has the key ingredients to thrive in the low carbon economy. We hope to see many other local businesses join us in ensuring the future of the north west’s economic growth.” Carbon Trust research has
also revealed that north west business leaders are the most optimistic in the UK about green growth, with 79% saying that be the percentage of UK jobs accounted for by the green economy will increase, while 77% predict that the percentage of UK exports accounted for by the green economy will increase.
★★★★
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
NEWS 3
TIME RIGHT FOR MOVE TO EXPORT
HAPPY CUSTOMER: Nicola Harris says plenty of people want ‘me time’ at her Allerton spa
Do you want to be our Business of the Week? Contact Neil Hodgson 0151 472 2451 or email neil.hodgson @liverpool.com
“Today, more people are aware of products. But the treatment they want might not be right for their skin type. “Some people think the most expensive cream will work wonders for them, but it doesn’t work like that. Their skin might be dry and they just need a good exfoliation, and a £30 cream will work just as well as a £110 cream.” However, Nicola has the full range of exclusive treatments for anyone in need of some serious pampering, including Elemis and Guinot, as well as Rodial, a favourite with London celebs which includes a snake serum that acts “like botox in a bottle”. An essential part of pampering is a great customer experience, and Nicola says she succeeds on that score: “Most of my clients have been with me since I was 16. One moved to Portsmouth and still came back for treatments.” Although the new venture has been open less than a year she said business is brisk: “Even in the December snow we kept everything going.” She believes there will always be a demand for beauty and relaxation, but some things, such as tans, never change, although she reveals: “Spray tans are going back to manual tans because they are more moisturising.” And she says there are alternatives to the “one tan fits all” school of thought: “We have a whole range to suit skin type. We wouldn’t let anyone walk out orange because they would just stop the traffic.”
HANDS ON: Nicola Harris opened her eponymous spa in June
YORKSHIRE Bank has backed moves by the government to encourage more export opportunities, particularly for small firms. A White Paper on trade aims to involve firms of all sizes in export markets. Brian Colquhoun, regional director for Yorkshire Bank, said increased support for businesses looking to branch out abroad could only be a good thing given the current economic conditions. “What is important to remember, though, is that the export market is not just for big business, it can also offer opportunities for smaller operators too. “While there will be challenges ahead for many businesses, the relative strength of the pound and the high demand for UK products abroad could mean opportunities for growth start to materialise for strong businesses. “The UK is currently the world’s sixth largest exporter. “Yorkshire Bank remains committed to backing strong, trading businesses and our network of Financial Solutions Centres operates to respond to local business needs.”
GLOOMY VIEWS OF BANK LOANS
SMALL FIRMS are reluctant to apply for bank loans, says a study by financial research company Charterhouse. Over the past year only a third of businesses with a turnover of less than £1bn have sought some form of finance from the banks. Charterhouse Research director Mark Dennis said: “We believe there is a blanket perception that banks are not lending, particularly among start-ups and smaller firms. “Yet our study also shows that the banks are indeed lending, with the majority of applications in 2010 being granted in full, so there is a mismatch between reality and perception.”
4 NEWS
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS
BIG A rugged approach C is proving successful for IT boss INTERVIEW Alex Turner talks to Mark Muslek, managing director of Runcorn’s JLT Mobile Computers
OMPANY bosses often share the characteristics of their products and the managing director of JLT Mobile Computers is no exception. The Runcorn-based firm sells rugged computers that can be used in almost any environment, from the Arctic to the desert, in rain, hail or shine. Mark Muslek has the same approach to work – “you get on with it”, he says. His products allow other people to do just that, whether that’s David Attenborough filming in hot and humid climates or a forklift truck driver out in the rain. Mark has now been in charge at Swedish-owned JLT’s UK division for three years. “We sell rugged computers. There are pros and cons – it’s a specialist product, but it is expensive,” he said. “But if you have to have one, you have to have one. “You can’t put a normal laptop in a military vehicle or in a forklift truck in the rain or in a cold store at minus 30 degrees – a normal PC wouldn’t even boot. “That’s why we weren’t too badly affected by the recession.” Mark is leading JLT’s Asian expansion strategy, in part because of the strength of the Runcorn operation and also because of the UK’s trading links with many of the target markets. He said: “What they have asked me to do – because we are stable in the UK and the team I have got can almost manage without me – is to look at other areas, the Middle East and the Far East, because they are markets we are not in. “Culturally, commercially, and because of issues like language, it was felt it was easier if I did it. “They don’t have a recession over there, so that’s what we have started to do for the last six months. “Unfortunately the deals take a while to come to fruition on both sides. The international deals do take a lot more time to set up. “We are in negotiations with master distributors in several places, we are looking at the Emirates and others.” However JLT has announced a partnership with Apoorva IT Solutions, in Hyderabad, India, and the potential of the international markets clearly excites Mark. “The business as a whole is looking to grow 100% this year because of the international market,” he said. “I think the Middle East and Far East opportunities are interesting because there are new challenges. “We have to work differently to fit in with that – I think that’s interesting. “But it’s not a junket – it’s
SWITCHED ON: Mark Muslek is leading the Asian expansion strategy at JLT Mobile Computers airport, taxi, hotel, office, hotel.” His international trips are the latest experiences in Mark’s 30-year career in IT. After a short flirtation with a degree in metallurgy and chemistry which lasted a term, he became a civil servant at the Inland Revenue in Hatfield. He returned to the north west
and, deciding he wanted to be a programmer, picked up the phone book and called large, local companies. Mark said: “Norweb said they were recruiting that day. I went in that afternoon in motorcycle leathers and helmet in my hand and walked out with a job.”
‘You can’t put a normal laptop in a forklift truck in the rain’
He carried on writing applications for a couple of other firms before setting up a software business. Mark said: “One of the problems I have with real jobs is I get very frustrated with static organisations. An advantages of running your own business is it is up to you. “What makes an entrepreneur different to other people is when they have a good idea, they go and do it. “I never thought of it as proving myself – the fact that it happened to work is, I am absolutely sure, a lot
to do with luck. Everyone makes mistakes and hopefully you survive the mistakes you do make.” He sold his share of the software business to start selling IBM clones. Eight years later the £3.5m-turnover business was sold to its management, and Mark moved back to writing bespoke software. He then moved from being employer to employee, as the commercial manager of a couple of small IT firms, before arriving at The Heath Business Park in Runcorn to work for CMC, a JLT distributor.
★★★★
NEWS 5
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
IT’S THE
LAW with
Q
I HAVE read that some organisations are making staff work on the day of the royal wedding. As it is a bank holiday, are they not obliged to allow staff time off ? IN SHORT, no they are not. Businesses are only really obliged to honour their contracts of employment, so the issue of time off for the royal wedding depends entirely on how these have been written. Particularly, the question is whether or not companies include public holidays within the annual leave entitlement of staff. Under the Working Time Regulations, which comply with European law, all workers are entitled to a minimum of 28 days or 5.6 weeks of annual leave, which may include the usual eight public holidays. Part-time workers are entitled to the same, but pro rata to the time that they work. While some employers choose to express this in their contracts as being 20 days holiday plus the eight bank holidays, more are stating that all workers get 28 days leave, including bank holidays, or simply expressing this as 5.6 weeks. Those who give staff 20 days plus bank holidays, without further definition, will this year have to give workers 29 days off, as April 29 is an official bank holiday. But those who include public holidays within the annual leave entitlement face a simple choice: give staff the day off out of goodwill; close down the business on April 29 but take it out of workers’ holiday entitlement; or keep calm and carry on. Now here’s the surprising thing. At no time since bank holidays were introduced in 1871 has there been a statutory right for employees to take a bank or public
A
ON SITE: A JLT computer in use in Runcorn
The plan was for Mark to work with the managing director, who would then step aside after six months into the role of technical director. Mark said: “Just before the six months was up, JLT decided they wanted an arm in England, and rather than start from scratch they bought CMC. “Fortunately everything else went according to plan. I still got what I was hoping for and expecting, albeit with a different owner. “You just get on with it.”
FORKLIFT: Mark Muslek says JLT’s computers are designed for heavy use
holiday off work. The entitlement to do so is governed solely by an employee’s contract of employment. A considerable number of businesses close on public holidays, but equally many do not, because of the very nature of those businesses, ie transport, hospitals, nursing and care homes, utility companies and manufacturers which rely on continuous production, to name but a few. That is not to say that these workers lose out, by law they should not, but depending upon their contracts and as long as they receive the statutory minimum of 28 paid day’s holiday per annum, they should take their time off on another day, if they have had to work on a public holiday. From the royal couple’s point of view, having a spring wedding is ideal – their celebrations will be shared by millions, not only in the UK, but also across the world, and is expected to lift all our spirits after a miserable winter and the prospect of evertightening belts. From an employer’s perspective, though, it could not come at a worse time, virtually immediately after Easter and just before the May Day holiday, so, in an 11 day period, there are only three production days. Not good when employers are trying to balance the books and being urged to step up production and/or productivity in every sphere of business across the UK. This column was brought to you by Peter Mooney, head of consultancy at employment law specialist ELAS, Employment Law Advisory Services. For more information call the ELAS advice team on 0161-785 2000, or send an email to info@ employment-law.co. com
6 NEWS
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS
Awards green for go A MESSAGE FROM THE MERSEY FOREST
Entry Details Your name: Company: Position: Contact number: Address:
WE ARE delighted to support the Merseyside Environment Awards. With over eight million new trees creating new community woodlands across Cheshire and Merseyside, The Mersey Forest is transforming the landscape and supporting our local economy. For example, we have worked with partners and the local community to create the brand new Mab Lane Community Woodland in West Derby. An under-used, water-logged site has been transformed into a long lasting community asset for all to enjoy, with green gym sessions taking place to help people keep fit and be part of their local woodland. The Mersey Forest is also great for business, setting the scene for investment by transforming areas of derelict land to create an attractive backdrop for visitors and new investment. We work with partners from the private, voluntary and public sectors. To get involved, please contact us at mail@ merseyforest.org.uk or call 01925 816217.
Postcode: Email: If you are nominating someone else please also complete the following Name of company/ individual you are nominating: Contact number: Address: CLEAN-UP: We all need to do our bit to help 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
Sustainability award
● ARE you marked out by excellence in sustainability? Have you thought up inspiring ways of doing things? This award is for organisations, including companies, local authorities and primary care trusts, that lead the way in sustainability. Applicants should be able to demonstrate the implementation of excellent sustainability practices that are good for business, good for the economy and good for the environment. They may have adopted leading green procurement procedures or schemes to encourage employees to embrace sustainable living.
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 Forest Corporate Responsibility Award ● THIS award recognises an organisation that can demonstrate that it operates responsibly towards the environment, the community, its employees and its stakeholders. Perhaps you have recently adopted an ethical
business model that you can show is having a positive impact on your business and the community or the environment. As ever, your efforts must exceed the legal obligations and must prove inspirational to other businesses.
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
★★★★
TOURISTS GIVE BEATLES BOOST by NEIL HODGSON
Albert Dock attraction’s visitor drive
Industry Reporter ALBERT Dock tourist attraction The Beatles Story is generating hundreds of thousands of pounds for the city’s overseas visitor income in a carefully targeted marketing drive. The venture, owned by transport authority Merseytravel, has announced the loan of its Beatles Hidden Gallery exhibition to the Beatlemania exhibition in the Czech Republic. It is part of an international drive to raise awareness and visitor numbers, which includes links with US tourism agencies,
travel operators and the training of Chinese tour guides in Shanghai as part of the city’s World Expo initiative last year. And Beatles Story said it is achieving impressive results. After original Beatles drummer Pete Best and his band officially opened Beatlemania more than 600
MONEY MATTERS with NICKY BURRIDGE, personal finance correspondent
THE Government runs the risk of facing a pensions mis-selling scandal if it fails to overhaul the state pension alongside its auto-enrolment reforms, a pensions group has warned. The National Association of Pension Funds said there was a clear risk under the proposed system that workers who were automatically enrolled into their company pension scheme could miss out on means-tested benefits as a result of saving towards their retirement. It is calling on the Government to avoid the problem by simplifying the basic state pension, so that it pays everyone around £140 a week, to remove the need for means-testing. From 2012, all workers will begin to be automatically enrolled into their company pension scheme, although they will retain the right to opt out. Individuals will contribute 4% of their pay, with their company paying in 3% and the Government topping this up with 1%.If employers do
not have their own pension scheme, people will be enrolled into the National Employment Savings Trust or Nest. But NAPF chairman Lindsay Tomlinson said: “Unless it tackles the means-testing trap, the Government faces a major mis-selling scandal. “This will materialise a few years down the track, when a large number of people discover that being auto-enrolled into Nest has merely resulted in a reduction in means-tested benefits they would have received if they had opted out. This is potentially a big problem that we are storing up. “The desperately needed simplification of pensions has to start with the state pension.”
Malta
extra visitors from the Czech Republic made the trip to Liverpool. Involvement in a US Lennon Season reversed a downward trend in visitors from America, and a marketing drive with tour operators has resulted in four major firms adding Liverpool to their offering, with Globus booking 40 groups in for the 2011 season. Beatles Story also recorded a 60% rise in Chinese visitors last year, and latest figures show that in January more than 600 Chinese tourists visited the attraction. More promotional events are planned for the USA later this LIFE’S FAB: Beatles Story boss Jerry Goldman year.
Advertising Feature
Follow in the heavy footsteps of a knight
T
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
treasure of priceless paintings, ODAY Valletta, Malta’s such as Caravaggio’s The commercial and Beheading of St John (1608). You financial centre, is a can see theatre in English, hear UNESCO World Heritage concerts by leading opera site. singers; and on April 29-30 you It is nothing short of an can see the ninth edition of open-air museum, with Baroque the Malta International architecture, that over the years Fireworks Festival. has welcomed emperors, heads Malta’s Grand Harbour is of state, artists and poets. often described as the most However, until the Knights of beautiful in the Mediterranean, St John arrived in Malta in the so no matter what the time of 16th century, only a small watch year, with or without fireworks, tower was to be found on the sit down and marvel at the view strip of land that lies between from one of the two natural many bars and harbours where restaurants FOR your holiday to Malta Valletta now scattered around log on to: stands. the streets built www.chevron.co.uk Grand Master www.mercury-direct.co.uk for a knight’s La Valette of the heavy tread. www.maltadirect.com Knights of St In Valletta, John, the hero of there is as much the Great Siege to see as both the eye and of 1565, realised if the Order was imagination can take in. to maintain its hold on Malta, it Try heading down to the had to provide adequate waterfront when the sun goes defences. And so he drew up a down; you’ll find warehouses plan for a fortress city to be and facades by the Cruise Ship built where nothing but the Terminals that have been small watch tower stood. artfully renovated and are now The new city was to be called home to fashionable bars, Valletta, in honour of the man restaurants, clubs and shops, who envisioned it. with large outdoor seating areas As Valletta grew, people from facing onto the harbour for a all parts of the island flocked to night-time ambience to match live within its fortifications, and the day’s glory. And of course in the ensuing years, the bustling Sliema is a short ride austere style of the original away. structures gave way to the more A unique history; stunning lavish palaces and churches architecture; layers of culture; with their graceful facades and eye-watering views; monthly rich sculptural motifs. temperatures ranging from Today Valletta is one of 15ºC to 31ºC, and all in the Malta’s main tourist attractions. smallest capital in the EU, You’ll find the majestic St where it’s easy and stress-free John’s Co-Cathedral, the to get around. imposing bastions and a
NEWS 7
SHIPPING FIRM’S GREEN GRANTS
SHIPPING giant Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL), which has a big base in Liverpool, will award $100,000 in green technology grants this year. WWL wants to minimise its environmental impact at Liverpool, where it has terminal and processing facilities and other ports. The Orcelle Grants scheme is aimed at entrepreneurs working on zeroemissions technologies for shipping and port logistics. WWL has also expanded the eligibility criteria for the awards to include alternative energy sources and energyefficient technologies for commercial shipping operations.
8 NEWS
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
★★★★
Business to Business
BUSINESS
GLOBAL AIM FOR NEW NETWORK
Industrial Property
Business For Sale
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Business Opportunities
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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
NEW E7 Liverpool cab & plate £270pw, 8K dep. Call Taxifix for details. 0151 482 5101. Business users only
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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
2X BARBERS SHOPS TO LET Prime locations in Crosby/ Waterloo. Equipped with barbers chairs/ Mirrors/ Stations etc. Rent £650pcm Call: 0151 920 9999 or 07900 424 441
LATE NIGHT OFF LICENCE To let. Prime location, South Road, L22. Requires fit−out. Alcohol trading times 10am−12 midnight Call: 0151 9209999/ 07900424441
Building Trade FRAMELINE TRADE SUPPLY COMPOSITE DOORS UPVC
WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES. 5 Day Turnaround Tel 0151 546 5577 Fax 0151 546 5588 ACCREDITED WITH BS7412 & BS7950
FOR SALE City Cab & Plate, TX1, 12 months pass. Offers 07544 855669 LPOOL CAB & PLATE for sale 06 Reg Blue colour coded best offers 07973 977141 LIVERPOOL CABS & PLATES for sale 0151 922 3626/ 07753 814014 BLUE LINE TAXISNew drivers wanted urgently. Earn £500 − £800pw. Tel 0151 709 0101 51 CAB & City plate. 12m pass. Offers. 07725 720601 BOTANIC CARS Requires owner drivers. 0151 2200022
YOUNG ENTERPRISE: Alexander Jarvis, founder of Liverpool’s new networking organisation, Entrepreneur Club UK
by NEIL HODGSON Industry Reporter YOUNG entrepreneur Alexander Jarvis leads by example. Wirral-born Alexander, 19, founder of new networking group Entrepreneur Club UK, ran a chocolate retailing business at Woodchurch High School which by his final year involved 15 helpers – including two who now work on his accounts and website – and a van. He also flew to a German paint manufacturer on his own initiative, aged 16, to strike a supply deal for his father’s asbestos treatment firm, cutting out the Midlands-based middle man in the process. Even at such an early stage in
Alexander on a mission for entrepreneurs his working life, he demonstrated the traits of entrepreneurial talent that saw him enrol two years ago in one of the first Peter Jones Enterprise Academies. The Dragons’ Den BBC TV star had endorsed a London and a Manchester venture, which now extends to eight around the UK. Alexander, was one of 44 young people on the first programme, and said: “You can imagine the testosterone and the ideas flowing.
“I am dyslexic and can’t think the way other people do, so it was great to be in that situation.” He left with a diploma in enterprise and entrepreneurship and seven months ago established his networking venture, based in Exchange Flags’ Horton House, which already boasts 93 business and 75 individual members in Liverpool and Chester.
Revenues are derived from membership fees ranging from £175 to £2,000, as well as adverts. Alexander focuses on young businesses and decision makers which he acknowledges, as a “new kid on the block”, could conflict with Frank McKenna’s Downtown Liverpool in Business (DLiB) organisation. But he adds: “I’ve been a member of DLiB since I was 16 with my dad’s company. I
like what Frank does.” He describes his network as “similar to the Chamber of Commerce but privatised. All private sector, no public sector or charities.” He added: “We want people who make decisions, not people who think ‘he’s a 19-year-old and doesn’t know what he is doing’.” Alexander, who is being mentored by businessman and Lib Dem councillor Gary Millar, said his immediate ambition is to extend the model across the north west, with the aid of sponsorship deals. He is currently in talks with food giant Kellogg’s. Then he will look further afield: “I want to open up an Entrepreneur Club in Shanghai and am talking with the Liverpool Chinese Business Association.”
Women’s Organisation offers cash aid A SUPPORT body for female entrepreneurs is offering a £200 cash boost to help them set up in business. The Women’s Organisation, formerly Train 2000, will make the payment to women in Liverpool and Knowsley when they set up in business.
The money can be used towards any start-up costs, from marketing through to business stationery. Jackie Williams, enterprise director for the group, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer the women of Liverpool and Knowsley this start-up grant.
“It will be extremely helpful to them in the initial stages of business start-up when there are often costs incurred.” Apart from the £200 grant, women will also be able to access a range of free services through The Women’s Organisation, such as one-to-one business advice and a
variety of business-related courses. Business advisers can also help women find further funding for their young companies. The initiative comes as The Women’s Organisation relocates to its new state-of-the-art centre in the city’s Baltic Triangle area.
It will provide support for women’s start-up businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises, including incubation units for new and high growth ventures and an international research centre studying women’s enterprise and wider economic development issues.
BLACKCABSALES.COM Taxi trade website 07500 444 600 CITY LONG COLLAR TX1, Over 35 exp. 07533 398829
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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DAY COLLAR Picton Clock c/o. 07884 190920 T TXI Knowsley cab for rent £170pw. 07896 416501 NIGHT COLLAR TX4 AUTO c/o L6, 35+ 07885 090751 CITY LONG COLLAR available. 07769 708311 WIRRAL CAB & PLATE £6,500 bargain 07824811641
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