BUSINESS
ECHO
★★★★
Kim’s hair force and all that Jaz PAGES2&3
Start Survive Thrive
The age of the freelancer? PAGES4&5
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A FREE event explaining how firms can cope in an emergency or unexpected disruption is open to businesses in Sefton. A networking group, initially led by Sefton Council, is being developed to share good practice and offer practical advice based on previous experiences or events. The first meeting takes place on March 25, at Southport Town Hall, starting at 10am. To book call John Hodkinson on 0151 934 2187 or email John.Hodkinson@sefton. gov.uk
Funding to grow IT specialist A CITY IT firm has won funding of £25,000 to help its growth. ICTS was set up by Kensington entrepreneur Martin Dev, 24, last March with no funding or premises. He now employs 10 staff in four offices at Horton House in Exchange Flags providing a range of specialist services. The £160,000-turnover firm received funding from the Merseyside Special Investment Fund (MSIF) through the Northwest Development Agency’s (NWDA) Small Loans for Business. Mr Dev said: “I decided to go it alone with a positive attitude and it has paid off.” He said this year he expects to take on 10 more staff and turn over £500,000.
WIRRAL ● recruitment agency Scantec is launching a
DEVELOPING: Chris Walters (left) from MSIF, pictured with ICTS founder Martin Dev in his Horton House offices
FSB’S CONFERENCE CALL TO COALITION EXCLUSIVE
By NEIL HODGSON Industry Reporter
THE high costs of business regulation and transport will be top of the agenda at next week’s Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) annual conference at Liverpool’s BT Convention Centre. Labour leader Ed Miliband and Business Secretary Vince Cable are among the speakers and more than 800 entrepreneurs are expected to attend the March 17-19 event. FSB chief executive John Walker said regulation is still a hot topic for members: “It’s a revolving door of an
Liverpool event to highlight small firms’ concerns
opposition being concerned about regulation, then a different landscape when they get into government. I have seen that with the current government.” He said the issue of parental leave is a particular area of concern.
And he said this month’s Budget is an ideal opportunity for the coalition government to ease the pressure on small firms. “Top of our wish list is motoring taxes, especially petrol which could go up by 10p a litre within the next month, half of that in taxes. “We are calling for the tax increases to be repealed, and not deferred.” He said one motion for discussion could help small firms struggling in the current economic downturn. Based on a New Zealand law it would allow firms to take late payers to court, which he says is preferable to more involvement by government. “If the government gets too involved in late payment they tend to get
involved in how small firms run their business,” he said. “It’s a question of trying to change the late payment culture. We will have the debate with interest.” Last week Mr Walker chaired a Q&A session for members with Labour’s shadow business team of Ed Balls and John Denham in Liverpool’s Hilton Hotel. Among the topics were the impact of public sector cuts and their effect on companies and workers. Many firms are unhappy with increased parking charges as councils try and make up budget shortfalls. And he said public sector job cuts will see more people pushed into what he terms “enforced self-employment”.
new department in its fast-moving consumer goods division and has promoted technical expert Sean Carter to manage it, focusing on the clean technology and competitive intelligence and strategy sectors. Clean technology caters for emerging energy technologies such as lithium batteries and fuel cell technology, while competitive intelligence and strategy includes gathering, analysing and distributing intelligence about products, customers and competitors.
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PENSIONS specialist Barnett Waddingham is running a free breakfast briefing, called “Governance and risk: are your pension administrators ready for the challenges ahead?” at its Port of Liverpool Building office on March 31. E-mail seminars@ barnett-waddingham.co. uk for further details and to book.
ETIHAD Airways ● will double its flight frequency between
Manchester and Abu Dhabi from August 1, from seven to 14 flights each week. James Hogan, Etihad chief executive, said: “The frequency increase illustrates how Etihad has firmly established itself in the north west and that we are now the airline of choice for business and leisure travellers.”
2 NEWS
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS CALL GOES OUT FOR FINAL LEAD COURSE
MERSEYSIDE firms have been invited to apply to join the final LEAD programme before the abolition of funding body the North West Development Agency (NWDA). LEAD is aimed at improving the management skills in small firms to help boost productivity and profitability. Liverpool training and development company No Guru has been appointed to deliver the programme on behalf of the NWDA. LEAD delegate Kevin Thompson, owner of St Helensbased The Removal Team, recommended the programme after reporting a rise in revenues for the last financial year and a 100% surge in profits. Eligible firms can claim financial support from the NWDA. Call 0844 873 1226 or go to www.noguru.net/ leadprogramme for more information. No Guru has also been awarded “Direct Claim” status by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), the awarding body for the Coaching and Mentoring programme that No Guru has run for a number of years. John Drysdale, No Guru managing director, said: “This status means that we can now award ILM certificates directly to our delegates as an ILM centre of excellence.”
HSBC APPOINTS CITY CHIEF
HSBC Commercial Banking has appointed Dean Bunning as area commercial director for Liverpool. Dean will manage a team of 25, providing banking support to businesses in the area with turnover between £2m and £25m. His career spans 25 years, taking in corporate and commercial banking in the north west, and he said he is looking forward to supporting Liverpool businesses achieve their growth ambitions.
SMALL
BUSINESS of the Week
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HERE seems little out of the ordinary when you first approach Waterloo’s Jaz hair salon. Located on a quiet suburban street, the small shop front is smart but not dissimilar to countless other salons. However, behind the door sits a small team whose talents are in great demand across Merseyside and beyond. Owner Kim Stevenson, 30, started the business more than six years ago and has established a enviable reputation for specialising in “hair up” styles. Hair up is the term used to describe styles worn by woman to glamorous events such as weddings and race meetings. So well known are Kim’s skills in this area that she has been “headhunted” by a college in Prescot to teach the technique to hair stylists from all over the North West. A few weeks ago, the mum-of-one was surprised and delighted to be named the winner in the health and beauty category of the ECHO’s Trader of the Year Contest. She had been nominated by loyal and very satisfied customers of the Warrenhouse Road business. Kim said: “Not in a million years did we think we could win. “We are a small business and it was nice to achieve something big. “The comments people made about us were amazing. I have been in business for six years and it was such an achievement that we beat all the salons on Merseyside.” As well as Kim, Jaz employs three people and offers a consultation with customers before work on their hair begins. “We sit down with people and go through different ideas,” said Kim. “We do a lot of wedding and other special occasions – the Grand National is always a busy time for us. “We have customers coming here from as far afield and Kirkby and St Helens – from all over Merseyside. “Word of mouth is the key. “We might do someone’s hair for a big occasion and when they get there other people will say ‘I love you hair, where did you get it done?’. “I am always flexible with times and try to accommodate people. Friday evenings and Saturday days are very popular. During the week we do more normal hairstyles. “On Saturdays we are just filled to capacity here. Given the demand for the hair up style, Kim is amazed so many salons and hairdressers do not offer it as a speciality.
Specialist stylist with ambitions to build on reputation Tony McDonough talks to Kim Stevenson, owner of award-winning salon, Jaz “I think hair up is coming back in a big way,” she added. “You can see it on the catwalks – it’s a return to old-fashioned glamour we had in the 1940s and 1950s. “Liverpool girls are famous for setting the trend and more and more of them are asking for hair up. “It doesn’t have to be a special occasion – often it’s just for a night out. “I think it is amazing that so many salons don’t do the hair up styles.
There are those that do but I don’t think they do it as well as we do. “Stylists come from all over to attend the training sessions I do at the college.” Before opening Jaz, Kim worked at the renowned Herbert of Liverpool and scooped a number of awards including a National Hairdressing Federation award for wedding hair. Her reputation has now spread far and wide and she has just been asked to do all the hair for the ladies at a
wedding in Birmingham. And she insists the standards of her staff are just as high of those as her own. She said: “The quality of service we offer here is very important. “I don’t employ junior stylists here any more – I prefer to pay an experienced stylist a proper wage than try to find the trainee that is one in a hundred.” Kim claims the recession has had little effect on business and, in fact, she is looking at expanding. “We have not seen a downturn in trade over the last couple of years. “I think getting their hair done is one of the last things that women will give up – even when times are hard. “Getting you hair done is such a lift – it can have a real therapeutic effect. “We definitely want to expand. I just feel that we need more room. It just feels so crowded in here on Saturdays. “I feel ready for the challenge.”
Loans available for viable businesses, says Barclays SMALL firms are rediscovering their appetite for growth, and banks say more funding is available for viable propositions. New research from Barclays Business showed that 20% of entrepreneurs in the region would expand their business into new markets if they were to apply for a business loan,
while 20% would use the investment to purchase new equipment. But the research also found that 27% of small businesses are more nervous about debt since the start of the downturn. James Cliffe, divisional director Barclays Business, said: “Our research suggests
some entrepreneurs, particularly those larger SMEs (small, medium-sized enterprises), may be harbouring ambitions to expand their business.” He added: “Barclays continues to agree four out of five business lending applications, so the evidence is clear: we’re open for
business for lending and we want to hear from good businesses with viable plans. “Recently we agreed with others in the finance industry to create the capacity to support gross new lending of £190bn to UK businesses, including small and medium sized businesses, and we would be willing to lend even
more if demand from viable businesses is there.” Nationally, the results reveal that entrepreneurs’ business borrowing plans are consistent with pre-downturn levels, with 20% of the UK’s larger SMEs likely to apply for a business loan in 2011, which could indicate growth is on their agenda.
★★★★
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
NEWS 3
ACCOUNTING RULES TO BE RELAXED
SMALL firms will no longer have to submit independently audited accounts, saving an estimated 42,000 companies £40m a year. Business Secretary Vince Cable outlined proposed changes to regulations covering small firms’ accounts, which he says will free up valuable time for small company owners. “It’s important that we free small firms up so they can grow and drive the economy. “The changes I have announced mean that small firms will be able to concentrate on growing and taking on more people instead of paperwork.” He said the government recognises the need for high standards in audit and accounting, but that some areas could do with reform. Mr Cable said he will seek to ease the burden of paperwork involved with company accounts, covered both by UK and European Union regulations. GOOD HAIR DAY: Some of the styles that Kim and her team at Jaz specialise in are shown here by models Jade, Faye and Jenny with the girls’ make-up being done by make-up artist Nikita Abols Picture: HELEN CARROLL
Do you want to be our Business of the Week? Contact Neil Hodgson 0151 472 2451 or email neil.hodgson @liverpool.com
AMBITIOUS: Jaz owner Kim Stevenson is looking to expand her business
4 NEWS
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS
BIG Using the power of N freelancers to grow businesses INTERVIEW Alistair Houghton talks to Neil Lewis, organiser of this month’s Enterprise Freelance Fairs
EIL LEWIS is passionate about the power of freelancing – and now he is hitting the road to spread the gospel of flexibility. He is the creator of Enterprise Freelance Fairs, the events that aim to help entrepreneurs meet and recruit the region’s top freelance talent. The next event, sponsored by accountancy firm Brookson, will be held in Liverpool a week today. Daresbury Science Park will host another on March 31. Neil’s business, MediaModo, offers advice to entrepreneurs, as well as organising events such as the freelance fairs. And he insists it will become more common for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses by hiring freelancers, rather than taking on permanent staff. “The key problem is the bureaucracy of employment,” he said. “But there’s also the time it takes to employ people. People have to be found. They have to give notice to leave their job. “I’m an entrepreneur. I want to bring new products and services to the market quickly and efficiently, and I want to help others to do the same. “With Enterprise Freelance Fairs, I can create a richer pool of talent I can call on at short notice. I also want to find other entrepreneurs to do the same thing, because together because together we enrich the talent pool. “The richer the pool, the easier it is to get the right people. It’s a really collaborative win-win. “The fairs allows entrepreneurs or inventors who have a great product but don’t know how to recruit a marketing team or sell a product to find somebody with those skills.” Lewis’ career began in the information publishing business, working for legal publisher Waterlow before moving to the Economist Intelligence Unit to sell its political and economic analysis to clients worldwide. He next set up his own business, property consulting and publishing firm Visium, which started from his back bedroom and grew into a £4m turnover group by 2007. Neil moved to Spain, from where he ran the business. But the property crash sent Visium spiralling. It closed in August 2009 and, says Neil, the shareholders walked away with nothing. The experience inspired him to start the Rags to Wreckages website, in which he tells how entrepreneurs can learn from failure and emerge as better
business leaders. Today, Neil describes his experience of the rise and fall of Visium as “probably the best real life MBA you could ever get”. Neil has also written a book, 100 Rules for Entrepreneurs, in which he hits home the message that small firms need to be flexible to survive. “One key lesson I learned from Visium,” he said, “is that as a business goes through radical changes, the right person for the business changes. “We found that the people we’d got didn’t fit our business, because our business had shifted. “We discovered that the people who were good at growing the business were highly demotivated when we started shrinking. “The people who could turn it round were in the business, but not
the people we expected.” And, Neil said, even the entrepreneur who founded a business may not be the right person to keep it growing. Somebody happy driving a start-up business from their bedroom might not be happy leading a large mature corporation, where stability is more important than innovation. “It explains why entrepreneurs should sell their businesses,” he smiled.” Neil himself is still enjoying the challenge of running MediaModo – which, perhaps unsurprisingly, employs freelancers rather than having staff of its own. He holds a conference phone call every Tuesday morning with his freelance team to discuss the week’s activities. “I know my business will change
‘ I can create a richer pool of talent to call on at short notice’
and need to pivot,” he said. “The key advantage of being an entrepreneur is that you can move faster than the competition. “As soon as you have fixed people, you give that up. You operate like a corporate, but you don’t have the money of a corporate. It’s the worst place to be. “It taught me to use outsourced people who can deliver the services around the project as the project changes. “I needed people who were flexible and freelance and willing to work on projects with me. “They can sell their skills to me and move on to someone else. And in six months time, if the business grows as I expect, then they can come back and charge me more because they’ve got more skills and experience.” Neil’s first freelance fair was held in Warrington last June, with others held last year in Manchester. Birkenhead and Daresbury. Last month Neil held a fair in Manchester, while this month sees fairs in Liverpool and Daresbury. The fairs appeal to the digital and
creative sectors, but also attract attendees from sectors including biotechnology. They include workshops for freelancers and entrepreneurs, such as social media masterclasses. At the moment, says Neil, it is mostly small firms that are relying on freelancers. He expects large companies will eventually start using more freelancers, but says it could take years for the corporate culture to change. It all reflects, he says, the way older organisations want to feel they control their staff by keeping them on permanent contracts. “I find that 50-plus entrepreneurs want that control,” he said. “They want staff where they can see them. “Twenty-plus entrepreneurs are the Facebook generation. They expect people to come and use their skills and influence as and when needed. They have an open approach and don’t worry about control.” Neil added: “How did you assess the importance of a company? By how many employees it had. But that’s no longer the case.”
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
★★★★
NEWS 5
SMALL FIRM CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE
FIRST FLOURISH: Neil Lewis (left) at the first Enterprise Freelance Fair in Warrington
RESEARCH by business information service Experian has shown that 62,000 jobs were created in Liverpool over the past decade by just 10% of the city’s small business community. And Experian says more “champion” high- growth firms could easily be created if they took a more pro-active approach to managing finances. Experian small firms managing director Simon Streat said: “The champions we’ve identified serve as a blueprint for others. “Opportunities exist for Liverpool firms across all sectors, but to achieve growth they need the right management in place and a healthy support network to draw on.” The research says a substantial number of Liverpool businesses have high potential to achieve these growth levels over the next three years.
High quality office space To Let/For Sale
Widnes Waterfront regeneration area, close to the M62/M56 NEW WORLD: Neil Lewis says more entrepreneurs are using freelancers rather than hiring permanent staff B2B ExhibiQon - Free CIM MarkeQng Clinics Informal Networking - Free Seminars - Advice Clinics - Free Event Programme - Tendering InformaQon
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www.businessfairsuk.com For further information on exhibiting at or visiting these events contact us on 0151 709 8932 or visit our website
Salford & Manchester . . . .Tues 19 April SeRon & West Lancs . . . . . .Tues 24 May Wrexham & Borderlands .Weds 22 June Wirral & Chester . . . . . . . Weds 21 Sept Business & Technology Show . .Autumn Halton & Warrington . . . .Weds 2nd Nov
www.turnstonebusinesspark.co.uk A development by:
FAIR GAME: Delegates at the Manchester freelance fair last month
All enquiries to:
6 NEWS
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS
Can you turn green? A MESSAGE FROM GROUNDWORK MERSEYSIDE
Entry Details Your name: Company: Position: Contact number: Address:
IN 2006, the Environment Agency published a poll of its top 100 eco-heroes of all time. Next to Charles Darwin was the name of Tony Bradshaw, a pioneer of restoration ecology who, in 1968, took the chair of botany at Liverpool University – and Liverpool became his adopted city. Tony was involved with many environmental organisations, including the first Groundwork Trust, set up in St Helens in 1981 to bring about environmental change and the consequent social and economic benefits. Groundwork Merseyside, 30 years old this year, creates sustainable communities which are vibrant, healthy and safe, which respect the local and global environment and where individuals and enterprise prosper. We know from experience that achievements are made working together with passionate individuals and therefore we are delighted to sponsor the Personal Achievement Award, dedicated to Tony Bradshaw, to recognise an individual who, through their vocation, has made a real difference.
Postcode: Email: If you are nominating someone else please also complete the following Name of company/ individual you are nominating: Contact number: Address: POWER: Hydro can be a clean renewable alternative 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
The Neighbourhood Improvement Project Award HAVE you improved your surroundings? This award recognises the year’s best neighbourhood improvement project. The project may have enhanced a green space or the built environment to
make your neighbourhood a safer and healthier place to live. You should be able to demonstrate that you have won community support, involved local people and changed people’s perceptions.
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 Groundwork Merseyside Personal Achievement Award DO YOU know an individual who deserves public recognition for his or her environmental work? This award, presented in memory of the late Professor Tony Bradshaw, is for someone who has made a positive environmental impact in their sector through their vocation. The nominated person may be an unsung environmental business hero who is working hard to improve their organisation’s green credentials or encouraging other companies to adopt better environmental practices.
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
★★★★
NEWS 7
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
BETHEBEST
Alex Turner on today’s launch of the 2011 Regional Business Awards
T
OUGH economic times have forced businesses to become smarter and leaders to be more decisive. But they have also rewarded innovation and determination, with some companies thriving because of the way they have exploited the opportunities that are out there. The 20th Regional Business Awards, held by our sister paper the Liverpool Daily Post, will highlight and reward those companies, large and small, which have prospered in the last 12 months. There are 10 awards which enable businesses big and small, start-ups and long-established firms to be recognised for their achievements: ● SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR This award is for businesses employing up to 50 people that can demonstrate all-round business excellence. It was won last year by Liverpool Science Park-based web design agency, Mando Group.
● MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Judges will be looking for specific business achievements and a strong financial performance from businesses employing between 51 and 250 people. ● JAGUAR LAND ROVER CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD This award will be presented to the private sector business or individual, judged to have the best history of taking into account the effect of business operations on the community and the economy. ● INVESTMENT OF THE YEAR Can your company demonstrate how investment since January, 2010, has had a beneficial impact on your business and local economy? Firms that are new to the region or existing businesses making fresh investments are eligible. ● EXPORT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Judges are looking for the firm that can demonstrate a substantial and sustained increase in exports relative to the size of your company over the past 12 months. ● LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES
AWARD WINNER: Last year’s small business of the year was web developer Mando Group UNIVERSITY KNOWLEDGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR The Knowledge Business of the Year category is open to any business engaged in the commercialisation of research and development of intellectual property, including pure sciences, technology, software or professional know-how, irrespective of size or stage of development. ● GREEN AWARD Last year the judges decided that B&M Waste Services was a forward-thinking business with a huge commitment to meeting challenging environmental demands with the ultimate aim of achieving 100% recycling. Has your business made a similarly positive contribution to the environment? ● O2 JUDGES’ CHOICE AWARD The winner may not be shortlisted
in any of the categories but in the eyes of the judges demonstrated commitment, determination and dedication to their business and entry into the awards. Consideration will be paid to the presentation, attention to detail and financial performance of nominees. ● KPMG BUSINESS OF THE YEAR This award is for the region’s outstanding large business, employing more than 250 people. ● DLA PIPER BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Do you, or does someone you work with, truly stand out from the crowd? Do they help to not only grow the reputation of their respective organisation but also the region, showing the entrepreneurial spirit that typifies the region’s resilience?
VENUE: Last year’s awards ceremony at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral
Awards for businesses in Merseyside and Cheshire THE awards are open to any business operating in the Daily Post circulation area of Merseyside, West Lancashire and North West Cheshire. Last year business person of the year was Stobart Ports managing director and Widnes Vikings chairman Steve O’Connor, while TJ Morris, AEV and Tech-X were among the winning businesses. This year the awards ceremony is being held on Thursday, June
23, at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral. Entries open today for businesses which think they have been outstanding in their field. To enter one or more of our award categories, please get in touch with the Daily Post’s events department for an application form by telephoning 0151 472 2570 or download an application form online at www. regionalbusinessawards.co.uk The closing date for entries is Wednesday, April 13.
8 NEWS
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
★★★★
ECHO Business to Business
BUSINESS
Commercial Premises
HATS THE WAY TO DO IT ROSIE OFFICES TO LET
Building Trade FRAMELINE TRADE SUPPLY COMPOSITE DOORS
LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE 750sqft & 1,300sqft respectively
For Further Details Please call 0151 521 3080 (Press Option 3)
INDUSTRIAL UNITS To Let. South L’pool 500 to 4000 sqft, monthly tenancy, competitive rents. From £50pw Tel: 0151 427 5051
UPVC
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KITCHEN & BEDROOM FITTINGS from a hinge to a full kitchen/bedroom. 3D plans now available. Showroom & Trade Counter at 3 Rockley Street, Kirkdale, L4 0151−207 0008. www.brosna.co.uk
Business Auction
OFFICE TO LET Knowsley Industrial Estate, 1st flr, s/c, brand new decor, 1500sqft, £600pcm 07587 130170 L13 Workshop & Yard to let. Various uses, all utilities £85pw 0151 259 2729 or 0771 9352556
S H O P T O L E T L4 area £275pcm ideal for many uses. Low overheads 07740 409355 THE FIVE STAR WASH Cafe opportunity, storage/workshop. Tel 07772 000000 WELLINGTON RD L15 Variety of Industrial units available now 0151 227 2875 L21, L4 Secure Units/offices fr £40pw 0792O 461551
HAT TRICK: Woolton milliner Rosie Norman pictured with a selection of her headwear
by NEIL HODGSON Industry Reporter YOUNG Woolton art graduate Rosie Norman has a real head for business after setting up her own millinery venture. Rosie, 22, creates hand-made hats for special occasions, from weddings to an elegant day at the races, from her home-based showroom. She is the first in her family to work in the millinery industry and reveals that she was inspired by an internship at the London studios of sector doyen Philip Treacy. Rosie said: “I studied on a
City milliner inspired by London icon three year decorative arts course at Nottingham Trent University before graduating last July. “In my second year I specialised in textiles and did an internship with Philip Treacy for one month.” Treacy has created hats for established designers
from Alexander McQueen to Karl Lagerfeld, as well as Valentino, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karen. He also designed hats for pop sensation Lady Gaga in 2009, and for a variety of films including Harry Potter. Rosie said: “That was when I knew hats were for me and that it was what I wanted to do.” After a millinery course in London’s St Martins College of Art and Design Rosie created a collection of hats for her degree made from an embroidered fabric she had designed and developed herself. She said: “I graduated with a first, which made me
Picture: RAY FARLEY
think, I have to do something with this, I can’t let it go.” Another internship with celebrated London milliner Stephen Jones gave her an insight into how to run her own business and since Christmas she has been developing her own collection. Her hats range from £80 to £380 in price. She said: “I am trying to get footballers’ wives to wear some at the Grand National or Ascot. “I also do bespoke designs to match a dress. “My designs are different and wacky and unique. They’re a bit of fun, but elegant.”
Event promotes wellbeing firms AN EVENT to showcase small businesses in the health and wellbeing sector is being held in Knowsley later this month. Liverpool-based Mad Panda Photography is organising the day on Sunday, March 20, in
association with the National Wildflower Centre. Taking place from noon until 4pm at the centre in Roby Road, the Mad Panda Spring Celebration will feature small and fledgling health and wellbeing firms. They include
Positive Partnerships, You Can Make It Happen, Odds and Endz and Visage. Yoga instructor Christine Gibbons will offer a “yoga for all” session and there will be face painting by Fantasy Faces and community artist Janet Bell will also be
on hand to show her skills. The event has evolved out of the Mad Panda Tea Party which has been running at the centre for the past two years. Mad Panda director Maddy Bell said: “Last year we had an Alice in
Wonderland theme – this year we wanted to showcase fledgling health and wellbeing businesses. It think it is important for us to help promote each other. There is a lot of stress around at the moment and we want to help people relax.”
Industrial Property UNITS TO LET Bootle Area 5,000−15,000 sqft. Flexible terms 0151 486 0004
Investment Property ONE BED S/C FLAT, WIRRAL Same hb tennant over 10yrs, £3100 per annum now, £4k from April paid direct to landlord. £17,500. 07940 953280
Business For Rent AIGBURTH Shop with planning permission for hot takeaway food. Busy main road 07938 877632
Taxis/Cab & Plate AVON FLEET CARS LTD quality cars available in excellent condition. L’pool drivers only £165pw inc insurance. 05 − 07 plates. 07943 754640
GOLD TX4 AUTO 2007 Cab & Plate. No sensible offer refused, 140k miles. 12m MOT, Tax July Tel: 07710 577764 CABS & PLATES for sale two 58 plates, one 08, one 07 & 51 TX1. 12 months pass. all clean vehicles Offers 07596 866041
LONG COLLAR TX1 Knowsley £170pw all in. 07854 587022/ 01744 812255
On the instructions of Peel Ports Limited following their acquisition of the former premises of Bridgewater Paper Co Ltd - In Administration
2 Day Sale by Online Auction (Subject to Conditions of Sale and Availability)
Electric Motors, Industrial & Paper Machinery/ Process Spares, General Factory Equipment On View:
Monday 21 to Tuesday 22 March 2011 from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
At:
Bridgewater Paper Co Ltd, North Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 1AF
Bidding Opens: Monday 21 March 2011 at 10.00 am Bidding Closes: Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 March 2011 from 10.00am each day
For further details and catalogue please visit our website
T +44 (0) 161 238 7420 plant.sales@kingsturge.com www.kingsturge.co.uk
Business Opportunities 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. Rent £1200pcm Call: 0151 9209999/ 07900424441
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS Appears every day in your
P R I V A T E H I R E Drivers required, busy system, weekly insurance. 0151 260 1010 BLUE LINE TAXISNew drivers wanted urgently. Earn £500 − £800pw. Tel 0151 709 0101 TX11 52 REG Black manual, ex condition 07768 622517 VARIOUS COLLARS compet rates 07873 200893 BOTANIC CARS Requires owner drivers 0151 220 2020 P/HIRE Lpool & Knowsley Plate £140pw Inc ins 07523 976108
A-K TEL: 0151 472 2746 L-Z TEL: 0151 472 2573
BUSINESS
ECHO
★★★★
Kim’s hair force and all that Jaz PAGES2&3
Start Survive Thrive
The age of the freelancer? PAGES4&5
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A FREE event explaining how firms can cope in an emergency or unexpected disruption is open to businesses in Sefton. A networking group, initially led by Sefton Council, is being developed to share good practice and offer practical advice based on previous experiences or events. The first meeting takes place on March 25, at Southport Town Hall, starting at 10am. To book call John Hodkinson on 0151 934 2187 or email John.Hodkinson@sefton. gov.uk
Funding to grow IT specialist A CITY IT firm has won funding of £25,000 to help its growth. ICTS was set up by Kensington entrepreneur Martin Dev, 24, last March with no funding or premises. He now employs 10 staff in four offices at Horton House in Exchange Flags providing a range of specialist services. The £160,000-turnover firm received funding from the Merseyside Special Investment Fund (MSIF) through the Northwest Development Agency’s (NWDA) Small Loans for Business. Mr Dev said: “I decided to go it alone with a positive attitude and it has paid off.” He said this year he expects to take on 10 more staff and turn over £500,000.
WIRRAL ● recruitment agency Scantec is launching a
DEVELOPING: Chris Walters (left) from MSIF, pictured with ICTS founder Martin Dev in his Horton House offices
FSB’S CONFERENCE CALL TO COALITION EXCLUSIVE
By NEIL HODGSON Industry Reporter
THE high costs of business regulation and transport will be top of the agenda at next week’s Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) annual conference at Liverpool’s BT Convention Centre. Labour leader Ed Miliband and Business Secretary Vince Cable are among the speakers and more than 800 entrepreneurs are expected to attend the March 17-19 event. FSB chief executive John Walker said regulation is still a hot topic for members: “It’s a revolving door of an
Liverpool event to highlight small firms’ concerns
opposition being concerned about regulation, then a different landscape when they get into government. I have seen that with the current government.” He said the issue of parental leave is a particular area of concern.
And he said this month’s Budget is an ideal opportunity for the coalition government to ease the pressure on small firms. “Top of our wish list is motoring taxes, especially petrol which could go up by 10p a litre within the next month, half of that in taxes. “We are calling for the tax increases to be repealed, and not deferred.” He said one motion for discussion could help small firms struggling in the current economic downturn. Based on a New Zealand law it would allow firms to take late payers to court, which he says is preferable to more involvement by government. “If the government gets too involved in late payment they tend to get
involved in how small firms run their business,” he said. “It’s a question of trying to change the late payment culture. We will have the debate with interest.” Last week Mr Walker chaired a Q&A session for members with Labour’s shadow business team of Ed Balls and John Denham in Liverpool’s Hilton Hotel. Among the topics were the impact of public sector cuts and their effect on companies and workers. Many firms are unhappy with increased parking charges as councils try and make up budget shortfalls. And he said public sector job cuts will see more people pushed into what he terms “enforced self-employment”.
new department in its fast-moving consumer goods division and has promoted technical expert Sean Carter to manage it, focusing on the clean technology and competitive intelligence and strategy sectors. Clean technology caters for emerging energy technologies such as lithium batteries and fuel cell technology, while competitive intelligence and strategy includes gathering, analysing and distributing intelligence about products, customers and competitors.
●
PENSIONS specialist Barnett Waddingham is running a free breakfast briefing, called “Governance and risk: are your pension administrators ready for the challenges ahead?” at its Port of Liverpool Building office on March 31. E-mail seminars@ barnett-waddingham.co. uk for further details and to book.
ETIHAD Airways ● will double its flight frequency between
Manchester and Abu Dhabi from August 1, from seven to 14 flights each week. James Hogan, Etihad chief executive, said: “The frequency increase illustrates how Etihad has firmly established itself in the north west and that we are now the airline of choice for business and leisure travellers.”
2 NEWS
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS CALL GOES OUT FOR FINAL LEAD COURSE
MERSEYSIDE firms have been invited to apply to join the final LEAD programme before the abolition of funding body the North West Development Agency (NWDA). LEAD is aimed at improving the management skills in small firms to help boost productivity and profitability. Liverpool training and development company No Guru has been appointed to deliver the programme on behalf of the NWDA. LEAD delegate Kevin Thompson, owner of St Helensbased The Removal Team, recommended the programme after reporting a rise in revenues for the last financial year and a 100% surge in profits. Eligible firms can claim financial support from the NWDA. Call 0844 873 1226 or go to www.noguru.net/ leadprogramme for more information. No Guru has also been awarded “Direct Claim” status by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), the awarding body for the Coaching and Mentoring programme that No Guru has run for a number of years. John Drysdale, No Guru managing director, said: “This status means that we can now award ILM certificates directly to our delegates as an ILM centre of excellence.”
HSBC APPOINTS CITY CHIEF
HSBC Commercial Banking has appointed Dean Bunning as area commercial director for Liverpool. Dean will manage a team of 25, providing banking support to businesses in the area with turnover between £2m and £25m. His career spans 25 years, taking in corporate and commercial banking in the north west, and he said he is looking forward to supporting Liverpool businesses achieve their growth ambitions.
SMALL
BUSINESS of the Week
T
HERE seems little out of the ordinary when you first approach Waterloo’s Jaz hair salon. Located on a quiet suburban street, the small shop front is smart but not dissimilar to countless other salons. However, behind the door sits a small team whose talents are in great demand across Merseyside and beyond. Owner Kim Stevenson, 30, started the business more than six years ago and has established a enviable reputation for specialising in “hair up” styles. Hair up is the term used to describe styles worn by woman to glamorous events such as weddings and race meetings. So well known are Kim’s skills in this area that she has been “headhunted” by a college in Prescot to teach the technique to hair stylists from all over the North West. A few weeks ago, the mum-of-one was surprised and delighted to be named the winner in the health and beauty category of the ECHO’s Trader of the Year Contest. She had been nominated by loyal and very satisfied customers of the Warrenhouse Road business. Kim said: “Not in a million years did we think we could win. “We are a small business and it was nice to achieve something big. “The comments people made about us were amazing. I have been in business for six years and it was such an achievement that we beat all the salons on Merseyside.” As well as Kim, Jaz employs three people and offers a consultation with customers before work on their hair begins. “We sit down with people and go through different ideas,” said Kim. “We do a lot of wedding and other special occasions – the Grand National is always a busy time for us. “We have customers coming here from as far afield and Kirkby and St Helens – from all over Merseyside. “Word of mouth is the key. “We might do someone’s hair for a big occasion and when they get there other people will say ‘I love you hair, where did you get it done?’. “I am always flexible with times and try to accommodate people. Friday evenings and Saturday days are very popular. During the week we do more normal hairstyles. “On Saturdays we are just filled to capacity here. Given the demand for the hair up style, Kim is amazed so many salons and hairdressers do not offer it as a speciality.
Specialist stylist with ambitions to build on reputation Tony McDonough talks to Kim Stevenson, owner of award-winning salon, Jaz “I think hair up is coming back in a big way,” she added. “You can see it on the catwalks – it’s a return to old-fashioned glamour we had in the 1940s and 1950s. “Liverpool girls are famous for setting the trend and more and more of them are asking for hair up. “It doesn’t have to be a special occasion – often it’s just for a night out. “I think it is amazing that so many salons don’t do the hair up styles.
There are those that do but I don’t think they do it as well as we do. “Stylists come from all over to attend the training sessions I do at the college.” Before opening Jaz, Kim worked at the renowned Herbert of Liverpool and scooped a number of awards including a National Hairdressing Federation award for wedding hair. Her reputation has now spread far and wide and she has just been asked to do all the hair for the ladies at a
wedding in Birmingham. And she insists the standards of her staff are just as high of those as her own. She said: “The quality of service we offer here is very important. “I don’t employ junior stylists here any more – I prefer to pay an experienced stylist a proper wage than try to find the trainee that is one in a hundred.” Kim claims the recession has had little effect on business and, in fact, she is looking at expanding. “We have not seen a downturn in trade over the last couple of years. “I think getting their hair done is one of the last things that women will give up – even when times are hard. “Getting you hair done is such a lift – it can have a real therapeutic effect. “We definitely want to expand. I just feel that we need more room. It just feels so crowded in here on Saturdays. “I feel ready for the challenge.”
Loans available for viable businesses, says Barclays SMALL firms are rediscovering their appetite for growth, and banks say more funding is available for viable propositions. New research from Barclays Business showed that 20% of entrepreneurs in the region would expand their business into new markets if they were to apply for a business loan,
while 20% would use the investment to purchase new equipment. But the research also found that 27% of small businesses are more nervous about debt since the start of the downturn. James Cliffe, divisional director Barclays Business, said: “Our research suggests
some entrepreneurs, particularly those larger SMEs (small, medium-sized enterprises), may be harbouring ambitions to expand their business.” He added: “Barclays continues to agree four out of five business lending applications, so the evidence is clear: we’re open for
business for lending and we want to hear from good businesses with viable plans. “Recently we agreed with others in the finance industry to create the capacity to support gross new lending of £190bn to UK businesses, including small and medium sized businesses, and we would be willing to lend even
more if demand from viable businesses is there.” Nationally, the results reveal that entrepreneurs’ business borrowing plans are consistent with pre-downturn levels, with 20% of the UK’s larger SMEs likely to apply for a business loan in 2011, which could indicate growth is on their agenda.
★★★★
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
NEWS 3
ACCOUNTING RULES TO BE RELAXED
SMALL firms will no longer have to submit independently audited accounts, saving an estimated 42,000 companies £40m a year. Business Secretary Vince Cable outlined proposed changes to regulations covering small firms’ accounts, which he says will free up valuable time for small company owners. “It’s important that we free small firms up so they can grow and drive the economy. “The changes I have announced mean that small firms will be able to concentrate on growing and taking on more people instead of paperwork.” He said the government recognises the need for high standards in audit and accounting, but that some areas could do with reform. Mr Cable said he will seek to ease the burden of paperwork involved with company accounts, covered both by UK and European Union regulations. GOOD HAIR DAY: Some of the styles that Kim and her team at Jaz specialise in are shown here by models Jade, Faye and Jenny with the girls’ make-up being done by make-up artist Nikita Abols Picture: HELEN CARROLL
Do you want to be our Business of the Week? Contact Neil Hodgson 0151 472 2451 or email neil.hodgson @liverpool.com
AMBITIOUS: Jaz owner Kim Stevenson is looking to expand her business
4 NEWS
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS
BIG Using the power of N freelancers to grow businesses INTERVIEW Alistair Houghton talks to Neil Lewis, organiser of this month’s Enterprise Freelance Fairs
EIL LEWIS is passionate about the power of freelancing – and now he is hitting the road to spread the gospel of flexibility. He is the creator of Enterprise Freelance Fairs, the events that aim to help entrepreneurs meet and recruit the region’s top freelance talent. The next event, sponsored by accountancy firm Brookson, will be held in Liverpool a week today. Daresbury Science Park will host another on March 31. Neil’s business, MediaModo, offers advice to entrepreneurs, as well as organising events such as the freelance fairs. And he insists it will become more common for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses by hiring freelancers, rather than taking on permanent staff. “The key problem is the bureaucracy of employment,” he said. “But there’s also the time it takes to employ people. People have to be found. They have to give notice to leave their job. “I’m an entrepreneur. I want to bring new products and services to the market quickly and efficiently, and I want to help others to do the same. “With Enterprise Freelance Fairs, I can create a richer pool of talent I can call on at short notice. I also want to find other entrepreneurs to do the same thing, because together because together we enrich the talent pool. “The richer the pool, the easier it is to get the right people. It’s a really collaborative win-win. “The fairs allows entrepreneurs or inventors who have a great product but don’t know how to recruit a marketing team or sell a product to find somebody with those skills.” Lewis’ career began in the information publishing business, working for legal publisher Waterlow before moving to the Economist Intelligence Unit to sell its political and economic analysis to clients worldwide. He next set up his own business, property consulting and publishing firm Visium, which started from his back bedroom and grew into a £4m turnover group by 2007. Neil moved to Spain, from where he ran the business. But the property crash sent Visium spiralling. It closed in August 2009 and, says Neil, the shareholders walked away with nothing. The experience inspired him to start the Rags to Wreckages website, in which he tells how entrepreneurs can learn from failure and emerge as better
business leaders. Today, Neil describes his experience of the rise and fall of Visium as “probably the best real life MBA you could ever get”. Neil has also written a book, 100 Rules for Entrepreneurs, in which he hits home the message that small firms need to be flexible to survive. “One key lesson I learned from Visium,” he said, “is that as a business goes through radical changes, the right person for the business changes. “We found that the people we’d got didn’t fit our business, because our business had shifted. “We discovered that the people who were good at growing the business were highly demotivated when we started shrinking. “The people who could turn it round were in the business, but not
the people we expected.” And, Neil said, even the entrepreneur who founded a business may not be the right person to keep it growing. Somebody happy driving a start-up business from their bedroom might not be happy leading a large mature corporation, where stability is more important than innovation. “It explains why entrepreneurs should sell their businesses,” he smiled.” Neil himself is still enjoying the challenge of running MediaModo – which, perhaps unsurprisingly, employs freelancers rather than having staff of its own. He holds a conference phone call every Tuesday morning with his freelance team to discuss the week’s activities. “I know my business will change
‘ I can create a richer pool of talent to call on at short notice’
and need to pivot,” he said. “The key advantage of being an entrepreneur is that you can move faster than the competition. “As soon as you have fixed people, you give that up. You operate like a corporate, but you don’t have the money of a corporate. It’s the worst place to be. “It taught me to use outsourced people who can deliver the services around the project as the project changes. “I needed people who were flexible and freelance and willing to work on projects with me. “They can sell their skills to me and move on to someone else. And in six months time, if the business grows as I expect, then they can come back and charge me more because they’ve got more skills and experience.” Neil’s first freelance fair was held in Warrington last June, with others held last year in Manchester. Birkenhead and Daresbury. Last month Neil held a fair in Manchester, while this month sees fairs in Liverpool and Daresbury. The fairs appeal to the digital and
creative sectors, but also attract attendees from sectors including biotechnology. They include workshops for freelancers and entrepreneurs, such as social media masterclasses. At the moment, says Neil, it is mostly small firms that are relying on freelancers. He expects large companies will eventually start using more freelancers, but says it could take years for the corporate culture to change. It all reflects, he says, the way older organisations want to feel they control their staff by keeping them on permanent contracts. “I find that 50-plus entrepreneurs want that control,” he said. “They want staff where they can see them. “Twenty-plus entrepreneurs are the Facebook generation. They expect people to come and use their skills and influence as and when needed. They have an open approach and don’t worry about control.” Neil added: “How did you assess the importance of a company? By how many employees it had. But that’s no longer the case.”
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
★★★★
NEWS 5
SMALL FIRM CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE
FIRST FLOURISH: Neil Lewis (left) at the first Enterprise Freelance Fair in Warrington
RESEARCH by business information service Experian has shown that 62,000 jobs were created in Liverpool over the past decade by just 10% of the city’s small business community. And Experian says more “champion” high- growth firms could easily be created if they took a more pro-active approach to managing finances. Experian small firms managing director Simon Streat said: “The champions we’ve identified serve as a blueprint for others. “Opportunities exist for Liverpool firms across all sectors, but to achieve growth they need the right management in place and a healthy support network to draw on.” The research says a substantial number of Liverpool businesses have high potential to achieve these growth levels over the next three years.
High quality office space To Let/For Sale
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www.businessfairsuk.com For further information on exhibiting at or visiting these events contact us on 0151 709 8932 or visit our website
Salford & Manchester . . . .Tues 19 April SeRon & West Lancs . . . . . .Tues 24 May Wrexham & Borderlands .Weds 22 June Wirral & Chester . . . . . . . Weds 21 Sept Business & Technology Show . .Autumn Halton & Warrington . . . .Weds 2nd Nov
www.turnstonebusinesspark.co.uk A development by:
FAIR GAME: Delegates at the Manchester freelance fair last month
All enquiries to:
6 NEWS
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
★★★★
BUSINESS
Can you turn green? A MESSAGE FROM GROUNDWORK MERSEYSIDE
Entry Details Your name: Company: Position: Contact number: Address:
IN 2006, the Environment Agency published a poll of its top 100 eco-heroes of all time. Next to Charles Darwin was the name of Tony Bradshaw, a pioneer of restoration ecology who, in 1968, took the chair of botany at Liverpool University – and Liverpool became his adopted city. Tony was involved with many environmental organisations, including the first Groundwork Trust, set up in St Helens in 1981 to bring about environmental change and the consequent social and economic benefits. Groundwork Merseyside, 30 years old this year, creates sustainable communities which are vibrant, healthy and safe, which respect the local and global environment and where individuals and enterprise prosper. We know from experience that achievements are made working together with passionate individuals and therefore we are delighted to sponsor the Personal Achievement Award, dedicated to Tony Bradshaw, to recognise an individual who, through their vocation, has made a real difference.
Postcode: Email: If you are nominating someone else please also complete the following Name of company/ individual you are nominating: Contact number: Address: POWER: Hydro can be a clean renewable alternative 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
The Neighbourhood Improvement Project Award HAVE you improved your surroundings? This award recognises the year’s best neighbourhood improvement project. The project may have enhanced a green space or the built environment to
make your neighbourhood a safer and healthier place to live. You should be able to demonstrate that you have won community support, involved local people and changed people’s perceptions.
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 Groundwork Merseyside Personal Achievement Award DO YOU know an individual who deserves public recognition for his or her environmental work? This award, presented in memory of the late Professor Tony Bradshaw, is for someone who has made a positive environmental impact in their sector through their vocation. The nominated person may be an unsung environmental business hero who is working hard to improve their organisation’s green credentials or encouraging other companies to adopt better environmental practices.
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
★★★★
NEWS 7
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
BETHEBEST
Alex Turner on today’s launch of the 2011 Regional Business Awards
T
OUGH economic times have forced businesses to become smarter and leaders to be more decisive. But they have also rewarded innovation and determination, with some companies thriving because of the way they have exploited the opportunities that are out there. The 20th Regional Business Awards, held by our sister paper the Liverpool Daily Post, will highlight and reward those companies, large and small, which have prospered in the last 12 months. There are 10 awards which enable businesses big and small, start-ups and long-established firms to be recognised for their achievements: ● SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR This award is for businesses employing up to 50 people that can demonstrate all-round business excellence. It was won last year by Liverpool Science Park-based web design agency, Mando Group.
● MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Judges will be looking for specific business achievements and a strong financial performance from businesses employing between 51 and 250 people. ● JAGUAR LAND ROVER CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD This award will be presented to the private sector business or individual, judged to have the best history of taking into account the effect of business operations on the community and the economy. ● INVESTMENT OF THE YEAR Can your company demonstrate how investment since January, 2010, has had a beneficial impact on your business and local economy? Firms that are new to the region or existing businesses making fresh investments are eligible. ● EXPORT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Judges are looking for the firm that can demonstrate a substantial and sustained increase in exports relative to the size of your company over the past 12 months. ● LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES
AWARD WINNER: Last year’s small business of the year was web developer Mando Group UNIVERSITY KNOWLEDGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR The Knowledge Business of the Year category is open to any business engaged in the commercialisation of research and development of intellectual property, including pure sciences, technology, software or professional know-how, irrespective of size or stage of development. ● GREEN AWARD Last year the judges decided that B&M Waste Services was a forward-thinking business with a huge commitment to meeting challenging environmental demands with the ultimate aim of achieving 100% recycling. Has your business made a similarly positive contribution to the environment? ● O2 JUDGES’ CHOICE AWARD The winner may not be shortlisted
in any of the categories but in the eyes of the judges demonstrated commitment, determination and dedication to their business and entry into the awards. Consideration will be paid to the presentation, attention to detail and financial performance of nominees. ● KPMG BUSINESS OF THE YEAR This award is for the region’s outstanding large business, employing more than 250 people. ● DLA PIPER BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Do you, or does someone you work with, truly stand out from the crowd? Do they help to not only grow the reputation of their respective organisation but also the region, showing the entrepreneurial spirit that typifies the region’s resilience?
VENUE: Last year’s awards ceremony at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral
Awards for businesses in Merseyside and Cheshire THE awards are open to any business operating in the Daily Post circulation area of Merseyside, West Lancashire and North West Cheshire. Last year business person of the year was Stobart Ports managing director and Widnes Vikings chairman Steve O’Connor, while TJ Morris, AEV and Tech-X were among the winning businesses. This year the awards ceremony is being held on Thursday, June
23, at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral. Entries open today for businesses which think they have been outstanding in their field. To enter one or more of our award categories, please get in touch with the Daily Post’s events department for an application form by telephoning 0151 472 2570 or download an application form online at www. regionalbusinessawards.co.uk The closing date for entries is Wednesday, April 13.
8 NEWS
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
★★★★
ECHO Business to Business
BUSINESS
Commercial Premises
HATS THE WAY TO DO IT ROSIE OFFICES TO LET
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Business Auction
OFFICE TO LET Knowsley Industrial Estate, 1st flr, s/c, brand new decor, 1500sqft, £600pcm 07587 130170 L13 Workshop & Yard to let. Various uses, all utilities £85pw 0151 259 2729 or 0771 9352556
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HAT TRICK: Woolton milliner Rosie Norman pictured with a selection of her headwear
by NEIL HODGSON Industry Reporter YOUNG Woolton art graduate Rosie Norman has a real head for business after setting up her own millinery venture. Rosie, 22, creates hand-made hats for special occasions, from weddings to an elegant day at the races, from her home-based showroom. She is the first in her family to work in the millinery industry and reveals that she was inspired by an internship at the London studios of sector doyen Philip Treacy. Rosie said: “I studied on a
City milliner inspired by London icon three year decorative arts course at Nottingham Trent University before graduating last July. “In my second year I specialised in textiles and did an internship with Philip Treacy for one month.” Treacy has created hats for established designers
from Alexander McQueen to Karl Lagerfeld, as well as Valentino, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karen. He also designed hats for pop sensation Lady Gaga in 2009, and for a variety of films including Harry Potter. Rosie said: “That was when I knew hats were for me and that it was what I wanted to do.” After a millinery course in London’s St Martins College of Art and Design Rosie created a collection of hats for her degree made from an embroidered fabric she had designed and developed herself. She said: “I graduated with a first, which made me
Picture: RAY FARLEY
think, I have to do something with this, I can’t let it go.” Another internship with celebrated London milliner Stephen Jones gave her an insight into how to run her own business and since Christmas she has been developing her own collection. Her hats range from £80 to £380 in price. She said: “I am trying to get footballers’ wives to wear some at the Grand National or Ascot. “I also do bespoke designs to match a dress. “My designs are different and wacky and unique. They’re a bit of fun, but elegant.”
Event promotes wellbeing firms AN EVENT to showcase small businesses in the health and wellbeing sector is being held in Knowsley later this month. Liverpool-based Mad Panda Photography is organising the day on Sunday, March 20, in
association with the National Wildflower Centre. Taking place from noon until 4pm at the centre in Roby Road, the Mad Panda Spring Celebration will feature small and fledgling health and wellbeing firms. They include
Positive Partnerships, You Can Make It Happen, Odds and Endz and Visage. Yoga instructor Christine Gibbons will offer a “yoga for all” session and there will be face painting by Fantasy Faces and community artist Janet Bell will also be
on hand to show her skills. The event has evolved out of the Mad Panda Tea Party which has been running at the centre for the past two years. Mad Panda director Maddy Bell said: “Last year we had an Alice in
Wonderland theme – this year we wanted to showcase fledgling health and wellbeing businesses. It think it is important for us to help promote each other. There is a lot of stress around at the moment and we want to help people relax.”
Industrial Property UNITS TO LET Bootle Area 5,000−15,000 sqft. Flexible terms 0151 486 0004
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Taxis/Cab & Plate AVON FLEET CARS LTD quality cars available in excellent condition. L’pool drivers only £165pw inc insurance. 05 − 07 plates. 07943 754640
GOLD TX4 AUTO 2007 Cab & Plate. No sensible offer refused, 140k miles. 12m MOT, Tax July Tel: 07710 577764 CABS & PLATES for sale two 58 plates, one 08, one 07 & 51 TX1. 12 months pass. all clean vehicles Offers 07596 866041
LONG COLLAR TX1 Knowsley £170pw all in. 07854 587022/ 01744 812255
On the instructions of Peel Ports Limited following their acquisition of the former premises of Bridgewater Paper Co Ltd - In Administration
2 Day Sale by Online Auction (Subject to Conditions of Sale and Availability)
Electric Motors, Industrial & Paper Machinery/ Process Spares, General Factory Equipment On View:
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At:
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Bidding Opens: Monday 21 March 2011 at 10.00 am Bidding Closes: Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 March 2011 from 10.00am each day
For further details and catalogue please visit our website
T +44 (0) 161 238 7420 plant.sales@kingsturge.com www.kingsturge.co.uk
Business Opportunities 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. Rent £1200pcm Call: 0151 9209999/ 07900424441
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS Appears every day in your
P R I V A T E H I R E Drivers required, busy system, weekly insurance. 0151 260 1010 BLUE LINE TAXISNew drivers wanted urgently. Earn £500 − £800pw. Tel 0151 709 0101 TX11 52 REG Black manual, ex condition 07768 622517 VARIOUS COLLARS compet rates 07873 200893 BOTANIC CARS Requires owner drivers 0151 220 2020 P/HIRE Lpool & Knowsley Plate £140pw Inc ins 07523 976108
A-K TEL: 0151 472 2746 L-Z TEL: 0151 472 2573