BUSINESS
ECHO
★★★★
Surfboard survivor’s charitable vision PAGES2&3
Job gives John his energy
Start Survive Thrive
Ex-footballer nets his business dream PAGES4&5
GLASS ACT: Total Glass managing director Frank Deary (left) with 79-year-old employee John Sweeney
JOHN Sweeney is the oldest employee at Knowsley’s Total Glass, having celebrated his 79th birthday. The former joiner has been at the firm for 12 years since the death of his wife Margaret and not missed a single day. “Working full-time keeps me active and gives me energy,” said John, who looks after the stores and the recycling of waste materials. Managing director Frank Deary said: “John’s an inspiration to us all.”
Industry Reporter
WITH spending cuts and slow growth in the UK cutting domestic demand, exports offer an increasingly attractive proposition for small firms, says the President of the Liverpool Society of Chartered Accountants. Jan McDermott is urging the small firms sector (SMEs) to consider expanding overseas to bolster growth after recent research by the Institute of
PENINSULA Business Services is hosting a free seminar for managing directors on changes to employment law and health and safety legislation tomorrow at Aintree Racecourse, from 9.30am to 12.45pm. To confirm attendance, call the Peninsula Seminar team on 0161-834 2771.
THE Centre for ● Construction Innovation is running
EXPORT IS ANSWER TO ‘SATURATED’ UK by NEIL HODGSON
●
Mastering three ‘P’s important for successful drive
Chartered Accountants in England and Wales found that 70% of UK businesses are looking overseas to further their recovery, and that the downturn has
increased the pace of globalisation in advanced and emerging economies. “The UK is an almost saturated marketplace. Economic growth will be delivered by SMEs and those that look beyond these shores to market their products and services,” she said. But she warned they first need to satisfy three areas of concern before embarking on overseas expansion: the Plan, the Place and the Process. She said the plan needs the right research into targeted export territories. Potential exporters must
study issues including whether particular export documentation is needed and whether a new joint venture or operation is required to deliver the process. She added: “There’s good news to support the prospect of growth from exports in the current exchange rates. “UK exporters are enjoying an increasingly competitive position and more UK businesses are already choosing to exploit international markets to take advantage of the situation.”
20% off meeting rooms in March & April Red Rooms - a higher standard of meeting room...take it as red. Call 0800 731 0300 www.the-red-rooms.com
four free workshops for small Merseyside construction firms next month at Milk & Sugar in Wood Street’s Tea Factory. They are Lean4Construction and carbon footprinting, on March 15; and bid coaching and performance measurement, on March 22. To reserve a place contact emma.looskin @ccinw.com
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“DEVELOPING Shopfloor Talent” is a free morning breakfast event hosted by north west manufacturing support body MAS-NW at the Blackpool City Learning Centre on March 3, to help manufacturers identify their training and development needs and the most suitable training support organisations to fulfil those needs. Phone 0800 458 9585 or visit www. mas-nw.co.uk for more information.
THE National ● House Building Council is holding a
series of “Building For Tomorrow” seminars across the UK, including a free event on March 10 at the Thistle Hotel, Haydock Park.
2 NEWS
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS CITY EVENT TO EXPLORE TRADING WITH CHINA
A ONE-day event exploring business opportunities in China is being staged at Liverpool’s Hilton Hotel on March 30. “Beyond Shanghai’ aims to explore the legacy of the city’s six month presence at the Shanghai Expo last year. But it will also seek to widen business links beyond Liverpool’s twin city to other major cities and second-tier cities in China and will hopefully be the precursor to a regular business club to explore trade opportunities. The main partners behind the event are the Confucius Institute, a Chinese government-funded body promoting China and its culture; the University of Liverpool, which hosts a Confucius Institute; and Liverpool Chinese Business Association. Three seminars between 10am and 4pm will feature Chinese Consul General Ni Jian, Prof Michael Howey, the university’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation, leading professionals from the city’s business sector and representatives from the Hong Kong Enterprise and Trade Office London team and the government’s UK Trade and Investment. For further information on the event please visit www.beyondshanghai. co.uk
TAILORED OFFER FOR BUILDERS
SKELMERSDALEbased HHSC Training & Consultancy Services has formed a partnership with Damar Training of Stockport to offer access for north west firms to the specialist Advanced Apprenticeship in Housing. The scheme is expected to grow as more young people choose not to go to university, but to gain professional qualifications via a vocational route instead.
SMALL
BUSINESS of the Week
A
NEAR-FATAL surfboard accident changed Mark Wood’s life and made him passionate about fundraising for charity. Now he is determined that his business can help other small firms do their bit for good causes. Mark was left minutes away from death after his artery was severed when his surfboard fell on top of him in the seas off North Wales. Once he recovered he began raising money for Wales Air Ambulance, whose helicopter saved his life. Wirral-based Mark loved fundraising so much that he decided to make it his business. So in January last year he set up Charityprintshop, a printing business that gives half its profits to charity. It prints anything from business cards through to exhibition stands, as well as offering boxes of charity-branded air fresheners. He insists his prices compete with those of other commercial printers, meaning small firms can give to charity without any extra cost. He said: “I believe every business can give something back, even if it’s just through business cards. Why wouldn’t you?” Mark, originally from Stoke-on-Trent, started life as a design technician before moving into office suppliers. That in term led him to start selling printed products. Even before his surfboard accident, he was no stranger to charitable fundraising. When mother died 16 years ago, he ran a marathon to raise money for the hospice that took care of her. And when his father died a few years later of a heart condition, Mark did a skydive and raised more than £1,000 for the British Heart Foundation. He organised several more sponsored walks, and gave regularly to charity. But the journey that led him to start Charityprintshop began with his surfing accident off the North Wales coast in 2008. Mark had been a surfer for 10 years, and was making a routine visit to the seas off Conwy when he was badly injured by his own board. “I just came in badly, a bit late to the wave,” he said. “I tried to bail out and push the board away, but my leg went round the back of the board. Then the board hit the sand. “It felt like a dead leg – no pain whatsoever. But when I tried to stand up, my leg just gave way. I looked back at the water and it was just thick red.
Surfboard accident survivor is driven to help others Alistair Houghton talks to Mark Wood, founder of Charityprintshop “There were two other surfers there and they dragged me out. I used the leash on the board as a tourniquet. “The ambulance was there in no time. The coastguard came out. It was quite exciting at the time – there was no pain. I didn’t realise the seriousness until I was in hospital.” Mark had severed the artery in the inside of his leg, losing pints of blood. He later found that his injury was so severe that the air ambulance crew gave him just 20 minutes to live. But their helicopter got him to hospital in 12 minutes, saving his life. “The surgeon said ‘somebody must have been looking out for you’,” said
Mark. “He’d never seen a surfing injury so severe.” Mark decided to show his gratitude to the air ambulance, which is funded entirely through donations, by pledging to raise money for it. He first raised £3,500 through a charity walk up Snowdon. He lost his job as a salesman soon after his accident and became a freelance print manager to pay his way. But as he spent more time working with charities, he realised that there was a way he could use his entrepreneurial skills to raise money for those good causes. “Charities were having trouble
getting to the local business community,” he said. “The Charity Commission says 95% of a charity’s income comes from people who have been touched by the charity. Only 5% of their income comes from corporate support. “Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) don’t tend to support charity out of their profits. Times are hard. Cash is king. But charity fundraisers are going to SMEs asking ‘how can you help us?’ “They‘re saying ‘will somebody run a marathon for us?’ Somebody might raise hundreds of pounds as a one-off. “People will say ‘I can get lots of people to sponsor me.’ But you can only ask for sponsorship once a year.” Mark started a business networking breakfast club, where he said he could give money to charity if he got referrals. His charitable offer was well received – and that inspired his business venture. “People didn’t just want to talk to me about being a printer,” he said. “They wanted to talk to me about
International specialists to explain business risks TOP international experts have been confirmed as speakers at The Institute of Risk Management’s annual conference in Liverpool next month. The Global Risk Management Professional Development Forum, at the BT Convention Centre between March 21-23, will be
opened by Dr Jeevan Perera, risk manager at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre. He will explain how the US space agency completely rebuilt its risk management culture and processes following the 2003 Colombia Space Shuttle disaster. Speakers also include Gert Cruywagen from Tsogo Sun
Group, South African Risk Manager of the Year, wildlife enthusiast and TV personality, who will discuss ‘Jungle Risk Management’, or how animals avoid becoming prey. Information security risk expert Paul Dwyer, Security GRC Principal at leading Irish telecoms company Eircom, will explain the complex and
extensive underground business of cyber crime and explore the motivations and rewards of the participants in this virtual economy. He will also delve into the link between cyber crime, cyber terrorism and warfare and outline the threats posed to business, critical national infrastructure and the
economy from this activity. And to close the conference one of the world’s leading academics in the field of risk psychology, heuristics and decision making, Prof Gerd Gigerenzer, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin, will be speak on the topic of risk literacy.
★★★★
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
NEWS 3
FSB PLEA TO EXTEND NIC ‘HOLIDAY’
GIVING BACK: Mark Wood with some of the products printed by his firm Charityprintshop Pictures: PAUL HEAPS
having a serious accident Do you want and working for charity. to be our Business “I was sitting watching EastEnders one Sunday of the Week? afternoon when I had Contact Neil my lightbulb moment – Hodgson 0151 472 it was time to start Charityprintshop. 2451 or email “I put the name into neil.hodgson Google, saw it was free, @liverpool.com and registered it.” Today Mark, who is based in Eastham, employs two full-time and two part-time staff. He says he is in talks with potential investors about taking the business national . He has a broad portfolio of clients, ranging from wholesaler Costco to building services company Garic. Among its other key clients is Liverpool-based umbrella company FS Commercial. Charityprintshop has already donated thousands of pounds to FSC’s chosen charity, Sunflowers, after printing a range of corporate brochures and business cards. “I’ve brought a new sales guy in recently,” he said. “It’s all going in the right direction, which in the printing industry is fairly unusual – several printers have gone bump over the last year. “It isn’t about the money for me. It’s about working for the community. “Having a serious accident changes your perspective on life.” And despite his brush with death, Mark still loves getting out on his surfboard. “I still surf,” he said. “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. “I was back surfing six months after CHARITY PARTNERS: Mark Wood (left) with Joan Elmer of Sunflowers and Harry Grierson from FS Commercial. the accident. I got back to it as soon as Sunflowers received thousands of pounds after teaming up with FSC and Mark’s company Charity Print Shop I could.”
THE government must extend the National Insurance Contributions (NICs) holiday to existing firms to create an environment for job creation and help stem high unemployment, lobby group the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has urged. The FSB welcomes the government's commitment for a “National Insurance Holiday” for start-up businesses that take on up to five members of staff, but believes this does not go far enough and must be extended to include existing businesses. FSB research shows that businesses looking to take on new staff fell from 12.2% in quarter three to 8.7% in quarter four. More worryingly, 12.4% expect to decrease the number of staff they have in quarter one 2011 – up from 10.4% in quarter four 2010. The FSB research shows 44% of small firms would take on more staff if the government cut NI. The FSB’s Merseyside chairman John Allan said: “We know that small firms would take on more staff if NI was cut, so to really help boost employment in small businesses, the government must extend the NICs holiday to existing small firms.”
WASTE CREATES NEW BIKE PARK
AN ELLESMERE Port construction firm is helping create a motocross and quad bike park for local youngsters as part of a key building contract. D Morgan is the contractor on the town’s new Marks & Spencer store and will use 50,000 tonnes of soil extracted during the development to create the facility under plans put forward by local enthusiasts Andrew and Lyndsey Paul, Graham Lee and Sharon Holding. D Morgan director John Dennan said: “This is a great opportunity to be part of such a fantastic local development which will benefit the whole community.”
4 NEWS
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS
BIG Former footballer S helping SMEs to achieve their goals INTERVIEW
Tony McDonough
talks to Lee Hackett, the director of Liverpool-based Lead Creators
O MANY young boys go through their childhoods dreaming of becoming a professional footballer and Lee Hackett was no exception. Lee, now a director of small firm consultancy, Lead Creators, achieved that dream – but it was short-lived. Partly due to injury, he was let go by Wigan Athletic at just 19. However, Lee was far from a one-trick pony and even before the end of his professional career, he was already having thoughts about one day running his own business. He said: “The end of my football career was of course a big disappointment. All through school that was what I had wanted to do. “But when I was an apprentice with Wigan I also had to go to college, which is where I did business studies.” The course turned out to be a wise choice. Since the end of his playing career Lee, now 37, has forged a successful career in business. Last year he founded Lead Creators, which employs nine people and operates out of an office in Exchange Flags in Liverpool city centre. It has around 40 clients and offers what it calls “pipeline management” services, which means it researches and identifies new sales opportunities. “We are more than just a marketing company although a lot of what we do links into that,” said Lee. “When we get a new client one of our people will go and spend a day with them, getting to know the products and the people – learning about the culture of the business. “We will research the market on their behalf and identify some key objectives – and then will develop a strategy and decide on what tactics to deploy.” Lee has gained extensive experience doing business in the Middle East and Far East and so helping clients get a foothold into export markets is a particular speciality of Lead Creators. He added: “I think the biggest issue firms have is a lack of knowledge and understanding of how to access overseas markets. “The Government could do an awful lot more for exporters. The performance from UK Trade & Investment over the past decade has been very poor. “We don’t have much more than the usual bog standard trade delegations. “They need to do a lot more to help firms understand the issues. For example, payment terms in many countries are very different
ROOM FOR EXPANSION: Lee Hackett’s latest business venture is growing fast Picture: JENNY ROBINSON
to the UK. Too often, companies are simply directed to the local consulate. “Many have aspirations to do business in emerging markets but have a complete lack of knowledge.” Mr Hackett claims that he had already delivered up to a 77% return on investment with some of
his clients. In its first year of operation he expects the firm to turn over between £500,000 and £750,000. “During the last 11-12 years, I have worked in the UK, Europe and the Middle East, and I believe I have developed a system and a set of theories that do work,” he said.
‘There is a lack of real-world business support for firms’
When his professional football career ended, Lee started work as a trainee sales manager with a national builders’ merchant called Grahams. He continued to play football part-time for Northwich Victoria. He then worked for a similar firm, Travis Perkins, as one of their youngest-ever branch managers, before setting up a company with his brother, Peter, in 2002 called CMS. The firm specialised in the supply of construction materials and it was here that Lee gained his
experience in export markets. He said: “Our products were very relevant to Middle East and Far East markets so I was able to gain vital experience and build up a good list of contacts.” CMS was sold to a FTSE 200 company, SIG plc, in 2007. Lee believes his experience allows him to offer real value to SMEs, especially now that public sector business support is shrinking. He added: “I think there has been a lack of real-world business support.
★★★★
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
NEWS 5
SCIENTIFIC GRANT TO HELP SMES
SKY HIGH: During their time at CMS, Lee Hackett and his brother Peter benefited from the Middle East building boom
SMALL firms on Merseyside could benefit from a new £300,000 grant to Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). Prof Carole Mundell, head of the Liverpool Gamma Ray Burst group of the Astrophysics Research Institute, received funding from the Science and Technology Funding Council (STFC) for her group's leading research into the most powerful explosions in the universe, gamma ray bursts. It involves the design and manufacture of a range of equipment, including camera components, which will be sub-contracted to local and UK-wide small firms. Birkenhead-based Senar has already made a number of precision components for the instrument that holds the optics in their correct place. Another impact will be the availability of new research findings for Spaceport, a partnership between LJMU and Mersey Ferries, aimed at engaging members of the public in astronomical research. Prof Mundell said: "We are very pleased that STFC has recognised the importance of our innovative work.”
TAX HELP FOR R&D PROJECTS
“I think owners of SMEs will appreciate talking to someone who has faced the same problems that they are facing. “That is much better, I think, than speaking to a consultant from a Government agency.” Lee is also helping SMEs through another company where he is a director – Pantheon International. It has developed a series of training courses under the heading Pantheon Academy to provide small and start-up businesses with core skills. Lee said: “Leadership skills such
as effective people management, improving profitability and developing new markets, don’t always come naturally to entrepreneurs. “Many small businesses find that they have gaps in their skill sets, especially during periods of rapid growth. “This is only natural, as a successful operation can quickly outgrow itself. “Therefore, the question that most owner-managers of SMEs face is how and when do they introduce new skills into the business?”
ALL SMILES: Lee was disappointed at the premature end to his football career but is now a successful businessman
SMALL firms that carry out research and development (R&D) will find it easier to claim additional tax relief after a relaxation in the rules for claiming R&D tax credits. Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs says companies will now be able to claim the additional relief on their activities even if they don’t own the intellectual property that will result from the R&D. R&D tax relief is designed to promote investment in scientific and technical innovation, providing companies with an extra tax allowance to reduce their tax bill. The scheme is open to firms with less than 500 staff, and sales of less than 100m euros.
6 NEWS
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS
Our green showcase A MESSAGE FROM LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL
Entry Details Your name: Company: Position: Contact number: Address:
Postcode: Email: If you are nominating someone else please also complete the following LIVERPOOL City Council is very pleased to be presenting an award for environmental enterprise. The city has a strong history of enterprise and innovation and we anticipate that over the next five years there will be rapid growth in the environmental technology sector with a possible 6,000-7,000 new jobs created within the Liverpool city region. Awards such as this one will help all our businesses to learn from the best practice of others, sparking new entrepreneurial ideas in this growing market. The city council has recently won a North West Regional Award for work on climate change and is a finalist for the national LGA Low Carbon Council Award.
Name of company/ individual you are nominating: Contact number: Address: CLEAN: Renewable energy is important for change 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
Start-up Environment Award ● HAVE you spotted a gap in the market and started up a commercial enterprise with the potential to create jobs and introduce new technologies or practices? This award acknowledges new organisations – those established for less than two years – that are creating opportunities to help other businesses and social enterprises operate more sustainability. Award contenders should be able to demonstrate the actual or potential social benefits and the commercial viability, and thus the sustainability, of their enterprise.
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 Liverpool City Council Environmental Enterprise Award ● IS your firm enterprising? This recognises commercial ventures helping other businesses and social enterprises to operate more sustainably, perhaps by adopting renewable energy or waste-
management schemes? This is for firms that have been established for more than two years and are able to demonstrate the social benefits and the commercial viability, and the sustainability, of their enterprise.
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
★★★★
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
NEWS 7
CAMPUSCASH
Leading a top university is not just an academic job, finds Peter Elson
FOCUS . . . on the University of Liverpool
B
EING the vice-chancellor of one of Britain’s top universities these days is about far more than keeping your academic staff happy and fending off government cuts. Just ask Prof Sir Howard Newby, University of Liverpool vicechancellor, whose role seems to be as much about helping to power the regional economy as running his esteemed academic institution. The number of collaborative projects between the university and the private sector is astonishing. And with the global village open for business, while other universities merely look for foreign students Liverpool has pioneered opening a Chinese campus. As an example of his wider responsibilities, Sir Howard chairs the Knowledge Economy Group. This brings together University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Vision, The Merseyside Partnership, Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, Northwest Science Council, National Health Service and private sector. The plan is to push growth in key areas of the economy in which the city region has distinctive strengths and the potential to be a UK leader. These include life sciences, advanced manufacturing, creative and digital industries and financial and professional services. Proposals in the Knowledge Economy Plan could secure an additional 58,000 jobs for the region’s knowledge economy by 2022 – an increase of 15%. It will help to realise the full potential of major projects such as the Royal Liverpool Biomedical Campus and the further development of Liverpool Science Park, Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus and Knowsley Industrial Park. The plan also supports the development of a “Superport”, designed to re-establish the Mersey as the principal logistics centre and the port of the North. Sir Howard said: “Employment in knowledge-intensive sectors has grown at almost two-and-a-half times the rate of the rest of the city region’s economy. “The current economic climate means that the city region must work
WIDE-RANGING ROLE: Prof Sir Howard Newby, vice-chancellor of the University of Liverpool smarter to derive maximum value from its full range of knowledge assets if it is to continue to thrive. “Leveraging the expertise and talent within the city region’s universities and further education colleges will help build on recent business growth. “It will enable Liverpool to make the transition to sustainable private sector-led growth and prosperity. “We’re trying to do an audit of what we have in the city region in terms of the knowledge economy assets. “We need to know what’s here and can be exploited by working together better.” The Royal Liverpool Hospital’s redevelopment is a good example of how this happens. “It’s very important for the main teaching hospital to have a biomedical campus, or bio-incubator, surrounding it,” said Sir Howard. “Bio-science is very strong here but you’d never know it. “We have the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, the Speke-Garston pharmaceutical sector and the NHS hospitals.” “One of Liverpool’s oddities is that
it doesn’t promote itself as a city of science and technology, yet we have produced nine Nobel laureates. “Liverpool is not just about the Beatles and football, but also about science. We have the biggest cluster of life sciences. We also have the creative and digital sector and more opportunities with the new Media City in Salford. “Advance manufacturing is really more about new processes and methods which can be used in a wide range of applications in, for example, the nuclear industry. The region has a big competitive advantage in this sector.” Simply thinking about the city region is not enough these days. Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, based in Suzhou, China, is prospering with 3,000 students, and plans to treble in size in four years. Its students stewarded at Liverpool’s Shanghai Expo pavilion. “It’s also about positioning ourselves globally. We could open an Indian campus in India in three years,” said Sir Howard. “The University of Liverpool doesn’t have to be in Liverpool – not that we’re planning to leave.”
Picture: PAUL HEAPS
Company of knowledge BIG names like Ford Motor Company have joined the University of Liverpool in important collaboration projects. The University’s School of Engineering and Ford are working to produce a high-performance, low carbon cars of the future. The project includes Jaguar Land-Rover and Johnson Matthey, a major manufacturer of catalytic converters. They aim to develop new ways of setting the engine’s computer to improve fuel consumption and reduce emissions. Another long-term industry collaboration is the AgustaWestland-Liverpool Advanced Rotorcraft Centre (AWL-ARC). The university and helicopter
WE HAVE LIFT-OFF: An AgustaWestland Lynx maker AgustaWestland focuses on rotorcraft research. As a result of AWL-ARC, AgustaWestland has adopted Liverpool’s Helicopter Multi-Block method for the analysis of helicopter aerodynamics.
8 NEWS
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
★★★★
ECHO Business to Business
BUSINESS
DOCK’S DRIVE FOR VISITORS
Commercial Premises
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L 4 Shop. Ideal takeaway/ newsagent £89pw. New lease 07710 498311 WELLINGTON RD L15 Variety of Industrial units available now 0151 227 2875 LOW COST STORAGE 130sqft, £50pm 0151 263 4230 www.lockupgarages.net RIMROSE RD BOOTLE Unit for rent approx 4000sqft. main road position. 0151 922 5282
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Industrial Property UNITS TO LET Bootle Area 5,000−15,000 sqft. Flexible terms 0151 486 0004
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Business For Sale
Albion Hotel, Llanrwst, Gwynedd For Sale by Public Auction
(unless previously sold) On Wednesday, 9th March, 2011 at 2.30 pm prompt at the premises
GUIDING HAND: Members of the Liverpool Tourist Guides Association on their visit around the Albert Dock
by NEIL HODGSON Industry Reporter LIVERPOOL’S Albert Dock tourist attraction is targeting tour groups and schools in a bid to build on its visitor numbers. Last year the Dock recorded a 10% increase in visitor numbers, with more than five million people touring the waterfront complex. Next week it will seek to build on its success with the launch of a visitor strategy at the Great Days Out Fair 2011 in Manchester. And, as part of its build up to the launch, the Dock’s Business Tenants Association invited 35 of Liverpool’s Blue Badge Guides, Green Badge Guides and 08 Guides to tour of the Dock and give their feedback on how it can develop a more “group friendly”
Attraction targets coach groups and schools offer. The free attraction houses the Beatles Story, Tate Liverpool and the Merseyside Maritime Museum as well as a host of group-friendly restaurants and gift shops. Association chair, Jeremy Roberts, said: “The Dock is keen to act as a group friendly destination. “We are working closely with Liverpool council to add to the Coach Welcome, have developed a number of incentives for coach drivers and are
hosting over 130 group organisers from the Great Days Out Fair. “All of the venues across the Dock are working together to make sure people can have a great group experience. “Groups are crucial to the ongoing visitor profile of the Dock and we are looking forward to welcoming many more over the next few years. “To follow will be our new programme around targeting schools and the Dock-wide education resource pack we have created which will also be a great addition to the Dock.” Pam Wilsher, head of tourism development at tourist board the Mersey Partnership, said: “The Albert Dock is an ideal group visit destination. Our guides welcome hundreds of coach groups to the city every year and are instrumental to growing the market for the Dock.”
Help to avoid record HMRC fines FOUR free products have been launched by HM Revenue & Customs to help small firms improve their record-keeping ahead of checks later this year which could impose strong penalties for noncompliance. The products are suitable for the selfemployed, sole traders and
small businesses. HMRC acting director business customer unit, Brian Redford, said “It may seem like a challenge, particularly when you’re starting out, but keeping good records will bring real advantages to your business. “Get a proper system in place and you’ll not only be
confident that you are paying the right tax, but you’ll keep up-to-date with how much you owe suppliers and how much you are owed.” The products include a guide on keeping records (www.hmrc.gov.uk/fact sheet/record-keeping.pdf); a general guide to keeping records for your tax return
(www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa/rkbk1.pdf); how to set up a basic record-keeping system (www.businesslink. gov.uk/recordkeeping); and guidance on what records should be kept, how well you are keeping them and a checklist if you are starting a business (www. businesslink.gov.uk/record keepingcheck).
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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
BLACKCABSALES.COM City Day/Night/Lng 07500 444 600 Visit website for CAB & PLATE BLUE LINE TAXISNew drivers wanted urgently. Earn £500 − £800pw. Tel 0151 709 0101 CITY CAB/PLATE X Reg TX1 for sale. Sensible Offers 07877 453191 PRIVATE HIRE Knowsley & Lpool Plate £140pw 1st wk 1/2 price Inc ins. 07523 976108 TX1 CAB/PLATE Offers. 0151 283 9111 or 07766 629486 NIGHT COLLAR TX4 £200 c/o Huyton 35+ 07595 339574 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 TX1, Over 35 exp. 07533 398829 CITY LONG COLLAR AVAILABLE 07809 464860 SEFTON PLATE WANTED Call Ian on 07976 177439 CITY COLLAR Day c/o Toxteth £130pw. 0151 546 1889
Business For Rent SHOP/FLAT AIGBURTH Busy road, PP for hot takeaway. Shop £1,000pm, flat £400pm 07938 877632
RESTAURANT FOR RENT St John’s Rd Waterloo, 38 seats 0151 707 2141
Building Trade FRAMELINE TRADE SUPPLY COMPOSITE DOORS DOORS, WINDOWS, CONSERVATORIES. 5 Day Turnaround Tel 0151 546 5577 Fax 0151 546 5588 ACCREDITED WITH BS7412 & BS7950
UPVC
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
Business Opportunities LATE NIGHT OFF LICENCE To let. Prime location, South Road, L22. Requires fit−out. Alcohol trading times 10am−12 midnight. Rent £1200pcm 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 FANCY DRESS Broadgreen. £12,000. Rent £300pcm. 07531 584755
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