BUSINESS
ECHO
★★★★
Fitness junkie’s bootcamp bid
Start Survive Thrive
Heating firm’s national success
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EMPLOYERS are being urged to file their Employer Annual Return (P35 and P14s) online by May 19, or they could face a penalty. Smaller employers, or their agents or bureaux, can file their employee data securely online using HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) Online Return and Forms – PAYE service, while larger employers can purchase a range of commercial software. HMRC has published a list of common errors to avoid to help ease the process for businesses at www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye/ payroll/year-end/errors. htm and further help is available via the Employers’ Helpline on 08457 143 143.
Chamber boost for start-ups BUDDING entrepreneurs are being helped with the launch of an Enterprise Club by Wirral Chamber of Commerce. Chamber chief executive Ken Davies said: “It’s an exciting venture with one aim – to help and encourage new businesses to succeed.” The launch event featured Wirral West MP Esther McVey as guest speaker. Future events will take place on the third Wednesday of each month and will cover specific business topics. The chamber is also backing a mentoring scheme for start-up businesses in the borough. To volunteer as a mentor phone 0151 647 8899 or go to www. wirralchamber.org.uk
AMEY, which ● delivers a range of highways, rail and school
LAUNCH: (from left) Ann Holcroft and Ken Davies (Chamber), Paula Basnett (Invest Wirral), and MP Esther McVey
HOSTELS TO RESCUE OF PUBS ON BRINK EXCLUSIVE
By NEIL HODGSON Industry Reporter
A LONDON youth hostel franchise, Journeys, is targeting Liverpool for its next expansion and franchisees. The Bermondsey-based business breathes new life into run-down pubs by installing their ‘micro-cell’ bunk beds which boosts food and drink takings through the added custom. It currently has three London sites and one in Brighton in former pubs and has identified two key locations in Liverpool as part of its plans to open a further 15 hostels during 2011.
Hostel franchise targets two city pubs for venture
Director Derek Bodman said: “We are now in talks with the current owners to take things further in respect to Journeys hostels. “Both of these have potential to create new hostels with bed capacities of 250-300. They also have a long list of
applicants who are interested in being the franchisees for these sites and managing the hostels if the bids are successful.” He added: “What Journeys are now really interested in is finding some smaller sites within Liverpool city centre and hope that they can team up with pubs who are looking for a new income stream in the current financial environment to achieve this.”
Pubs are under increasing pressure from cheap supermarket booze and rising taxes and closures are running at an historical high.
But Journeys says hostelling is booming as ‘staycations’ grow and people target cheaper accommodation. Its bunks include full black out
curtains, individual power supplies, shelves and lights to create a private space within a dorm scenario. It said one of the first pub-based Journeys sites which has been running for two years was created in a dilapidated pub and in just its second year of trading turned over £630,000, yielding a profit of £221,000. Mr Bodman added: “We reckon, using our model and online booking system, most pubs could pay off start-up costs in the first year of trading and then start to pocket the profit. “The British pub is an iconic institution and we are convinced our model offers landlords a means of increasing profits, and in some cases survival.”
services across the north west, has won three national Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) awards. The company has regional offices in Speke, Halton and Warrington.
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SIGNATURE Café, based on the second floor of Rapid Hardware, is bringing a taste of al fresco culture to Williamson Square with a new outside seating area on the corner of the former George Henry Lee Building. Owner Harry Foster said: “We’re also offering a new take away service for workers on the move or in a rush.”
LIVERPOOL ● architecture firm Broadway Malyan has
been short-listed in the “fastest growing practice” category based on fee earnings and the number of architects for the annual Architects' Journal AJ100 awards, which ranks the top 100 practices. Office director Matt Brook said: “This success is testament to our strong project portfolio.” The practice also has office representation in South America, the Middle East and China. The awards final will be held in London on May 18.
n e s s n m i e o n i w bus
2 NEWS
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
★★★★
Advertising Feature
A different type of law firm W HEN Tracey Miller decided to set up her own family law firm, Tracey Miller Family Law, two years ago, she wanted to establish a very different family law practice. “Part of why I set up in business myself was because I did not like the way in general the legal industry treated some
clients,” Tracey explained. “Our firm is totally client led, and by that I mean we always put our clients first. “Whether it's our free initial 'no time limit' consultation, our mobile service, our competitive charging rates or our seven days a week service, we can offer expert guidance and help.” She went on: “We've also deliberately structured our
business with low overheads, so that we can pass on those savings to our clients – and that is why we mean it when we say our clients really do come first!” She added: “It has been a great couple of years for us, and the reaction from our clients to our 21st century law practice has been fantastic. It just shows that this is a service that people want and need!”
Tracey Miller Family Law has also just opened an office in Liverpool, which means clients now have the choice of using the firm's mobile service, or arranging to visit at a time convenient to them. ● For further information or to arrange a free initial consultation call Tracey on 07780 617217 or 0151 515 3036, or visit www.traceymillerfamilylaw.com.
Improving local children’s lives
I
F enthusiasm could be bottled, then Yvonne Sharples would make a fortune. Headteacher at Parklands High School in Speke, Liverpool, since April 2010, Yvonne has been passionate about education for as long as she can remember. Yvonne said: “I think my interest in the importance of education started when I was a schoolgirl in what is now Stockbridge Village.
“It played such a big part in improving the lives of local families by raising our aspirations.” Following a highly successful career in education, including numerous high profile positions such as Head of Community Engagement; managing three City Learning Centres; successfully leading Knowsley’s Gifted and Talented and Aim Higher programmes; and latterly as Headteacher at St
Michael’s in Crosby, Yvonne’s appointment as Headteacher at Parklands has seen the school move out of its Special Measures Ofsted rating. Forging links with the local community, key business leaders in the area and cross-school projects has seen Parklands’ reputation increase tenfold. It’s now flying high with its Going for Gold 2012 development plan. However, Yvonne is determined for the school to aim
even higher, raising its profile within the community and ensuring its pupils gain the right knowledge and experience in order to achieve their hopes and dreams. She said: “Ultimately, we will ensure the young people of Parklands have the quality education they deserve.” ● For more information contact Parklands High School, Ganworth Road, Liverpool, or telephone 0151 486 2612.
Successful in a ‘male’ career
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ARD work and determination are two key factors that have led Shannon Conway of King Sturge to a successful career as a chartered surveyor. Typically a male-dominated profession, with the help and support of King Sturge Shannon has created a niche role, specialising in valuation and disposal advice of large
residential portfolios for banks, developers, investors, housing associations and legal professionals. Shannon began her career in the property industry as sales manager at King Sturge’s Castle Street estate agency seven years ago. Keen to move into surveying, she saw a gap in the Liverpool market for a chartered surveyor specialising in residential advice and valuation.
Over four years she completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in surveying, and passed a stringent RICS interview to become a chartered surveyor. On qualifying she worked hard to demonstrate the viability of a full-time residential valuer, and now runs her own department which has out-performed all initial expectations. Her daily routine is varied and includes writing reports,
Gemma has global ambitions
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EXT event the London Olympics, that’s the challenge for Gemma Nichols, sales manager (covering maternity leave) at Liverpool’s prestigious Atlantic Tower hotel by Thistle Liverpool. Gemma has forged a successful career in the travel industry, and thrives on a challenge.
She said: “I started with a Modern Apprenticeship in a travel agency, then joined an airline as cabin crew, and from there moved to a travel management company organising corporate clients’ travel and events.” Never one to stand still, Gemma decided she needed sales experience, so went to work at Aintree Racecouse where she looked after conferences
and events. Continued Gemma: “I gained valuable experience at Aintree, but it was time for a new challenge and an opportunity to climb the ladder, so I joined the Thistle Hotel Group working at its Manchester hotel.” So what of the future? When her current role comes to an end, Gemma is hopefully off to London, just in time for the 2012 Olympics, working in one of
Thistle Hotel’s London establishments. But it’s going global where Gemma’s ambitions lie. The company has recently opened a hotel in Shanghai, and one in Beijing will open in May, so it’s a dream that could soon become a reality. Her philosophy: “Got for it – no matter what you want to do.” ● For further information contact Gemma on 07767674439.
inspecting properties, collating market knowledge and meeting potential clients for new business. Shannon said: “I believe in hard work. You shouldn’t expect things to be handed to you on a plate. It’s not a nine to five job, but it’s one I thoroughly enjoy.” ● For more information contact King Sturge, 42 Castle Street, Liverpool or telephone 0151 242 6604.
★★★★
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
NEWS 3
BUSINESS MILESTONE FOR SHAW HALL SITE
AN Ormskirk caravan park is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a year-long programme of events for its residents. Shaw Hall Caravan Park is open 52 weeks of the year and offers facilities for touring caravanners, local people who use the site as a ‘bolt hole’ for weekends and short breaks, and permanent residents. The park was established by Alec Pringle and family members Alison, Sally and Andrew have since expanded the business with the acquisition of a second park near York. Alison said: “Dad had great expectations for the business and we’ve had a wonderful time helping him to achieve its success. “Over the past 30 years we’ve met some fantastic people and great characters.” The park’s Pearl anniversary celebrations include a street party this Friday to mark the Royal Wedding; a Help for Heroes event at the site’s clubhouse; a Midsummer Murders event; a Kings and Queens special; a barbecue in August; followed in September by a ‘Back to School’ 80s event; and even a Bavarian evening as part of the business’s own Octoberfest.
SHAKE-UP OVER CLAIMS NEEDED
The FORUM of Private Business (FPB) is calling on the Government to protect small firms from staff who exploit employment laws to make “vexatious claims” against them. The FPB estimates there are about 1,900,000 workplace disputes in the UK every year. Responding to the Government’s “resolving workplace disputes” consultation, the FPB is calling for more flexibility for smaller employers to free them to create jobs and drive economic growth. In a poll members called for power for judges to “strike out” weak cases, and a doubling of deposit and costs limits for vexatious claims.
Bootcamp trainers offer a healthy fix WORK OUT: Chris Kiernan takes an evening class through their paces in Stanley Park
SMALL
BUSINESS of the Week
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OALS, of the personal variety, have inspired Chris Kiernan and his business partner John McAndrew in their venture, Fitness Junkies. Chris, 39, and John, 28, were instructors in lifestyle gyms, helping clients hit their fitness targets but, Chris said, many weren’t, which led the pair to form their own training business two years ago to try and ensure better results for all the gruelling work and energy expended. Their non-military fitness bootcamps are based in Stanley Park’s Isla Gladstone Conservatory, but delivered in the open air. Chris explained: “We are there rain, hail or snow. “We give out ponchos if it’s raining, but we get more people on bad days than really nice sunny days.” Customers range from nurses to
Neil Hodgson talks to Chris Kiernan, co-founder of Fitness Junkies Bootcamps solicitors, mums and housewives. and Chris said: “We run the bootcamps for men, women and soon for children, aimed at helping people achieve their goals of losing weight, gaining weight, general conditioning or for the social side and, in some cases, to overcome some of their fears.” After a successful pilot session the partners took their business proposition to Merseyside Expanding Horizons, a society dedicated to encouraging social inclusion, and received financial backing to get started. They now train about 200 people each week at morning and evening classes for either £5 a session or a £24 monthly standing order for unlimited access. And this summer they will start two-day weekend fitness camps in May, July and August.
Their group’s age range extends from the early 20s to their eldest client, a 56-year-old. Chris said: “Most women and men are there for weight loss and to keep in shape. Our best weight loss so far is three stones. “Some girls want to lose too much weight. The 18-25-year-old age group who are under peer pressure and want to look like people in magazines. “The issue then is for them to maintain their weight.” With 21 years of experience and a black belt in the Japanese martial art of Aikido, and 10 years under Liverpool Harrier John’s belt, the pair have the discipline to help people stick to their regimes. Clients are assessed on their first visit and weighed and measured by clothes size on a monthly basis. “We give people updates each month
and are always there by email, text, Facebook or Twitter.” They also get a healthy diet planner prepared in a link-up with Castle Street healthy eating cafe, SkinniMalinx. “We have been referring people to them and they have been referring people to us, it’s really good,” said Chris. He added: “People come along to lose weight. But we also have people who have personal issues, who have lost loved ones to cancer and want to run charity races. “We get them in condition to run that race in their own time.” The pair also organise a monthly social event, like a zipwire day in Delamere Forest, white water rafting in north Wales, or a night out at a comedy club: “It keeps people interested in the bootcamps. “There are businesses like us all over London. In London it’s a bit of a trend, but to us it is a lifestyle.” Merseyside Expanding Horizons not only provided Fitness Junkies with funding, but they helped with a business plan and networking: “They were really brilliant,” said Chris. And a 10-week programme of sessions for the organisation has also helped expand their offer to targeting the corporate market.
4 NEWS
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
★★★★
Business to Business
BUSINESS
NATIONAL GLORY FOR BELFRY BOSS
Commercial Premises
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BUSINESS TO BUSINESS A-K TEL: 0151 472 2746 L-Z TEL: 0151 472 2573 WINNER: Keith Rimmer (centre), one of the competition judges Ant Wilson (left), and compere Alexander Armstrong
by NEIL HODGSON Industry Reporter A PIONEERING heating system designed and built in Warrington has clinched top honours at a national industry awards. The EcoPod, devised by the Belfry Group, was named Project of the Year at the Heating and Ventilation awards in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. And an EcoPod installation at a 16-storey tower block in Hyde, Greater Manchester, won the prize for the Environmental Initiative of the Year. Belfry’s EcoPod was also highly commended in the Industrial/ Commercial Heating Product of the Year category Managing director Keith Rimmer specifically designed the system to overcome fuel poverty in high-rise tower blocks. Speaking after the presentations, he said: “We are a newcomer to these awards, so for us to win Project of the Year is an amazing achievement. “It was a wonderful surprise because we were up
New product impresses judges at key awards event against some of the biggest names in the industry, but I think these awards underline just how well received the EcoPod has been.” He added: “The accolade not only underlines the strengths of the product, but will help us in our future marketing efforts. “We only launched the EcoPod late last year but already there is a huge amount of interest.” He said in order to demonstrate what EcoPod is capable of the firm developed a case study around the Hyde tower block, which has 96 apartments, together with tenant areas. “One day last year it cost just £12.90 to provide heating and hot water for the entire building. That works out at just 13p per apartment.” The EcoPod Heating
JELLY SHAKES UP LIVERPOOL THE next Jelly “work-together” session for freelance workers will be held at Leaf in Bold Street, Liverpool, on
Thursday, May 5. The event, from 9am to 5pm, brings together those who normally work alone and offers free wi-fi.
System combines highly efficient cascade boilers with solar power and a bespoke Building Management System (BMS). It has been fitted in a number of tower blocks across the north west, which the company said has led to savings of up to 43% in fuel costs and CO2 emissions, plus vastly reduced maintenance costs. Mr Rimmer said: “The system has other benefits too. There’s no need for landlords’ gas certificates, you don’t need to do L8 Legionella testing, there is no annual individual boiler maintenance costs, and you don’t need to store costly domestic hot water within each individual dwelling. “Basically, you only pay for what you use. The system also monitors all of this itself through the BMS and reports back to the client, who can see the fuel cost per hour if required.”
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