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L I V E R P O O L
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P O S T
M A G A Z I N E
LDP BUSINESS MARCH/APRIL 2009 ISSUE 07
FLYING
HIGH LEADING THE
MANUFACTURING
FIGHTBACK INTERNATIONAL TRADE
HONG KONG
GATEWAY
Downing on the www.ldpbusiness.co.uk
up
Property tycoon defies the recession
£3.99 when sold
NUMBER CRUNCHERS: SPOTLIGHT ON CITY’S TOP ACCOUNTANTS
ROAD TEST: ASTRA’S SPORTY CONVERTIBLE REVIEWED
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LDP
BUSINESS
020
05
Editor’s Comment Bill Gleeson on the bankers’ comeuppance
06
News OFT probes Isle of Man fares and fuels
12
The Big Interview George Downing - Downing
18
Corporate Deals All the key transactions
20
The Big Feature Focus on manufacturing
012
32
International Trade Hong Kong Gateway
057
40
How I Launched My Own business Beer buff Barrie Davidson
44
Science and Technology Reducing carbon emissions
57
Commercial Property Regenerating New Brighton
68
How Green Is Your Business
March April.09
Harvesting rainwater
71
044
Legal Sector City lawyers get in the game
77
077
Wealth Management How the downturn hits relationships
80
Economic Review Focus on Wirral
82 85
Ask the Expert Creative Industries FACT looks to expand
072
86
Social Diary
88 90
The Networker The List
Carolyn Hughes business social diary
Essential dates for your diary
91
Corporate Entertainment Go-karting at Daytona
WWW.LDPBUSINESS.CO.UK
92
Business Lunch Egg Nogg at 60 Hope Street
92
Top Tipple Barburrito specials
94
Executive Motors Barry Turnbull test drives the open top Astra
96
Business Travel Executives seeking bargains
98
Notworker Thin pickings for Laura Doyle
04 Web Directory FP
12/2/09
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web GUIDE INTERNATIONAL TRADE
LAND INVESTMENT
UK Trade and Investment North West
Russell Morgan Investment Strategies
UKTI is the governmnet organisation that provides integrated
Land investment specialists sources sites with a real chance of
support services for UK companies engaged in overseas trade and
gaining building consent in the future. Prices start from just ÂŁ5750.
foreign enterprises seeking to locate in the UK.
www.russellmorgan.co.uk
www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk
Telephone: 01924 566110
Telephone: 0845 603 7053
Email: sales@russellmorgan.co.uk
Email: info@uktinorthwest.co.uk
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NETWORKING
Gardner Systems Plc
Downtown Liverpool in Business
In the business of making IT work for you, delivering quality and
Former politician Frank McKenna is the head of this private sector
innovation from hardware and software applications, through to
lobby group and networking club.
networking, maintenance and training.
www.downtownliverpool.com
www.gardys.co.uk
Telephone: 0151 227 1633
Telephone: 0151 220 5552
Email: change@downtownliverpool.com
Email: sales@gardnersystems.co.uk
WASTE MANAGEMENT
SUPPORT SERVICES
B&M Waste Services Are one of the largest, fastest growing waste disposal companies in the UK offering high quality, low cost, trade and commercial waste collection operating from depots in Bromborough and Trafford Park.
Omega FM Security, cleaning, catering. Providing comprehensive, cost effective services in line with your requirements. Acquisitions and mergers sought.
www.omegafm.co.uk
www.bagnallandmorris.com
Telephone: 0845 838 1818
Telephone: 0808 100 2434
Email: helpdesk@omegafm.co.uk
Email: info@bagnallandmorris.com
ARBITRATION SERVICE
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
ACAS
Rensburg Sheppards Financial services and products tailored to meet individual needs, helping clients achieve their long-term financial objectives.
For advice and guidance to both employers and employees on all industrial issues.
www.acas.org.uk
www.rensburgsheppards.com
Telephone: 08457 474747
Telephone: 0151 227 2030 Email: info@rensburgsheppards.co.uk
EDUCATION
Fraser Wealth Management
Edge Hill University
Passionate about increasing your wealth. As professional chartered
The University of choice that stands for academic and professional
financial planners we are authorised to deal with many forms of
excellence. We are a welcoming, diverse community, accessible to
financial services.
everyone, providing exceptional support for students.
www.fraserwm.com
www.edgehill.ac.uk
Telephone: 0845 456 4404
Telephone: 01695 575171
Email: enquiries@fraserwm.co.uk
Email: enquiries@edgehill.ac.uk
To advertise here, contact Trudie Arlett. Telephone 0151 472 2476 or email trudie.arlett@liverpool.com or Julie Cowley, Telephone 0151 472 2311 or email julie.cowley@liverpool.com 04 M A G A Z I N E
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04_05 editors
13/2/09
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EDITOR’S LETTER
www.ldpbusiness.co.uk
LDP
BUSINESS EDITOR
Bill Gleeson billgleeson@dailypost.co.uk DEPUTY BUSINESS EDITOR
Tony McDonough tonymcdonough@dailypost.co.uk
BUSINESS FEATURES EDITOR
Barry Turnbull barry.turnbull@liverpool.com WRITERS
Alistair Houghton alistairhoughton@dailypost.co.uk
Alex Turner alex.turner@liverpool.com SENIOR ART EDITOR
Rick Cooke DESIGN
Colin Harrison Tracy Smith Charlie Hearnshaw Matthew Barnes PICTURE EDITOR
Richard Williams
AS A young boy, I wanted to be a train driver. Then I went through a phase when, influenced by my mother’s profession, I aspired to be a French teacher, but that passed quickly enough. By the time I was attending the university milk round in mid-1980s Britain, I wanted to be a merchant banker. What a lucky escape that was. It was a close call though. I nearly got in. My father used his business connections to line me up with a job interview at a traditional blue blooded British merchant bank.
Literature (my subject at university) than me and who were unimpressed with my investment track record to date, even though I had made thousands by regularly investing my student grant on the stock market. Suffice to say, I failed to impress my young-turk interviewers and had to make do with a job as an accountant with Coopers & Lybrand instead (By the way, if anybody out there is thinking about becoming an auditor, please don’t − its worse than watching paint dry and a lot less productive). Following that encounter with what I took to be a highly representative bunch of bankers,
MARKETING EXECUTIVE
Litza Gorman 0151 472 2352 ADVERTISEMENT DIRECTOR
Debbie McGraw SALES MANAGER
Frank Notton ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Richard Mingham 0151 472 2369 Trudie Arlett 0151 472 2476 PHOTOGRAPHY
Trinity Mirror DISTRIBUTION
Lyndsey Grosscurth 0151 330 4957 BUSINESS CLUB INQUIRIES
I wanted to be a merchant banker. What a lucky escape that was You see, my dad was the lollipop man at King David’s school in Childwall. He stored his lollipop in the side passage of a nearby house, owned by the former Mersey Docks and Harbour Company boss Trevor Furlong. One morning, Trevor asked my dad about his sons and was told that I was looking to be something big in the City. “Ask him to call me,” said Trevor. I was fixed up with an interview at Flemings, Mersey Docks merchant bank. When I got there, I found the interview was to be conducted by an over-cocky bunch of recently recruited Oxbridge types who thought they knew more about English
0151 472 2352 PRINTED BY
it comes as no surprise to me that the whole breed has had its come uppance with the recent ridiculing of senior bankers by the Treasury Select Committee. “Its cost us millions personally,” the bankers protested to the MPs. It may well have done, but there again the same bunch will have pocketed many millions more while the good times rolled. As for me, I have the consolation of knowing that I have made an honest living writing about the comings and goings of businesses here on Merseyside. Virtue has its own reward, I like to think.
Pensord Tram Road, Pontllanfraith, Blackwood NP12 2YA PUBLISHED BY
Trinity Mirror NW2, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB TELEPHONE
0151 227 2000 FAX
0151 330 4942 COPYRIGHT
LDPBusiness is printed bimonthly and distributed free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.
Bill Gleeson
billgleeson@dailypost.co.uk
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“Right across the board Liverpool is now much better run - there is definitely more of a can-do attitude.”
QUOTE
LIVERPOOL PROPERTY TYCOON GEORGE DOWNING
OF THE MONTH
Probe into Irish Sea ferry charges ISLE OF MAN PARLIAMENT TO QUESTION PRICES AND FUEL SURCHARGES PRICES and fuel surcharges on ferry services between Liverpool and the Isle of Man are to be investigated by the Manx Office of Fair Trading. The probe follows claims in the island's parliament last November that the Steam Packet Company's £17m profits were excessive. OFT chairman Bill Henderson said the investigation will cover pricing structures for freight and passengers, profitability and surcharges associated with oil costs. He said: “I am very pleased to be able to announce that the office will be working for consumers to address the widespread concerns about the prices charged by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. “In particular, I am aware that the report of the Select Committee of Tynwald raised questions about
freight fares and these questions have been reinforced by concerns put to me by hauliers. “With the information I now have, and with the OFT board support, we will be able to make inroads into this situation, which I personally have had concerns about. At the very least I want full transparency for the consumers of this island and our visiting public alike.” A £2 fuel surcharge for each passenger journey was introduced by the ferry company when oil rose to $70 a barrel in August 2005. The company then increased the charge to £5 last September in line with the oil prices, which rocketed to $145 a barrel in July. However, as oil prices have slowly reduced again – costing $41 per barrel this month – the surcharge remains
Mock tribunal plays it for real A mock industrial tribunal being staged in April will be as close to the real thing as is possible, organisers says. The Liverpool Daily Post is teaming up with training provider Weightman
LDP
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unchanged. Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward vigorously defended pricing and surcharging policy. He explained: “Fuel prices have increased at an extraordinary rate and the surcharge mechanism fails to cover the full extent of the increases. “The fuel surcharge is reviewed twice a year in March and September. To stabilise fares, it is applied in arrears on the basis of the costs in the previous 6 months. Therefore, there is a time lag before surcharges are raised or reduced. As the price of fuel has fallen, we expect that there will be a decrease in surcharges at the next review in March 2009.” Mr Woodward said the company was happy to co-operate with the investigation.
Associates to stage a day-long event that aims to help employers maximise their chances of winning a tribunal. The Mock Industrial Tribunal takes place at Aintree Racecourse on April 30 and will feature current case law. The event costs £175+VAT per person and a booking form can be downloaded from www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/tribunal.
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Alternatively email: alex.woods@liverpool.com or call 0151 472 2805. There are 50 places available at a 25% discount exclusively for members of the LDP Business Club. The club is FREE to join. Just log onto www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/ liverpooldaily-post-business-club.
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Holiday camp announces big expansion PONTIN’S in Ainsdale is to be completely rebuilt after owners Ocean Parcs announced plans to invest £50m in developing its holiday centres. The site will be re-designed over the next three years, subject to planning approval. This year the Ainsdale-on-Sea site will see improvements to the entertainment, catering and bar facilities. As well as improving the look of the facility, owners want to make it more accessible to local residents.
SHOPS AWAY Independent retailer Microzine has gone into administration and plans to become an online-only retailer. It is the third Microzine shop to close after ventures in London’s Islington and Carnaby Street shut in 2005 and 2008 respectively. The online business – www.microzine.co.uk – is operated by a separate company, Microzine Creative and will continue. Old Swan-born Chris Lee founded Microzine after a career in retail. He started as a Saturday boy at Wade Smith before rising to become the Liverpool fashion store’s creative director. When the business was sold he left for the United States to become head of Reebok’s global branding operation and has also advised brands including Adidas, Ted Baker, Lacoste, Hackett and Umbro. In July Mr Lee was appointed managing director of JJB Sports’ lifestyle division, which comprises more than 100 stores under the Original Shoe Company and Qube names.
Speaking to the Visiter, Southport-born Ian Smith, chief executive of Ocean Parcs and Pontin’s said: “We are tremendously excited about the investment planned for the development of our Pontin’s Holiday Centres. “It is particularly rewarding to be able to announce these plans which will not only generate increased tourism but create more than 2,000 new jobs whilst the country is in a recession. “Our total development costs will exceed £50m.”
www.ldpbusiness.co.uk
NEWS
Waterfront wonderworld The huge impact of the £224m transformation of Liverpool’s waterfront has been revealed. New figures predicted five multi-million pound schemes will create and safeguard almost 1,000 jobs and bring 1.25m new visitors to the city by the end of 2011. By then, flats and offices at Mann Island will be finished and the new Museum of Liverpool will be open. Liverpool Vision, the city’s economic
development company, said the Mann Island project alone would mean developers Countryside and Neptune spending £115m by 2012. The waterfront will also have £72m invested in the museum, £20m in the canal link, £10.5m for the ferry terminal and £6.5m on public realm work. As many as 738 jobs will be created at Mann Island, almost 90 more at the ferry terminal and about 170 associated with the new canal link.
Joe’s Woolworths’ pledge Home Bargains operations director Joe Morris says the value retail chain aims to employ as many former Woolworths workers as possible, as he revealed it was taking over 14 of
Noble effort
the former stores. Woolworths collapsed late last year after a century of selling goods on Britain’s high streets, and most of the outlets closed down by early last month.
Liverpool based Nobles Construction has secured contracts totalling more than £3m. Work has started at four schools across the North West,
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including Bishop Eton in Woolton, Liverpool, St Mary’s in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, St John Fisher in Widnes and Christ the King in Bromborough, Wirral.
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Chris Johnson, auctioneer
STANDING ROOM ONLY Auction House Smith and Sons first property auction of the year drew a packed room at the Village Hotel, Brombrough, Wirral where 30 lots were offered comprising houses for refurbishment, residential investments and development land. The standing-room-only sale raised in excess of £1.1m with further sales expected. Auctioneer Chris Johnson said: “We were delighted to see so many people returning to the auction room. “This supported our view that we may be getting towards the bottom of the market. We had far higher levels of interest in this particular sale than throughout last year and some good prices were obtained, particularly for houses needing refurbishment.” Smith and Sons next auction is to be held on March 31.
SWAN RE-LAUNCHED The pub and restaurant formerly known as the Swan Hotel in Aughton is to be re launched as the Swan Inn, following a £600,000 investment. The site, located just off the A59, is undergoing a refurbishment programme which will see it open its doors in time for Easter. The Swan Inn will include a traditional pub with a separate multipurpose meeting room and ten “shabby chic” styled hotel bedrooms. Brian Gamble, the new general manager, said: “There is real demand for a traditional pub in Aughton and the surrounding area and we intend to make it renowned for its warm open fires, good hearty food and relaxed surroundings.” 08 M A G A Z I N E
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Rooms with a view PROPERTY COMPANY BRUNTWOOD MAKES ANOTHER HIGH QUALITY SIGNING AT THE PLAZA MAERSK container line is upping sticks from London to create a new headquarters in Liverpool. Around 60 new staff will complement the 110 already in place at the offices with some of Liverpool’s finest views. Colin Forshaw, sales surveyor at Bruntwood, said: “Understandably, we are delighted that Maersk has moved in to The Plaza and become a customer of Bruntwood. “Their office space gives them fantastic views across the city and more importantly the River Mersey, which is ideal for a shipping company. “The quality and variety of companies that are now working in this building is a real testament to the level of redevelopment that has been carried out at this building. “And with the redevelopment of a further 195,000 sq ft of office space due to be completed in October, the building will L I V E R P O O L
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be an even more vibrant place to work.” Jesper Kjaedegaard, chief executive in Maersk, said: “Maersk Line is delighted to be expanding its presence in Liverpool. “We’ve operated a highly successful office in Liverpool for many years and have outgrown our previous premises due to the recent integration with P&O Nedlloyd. “We’re centralising all of our customer care and sales and documentation operations in The Plaza building and have so far created around 60 new roles. “We’ve been impressed by the local facilities and the overall development of the region. We have also been impressed by the dedication, skill and drive of the team members that we have been so lucky to employ over the years in Liverpool. “We’re planning to capitalise further on the skills and experience of the local workforce as we continue to strengthen our position as the world’s leading container shipping company.”
09 Russell Morgan
13/2/09
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
Some people will make a fortune during the recession THE truth is that there’s often more money to be made from hard times than there is during the good times. But it’s not all about having lots of skill and experience. It’s about being aware. Aware of the current situation and the way things are likely to change in the future. It’s about sowing the seeds at the right time, in preparation for the harvest that will surely follow, because recessions don’t last forever. While the economy flounders the construction industry is one of the biggest losers. But, one day, in the not too distant future, Britain will be building again, and there’s one thing that will be in demand... land. It has become apparent that many investments are nothing more than numbers in the ether – ready to be wiped out at any time. Land is a refreshing change: solid, tangible and real. And this is where the opportunity lies. Builders, big and small, will need land to build on. They’re not increasing their stocks of strategic land at the moment. Those who haven’t gone to the wall already can’t afford to. They need to do
everything they can just to stay in business. Property prices have fallen dramatically, potential buyers can’t get mortgages, but this won’t last forever. The difference in value between land that can’t be built on and land that can is huge. Until now, you needed to have at least a few hundred thousand pounds spare to be able to speculate in land, but not anymore. Land investment specialists Russell Morgan sources sites with a real chance of gaining building consent in the future. Prices start from just £5,750. A plot big enough for a four bedroom detached house with garage would cost around £10k. With building consent it’s not unrealistic to suggest a price in excess of £100k. It won’t happen overnight, but patience is a virtue. Sow the seeds now; reap the harvest in the future. If you’d like to find out more, call Sally at Russell Morgan Land Investment Strategies on 01924 566110 or email: info@rmlis.co.uk.
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LDP
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Marc Wilkinson celebrates Fraiche achieving the coveted Michelin star
Fine dining defies the downturn RESTAURANTS THAT ARE BEATING THE CRUNCH RESTAURANTS across Merseyside and Cheshire are trying to drum up business in the recession by offering fine dining at affordable prices. Wirral chef Marc Wilkinson finally gained his coveted Michelin star at Fraiche while two new restaurants have been launched at the higher end of the market. The Cot’n Club in Old Hall Street has opened to offer good food at affordable prices – a three course set dinner menu costing £15.95. Restaurant manager Mark Wharton said: “We think there is a market for quality dining but at affordable prices, especially in the current climate. “Old Hall Street is in the heart of the business district and offers great potential at lunchtime and during the evening.” The venue has been created at the upstairs balcony of the Cot’n Bar. 10 M A G A Z I N E
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Meanwhile Chester has a new premier restaurant and bar venue. The Barn has been created from 400 year old farm buildings and aimed at gourmet enthusiasts. Head chef Chris Brown, formerly of Chester Racecourse’s 1539 eaterie, and pastry chef Neil King have been recruited. Owner Sam Sharter said: “I’m delighted that Chris and John have both chosen to bring their passion and experience to The Barn. We have already made an impact on the Cheshire dining scene by offering a high end dining experience that is both elegant and comfortable.” Chris Brown added: “We’re both looking forward to this new challenge adding our own touches to The Barn. We will offer high-end dining and a refreshing new menu to reflect our style – and also to take advantage of the stunning ingredients in season at the moment.”
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STARMAN MAKES HIS MARK A WIRRAL restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star, the first on Merseyside. Marc Wilkinson, owner of Fraiche in Oxton Village, said: “It has been hard work but it is great to get the recognition and will help us take the restaurant forward to the next level.” Mr Wilkinson has worked his way up through a number of restaurants, including the Michelinstarred Winteringham Fields. He has also worked at Midsummer House in Cambridge and in Canada, before setting up a successful restaurant in Essex. Originally from Merseyside, he decided to move home to set up his first fine dining restaurant. Pam Wilsher, acting director of tourism for the Mersey Partnership, said: “Congratulations to Marc and his team for gaining this fantastic accolade. It is a great boost for the region and shows how our food offering is really coming of age.”
11 Lpool Science Park
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
ic2: Bringing the future to Liverpool LIVERPOOL Science Park is the UK’s fastest growing science park. Launched in January 2006, the first building Innovation Centre 1 (ic1) – has seen over 40 companies come through its doors. The unprecedented early success of the Innovation Centre demonstrates the city’s potential as a world-class centre for knowledge enterprise and confirms Liverpool Science Park’s role in promoting and exploiting the city’s knowledge based economy. Following on from the success of the first building and responding to tenant companies’ growth requirements, a second facility - Innovation Centre 2 (ic2) is on schedule for completion in March 2009. While this magazine is in circulation, the facility's doors will be opening for the first time.
Set against the impressive backdrop of the Metropolitan Cathedral, the inspirational design of Liverpool Science Park’s second landmark building, together with its environmental sensitivity, has attracted the endorsement of English Heritage and Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). An ambitious landscaping scheme is in place to further enhance the new development. An attractive park area will
Science Park companies Hope Street Centre and BioMed Central describe how their organisations are benefiting from the Science Park’s high-value approach: “The Hope Street Centre is a leader in the specialist field of consultancy services to health and social care agencies. Since moving to Liverpool Science Park in November 2006, Hope Street Centre has grown from a two woman team to a staff of 8 people.
link ic1, ic2, Liverpool John Moores University’s impressive new Design Academy and the Metropolitan Cathedral, to create a high-quality work/life environment for Science Park companies and their visitors. Liverpool Science Park’s ambition is to deliver a world-class infrastructure; integral to its new development is the provision of state-of-the-art communications systems. Liverpool Science Park already delivers a high quality ICT offer to over 250 users; a number that will increase to 800 or more when ic2 is full. To remain market leaders in this area, Liverpool Science Park is using its new development to introduce to Liverpool an innovative state-of-the-art integrated ICT and telephony delivery system previously unavailable outside of London. Delivered by leading specialist Ipitomi, Liverpool Science Park’s ICT and integrated telephony infrastructure has introduced Tier One carriers, bandwidth of 100Mb, seamless service delivery and a huge range of functionality to its companies. Ipitomi is an expert in the provision of services to multi-tenanted
“The high specification infrastructure and flexible leasing structure available has allowed the company to grow in a seamless and managed way. The new building will offer Hope Street Centre further growth opportunities. It is great to see the science and knowledge community growing here in Liverpool.” Alison Holbourn, Director Hope Street Centre CIC
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buildings, particularly in the high-tech knowledge and science sector. Its expertise will be available to provide a specialised bespoke service to Science Park companies. In simple terms, Liverpool Science Park companies will be able to use cuttingedge technology to enjoy increased efficiency and a more flexible style of working at low cost. The technology will operate across both ic1 and ic2 and will be applied to future phases of Liverpool Science Park. Liverpool Science Park’s ethos of highvalue service delivery has already proved successful in attracting a wide range of knowledge-based companies – both national and international. With its first building, ic1, now full there is strong interest in ic2 from companies who want a flexible, high-quality offer together with value for money. For more information regarding Liverpool Science Park, icl, ic2 and the facilities and services available please go to www.liverpoolsciencepark.co.uk or contact Sarah Gudgeon: sarah.gudgeon@liverpoolsciencepark.co.uk
“As a biotech company that works entirely on the web, it is of paramount importance to us that the facilities available and the IT offering is appropriate, reliable and robust with redundancies built in. The improvements that LSP has made will ensure dependability of service, which is vital, and will enable us to meet our deadlines and targets without the stress of IT headaches.” Bryan Vickery, BioMed Central
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LDP INTERVIEW
Defying the
gloom LIVERPOOL PROPERTY TYCOON GEORGE DOWNING TALKS TO TONY MCDONOUGH ABOUT HIS STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS IN A SECTOR THAT IS BEING RAVAGED BY THE UK’S WORST RECESSION FOR MANY DECADES falling tide sinks all boats. Commercial property owners and developers across the land who have been swamped by the economic tsunami that has engulfed their sector, know this only too well. However, there are those who have not just stayed afloat but would also claim to be thriving. George Downing insists his company, Downing, fits into that category. The firm is the biggest owner and manager of commercial property in Merseyside, controlling around 1m sq ft of space. In 2006, Downing acquired the Liverpool city centre headquarters of insurance giant RSA Insurance. It paid £51m for the property, breaking the city’s previous record for a single building sale of £45m (a figure achieved by the sale of India Buildings in 2004). Downing has renamed the building The Capital and has set about a £10m plus development programme, refurbishing the accommodation to a standard it claims exceeds that found in new build Grade A offices.
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The company also owns the Port of Liverpool Building – one of the world-famous Three Graces on the city’s waterfront – and Graeme House and Victoria House near to the £1bn Liverpool One retail scheme. All are undergoing refurbishment in a city centre capital programme that is costing Downing around £40m. And this is the point where many in the property sector have come unstuck. Much of the expansion of the commercial property sector – both in the purchase of real estate and subsequent refurbishment − has been debt funded. That was fine when the credit was flowing. Cheap money was easily turned into free money. Now, however, amid the credit crunch and economic downturn, property owners suddenly find themselves with rapidly devaluing portfolios that they cannot sell. When they knock on the door of the bank to refinance their debt they find the blinds closed and the bank manager hiding behind the sofa. And he won’t be coming out anytime soon. P O S T
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Dowing’s world famous Port of Liverpool Building Downing, though, insists his company is not greatly affected by this issue. For apart from some debt financing on the purchase of The Capital, most of its projects are funded from its own reserves. “Everyone in the property market will be affected by the current climate but I don’t think we will be hit as hard as many of the others,” said Downing. “I think one of the main reasons for this is that we have not bought a lot of stock at the top of the market. We have had some development sites for many years. “The other reason is that when we buy sites we tend to pay cash and don’t generally use debt funding. So although we are going into a recession we are not saddled with heavy debts.” Downing, 45, has the down-to-earth demeanour of a man who one might imagine has emerged from humble working class beginnings to pull himself up by his bootstraps. He certainly worked hard from pretty early on – leaving school at 16 to start his business empire. But that school was not the bog standard comprehensive but one of Merseyside’s top private schools – Merchant Taylors’. He was brought up in Hightown in Formby. His parents were in the rag trade – selling clothes retail and wholesale. He initially worked in the family business but was keen to strike up on his own as quickly as possible. Before he turned 17 he had become the owner of a Crosby snooker club. “I think I must have been the youngest owner of a snooker club in the country,” he said. “I later sold it to a business partner for £10,000 When Downing was 21 his father died, an 14 M A G A Z I N E
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“Everyone in the property market will be affected by the current climate but I don’t think we will be hit as hard as many of the others”
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event that had a major effect on the young entrepreneur. He added: “My father dying was such a big thing because he was such a larger-than-life, flamboyant character. I suddenly realised I was now the only man in the family [he has two sisters who are now themselves senior directors in the company] and that I would now have to stand on my own two feet.” It was at this point, during the mid-1980s, that Downing made his first investment into the property market in a niche in which he would eventually become a pioneer. At that time student accommodation generally fell into two categories – halls of residence or crummy bedsits, immortalised in the 1970s TV comedy series, Rising Damp. With backing from his bank manager, Downing acquired several residential properties in the Kensington and Old Swan districts of Liverpool. The properties were in a poor state of repair and he was surprised at what he found. “I was horrified to see students were actually living in them,” he said. “My original plan had been simply to convert them into apartments but it gave me the idea of providing student accommodation to a much higher standard. “At the time Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) was really starting to grow and therefore so was the demand for student accommodation. “We properly refurbished the houses and quickly gained a reputation for having the best quality stock. Before we knew it we were providing living space for several hundred students.” His next major project, in 1987, was the conversion of a row of terraced homes in Mount Pleasant that had lain derelict for 20 years. As the 1990s progressed Downing realised he was onto a winner and created Liverpool’s first new-build student village on the site of a former maternity hospital in Oxford Street. Other similar projects followed, one in Manchester. In the late 1990s Downing acquired and developed Filbert Street, the former home of Leicester City Football Club and it was around this time that he made a firm decision about how the business would operate. He said: “We did not want to keep borrowing money to fund new projects so we decided to sell some of our sites to raise the cash ourselves. “That was a real learning process for us as a
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LDP INTERVIEW business. We had built up a portfolio of sites that we hadn’t intended to sell but when we were approached we decided to go ahead. We wanted to have the means to be able to move onto the next level. “When we sell sites I think we do manage the process very well. We do use outside agents but we also have our own people in-house who manage and monitor the process very carefully.” Downing is now widely regarded as a major player in the property market with his company now controlling a £500m property portfolio across the north of England. The running of the firm remains a family affair. Although keeping a firm grip on the business, Downing himself lives in Switzerland with his wife Loren. The couple have three boys aged 12, 13 and 14. Day to day his two sisters, Ann Lodge and Sally O’Brien, are joint chief executives of the company, but Downing provides, in the words of Ms Lodge, “the dynamic of the business – he is a great motivator.” He said: “I think I provide an overview and I am heavily involved in finding and making deals. “But at the same time I should be able to step outside of the business and see it carry on functioning without me. I think we have achieved that position in the past few years. “We have 60 plus people working for us and I have got to know them all. I like to think I am very easy going but at the same time I expect people to have the same work ethic as me.” Despite the credit crunch and the recession, Downing remains busy developing major schemes. The latest big build is the £200m redevelopment of the former Scottish and Newcastle Brewery site in Newcastle.”The 600,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme will feature a 200-bed four star hotel, a 462-bed student village, 24 residential apartments, 10,000 sq ft of retail space and 200,000 sq ft of offices. Newcastle University Business School is taking 100,000 sq ft in what was one of the biggest pre-lets the city has seen in many years. Work is due to start early this year and the project is fully funded. Schemes in Manchester and Leeds are also in the pipeline. Back in Liverpool, Downing is one of the main drivers behind the Islington Regeneration Company, which aims to bring the rundown district near to TJ Hughes back to life. Downing is certainly not immune from the
“We have 60 plus people working for us and I have got to know them all. I like to think I am very easy going but at the same time I expect people to have the same work ethic as me”
The atrium of Downing’s Capital Building
L to R: Joint chief executives of Downing, Sally O’Brien and Ann Lodge with George Downing M A G A Z I N E
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George Downing at the Capital current downturn – the value of its office portfolio has fallen in the past year from £126.5m to £117m – but it believes it has the right strategy in place to emerge from the recession in good shape. “We are still on budget with our lettings and we expect to tie some deals up in 2009,” said Downing. “We have found that when people get inside The Capital and see the standard of the refurbishment they love it. “We are not ruling out new acquisitions and in fact if we don’t add to our portfolio over the next couple of years then I will be very disappointed. There could be purchases in 2009, although at the moment I think some property owners are still overvaluing their stock. We have to be careful because values could still soften. “Good people can suffer in a recession but I think you will see many more of the bad players going to the wall. I’m not going to gloat about the fact that we are not doing so bad but you will find that those who sail too close to the wind will be the ones who get caught out.” Downing believes the city now has much better office stock with which to impress potential inward investors and feels the city 16 M A G A Z I N E
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itself is now presenting a more professional face to the world than it has done in the past. He added: “Right across the board Liverpool is now much better run and I think we have set our stall out in a way that will give us a better chance of getting some of the bigger lettings. “There is still some negative press but I think we have much more of a business image now with organisations like the Liverpool Commercial District Partnership. “There is definitely more of a can-do attitude.”
“I’m not going to gloat about the fact that we are not doing so bad but you will find that those who sail too close to the wind will be the ones who get caught out.”
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CORPORATE DEALS
Riley goes back to his roots A CHESHIRE-born businessman has returned to his roots to acquire one of the UK’s first-ever budget hotels, in a deal worth £750,000. Jeff Riley and his wife, Marjorie, have acquired Tall Trees Lodge, near Warrington, which they plan to refurbish and rename. Tall Trees Lodge opened in October, 1992, and was one of the first budget hotels in the UK. The three-star hotel, on Tarporley Road, Lower Whitley, has 20 en-suite rooms. Mr Riley said: “We are excited at the challenge that lies ahead and are looking forward to welcoming our first guests.” Paul McGerty, from Liverpool-based accountants Mitchell Charlesworth, was appointed by the couple to structure their new company, Happy Guests and to advise on tax issues and act on the acquisition.
L to R: Marjorie Riley, Mitchell Charlesworth’s Paul McGerty and Jeff Riley at the Tall Trees Lodge Hotel near Warrington
Brian Heyes from Royal Bank of Scotland with Sally Pringle and Alison Pringle from Barleymow at the Cawood Park holiday park in Yorkshire
Pictured from left is Neville Wellings (MD), Michael Cattel both from Bromborough Paints and Alan Beer (Director) with Michael Beer (MD) from Beers
BEERS BUILDING BUYOUT A WIRRAL builders’ merchant has been bought by a 90-year-old Liverpool firm which is seeking to expand. Beers Building and Timber Supplies has taken over the division of Bromborough Paints, which is based in Eastham, Wirral, and employs 20 staff. It already has four depots in Liverpool, Heswall, Hooton and Warrington. Bromborough Paints, an independent paint and 18
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wall-coverings distributor with eight depots from Kendal to Shrewsbury, plans to invest the sale proceeds in expanding its core business. The firm will employ about 110 people following the sale. Mike Cattell, director of Bromborough Paints, said: “Both companies are performing well in markets that are in decline. It is an excellent deal for both parties, enabling each to expand their own businesses.” L I V E R P O O L
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BARLEYMOW EXPANDS INTO YORKSHIRE ORMSKIRK-based caravan park operator Barleymow is expanding its operations with the acquisition of a holiday park in Yorkshire. With backing from the Royal Bank of Scotland, the company has purchased Cawood Park for an undisclosed sum. It had previously held a 50% stake in the business for a number of years. The 12-acre site is situated in Selby and offers a mix of holiday accommodation P O S T
including bungalows, cottages, fixed and mobile caravan pitches. Cawood Park is open throughout the year and holds a four-star rating under the AA’s recognition scheme for caravan and camping parks. The site benefits from its own coarse fishing lake, a licensed club house and an onsite shop. Barleymow is a familyrun business that was established in 1981 and owns Shaw Hall Caravan Park, near Scarisbrick.
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A sector surviving and thriving MANUFACTURING IS ALIVE AND WELL IN OUR REGION. FROM SPECIALIST AVIATION SUPPLIERS TO WORLD CLASS GLASS MAKERS, BARRY TURNBULL TAKES A LOOK AT SOME OF THE COMPANIES THAT ARE DEFYING THE DOWNTURN
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CML reaches for the skies
CML produces essential components for the Airbus A380
BIRKENHEAD FIRM PROVIDES PARTS FOR US STRIKE FIGHTER BY BARRY TURNBULL TUCKED away in a rundown part of Birkenhead is a little known firm with a world-class reputation. CML is a precision engineering outfit that is working on the most advanced aerospace projects on the planet. It provides parts for the Airbus A380 as well as America's latest deadly weapon for the war on terror − the Joint Strike Fighter, a descendant of Britain's legendary Lightning aircraft. The 60-year old company is embarking on a £4m investment programme to increase its penetration of the business and military markets and has taken on more staff. Managing director Geoff Stewart said: "You can't stand still in this business which is why we are continuing to invest. I know the economic climate is uncertain, but I 22 M A G A Z I N E
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believe in the long term future of the aerospace industry because there will always be a demand for flying. “What we are doing is seeking to broaden our range of customers and have broken into the military market which I see as a good area for potential growth.” CML recently received a grant of £600,000 from the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) with a view to developing its advanced manufacturing capabilities, particularly for the production of composite materials, such as carbon fibre, that are replacing traditional heavier metal components. By 2011 CML sales are forecast to increase by £5.6m to £18.8m, which will allow the firm to employ another 34 staff, taking its workforce up to 220. P O S T
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The NWDA grant is known as Selective Finance for Investment and is available for businesses located in assisted areas of the North West for projects of all sizes. NWDA executive director of enterprise and skills, Mark Hughes, said: “This SFI grant will allow the CML Group to expand into new and exciting markets, positively impacting on local job opportunities.” CML Group managing director Geoff Stewart added: “The SFI grant is a tremendous vote of confidence in CML and all its staff. “As we enter this new and exciting stage in the company’s development we are delighted to have the support of the NWDA.” CML realised in the 1990s that composite materials were likely to feature heavily in aerospace
developments and invested accordingly. At the same time a series of business deals ended with the group helping form Intelek, an Alternative Investment Market quoted company. CML contributed £1.8m to group profits last year. The company produces ribs for Airbus models, the interior central part of wings, and nosecones for the US business jet the Hawker 800. Its home is in Price Street, Birkenhead. Mr Stewart admits the address is not one befitting of a firm with such blue chip clients, but says they are tied into a long lease. However he is currently searching for more premises to cope with extra demand and to increase capacity. That demand is likely to be in the field of composite materials where
CML has honed its expertise down to a fine art using costly state-of-the-art machines. Mr Stewart, who promotes a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, said: “We have some people who have been here for 40 years and have tremendous experience. At the other end of the scale we take on apprentices and train them in the necessary skills. “The core Airbus A320 and Hawker 800 series corporate jet programmes have strong production schedules for the next few years. “We have also won approval to supply composite parts for the joint strike fighter so we should be able to look forward to a period of sustained and steady growth.”
“The core Airbus A320 and Hawker 800 series corporate jet programmes have strong production schedules for the next few years”
Geoff Stewart, Managing Director, CML
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Pilkington headquarters where solar panels will be produced
Solar power fires up Pilkington NEW £40M PRODUCTION LINE EDGES CLOSER. BY BARRY TURNBULL PILKINGTON Glass is close to firing up its solar energy production line in St. Helens. The new facility represents a near £40m investment from parent company Nippon Glass. The Japanese giant initially planned to give the work to another solar glass plant in Germany but a £3m grant from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) changed that.
It's an important development for the St. Helens factory as solar power is one of the key technologies in the renewable energies market and very much the future of Pilkington’s growth strategy. The new business also creates 30 jobs as well as safeguarding others. Operations manager Tom Hughes said: "This is very high technology for a mature industry. The equipment M A G A Z I N E
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will allow us to apply special coatings in the middle of the production process while the glass is still hot. It is a flexible system that allows us to make a range of advanced products." The main task is to produce photovoltaic glass to harness solar power. Hughes confirmed: "The grant was pivotal in getting that investment to the UK." Glass produced from the process L I V E R P O O L
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MANUFACTURING will be aimed at solar power plants. Attracting and retaining advanced manufacturing and innovative technologies to the region is a major plank of the NWDA’s strategy. Last year the entire North West region benefited from investment amounting to £10bn from overseas companies, a giant leap from £1.3bn the previous year. “These figures reflect the tremendous efforts by the agency, our sub-regional partners and UK Trade and Investment,” said John Cunliffe, head of investment services. The NWDA shares four offices in the US, Canada and Tokyo with fellow north of England regional development agencies One North East and Yorkshire Forward. Mr Cunliffe added: “The latest figures demonstrate the real value of these offices. I firmly believe that the role of our overseas offices is key to us being successful in attracting foreign companies.” The development agency concentrates on advanced engineering as well as business and professional services.
The world’s largest solar power facility being assembled in Germany
SOLAR POWER PLANTS AND DISHES Solar power systems can operate as stand-alone units or can be grouped together to provide utility-scale power. They convert energy from the sun into electricity efficiently. Using a dishshaped array of mirrors, they focus the sun’s rays onto a receiver which transmits the energy to an engine that generates electric power. Pilkington’s plant in Germany is building what is believed to be the world's largest solar roof installation. The £6m contract is for a 9,5000sq ft photovoltaic installation on the roof of a new training academy in Herne to be used by the Interior Ministry of the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen. The one megawatt system will supply up to 900,000 kilowatt hours of solar produced electricity a year, more than twice the power consumption required for the building with any surplus going into the national grid. Another example is in Andalusia, Spain, where a field containing 600 solar mirrors used to power local homes. Also the largest thin-film solar power plant in the world has opened in Germany. It will have a total output capacity of six megawatts, using 90,000 solar modules to capture sunlight. The array will produce around 5.7m kilowatt-hours of solar electricity every year, enough to power some 1,900 homes.
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A giant solar power plant in Spain
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Halewood’s unique production system means Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles can be built on the same production line
Why you should back Jaguar Land Rover THE DAILY POST LEADS A CAMPAIGN TO WIN GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR JLR BRITAIN’S car industry has been battered by the recession as sales dry up at home and abroad – and Jaguar Land Rover has been among the hardest hit. That’s why the Daily Post and its sister papers have led a campaign to win Government backing for the company to secure thousands of skilled jobs. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) in January showed car sales had slumped to their lowest level since 1996. Total new registrations reached 2,131,795 in 2008 – 11.3% down on the 2007 figure. Premium car manufacturers have been particularly hard hit as consumers postpone or cancel purchases. In January Tata, which bought Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) last year, reported JLR’s overall sales for October to December last year stood at 49,186 – down 35.2% on the same period in 2007. M A G A Z I N E
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MANUFACTURING That has led the company to call for a state-sanctioned loan or credit guarantee at commercial rates to enable it to ride out the slump. Owners Tata have already pumped in an estimated £600m of extra cash to help JLR stay in production until the world money markets – the usual source of working capital – begin operating normally again. But the company says it needs Government backing to ensure it can retain its skilled workforce, including some 2,000 people at Halewood. That call has been backed by the Daily Post and sister titles the Liverpool Echo, Coventry Telegraph, Birmingham Mail and Birmingham Post. We are calling for the Government to provide JLR with the targeted assistance it needs to weather the credit crunch and regain its central role at the heart of the UK’s automotive and manufacturing industries. In our leader marking the campaign launch in January, we said: “This is not a US-style bail-out, as Tata is merely asking for a loan, or loan guarantees, at commercial rates. It is a practical solution to a problem brought about by a highly unique economic climate. “Tata has invested massively in JLR, and is actively future-proofing its business. Halewood is a successful and highly-skilled plant, and those workers – along with their colleagues in the Midlands – deserve the backing of the Government. Their labours merit support, and we say they have earned a vote of confidence from Gordon Brown.”
Aerial view of Jaguar Land Rover’s Halewood plant
Newly-built Jaguar and Land Rover cars outside JLR’s Halewood plant
THE PETITION Sign our petition online now at the Downing Street website: www.tinyurl.com/no10jlr
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029 Andira club
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
Where design is a way of life IF you’re looking around at your home, or your business premises and find that you’re wishing you’d upped and moved before the credit crunch made this more of a struggle, there are alternatives to moving that can bring a new look and feel to a home or business. Andira is a company that specialises in renovation and refurbishment projects. You stay put but, once the work’s complete, it feels like you’re living or working in a brand new building. In terms of spending and value, refurbishment can be much more costeffective than an unnecessary move. It’s about working with and making the most of the space available. Andira is the brainchild of Neil Pennington. Neil has been transforming buildings across Merseyside for over 15 years, with Andira recently completing two impressive projects (Dinomat and Zelig) within the prestigious Liverpool ONE shopping area.
management and bespoke joinery work. Andira’s passion for creating clean, modern, living spaces has brought the company much success since its formation. This innovative, unique and enthusiastic approach to every project has pushed Andira to the forefront of the building and design trade in the North West.
As Neil explains, in the building and design trade it’s important to be distinct and be noticed. This is true of Andira, from its memorable name right through to the completely hands-on, bespoke, attitude of its staff through every step of a project. “The thing which makes us different from the rest is that we do everything. We plan, we design and we take full responsibility for all electrical and plumbing requirements,” says Neil. It’s no surprise to learn that the team at Andira are also experts when it comes to new builds, offering full project
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Contact Andira on 0151 251 0050 or 07809 830 792 Web: www.andiraltd.co.uk. Fax: 0151 251 0060 Emal: neil@andiraltd.co.uk
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MANUFACTURING
“Someone needs to put oil back in the engine” JAGUAR LAND ROVER CHIEF EXECUTIVE DAVID SMITH SPOKE AT THIS MONTH’S CBI MANUFACTURING DINNER IN BIRMINGHAM. BELOW IS AN EXTRACT FROM HIS SPEECH JAGUAR Land Rover happens to be one of the UK’s leading global, high-tech companies. These adjectives may surprise anyone whose knowledge of Jaguar Land Rover, or of the motor industry, has been formed solely by recent – sometimes hysterical – media coverage. This would have given you the impression that I am in charge of some sort of basket case - a company making outdated and unwanted vehicles, desperate for a state hand-out to delay the inevitable. This is a view of our company, and indeed the British motor industry, which seems to be written by people who've been asleep since the 1970s or who live by an ideology that has yet to grasp the implications of the economic situation we face. It is certainly not a picture I recognise or that is supported by the facts. I am very pleased to see that it is not something Business Secretary Lord Mandelson recognises either. What I do recognise is a company which is the UK’s biggest automotive exporter whose sales grew by 30 percent in the last five years. It is a company, too, which is one of the country’s biggest investors in R&D. A company which, in the 18 months before this credit crunch, made a pre-tax profit of over £600m. But it is also one of the many world-class 30 M A G A Z I N E
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manufacturing businesses throughout the UK struggling with the impact of this unprecedented financial crisis. What we have seen – and what we are suffering from – is the result of a massive collective failure of leadership of those who run our financial systems. It goes beyond the banks and their boards to include their auditors, the rating agencies, the regulators and Treasury departments across the globe as well as financial journalists and, yes, ourselves for all failing to take action over a ten year period. We need to make sure this does not happen again without falling into the trap of Sarbanes-Oxley type over-regulation which will stifle any recovery. We have been badly let down but I have confidence in our vehicles and our future. Nor do we seek a bail-out. As Peter said rightly last week, only failed companies seek bail outs. Rather, like the rest of the UK’s industrial base, what we want from the government is simply what we should be getting from those same banks who caused this crisis in the first place. Short term loans or loan guarantees to keep the wheels turning during what is a once-in-acentury economic recession, fixing problems of credit insurance and stimulating consumer demand. Somebody needs to put oil back into the engine.
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Hong Kong, pictured, is China’s largest single investor
Another road to China HONG KONG PUTS FORWARD ITS GATEWAY POTENTIAL. BY ALISTAIR HOUGHTON MERSEYSIDE may be busy cultivating links with Shanghai – but officials from Hong Kong are holding an event in March to remind businesses that their city is also a gateway to China. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council is teaming up with the Chinese city of Jiangmen to hold a seminar to encourage Liverpool businesses to use Hong Kong as a platform for doing business in China. It wants to exploit the already close relationship between the UK and Hong Kong. As well as being a financial, professional and logistics services centre in its own right, Hong Kong is promoting itself as a place where companies can base themselves to push into China and South East Asia. Sarah Wu, director-general of the Hong Kong economic and trade office in London, said: “The emphasis here in Liverpool has been very much on Shanghai because of the relationship between the cities. “But I would like to stress that Hong Kong is China’s largest single 32 M A G A Z I N E
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investor and has been since the opening up of China from 1978. 40% of direct investment in China comes from Hong Kong – over $360bn. “The direct investment from Hong Kong is part of the reason for China’s economic development. “Hong Kong knows China better than many places. They know the problems but they also know the opportunities. There is such a longstanding relationship that can help people reach out, not just to the coastal area, but to other different parts of China. Use us as a gateway. “Working in Hong Kong is also a low-risk risk management strategy. You can find partners or people to work with and try out something in Hong Kong. You can test your market and go to China with greater confidence after doing a reality check before you go. “Over 6,000 Chinese companies have also set up their operations in Hong Kong. Being in Hong Kong is a good way to connect with mainland companies.
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“China in recent years has encouraged and established companies to go global. It’s part of their policy to use Hong Kong as the platform.” Other cities are already using Hong Kong as a base. Coventry Technology Park has created a “soft landing centre” at Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks so West Midlands companies can easily access the Chinese market. Ms Wu said there were particular opportunities for links in the financial and professional services, logistics and shipping sectors. The region is also developing the new West Kowloon Cultural District as a hub for the arts and is looking to expand its creative sector. A delegation from Hong Kong visited Liverpool last year to learn about Capital of Culture and Liverpool’s cultural centres. Hong Kong and Jiangmen: “Your Partners for Success in China” will be held on Thursday, March 5 at the BT Convention Centre. To sign up, e-mail: martin.evans@hktdc.org
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE SPONSORED BY
Yash Khandhia, Managing Director of Applied Computing and Engineering, demonstrates software to Consultant Services Manager Anthony Mosquera
AC&E success in USA SOFTWARE SALES SOAR FROM WEST VIRGINIA BASE A WARRINGTON-BASED virtual software company is reaping the benefits of a real world presence in America it set up three years ago. Robotics software firm Applied Computing and Engineering (AC&E) has doubled its US sales since it established an office in West Virginia. AC&E’s software simulates factory robots, helping engineers in the aeronautical and automotive industries to iron out glitches before they go into production and its programmes test-run robot software for the likes of EADS Spirit Aerosystem and Nissan Motors. AC&E already had a presence in the US after it bought software rights from an American firm, but decided it needed to expand from its Birchwood Science Park headquarters and open an office there. Managing director Yash Khandhia said: “We had people working from
home in San Jose, California, but we did not want a base there because software companies are ten a penny in that part of the world.” The decision to create a base in West Virginia has paid dividends with AC&E now generating £250,000 a year from the North American market.
“We recently won some business in Montreal worth nearly £50,000 which would not have happened had we not had a US office” M A G A Z I N E
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He said: “This has given us a lot of confidence, for example we recently won some business in Montreal worth nearly £50,000 which would not have happened had we not had a US office.” The US office was set up with assistance from UK Trade & Investment's (UKTI) Passport to Export programme. West Virginia has a burgeoning reputation as a technology hub and UKTI was able to use their relationships in the north-eastern American state to help AC&E get off to a successful start. Judith Kyle, UKTI international trade adviser to AC&E, said: “We’re delighted that Yash and his team are succeeding in this very competitive arena. “UKTI’s business is all about making it easier for UK firms to access overseas marketplaces, and AC&E’s experience shows that we have the global contacts and the local knowledge to remove some of the stress from that process.” L I V E R P O O L
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Riding out the Storm It’s always worth remembering that there can be some upsides to a recession. Successful businesses that launched in the 1990s depression include Carphone Warehouse, which is now worth over £1bn despite recent turbulent times. In general, it’s a worrying time for most business, particularly those within the SME sector which have been affected by cash flow problems due to the credit crunch. In the following pages, we examine the funding issues facing small enterprises at this time and whether a recession is the right time to launch a start-up.
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MEXICAN EATERIE’S ON FIRE BOSSES at Mexican fast food firm Barburrito knew they were onto a winner when a steady stream of Merseysiders visiting their Trafford Centre eaterie demanded to know when they would be opening in Liverpool. The interest persuaded founder Morgan Davies to look at possible locations before settling on the current hotspot in the heart of Liverpool One. “There seemed to be a lot of interest and once I came over here I instinctively knew that the Liverpool public was just right for our business. I describe our restaurants as fast-casual with an emphasis on speed, price and healthy eating. “It is also a format I think makes us more or less recession-proof which is why I had no hesitation in opening a new outlet.” In fact, with backing from equity fund Cenkos in Haydock the plan is to open a further 10 restaurants over the next few years. Scouting in key city locations is already taking place. Richard O' Sullivan is the former managing director of Millie's Cookies and the current chairman of Baa Bar. He has now been brought in as chairman of Barburrito with this in mind. He said: “Barburrito will bring a new generation of prompt and healthy food to Liverpool and I believe it is the best in class. We’re equally excited about the location of our new store in Liverpool One. It is an exceptional scheme.” Ian Currie, of Cenkos Fund Managers, said: “Our philosophy is to invest growth capital into businesses and not be reliant upon debt finance. Barburrito is a classic case for our fund, a quality brand and product, with very ambitious management. The time to expand is ideal with quality locations and employees becoming available we are confident that the business will show strong growth and we intend to support it throughout this phase.” 36 M A G A Z I N E
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Dentist fills cavity MATT LAWLER’S GAMBLE ON A NEW BAR VENTURE AFTER SPOTTING GAP IN THE MARKET DENTIST Matt Lawler borrowed a fortune to sink into a city bar business just before the banks pulled the plug on everything. Time will tell whether he was lucky or not to get funding given current circumstances, although the orthodontist remains positively upbeat. He said: “In relation to banks and lending, we know from the experiences of 2008 that even the likes of major property developers working with highly experienced architects and guaranteed end users found it difficult to secure funding. “Therefore, we were fortunate to secure funding when the banks were more accommodating and perhaps that says something about the little bit of luck you need to fulfil your ambitions. Looking back, we got that luck because of the extensive planning process we put in place to make this project happen.
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Matt Lawler (left) with John Ennis “We know from research that it takes six to nine months to break in a new bar brand. I know this myself from going to the Blue Bar in the late 90's. People forget that it took eight months for it to be noticed before it became a household name. “We’ve always intended being a catalyst for the bar industry in Liverpool. As I mentioned yesterday, this is a new concept involving a stylish bar with a live music angle and we are bringing a combined level of hospitality and style of entertainment that has previously only been available in other European capital cities. “As a corollary, I think it’s true in business that the harder you work the luckier you get and we plan to work hard and smart in establishing the Chameleon brand. For example, we’re employing innovative marketing techniques not previously applied to licensed and leisure in this city called Phuse.”
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LDP FEATURE
Ten tips to keep business moving BY GRAHAM GERRARD, DIRECTOR OF GERRARD ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS SERVICES, BIRKENHEAD 1. MANAGE YOUR CASH Cash is the lifeblood of any business and, just like real blood in your body, too much in the business can be as harmful to your business as not having enough. If you have too little cash then you will run into liquidity problems, not being able to pay your bills when they are due, incurring additional expenses such as interest or late charges. But also having too much cash may mean that you are not managing the cash in the business correctly and making it work to your advantage: eg why rent a piece of equipment if you have the cash to buy?
Rather than just receiving the invite by email and turning up, an effort has to be made prior to attending. Obtain a list of the people/companies invited, highlight the people you do not know and would like to do business with, think about what you are going to say to them, make sure you have enough business cards to give them, and then, if the chat went well after the event, follow up with a telephone call.
6. EMPLOY THE CORRECT STAFF Review your current staff and analyse whether they are contributing to the organisation or hindering it. Are they solving problems or creating them?
2. MAKE PLANS If you fail to plan then you plan to fail! There are many plans with different time frames, but importantly you should make a long term, 3 or 5 year plan, paying attention to where you are now, where you want to be and how you are going to get there.
7. UTILISE AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY
3. MEASURE PERFORMANCE
8. BE AWARE OF YOUR COMPETITORS AND BE BETTER
Once the plans are in place you should be able to measure how you are performing against them. The obvious one is making financial budgets and reviewing how the actual results compare. However, there are many performance measures that will make you understand your business better: new/lost customers, staff turnover, on time deliveries, etc.
Your customers will be aware of what your competitors can offer them through the many phone calls, emails, adverts they receive, and you will also need to know this and ensure you can provide a better product or service.
4. BE PREPARED Be aware of the worst that can happen. It is unlikely to occur, but if it does, you will not be surprised and will already have thought about the way to handle it, concentrating on the positive and not dwelling on the negative.
5. NETWORK EFFECTIVELY The clue is in the name network. Many people think that they are carrying out effective networking by turning up to the many after work events where you have a drink and a chat, usually with people that you already know. However, if they sat down and thought about how much new business they get from attending these events, they would realise it is not as effective as they thought.
In today’s world, where technology is capable of performing many tasks, make sure that you are taking advantage of this. Also, when considering new equipment, don’t just buy for today, but think about the future.
9. KEEP YOUR CUSTOMERS HAPPY A happy customer is the best advertisement you can have. Not only will they return to purchase more products and services from you, but they will also act as a sales person by referring other customers to you.
10. KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR PROSPECTS Prospects are those people with whom you have been in contact, but have yet to buy your product or service. You have made the effort of contacting this company/person, made your pitch, however they haven’t bought from you. This may be due to nothing that you have done wrong, rather they are just not ready to buy from you, or anyone else, at this time. Therefore, keep in contact with them through phone, email, newsletter etc., so that when they are ready to buy, you are at the forefront of their mind.
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LDP INTERVIEW
Steve Broomhead, Chief Executive of the North West Development Agency
Peter Mandelson champions northern enterprise
Mandy primes start-up programme BUSINESS Secretary Lord Mandelson has given the go-ahead for a new £35m Business Start Up programme for the North West. It is designed to help savvy risk-takers get new ventures off the ground in difficult times. He said: “This new funding will help entrepreneurs in the North West to get new enterprises off the ground and access the support they need to grow and flourish. “Nurturing and protecting start ups and young businesses through this downturn will lead us into the upturn that will follow.” Over the past two months Lord Mandelson has set out his vision for a new industrial activism and says
GETTING BANKS LENDING AGAIN The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has met with senior regional representatives from the major banks operating in the North West. The meeting was part of the coordinated response by the public sector and the banks to discuss the provision of loans to businesses and how they can work together to support businesses within the North West during the current economic downturn. Vanda Murray, deputy chair of the NWDA Board, said “This was a constructive 38 M A G A Z I N E
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regions have a crucial role. He explained: “The next industrial revolution will, once again, be driven by the regions, just as Britain’s first industrial revolution was. “We need to train, nurture and support the Richard Arkwrights of the future. It won’t be cotton, but it will be bioscience, or green tech, or precision engineering or creative industries. Industrial activism has to be built on precise regional knowledge of what is needed in terms of infrastructure, investment and training.” The Business Start Up programme will be accessed through Business Link Northwest, the region’s business support gateway. Specialist advisers will provide a comprehensive package
first meeting with an honest exchange of views which gave us a good overview of how the banks are responding to the current economic challenges and how we can work together to support businesses in our region.” “We discussed the range of public sector support and what actions can be taken to help the banks to mitigate the current financial crisis in the short term, while examining opportunities to improve business confidence for the region to support the eventual upturn in the economy”.
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of support, advice and training for start-ups and young businesses. The funding for the programme includes £26.6m from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and £8.4m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) − a total of £35m over five years from April 2009. Local authorities can also add to the programme by coming forward with extra funding. The targets for the five year support programme are to: • support 12,700 new businesses • create 22,900 jobs Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the NWDA, said: “The Business Start Up programme aims to encourage and support people with a business idea to gain the necessary expertise to put that idea into practice. We are listening to the established businesses in the region and responding to their needs with a package of business support measures but it is also vital for our future growth that we continue to help and encourage business start ups. “We are fully aware that it is a tough business climate at the moment, but we have a robust and diverse economy and it is important that in 2009 we are developing a business culture of realistic optimism.”
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Changing role for Business Link SUPPORT agency Business Link is finding more of its time devoted to helping firms deal with problems rather than advising start-ups. The current climate is not conducive to new businesses in some cases but it remains important to make sure those existing get help with matters such as cash flow, finance and training. Business Link is also offering free health checks to identify any potential risks and problems. An on-line health check tool is available at www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest/healthcheck or alternatively businesses can contact Business Link Northwest by telephone on 0845 00 66. Peter Watson, managing director at Business Link
Northwest, comments: “No-one could have predicted the scale and impact of the global credit squeeze, and as the economic downturn bites, we fully recognise the need to support small and medium sized businesses by helping them access finance, improve efficiency and maintain their long-term sustainability. “In short, we want to help local businesses plan for the difficult times ahead and ensure that they emerge strong and competitive.” Business Link has also launched an Access to Finance team as a confidential and independent free-to-use service. As the primary source of information about publiclyfunded finance products, Access to Finance has been designed to support businesses to develop funding strategies and enhance their appeal to lenders and investors in both the public and private sector. Manager Gaynor Dykes said: “The availability of finance for businesses in the North West has changed significantly over recent months, with more businesses now seeking alternative sources of finance, rather than traditional providers.”
Jobless turn to franchising FRANCHISING has grown by 15% over the past year due to the credit crunch. More people finding themselves out of work are considering the idea of running their own business as an alternative. The British Franchise Association (BFA), the voluntary governing body for franchises, said it had heard success stories from members across the country, and that franchisers were often defying the credit crunch that has affected almost all sectors of the business world. It said this showed franchising was one of the most successful and resilient business models around. The economic contribution of franchise companies to the UK grew by 15% over the last year, compared to a national growth rate of 3.1%, according to a NatWest/BFA survey, it added. And it said more and more people were starting to see the advantage of running a business under a parent company. National franchise developer, June
CASH FLOW HAMPERING SMALL BUSINESS
Falvey, said the safety net provided by running a franchise could be an attractive offer to people worried by the financial pressure of the credit crunch. She said: “With regards to the credit crunch, perhaps that pushes people to go into franchising because there is less of a risk than with a normal business. That’s certainly what we have been finding. “Luckily the credit crunch hasn’t really affected us. People always need their electricity doing. We’re taking on new people and we have also taken on quite a lot of national big name accounts.” Len Rainford, who runs the Sameday UK delivery business based in Newton le Willows, said: “There has been a lot more interest from people looking into franchising since the economic downturn began. “It can be a positive way of moving into business. In our case, franchisees need to have a suitable vehicle, which can be quite a commitment, so every aspect must be looked at carefully.” M A G A Z I N E
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Business lecturer Alan Southern believes small enterprises are being squeezed by the banks even though they may have healthy order books. The University of Liverpool Management School academic said: “There is a lot of anecdotal evidence, stories we hear, of local small businesses who have relatively healthy order books, but who are being squeezed by the banks. “Banks are reducing or withdrawing overdraft facilities to local small enterprises and this is restricting ability to manage cash flow. I have heard of this on a number of occasions recently and this is a reflection of the continued credit squeeze as banks attempt to build up their own resources base and are not prepared to take any risks. “We won't see the impact from this in official figures for some time but it will impact on business closure and employment locally. The difference this time may be the supply of available finance. “Reports in the past have suggested the supply of finance is not necessarily a problem for starting up, but now it may be different. We should expect to see banks etc. demanding more from those who wish to start up a business in terms of more rigorous business planning and more security behind their intentions. The contraction of available finance from banks is still a key problem.” L I V E R P O O L
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his ith one of w n o s id v a Barrie D
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REAL ALE CAMPAIGNERS BACK LOCAL BREWERS e with th als and iv t s fe r bee ces oing to site.” ff licen rd by g o here on w p e o h s and o t h s b r ing u g u p r o e mor ow fo ce of h are n presen ding as a ic e h r p w s , . ers Word is ngland rie’s be g est of E ing Bar W k ive lon a v t h e t t r r a o o t N is e r look h o t fo d n to ecipe ation in e is kee d t he r h in in e f a reput ls d o e e t r hing ppea tr ying Somet at disa rently h r t u le c . a r is r real s. He Walke popula Tetley lost ale er emise er, the d lk e a he form h t t W with Peter life at s g s ie r t in e e k b r -nin wo remem the mid ctually began ith ol and w o p d r e e a in Liv e work Barrie h y r , t o t a c h ter t h car fa ncy. Af Triump dunda e irral. r f W inded o d in are rem am an h the pa u rks x o e y r d also wo w an s in W , Hazel, rent no council r ing e fe d n if il t d r u a it My p se of b . n s e “It’s a b k s is a r e g you o get ay of th great t methin o ’s s it ’s o ever y d it s ss, hen busine ular y w in the t , partic p u les, bu g in e wobb v a someth h l il e st ing. rong, w love do t me w ewery, e g ’t n arrel br b “Do e . v fi as a a week rets.” known 0 pints 0 is ,5 e 1 s r u no reg so tionho 20 firkin The Sta around g in c u prod
Spokesman for the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), Jonathan Mail explained: “Microbreweries are a growing sector which is very important in introducing new beer styles and there are a number of very successful microbreweries around the country. “People still want choice and diversity and they are looking to the smaller brewers for that. They produce some absolutely fantastic British beers and represent an important part of the future of British brewing. In terms of market share, one to two per cent of the beer being produced in the UK is now by microbreweries. “We at Camra support them as we are trying to push for a more progressive beer duty which will introduce lower rates of excise duty for small brewers. This would help them overcome some of the barriers they face in competing for their share of the market."
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42 Netapp
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
Are you looking for ways your organisation can save time, space an money? Now you can do more with less For many mid-size enterprises managing storage, completing backups and controlling the day-to-day running of IT, makes finding time to implement any new data management solution a difficult task.
We can help.... If you want to find out how, why not join us at one of our informal briefings here at Gardner Systems where we’ll introduce you to NetApp and their technology and how it can help your business save money when deploying a storage infrastructure.
NetApp delivers simplicity with a range of data management systems that means you can: ■ Reduce storage systems by 10:1, making storage easier to use and manage ■ Cut your nightly backup window by 90% or more increasing business uptime ■ Improve storage utilisation by 50% or more, which means less hardware and less cost. ■ Reduce annual power and cooling costs by up to 30% All this from one, unified solution and one leading vendor: NetApp delivering simplicity and value throughout your enterprise. In fact, NetApp guarantee you will use 50% less storage with them, compared to traditional storage solutions, and offer the NetApp 50% Virtualisation Guarantee Programme with this in mind. *
Liverpool Briefing Dates: Thursday, February 26. Thursday, March 19. To register to one of these events please visit our Website at www.gardnersystems.co.uk\netapp to register your attendance and see how your business can start saving money. About Gardner Systems Gardner Systems is a specialist IT Company based on Wavertree Technology Park. Since its formation in 1984, the company has gone on to develop strong relationships with leading global IT companies such as NetApp to allow our customers to take advantage of technology from IT industry leaders. By building close relationships with these influential global players, Gardner Systems is able to bring the wealth of resources available through such multinational companies to local businesses in the North West. www.gardnersystems.co.uk About NetApp NetApp creates innovative storage and data management solutions that accelerate business breakthroughs and deliver outstanding cost efficiency. Discover our passion for helping companies around the world go further, faster at www.netapp.com/uk
For more details of this programme visit : www.netapp.com/uk/soltions/ infrastructure/virtualization/ guarantee-uk.html
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Emissions from a Freelander could be halved using Origo’s technology
Turning fumes into fuel BY BARRY TURNBULL IAN Houston is starting to make a name for himself in the hyped-up world of green technologies. And it's no surprise when you consider his claim to have developed technology that can cut vehicle carbon emissions by 50% and recyle the waste back into biodiesel. Not only that, he predicts the emerging applications for his process will result in the first 100mpg production car. The first trials of his Ecobox are taking place on 11 Tesco homedelivery vehicles. The former military man, who formed Origo Industries, has been busying himself at his office at Daresbury Laboratory's science and innovation campus, working on different applications for his revolutionary technology. The germ of an idea began because he couldn't understand how the automotive industry spends billions on research but seems unable to dramatically slash carbon fumes. He 44 M A G A Z I N E
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explained: “I spoke to a number of industry people but everyone seemed to think what I had in mind wouldn’t work so I developed a device to capture emissions from the exhaust and tried it out on my own Mitsubishi Shogun. The result was to slash emissions by 50% at a stroke.” After developing the EcoBox to catch and store CO2, he then moved onto what to do with the resultant emissions. The self-taught chemical engineer first hit on the idea of using algae to eat carbon dioxide when developing an idea for an organic fish farm. “We were trying to get the algae to grow faster,” he says. “We were trying to figure out ways to capture carbon to feed the algae. Why not get the carbon from the exhaust of a car?” After feeding the algae, a bioreactor is used to produce a soup that can then be turned into biodiesel to fuel cars. The principles apply in many ways: homeowners could capture carbon to be recycled into power to heat their home.
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Commercial launch of the products is expected soon, but the idea of allowing people to both use and potentially profit from their own personal emissions looks like it will appeal. However, Houston was sceptical about government support: “Gordon Brown said that the green tech industry would be worth billions but the problem being that government bodies are the hardest route to funding. They are forcing these innovators to leave British shores and the UK could lose a massive chunk of technology.”
HOW IT WORKS The system, which Houston calls the ‘Ecobox’, uses secret ingredients to act as a catalyst and draw the CO2 out of the air and holds it. It creates a space with a lot of surface area that emissions pass through. The CO2 can be flushed out using heat, fluid, or gas. Then it’s fed to algae in a bioreactor to make oil which can then brewed to produce biodiesel.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Every breath you take... saves the planet LIVERPOOL John Lennon Airport is the world’s first airport to trial Origo’s new machine that converts carbon emissions into biofuel. The pioneering Ecobox located on the roof of the terminal will be able to capture CO2 exhaled by passengers for recycling into fuel to be used in the airport’s diesel vehicles and heating system. “Liverpool John Lennon is
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is capturing CO2 to turn it into fuel
committed to being at the forefront of technology and to reducing the environmental impact of air travel wherever practical,” said Andrew Dutton, the airport’s head of environment. “We are extremely interested in both current and potential future technical options and initiatives that could help to mitigate our environmental impact. Origo’s M A G A Z I N E
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carbon capture and recycling technology is potentially a huge step in the right direction for the airport and the environment.” The two companies hope that in the future they may be able to work together to produce aviation-grade biofuel from the process and to install more Ecoboxes to capture atmospheric carbon outside of the terminal. L I V E R P O O L
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Intelligent application protection for Microsoft solutions Situation
Microsoft System Centre Data Protection Manager (DPM)
The protection of IT applications and solutions is a key consideration as new projects are deployed in computing environments, but What about data? For many of these projects the answer for data protection has been the same for years- “take a backup and store the information on Tape media.” Paul Stringfellow, of local IT Solution provider Gardner Systems says, “This approach was suitable when the IT systems played a supporting role to business needs and when IT systems were not business critical, but this approach now does not meet the current urgent needs of users to have access to their data. In today’s world, time is money, and ´time to data` is an essential criterion in the design and selection of the system, software and peripherals. The use of tape backup, though seemingly efficient, actually takes too long to restore data and therefore negatively impacts the business.” “The leaders in the businesses we talk to are becoming increasingly aware that their IT must meet increasingly aggressive recovery point and recovery time objectives to allow the business to continue to function and meet their customers’ demands, in the event of an IT service issue” Paul continued. These Issues manifest themselves in many ways; • Missed deadlines or business impacted by poor access to backed up data • Lost data due to poor processes (backup not started/ failed) or media problems • Business impact as Backup runs (applications; slow or no service) • Complex inter departmental co-ordination required to restore data • Limited specialist expertise available to restore data • Excessive high cost resources consumed (storage, Network) • Virtualised environment complexity
DPM puts a new focus on the application protection topic; the focus of DPM is the rapid recovery of information by those who need the protected data. Using advanced technology, DPM provides continuous application availability while minimising the IT Storage and Network resources consumed. DPM protected data is organised for specific fast granular recovery - from yesterday, last month or even over a period of many years. When linked to the intuitive wizard based interface and the simple value licensing model, the DPM solution becomes a compelling proposition to compliment or augment existing data protection tools.
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DPM Benefits 1. Unmatched Exchange, SQL Server, SharePoint and Virtualised System Support 2. Near Zero data loss for transactional systems 3. Rapid Granular recovery of information in minutes not hours 4. Elimination of “Backup Window” loss of service 5. Advanced Data filtering technology 6. Enable consolidated protection using central assets and processes 7. Low cost simple licensing model
Want To Find Out How DPM Can Help Your Business Then join Gardner Systems and Microsoft in March at our Wavertree headquarters to learn more about how DPM can support your business, for more details and to register visit www.gardnersystems.co.uk/microsoft
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
Reyling on your infrastructure THE PLATFORM that you chose to run your business on is a critical decision that customers take very seriously. Infrastructure is rarely seen as “sexy” but a modern, well managed infrastructure can reduce the costs of running your business, improve your security and help you deploy applications that allow your business to survive and grow in today’s climate.
• A platform that provides a more secure and reliable IT infrastructure, to help organisations meet project objectives on time and within budget, allowing staff to focus on priorities important to the company. Windows Server 2008 focuses on improving and reducing the cost of four key areas of customers’ infrastructure: 1. Virtualisation With its built-in server virtualisation technology Windows Server 2008 enables organisations to reduce costs, increase hardware utilisation, optimise their infrastructure and improve server availability through server consolidation 2. Web Windows Server 2008 is a powerful web application and services platform that provides organisations with the ability to deliver rich web-based experiences efficiently and effectively. With improved administration and diagnostics, better development and application tools, as well as lower infrastructure costs. 3. Security
Paul Stringfellow, of local IT Solution provider Gardner Systems says, “We see many customers running old versions of key infrastructure products in the belief that they are good enough, but when they review the real cost of running on old platforms, it’s usually much higher than the cost of the upgrade. Not only that, they often ignore the fact that their old infrastructure is stopping them growing by restricting the ability to deploy and manage the new applications they need to drive their businesses forward”. 70% of servers in the UK run Microsoft Windows Server® and the latest version, Windows Server 2008 have gained critical acclaim and a huge number of happy customers due to its focus on reducing the cost of IT infrastructure. Windows Server 2008 provides: • A rock-solid server foundation that is secure, manageable, responsive, interoperable and compatible • A platform that supports rapid development and delivery of smart and connected applications • Agility to increase operational efficiency and IT effectiveness • Improved branch office management and enhanced end-user collaboration
Windows Server 2008 is the most secure Windows Server ever. Its hardened operating system and security innovations, including Network Access Protection, Federated Rights Management and Read-Only Domain Controller, provide unprecedented levels of protection for an organisations’ data. 4. Solid foundation for Business Workloads Windows Server 2008 is the most flexible and robust Windows Server operating system to date. With new technologies and features such as Server Core, PowerShell, Windows Deployment Services, enhanced networking and clustering technologies, provides you with the most versatile and reliable Windows platform for all your workload and application requirements. Want To Find Out How Server 2008 Can Help Your Business Join Gardner Systems and Microsoft in March at our Wavertree headquarters to learn more about how Windows Server 2008 can reduce the cost of running your infrastructure. For more details and to register visit
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48 Gardner Systems
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
IT Company brings global players to Mersey businesses GARDNER Systems is a specialist IT company based on Wavertree Technology Park. Since its formation in 1984, the company has gone on from there to develop a very strong collaboration model with multi-nationals, including IBM, NetApp, Microsoft and Sage. By building close connections with these influential global players, Gardner Systems is able to bring the wealth of resources available through such multinational companies to local businesses in the North West. The demands of the local client base are constantly moving and evolving, but Gardner Systems is now able to offer briefings, not only for technical specialists, but also for business leaders and entrepreneurs who want to understand the new opportunities they can exploit. Chief executive of Gardner Systems, Frank Coward, explains that his company has been successful in taking the cutting
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edge solutions developed by firms like IBM, NetApp, Microsoft and Sage at a global level and delivering them to Merseyside for local businesses to take advantage. In the past, the ‘trickle-through’ effect has sometimes been slow or difficult. Gardner Systems has been working alongside these global companies to ensure a worldwide release is swiftly followed by roll-out to Merseyside businesses. Throughout 2009, Gardner Systems is hosting business and technical seminars on Merseyside to present the community with a real opportunity to meet with key technology companies and understand how they can be assisted by them. Frank believes his company supplies a service which can help the local business community get a head-start on the rest of the UK. As he explains: “It’s a service that’s there, if you want to take advantage. Last
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year’s Capital of Culture is a good analogy. People agree it was great for the region, but how many people failed to attend a single event? “In a similar way, the business opportunity is there, but people need to engage with it. Our aim is to give Merseyside companies a “step change” advantage, out-compete rivals and grow their economic base in advance of UK or regional expectations.” So, with maritime and other key sectors agreeing to an early adoption policy for leading companies, smaller companies will have the opportunity to follow suit, gaining a competitive advantage and strengthening their existing supply-chain mechanisms. For more information visit: www.gardnersystems.co.uk, call 0151 220 5552 or contact Frank at CEO@gardsys.co.uk.
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ADDING UP THE SUMS LDP Business puts the spotlight on Liverpool’s top corporate accountants
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CITY’S TOP ACCOUNTANTS
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PAULA MCGRATH, PKF
SIMON RYAN, PKF
Paula McGrath is a partner and head of PKF’s corporate finance team in Liverpool. She offers extensive expertise in lead advisory and private equity work. Her significant experience spans a number of sectors and covers all aspects of M&A activity, including disposals, acquisitions, MBOs, MBIs and fundraising. Ms McGrath’s recent high profile deals include the £15m disposal of Lacy Roofing and the £4m MBO of the Bootle-based International Safety Products.
Since his appointment to PKF’s Liverpool team in July 2008, senior corporate finance manager Simon Ryan has been responsible for major transactional work including the £16m flotation of Australian corporation Paycorp on London’s Plus Exchange. His extensive experience of Alternative Investment Market and public sector clients, combined with a background in due diligence, means Mr Ryan is a key asset to PKF’s corporate finance team based in Liverpool.
IAN GOALEN, KPMG
STEPHEN HUNTER, KPMG
Ian is senior partner at the Liverpool office and works with businesses across Merseyside providing them with the advice and help they need to grow, whether through acquisition or organically. An audit partner at KPMG for the last 17 years, he has a wealth of experience of working with major corporate clients across the North West including Allied Bakeries, Park Group, Lonrho and TJ Hughes.
Stephen Hunter is head of tax for KPMG in Merseyside and Lancashire. With a career spanning 30 years at the firm – 18 as partner – he has experience across the tax spectrum, from personal tax through to corporate and VAT. Mr Hunter also heads up KPMG's travel, leisure and tourism practice for the north, acting for companies such as Haulfryn and Chester Race Company among many others.
BRIAN CLARK, PwC
PAUL CHRISTIAN, PwC
Brian Clark is senior partner for the firm in Liverpool and 2009 will mark his 25th anniversary with PwC. He specialises in advising family owned, publicly listed and private equity backed clients about corporation tax matters. Mr Clark has many high profile clients in the Merseyside area including Johnson Service Group, Bibby Line Group, Sportech, Park Group, Stanley International and Liverpool University. His recent deals include Sportech’s acquisition of Vernons Pools.
Paul Christian has lived and worked in Merseyside for most of the 28 years he has spent with PwC, where he is assurance leader and director. He works mainly as auditor to companies who are private equity backed, private family owned or whose parent company is based overseas. Mr Christian has worked with many of the leading companies in the region and, in particular, advised Stanley Leisure through a period of significant change.
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experienced people count in Merseyside The chances are you've been in business long enough to take the rough with the smooth – you've experienced the ups and downs and have the wisdom to know that everything in business is cyclical. Our team of partners, directors and managers has a wealth of experience to share with you to keep your business on track. We look after your business interests so that you can confidently concentrate on running your business.
Contact our Liverpool partners: Richard Burrows, Dave Nicholls, Pam Dawes and Kevin Simmons to find out how Chadwick's experienced people can count for you. liverpool@chadwickllp.co.uk
Liverpool: 0151 236 6262 Manchester: 0161 832 6088 www.chadwickllp.co.uk
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CITY’S TOP ACCOUNTANTS
SEAN BEECH, DELOITTE Sean Beech was appointed partner in charge at Deloitte’s 70-strong Liverpool office in 2008, having been tax partner at the same office for 10 years. He currently advises Everton Football Club, Beetham, Redrow and Warburtons and leads the firm’s North West real estate team. Mr Beech has also worked closely with Peel over the years on its expansion in Merseyside and looks forward to helping them deliver their ambitious plans over the coming decades.
JANE CLARK, DELOITTE Audit partner Jane Clark joined Deloitte from Arthur Andersen in 2002. At the age of 31 she became one of the firm’s youngest female partners and now heads up the Liverpool audit practice, advising high profile clients such as United Utilities, Japan Tobacco, APlant, Brother and Total Fitness. Despite being a Liverpool FC season ticket holder, Ms Clark has played for Manchester City ladies team in the FA Women’s Premier League for 12 years.
HOWARD HACKNEY, HOWARD HACKNEY LLP Howard Hackney was with Grant Thornton for more than 30 years and has established himself as one of the best known names and faces on the Merseyside accountancy scene. Now he has set up his own boutique practice offering strategic and business advice to a range of businesses. He will continue to offer advice to some Grant Thornton clients. He said: “At this stage of my career I prefer to have the freedom to work in a broaderbased way and it’s much easier to do that as an independent.
PAUL MCGERTY, MITCHELL CHARLESWORTH Paul McGerty is a corporate finance associate who joined Mitchell Charlesworth in 1998 after attaining a BSc Honours degree in economics. Having qualified as a chartered accountant in 2000, he acts for companies and businesses of all shapes and sizes, from small turnover operations to groups with more than 100 staff and turnovers in excess of £100m.
BOB GORE, MITCHELL CHARLESWORTH Bob Gore is a corporate finance partner with more than 20 years experience, including positions as finance director and general management at major subsidiaries of listed companies. He has a strong reputation for helping owner-managed and familyrun businesses across the North West. He specialises in mergers and acquisitions, business disposals, management buy-out and buy-ins, valuations, fundraising and strategic advice, advising on deals of up to £20m.
Claire Jackson is managing partner of the practice that until recently was known as Hurst (Liverpool). She joined from Grant Thornton in 1999, becoming managing partner in 2006. She has spearheaded the firm’s growth, quadrupling recurring fee income during the last two years. She has also been heavily involved in local regeneration and is a member of the both the Liverpool City Growth Board and the Liverpool Commercial District Partnership.
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Barry Flynn, Ernst & Young Liverpool office’s senior partner, began his accountancy career at the firm in Liverpool in 1979 and returned to the city as senior partner in 1999. With 15 years experience as an auditor, he works with fast growth businesses from private equity backed and Alternative Investment Market firms to FTSE-250 companies guiding them through transactions and restructuring.
GARY NICHOLSON, ERNST & YOUNG
CLAIRE JACKSON, JACKSON UK
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Gary Nicholson is a transactions partner at Ernst & Young. He advises local businesses about acquisitions, divestments and business forecasting. Mr Nicholson and his team have advised local companies including Bibby Line, Speedy Hire, Vistorm Holdings and Latitude Group. Born in New Zealand, he previously led Ernst & Young’s transaction support practice in South Australia.
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CITY’S TOP ACCOUNTANTS LES STANIFORTH, DUNCAN SHEARD GLASS
JEAN ELLIS, DUNCAN SHEARD GLASS
Les Staniforth is Duncan Sheard Glass’s corporate finance partner. He joined DSG more than 20 years ago having worked previously at Union International. With over 25 years experience, he has extensive knowledge and practice of negotiating the restructuring of owner-managed businesses. Mr Staniforth has advised on deals worth over £30m including a £17m global software supplier.
NEIL STURMEY, GRANT THORNTON
ANGHARAD DAVIES, GRANT THORNTON
Since taking over as managing partner in July 2007, Neil Sturmey has overseen a changing of the guard at the Liverpool office, introducing a younger team and adding to the firm’s already substantial client base. Recent local milestones include deciding to both recommit to and take more space at the Royal Liver Building plus winning the audit contract for the Arena and Convention Centre, Liverpool.
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Jean Ellis started her career with Duncan Sheard Glass, where she completed her training in 1993. She is a chartered accountant, chartered tax advisor and insolvency practitioner and works closely with the firm's owner-managed clients. She spent four years in industry as a group financial controller for an international listed company before she rejoined DSG in 2004.
Angharad Davies is a familiar face in Liverpool’s networking scene and, as a founding member of the Grant Thornton entrepreneurial advisory team, well known to many of the region’s businesses. She joined the firm in 2001 and became group manager of the entrepreneurial advisory team in 2008. Haz, as she is known by colleagues, has advised on a number of local transactions.
DAVE NICHOLLS, CHADWICK
KEVIN SIMMONS, CHADWICK
Advising on acquisitions and MBOs links well with Dave Nicholls’ other role heading up Chadwick’s management accounts department. His compliance service enables new management teams to concentrate on trading in the crucial post-deal period. Mr Nicholls has a varied client portfolio including heavy metal legends Iron Maiden. He is a keen cricketer and is married to teacher, Alison.
Having worked in Liverpool and Manchester for over 20 years, Kevin Simmons is a corporate finance specialist and was one of the first in the North West to be awarded the Institute of Chartered Accountants Corporate Finance designation. He has conducted over 200 financial due diligence assignments. Mr Simmons is mastering the art of the long distance relationship, as his wife is studying in Egypt.
ANDREW BAKER, BAKER TILLY
ANDY LLOYD, BAKER TILLY
Andrew Baker has been the partner in charge of Baker Tilly’s Liverpool office since 2000. During this time he’s been responsible for developing the practice, while heading up the firm’s audit practice across northern England and Scotland. Mr Baker, who sits on Baker Tilly’s national audit faculty board, has a wealth of expertise advising fast-growth businesses.
Tax partner Andy Lloyd joined Baker Tilly, Liverpool in 1996 . A member of the firm’s specialist national corporate tax group, Mr Lloyd provides commercial tax advice to local businesses, ranging from international and re-structuring advice to remuneration and exit planning. Over the last few years, he has become increasingly involved in assisting property owners.
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COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
Regeneration of
New Brighton
Comm ercial property AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SECTOR ENCOMPASSING OFFICE, INDUSTRIAL AND RETAIL
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New-look New Brighton
When lions stalked New Brighton RESORT WAS ONCE INCREDIBLE ATTRACTION BY BARRY TURNBULL MERSEYSIDE has been the home of some weird and wacky development ideas down the years. Remember the giant tower at Otterspool which was to feature a 30 floor Disney theme park as well as an opera hall in the sky? Or how about the landing pad for rocket ships at Herculaneum Dock? This sort of thing is not new though. Take New Brighton. More than 100 years ago some bright sparks came up with such crazy ideas as the country’s biggest tower, a platform on the Mersey to enable 1,000 couples to dance at once, a
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theme park with rapid water rides, a tightrope walk and lions. Not forgetting Japanese gardens, the world’s biggest ballroom, a theatre seating 3,500, an ice rink and a cycle track. Guess what? It all came to pass. Now New Brighton is attempting a fresh make-over to revive its ailing fortunes, but on a less ambitious scale. The first phase, demolition and rebuilding of the Floral Pavilion, has been successfully completed and wellreceived and now phase two of the £42m blueprint is on the verge of getting
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underway after eight years of debates, revised plans and protests. Neptune Deveopments is confident of securing bank funding soon after announcing a number of key commercial occupants. However, the residential element has been shelved after a number of reservations were withdrawn due to the prevailing economic situation. Other aspects of the scheme are all on track including an open air pool, health spa, café bars, cinema and hotel. The entire development is being
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anchored by a Morrisons supemarket, although it will now not be built on the marine lake as originally proposed. Rob Mason, development director of Neptune Developments, said: “There have been a few false dawns for New Brighton. Some years ago, there was a plan for a giant water park, which was to be carried out by the Japanese, but that fell through when the Asian market hit some problems. “After that, Wirral Council approached us and asked for some ideas. As everyone knows, our original plans went to an inquiry which was lost, so we had to rethink. “The development of the Floral Hall has been successful and we have had lots of positive feedback about the current plans.” Morrisons is about to be joined by Premier Inn hotels and The Light – the UK’s first digital cinema operator. The cinema will have seven screens and 1,100 seats. Digital operations, rather than
Morrisons store will anchor the development
The UK’s first digital cinema
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projections, can be much more flexible and offer sporting and cultural events. The Light, run by Australian businessman John Sullivan, will provide higher-quality viewing, greater flexibility in what movies can be shown, a wider range of catering, including healthy options, and an eco-friendly setting. In addition, a 60 bed hotel will be located at first floor level of the development. Attracting a major hotel chain would have been impossible just a couple of years ago. Mr Mason added: “We are confident 70% of available space will be signed up so funding, we hope, should not be a problem. “Work is out to tender and, if things go as anticipated, we are looking at a start in June. “I think the completion of the Floral Hall has persuaded a lot of people the idea of New Brighton being regenerated is not just a dream.” The Northwest Development Agency is also considering providing £2.75m for public realm works. The view from Fort Perch
The new outdoor pool
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Business district shifts focus BUT TRADITIONAL OFFICE LOCATIONS STILL HAVE PLENTY TO OFFER OVER the past few years Liverpool city centre has seen the creation of a new central business district. The traditional core in postcodes L1 and L2 has been superceded by L3 around Old Hall Street where there has been new development and upgrading of existing facilities. The resulting migration of leading names like Hill Dickinson and HBoS from places like Castle Street has left a headache in terms of what to do with the properties left behind. In many cases owners have had to refurbish and upgrade to attract new occupiers − no bad thing. Take 34/36 Castle Street. HBoS has relocated to St Paul’s Square in Old Hall Street, leaving behind a landmark Grade II listed property. It’s now on the market for £1.2m and described as boasting high quality accommodation covering
Former HBoS building in Castle Street
10,991 sq ft of space. Brian Ricketts, partner at Hitchcock, Wright & Partners said: “The sale of 34/36 Castle Street provides a unique opportunity for an owner occupier to use as a headquarters or an investor seeking to build on the existing tenant list and income of £18,000 per annum. “The subject property is one of the most attractive and recognisable office buildings in the area. The freehold interest is available at an asking figure of more than £1m.” The handsome building is of classical sandstone design and occupies a prominent corner block at the junction of Castle Street and Brunswick Street. With ornate turreted features and marble relief at the ground floor level, 34/36 Castle is one of the most recognisable buildings in the area.
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“The sale of 34/36 Castle Street provides a unique opportunity for an owner occupier to use as a headquarters”
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Spruce up for town hall LIVERPOOL-BASED architect Austin-Smith:Lord has unveiled a multi-million pound new look for Runcorn Town Hall. The firm has completed a £3m refurbishment project which has created a fresh environment. The setting of the original Grade II listed villa, which accommodates the council chamber and committee rooms, has been improved by replacing a single storey link to the 1960s office block with a double-height glass box which forms the new entrance. Photovoltaic cells have also been fitted to the roof of the building to enable it to generate its own electricity. Austin-Smith:Lord worked closely with English Heritage on the project to ensure the work was carried out according to best conservation practice. Mike Yates, a director at Austin-Smith:Lord, said: “This is an important building, both historically and in the life of the borough, so our aim was to recreate an enduring, sustainable town hall in a building that reflects the civic pride of the borough. Runcorn Town Hall was originally built as a family home in the 1850s and was acquired by Halton Borough Council in the 1930s. The council office building was constructed in 1960s and is home to 200 employees.
Part of Runcorn Town Hall
Credit crunching short term lease A PROMINENT Liverpool headquarters office building − Strand House – has come to the market on a flexible temporary short term lease. Located close to the city’s historic waterfront, it is situated within a few minutes walk of Liverpool’s business district and offers a total of 20,991 sq ft of office space over three floors that is available on flexible, temporary terms from as little as three to six months and up to 12 months. Strand House has 30 on site secure car parking spaces at ground floor level and adjoins two car parks adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Law Courts. Brian Ricketts, partner at sole letting agents Hitchcock, Wright & Partners commented: “Our clients are looking to redevelop the site in due course, hence the reason for the short term availability. Nevertheless, we see the building as a tremendous opportunity for business that, in the current financial climate, may not want the commitment of a long term and are looking for flexible terms on premises in a highly desirable location in the city centre.” Easily accessible by car, rail and foot from the city centre and with James Street railway station located nearby, Strand House offers access to all Merseyrail, mainline and transport networks.
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Strand House
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industrial unit - for sale/to let 23,991 sq ft
wellington employment park south phase 3, liverpool LFIVE is a self-contained unit providing 23,991 sq ft of industrial space incorporating first floor offices extending to 3,464 sq ft.
The unit is in an excellent position in terms of local and national road and motorway networks, and is 2 miles to the North of Liverpool City Centre.
To find out more visit: www.langtreegroupplc.co.uk/lfive
For enquiries contact:
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EVERY LITTLE HELPS Property group Downing has completed the deal to bring a 4,000 sq ft Tesco Express store to The Capital, Liverpool’s largest office building. The store will front Old Hall Street. Downing has also unveiled the new-look 80-seat café, which will become the focal point of the building’s atrium, and is in advanced talks with an operator for the facility. Robin Ellis, senior agency surveyor at Downing, said: “Attracting a retailer of Tesco’s pedigree is another milestone in the transformation of The Capital.
South Sefton Investment Centre
Eco building to stimulate regeneration A LANDMARK building in Sefton has been created to stimulate regeneration and attract innovative start-up businesses. The South Sefton Investment Centre in Bootle features enough incubator space for 18 fledgling companies. Any rental revenue from tenants will be ploughed back into projects to help the
MERSEYTRAVEL TO SPEND MILLIONS ON NEW OFFICES Merseytravel has signed up to Liverpool’s biggest office deal for many years. The transport authority has agreed to take 140,000 sq ft of space at Mann Island at a headline rental rate of £20.50, costing more than £2.5m a year. The lease is for 30 years and represents a stunning success for Neptune Developments given prevailing market conditions. The 11-storey development was selected after a two year search for a new headquarters. Merseytravel intends to move staff from four separate offices into the city centre building in two years. The £135m Mann Island scheme also includes two triangular granite buildings made up of 376 apartments, shops and leisure facilities.
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Mann Island offices
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local economy. Regeneration agency South Sefton Development Trust is managing the £6m building and is responsible for reinvesting any surplus revenue. The organisation is best known for making sure Antony Gormley’s Iron Men statues remained on Crosby beach.
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COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MORE FLATS TO SWAMP CITY Developers plan to flood Liverpool’s ailing city centre property market with more than 700 new apartments. Parties behind two ambitious waterfront projects said they were close to resolving outstanding financial issues and were expecting to proceed. The nation’s highest residential skyscraper, King Edward Tower, and New World Square at the Pier Head will cost a combined £260m and add a further 774 apartments. Both projects have been on the drawing-board for some time, but plans to start work last year were thwarted by a number of factors including bank lending. But now both sets of developers claim they hope to progress the schemes this year. King Edward Tower, a joint venture between Y1 and Richmont, is a 54-storey giant overlooking Princes Dock. New World Square at Princes Dock features luxury flats, a 182 room hotel, an underground carpark accomodating 401 cars over three levels as well as a wide range of retail outlets, restaurants and leisure facilities on the ground floor. The developer is Lead Asset Strategies.
AZTEC WINS HOUSING CONTRACT
Concourse House being demolished
Concourse conquered THE eyesore Lime Street concourse building has come crashing down courtesy of the bulldozers. Meanwhile improvements to the area being delivered by the Lime Street Gateway project is set to receive just over £2.4m from the Northwest European Regional Development Fund 2007-13, one of the first Merseyside investments from the fund to be approved. The Northwest Regional Development Agency is also providing a separate investment of £3m, of which just over £2m will be allocated for public realm improvements around the station with £906,000 going towards the Highways Scheme, involving the demolition of Concourse House and the row of shops that cover the main entrance to the station.
La Machine’s spider on Concourse House in 2008
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Liverpool based Aztec Interiors has won a six-figure contract to fit-out the new headquarters of One Vision Housing at the mixed-use Atlantic Park development on Dunnings Bridge Road, Sefton. Aztec, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in December 2008, secured the contract from a shortlist of five and will undertake a fast track eight week fit-out programme at the building. Aztec will deliver a high specification fit-out to the first and second floors of the three storey building to create a stunning new environment blending form with function to achieve style, flexibility and practicality. The 11,000 sq ft second floor will incorporate a boardroom with a sophisticated audio visual system for presentations, meeting rooms, individual offices and open-plan office space. A similar high specification fit-out will be delivered to the 11,000 sq ft first floor to create a 24 hour CCTV central security room to monitor activity within OVH housing areas, open plan office space, a call centre, break out area, and touch down zones.
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New hotel for Renshaw Street
Hotels at the double RAPID PLEDGES TO MOVE OUT INTERNATIONAL hotel group Millennium & Copthorne has signed up to create two new venues in Liverpool’s Central Village development. The hotels will be at the heart of the £160m joint venture between Merepark and Ballymore involving the Watson Building and the former Rapid Hardware paintstore. Both locations will be aimed at corporate and leisure customers and will feature conference facilities and function space, a gym/spa, bars and restaurants for both residents and public use and car parking. Both hotels are scheduled to open in 2012 and create more than 200 new jobs in the city.
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Richard Peel, director of Merepark, said the deals represented a further £50m in investment: “This is clearly not only a significant milestone for the Central Village project, but also for Liverpool’s growing reputation as a world class tourist destination.” However, talks between the developer and retailer Rapid Hardware about acquiring further property have fallen through. Rapid has now put its remaining portfolio of stores in Renshaw Street on the market as it prepares to move into the former George Henry Lee building in Church Street. The switch will go ahead even if a sale is not immediately negotiated.
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The Quarter
Quarter back on track BUILDING work is back underway at The Quarter, a £100m development halted by legal wrangles last year. The joint venture between Vermont Capitol and Ethel Austin Properties involves the creation of apartments and hotels with retail and leisure space to follow. A 173 bedroom Ramada Plaza Hotel will be the centrepiece of the scheme and the hotel will also manage 66 apartments in a 22 storey tower. Insolvency practitioners Wilkins Kennedy moved in to freeze all of Vermont's bank accounts after a residential scheme in Salford and a commercial project in Liverpool city centre collapsed in August. Chief executive Mark Connor was forced to prove that The Quarter was an entirely independent venture from the collapsed schemes.
Vermont argued that Sefton Street is owned by an independent company, Sefton Street Developments, a joint venture with Ethel Austin Properties. The collapsed Vermont businesses were placed in administration following a decision by Vermont's joint venture investor, Downing Finance, to pull the plug in the face of poor flat sales. Mr Connor said: “It came as a bolt from the blue when we found our bank accounts frozen when Downing called in the administrators. There had been no warning that it was going to happen. “We knew The Quarter was insulated because Downing were not involved, but we had to go through the paperwork to prove to the administrator that it was an entirely separate business.” Vermont Capitol will now deliver the rest of the project over the next two years.
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HOW GREEN IS MY BUSINESS SPONSORED BY
Aqualogic hopes to be flush with success RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEMS TO EASE FLOODING BY TONY MCDONOUGH A WIRRAL firm is working with Welsh Water on an £800,000 strategy to reduce flooding and water consumption. Aqualogic, which manufactures water efficiency equipment, is working with environmental engineering firm MWH and Welsh Water to produce affordable wallmounted rainwater harvesting systems that can be fitted to homes. It is designing, testing and manufacturing a series of prototypes at its Wirral base. The first of the prototypes has been installed at Cilfynydd sewage treatment works and educational centre in South Wales. The low cost, low tech rainwater harvesting system under development will reduce the amount of rainwater entering the sewage system, helping to reduce water consumption and downstream flooding. The water collected will initially be used only for toilet flushing, but this may be extended for garden watering and other external uses that don’t require water of drinking quality. Aqualogic director Ben Rice said: “For the first four weeks of installation the equipment will be monitored to see how much rainwater it can harvest, with observations made as to the level of contaminants in the collected water. “After this period the system will be plumbed into a WC along with potable (drinking) water to enable it to be used to flush toilets. “The system will then be monitored to measure how it reduces water use, however there are technical hurdles to overcome relating to water regulation and water hygiene prior to use outside our controlled 68 M A G A Z I N E
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environments.” The initiative is part of an £800,000 surface water management strategy that aims to reduce the amount of surface water flows that enter the sewers in Wales. The lessons learned from the initial trial will be used to inform a larger scale trial. Work is also being undertaken with the Centre for Research into Environment and Health at Aberystwyth University to ensure that any potential public health issues associated with this system are fully explored.
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Ben Rice from Aqualogic with a water saving device.
MERSEYSIDE COMPANIES HAVE GREEN PLANS TO PRINT MONEY FIRMS HAVE WAY OF SAVING MONEY - AND THE PLANET WITHOUT LEAVING THE OFFICE There was a furore recently when it was declared that two Google searches generated carbon emissions which were the equivalent of boiling a kettle. There were two problems with the comparison – the internet giant strongly refuted the findings, claiming that a typical search generated 0.2g of carbon dioxide and not 7g as initially reported, and a kettle can’t find information at the click of a button. But what the episode did show was the extent of the interest in the environmental consequences of office life. Two companies that are seeking to tap into that market are Liverpool-based Redwood Press and Print Green and Save in Heswall. Redwood is an ethical printer that uses specialist flatbed technology which gives a long lasting and unique finish on materials such as wood, perspex and metal.
Set up by Jonathan Aindow and Claire Lewins, the business provides a range of print services using ethically-sourced paper and materials and its client list includes Alliance & Leicester, the NHS and Langtree. Redwood’s managing director Jon Aindow said: “As standard we use paper which comes from sustainable forests which carry accreditations from the FSC and PEFC which support the responsible management of the world’s forests. In addition, all customers have the option to print on recycled paper which normally incurs quite a substantial additional cost but which we offer at just a slightly increased price.” Print Green and Save has developed software that reduces the amount of toner used without affecting the print quality. It also allows firms to track and monitor every print job, and apply print policy enforcement M A G A Z I N E
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Claire Lewins and Jon Aindow, of Redwood Press in Aintree
and privileges. John McDonald, sales director of Print Green and Save, said: “It is innovative, saves money quickly, saves the planet and eliminates the health risk with laser printers. “Our Print Green and Save software offers an innovative solution for organisations to reduce the consumption of toner, ink and paper by between 30% and 50%.” L I V E R P O O L
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Improve your recycling efficiency B&M Waste Services Ltd, specialise in mobile compaction waste collection services for business organisations. Since entering the market in the year 1999 they have built up an impressive reputation for delivering reliable and efficient waste collection services. It has been their commitment to recycling that has persuaded most of their current clients to switch to them, but it is B&M’s reliability and efficiency that has kept them as loyal customers. They run an extensive fleet of both Trade and Front End Loading (FEL) vehicles from their Manchester and Wirral depots which service the full spectrum of businesses throughout the North West. They have supplemented their general waste collection fleet with dedicated cardboard, paper and glass collection vehicles to ensure that they can satisfy their customer’s diverse
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recycling requirements. There is not a business sector they do not provide waste management and recycling services for.
Typical examples of which include: TRADE
Shopping Centres, Hotels, Markets, High Street Retailers, Fast Food, Schools & Colleges COMMERCIAL
Managed Offices, Banks, Solicitors, Local Authority Buildings, Estate agents, PCT’s and Doctors INDUSTRIAL
Hospitals, Printers,General Manufacturing Warehousing, Food Manufactures, Chemical Companies, Support Services
Apart from general waste and recycling services, their customers benefit from a wide range of support services which include providing: ● Hazardous waste registration and collections ● Fully compliant W.E.E.E. regulated ● Bespoke onsite recycling services ● Recycling reports ● Regional and national waste management services ● ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & OHSAS 18001 compliance
In its brief history the company has won numerous accolades including Environmental Business of the Year 2003, 2005 and 2008. Most recently B&M were voted Merseyside’s Medium Business of the Year 2008 at The Daily Post Regional Business Awards. This was for their outstanding service and investment in the environment.
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LEGAL
City lawyers on the ball in police row THE POLICE AND ORGANISERS OF LARGE PUBLIC EVENTS SHOULD MAKE THEIR NEGOTIATIONS MORE FORMAL FOLLOWING A LANDMARK CASE INVOLVING A LIVERPOOL LAWYER. BEN SCHOFIELD REPORTS. WHEN Wigan Athletic FC chairman Dave Whelan took on Greater Manchester Police, it was just the latest of many skirmishes for the former JJB Sports owner. Whelan had refused to pay the inflated policing costs that the Manchester force had suddenly started charging. But following almost three years of legal action, his Merseyside-based legal team says an appeal victory has wide implications for football clubs and the wider events sector.
Andrew Roberts, partner in the litigation and regulation group at DLA Piper in Liverpool, represented Wigan Athletic FC in the club's battle with Greater Manchester Police (GMP). He said the ruling, handed down in December, will impact how organisers of large public events arrange policing. In Merseyside, that means everyone from Liverpool and Everton FCs and Cream, who run the Creamfields music festival in Cheshire, to the council officers behind the Mathew Street festival, have the right to draw M A G A Z I N E
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up formal contracts with the police. Event organisers and the police should now act more like customer and provider respectively. Roberts told LDP Business how the club and police force fell out: “Manchester Police let it be known that the charges were going considerably higher that they were before. The boss of Wigan said ‘We’re not paying. We will pay you what we think is fair and reasonable but not the balance’. “We always expected that we had to pay something, it was the level and the amount of policing that was at issue.
“Even if more police services are provided, then you don’t pay for them. GMP said if there’s a benefit you should pay for it whether you requested it or not. “But as you didn't ask for them you always knew you were at risk when it came to recovering for them,” Roberts said. “You may think that’s hard cheese for the police and they have paid officers.” But Roberts conceded the ruling does not give football clubs or other organisers the right to question how much policing an event warrants. Chief constables remain the security professionals, he said.
He added: “It has ramifications for other football clubs. They will look at this decision carefully and decide what they want to pay for and what they don’t.” Ray Foy, Everton’s head of security and a former police officer, agreed, though he said the club and Merseyside Police currently enjoy a positive relationship. He said: “I talk to the police and they talk to me. We will not be doing anything differently. We pay for resources inside the ground. “But if they started charging for outside the ground, then I might go down the Wigan route.
“It has ramifications for other football clubs. They will look at this decision carefully and decide what they want to pay for and what they don’t.” “Previously they had all gone on quite happily. What happened was there was a move within the police generally to try and recover more of what they call ‘full costs’ of the policing operation that they maintain on match days. “What possibly had happened was that the police had previously, not being under such pressure, not charged for all the officers that they deployed, just a proportion of them.” Events came to a head when GMP issued proceedings against Wigan in summer 2005 when the club had arrears of around £300,000. The courts initially found fully in the GMP’s favour towards the end of 2007. But after an appeal heard in the High Court in mid-December, the judges decided two-to-one that Wigan had a right to know how much policing they were getting and what they were paying for it. “Which basically said that we were right,” Roberts continued. “You only pay for the services that you actually request. 72 M A G A Z I N E
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Andrew Roberts, DLA Piper (above) and Dave Whelan, Charman of Wigan Athletic FC (below)
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“If they do come up with massive charges − which I don’t think they would − then we would negotiate it and get it agreed. “We ask for police resources and we pay accordingly. We pay police duty raters which are way above what the police officer gets per hour. “If they double the bill, I would want to know what I'm now paying for.” Foy said that, at the moment, Merseyside Police “give me a statement of intent as to what they will provide - it’s very much on the basis of we’ll pay for any policing that’s on Everton’s property.” Roberts said the ruling reinterprets section 25 of the 1996 Police Act. That says event organisers can ask their police chief to supply special policing. The chief can grant the request subject to a payment made to the police authority as determined by the authority. But now organisers have the right to know specifically what they are paying for and what resources will turn up on the day.
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EDUCATION
£8m facility now open for business EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY COMPLETES WORK ON NEW BUILDING FOR BUSINESS AND LAW STUDENTS EDGE Hill University’s new £8m business and law building has opened its doors to students. The addition to Edge Hill’s Ormskirk campus provides teaching and learning facilities for staff and students from the departments of Business, Law and Criminology, following the demolition of several older buildings. The three-storey facility offers students modern seminar and meeting rooms and social learning areas, which course leaders hope will encourage a more informal and interactive style of learning. A new 100-seat lecture theatre also doubles as a moot room, a mock-up of a courtroom. A roof garden and atrium are other features of the building. The building has been designed with the environment in mind and features several energy-saving measures. The hot water supply comes from solar energy and electricity is generated on-site, channelling any waste heat towards heating the building’s water supply or the nearby swimming pool. It will cater for the growing popularity of courses in business as well as law and criminology, after both were voted top in the North West by students in the latest National Student Survey. David Oldham, director of capital projects at Edge Hill, said: “The business and law building is a key element of the university’s development programme. “While the project hasn’t been without its challenges, it was completed on time and to budget. We now have a highquality facility for staff and students situated in a part of the campus that is arguably one of the most modern and cutting-edge in higher education.” John Vaughan, head of the business school, added: “The business school has an ambitious development programme, which has resulted in a complete re-write of the course
China courses launched Edge Hill University has launched two new courses in response to China’s growing emergence as a global power. From September, Chinese Studies will be available as a joint honours programme with either English or Business.
Inside Edge Hill University’s new Business and Law building curriculum to focus it more on increasing student employability. “We are also developing international partnerships, undertaking corporate training and recruiting postgraduate and research students. “This exciting facility provides an outstanding learning environment for all our students and a visible sign of the university's commitment to supporting the school’s continued growth.”
China is now the fastest-growing economy in the world and one of the world’s top exporters, attracting millions of dollars in foreign investment. This rapid growth has triggered a huge demand for more people with an understanding of Chinese culture and knowledge of its main language, Mandarin. Edge Hill aims to produce a generation of “China-friendly” graduates, while also opening M A G A Z I N E
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up vital links with China and Chinese communities in the UK. English and Chinese studies programme leader Richard Xiao, said: “Business leaders in the UK and across Europe see China as their greatest opportunity. “But at the same time, global executives have signalled their concern that many of their senior managers lack the skills and experience to work effectively in China.” L I V E R P O O L
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Training is key in a downturn WARRINGTON BUSINESS SCHOOL’S NEW DIRECTOR OF MARKETING OFFERS ADVICE TO FIRMS WARRINGTON Business School’s new director of marketing has said firms in the North West should not underestimate the importance of training as they battle for survival in a deteriorating economy. Sharon Plante recognises businesses are facing difficult times but she believes the key to securing future profit, success and performance within an organisation is through the development of staff. She said: “This is a very simple plan that has worked for Warrington Business School and its customers. The impact of good and effective training cannot be under-estimated. “Today we are positioning the business school to take the lead in business to business training services across the region. “We are focused on finding sensible solutions to tackle rising operational costs and increasing staff turnover, together with low morale and falling productivity - all of the 74 M A G A Z I N E
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issues which are affecting so many companies as we move into 2009.” Ms Plante previously worked in New York for Turner Broadcasting and King World Productions. She added: “Our focus takes a significant step away from the traditional approach of training the few who want professional development. “We concentrate on the many who may need up-skilling and this is what separates Warrington Business School from the average training provider on the market.” The school offers a variety of courses, apprenticeships and training, from short courses related to management, marketing, IT, first aid, and food safety. It also covers the legally required training linked to technical skills in construction, hospitality, health and social care, and logistics, specifically passenger transport, road haulage and ware-housing.
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Opening the door to China IT is almost impossible to open a newspaper or switch on the television these days without seeing something about China. China is now the fastest growing economy in the world and is undergoing what has been described as a second industrial revolution. It is one of the world’s top exporters, attracting millions of dollars of foreign investment. In the last year more building work has taken place in China than across the whole of mainland Europe over the last three years. In short, China will be as big a force in the 21st Century as America was in the last. Such rapid development has resulted in a growing demand for people with an understanding of Chinese culture and, more importantly, its main language, Mandarin. Edge Hill University is among the first higher education institutions to respond to that demand by introducing
two unique Chinese Studies courses that will not only produce a new generation of ‘China-friendly’ graduates, but open up vital links with China and Chinese communities within the UK. From September 2009, Chinese Studies will be available at Edge Hill University as part of a joint honours programme with either English or Business. Business with Chinese Studies is an obvious route to take, as cultural differences between the UK and China are nowhere more obvious than in the world of business. However, Chinese Studies with English provides a focus on culture and communication which is equally as important. But it is not just business practices and language skills that students need to learn to successfully work with the Chinese. An understanding of China’s heritage and culture is equally important; and the University is keen not to shy away from the more controversial
aspects of Chinese history. Internationally recognised linguistics academic, Richard Xiao, was recently appointed as Chinese Studies programme leader at Edge Hill and has been instrumental in shaping and launching the new programmes. Richard said: “Both Chinese Studies programmes are unique in their more accessible learning methods, enabling students to develop their language skills assisted by the latest technology, rather than learning to handwrite thousands of Chinese characters, as on many courses.” He added: “Learning Chinese can be enjoyable even for people who have not studied languages previously. These are degrees for savvy students who want to get ahead of the game. “The rise of China as an economic powerhouse means that now is the time to seize the hour, seize the day and seize the China Century.”
BA Hons Chinese Studies and Business BA Hons English and Chinese Studies Studying Chinese Studies as part of a degree at Edge Hill University will provide you with good working knowledge and proficiency in Mandarin Chinese as well as a practical knowledge of the culture, society, business practices and institutions of the world's largest nation. For more information please visit our website
To request a prospectus please contact our Enquiries Unit on:
edgehill.ac.uk/chinese
Freephone 0800 195 5063
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WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Why financial planning is essential when business profits become personal wealth EXITING a successfully run business is a major step and where we could take the business and the time was right one that requires extensive planning, not just in how the to move on. We had PricewaterhouseCoopers and company’s assets are disposed of but, on a more personal Hammonds on board as accountants and legal advisers level, how the fruits of that labour are invested for the for the sale of the business, but I had dealt with Paul future. Bocking personally over 12 years for various investment When Brendan Ainscough, one of three brothers who and pension advice and trusted him and Fraser to take built up the UK’s biggest crane provider, found himself in care of me at this important juncture. this position, he turned to chartered financial planners “Paul and his business partner Kevin were with me every Fraser Wealth Management for help. step of the way throughout the whole process, attending Liverpool-based Fraser have experience of working every meeting and advising me on all aspects of the deal, alongside the accountants and solicitors more commonly from making sure I received my share of the proceeds in associated with business exit strategies, helping the the most tax efficient way to devising a long term individuals involved to plan, investment plan. manage and protect their own “They take a very personal approach personal wealth. but it’s also very analytical. We had a Paul Bocking, one of the founding ‘game plan’ and we followed it, making directors of Fraser Wealth sure that my investments were evenly Management – the first firm of spread risk-wise to protect me in a independent financial planners in downturn – very sensible given the Liverpool to be awarded chartered current credit crunch – but also making status by the Chartered Insurance sure some cash was readily accessible Institute (CII) – said: “It’s vital for for lifestyle purchases such as an outgoing business owners to overseas property, new cars and some consider all of the tax implications fantastic holidays. of their new-found personal wealth, “I’ve also involved them in every including making sure they’ve set major purchase since, tapping into their aside the money for their Capital knowledge and experience to make Gains Tax liability and considered sure I’m doing the right thing. We have Brendan Ainscough has continued to seek Fraser Wealth Management’s advice after their Inheritance Tax position. an excellent working relationship and selling his share of a successful family business. “They also need to think ahead I’ve introduced them to other members about the lifestyle they wish to lead and how they will of my family and colleagues.” fund it, including any capital expenditure they want to Since leaving Ainscough Crane Hire, Brendan, now 54, make. has kept an involvement in other family run businesses “The proceeds from the sale must be invested wisely to specialising in machinery installation and removal and create the most tax efficient stream of income, whilst also construction related training, whilst also spending more growing the money with inflation to preserve their time with his wife and three children, in their teens and wealth. These are all areas in which financial planners like early twenties. ourselves can help.” “Selling up a successful business was a massive decision Just one of those who’ve benefited from Fraser’s but we planned and executed it well, with the right carefully planned approach, Brendan Ainscough is part of professional advice and now, with Fraser Wealth the family that built up and then sold the successful Management’s help, my family can continue to benefit Ainscough Crane Hire business, based near Wigan. from that success,” said Brendan. The company employed 1,000 people in 25 UK depots Based in Liverpool, as well as having offices in London, and had a fleet of 500 mobile cranes, when subject to a Fraser Wealth Management offers expert advice in a range management buy out in 2007. Brendan was keen to of areas, with particular expertise in retirement, maximise his share of a business the three brothers had investment and inheritance tax planning. For further spent 30 years building up. information go online: www.fraserwm.co.uk or He explained: “We all felt we’d reached the pinnacle of call: 0845 456 4404.
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Recession
hits
home DOWNTURN LEADS TO MORE ROWS BETWEEN COUPLES THE economic crisis has fuelled an increase in clashes between couples, researchers have claimed. Almost a third of couples say the recession has caused them to argue more often, mainly about money and household chores. One in 10 relationships also saw the main breadwinner switch in the past 12 months, according to a survey of 1,000 people by online payment provider PayPal. M A G A Z I N E
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Around 61% of these power shifts were because one person lost their job or had a pay cut, with only 39% swapping places because of positive developments such as a new job, promotion or pay rise. About one in 10 (9%) UK couples argue over money more than anything else, while the same proportion of Britons have ended a relationship because of financial issues. Among couples who bank online, four in five keep separate accounts, an increase on last year’s figure of 71%, as people try to keep control of their own money. Tighter finances also mean that fewer couples will swapped presents on Valentine’s Day; with only 56% planned to do so, down from 64% last year. 78 M A G A Z I N E
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Those that splash out on gifts are spending less, with only 42% of couples spending more than £50 on their partner, down from 59% in 2008. The upside of the recession is that 19% of couples say it has prompted them to talk more openly about their finances. Carl Scheible, managing director for PayPal UK, said: “We’ve also found that financial tensions tend to come to the surface once the honeymoon period is over, with over 90% of couples admitting they began arguing about money after they had been together for a while.” He said this suggested people wait until they feel settled with their partner before bringing up the inflammatory issue of their finances.
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Kids cash in POCKET MONEY ‘RISEN FOUR TIMES INFLATION RATE’ CHILDREN have seen their pocket money rise at nearly four times the rate of inflation during the past 21 years, research has revealed. The average child received £6.13 pocket money a week last year, 419% more than the £1.18 they got in 1987, according to Halifax. The group said the rise was nearly four times the rate of inflation during the same period, which was 106%, leaving children today better off in real terms than the previous generation. Overall, it said a total of £1.7 bn was paid out in pocket money during 2008. But children have not always seen an annual increase in their spending money − average pocket money levels fell in 1994, 1996, 1997, 2006, 2007 and 2008, peaking only in 2005 at £8.37 a week in 2005. The group found that London had retained its place as the UK’s top pocket money spot, with children in the capital receiving an average of £8.47 a week now, compared with £1.46 a week in 1987. Children in the Midlands got the least pocket money in 1987 at an average of £3.03 a week, with those in the East Midlands getting the least last year at £4.46. M A G A Z I N E
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Children in Scotland have seen the biggest jump in pocket money during the past 21 years, with their spending money soaring by 595%. The group compared its latest pocket money survey with the first one it carried out in October 1987 on members of its Little Extra’s Club. In 1987, girls were most likely to be saving their money for holidays, while boys were setting money aside to spend on sports. Last year, 49% of children said they were not saving for anything in particular, but they were most likely to spend their money on sweets, chocolates and crisps, suggesting they are resorting to pester power to have other items bought for them. Sylvanian Family characters, musical socks and karaoke machines were the most popular toys in 1987, with cycling shorts and smiley faces T-shirts the top fashion buys. Today, technology is much higher up children’s agenda, with 76% of children having a mobile phone, 87% having a games console and 68% owning an iPod. TNS questioned 1,180 children aged between eight and 15 in 2008, while Halifax questioned 1,099 children aged seven to 16 in 1987. L I V E R P O O L
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Wirral hoping to make a splash on the waterfront AMBITIOUS WATERFRONT PROJECT DOMINATES PLANS TO THINK BIG
Wirral Floral Pavilion
IT was William Laird who, in the midnineteenth century, began building a “city of the future” based on Edinburgh at Birkenhead. It was a hugely ambitious project. Now, 150 years later, plans for the construction of Wirral Waters, a £4.5bn project to develop a miniManhattan, are at least as ambitious. The project, which was launched in 2006, is expected to take 30-years to complete. It is the dream of Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Port of Liverpool operator Peel Holdings and it aims to create a cluster of skyscrapers that would include 18m sq ft of property developments, creating 27,000 full-time jobs. It would also include a major retail shopping centre at Bidston Moss. 80 M A G A Z I N E
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Plans were lodged in March last year for the redevelopment of the landmark Central Hydraulic Tower at the Four Bridges, Seacombe, into a restaurant and hotel complex. Described in the planning application as an “early win”, the hydraulic tower would hopefully spark further regeneration in the surrounding area. Although a decision has not yet been made, a second planning application is expected imminently for a different part of the scheme. Peter Macready, chairman of the Wirral Waterfront Partnership Board, said: “While Liverpool has been celebrating its Capital of Culture and World Heritage triumphs, a less heralded, but equally important,
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revolution has been underway on the left bank of the Mersey. “Led by the Wirral Waterfront initiative, Wirral’s own river frontage is undergoing massive change, through ambitious regeneration projects stretching from New Brighton to Eastham.” The “Think Big Think Wirral” inward investment marketing campaign may sound like a typical slogan from a local council, but it is not just in the landmark Wirral Waters project that is showing the area’s ambition despite the economic problems. Kevin Adderley, head of strategic development at Wirral Council, said: “There are unique and exciting opportunities here in Wirral.
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Wirral Waters “We have ambitions for growth at the heart of our objectives. It’s a challenge I am sure we will rise to. The current economic climate will not help us but it won’t deter us from it. “When these difficult economic times finish, we need to be in a position to move on and prosper. We know we will come out of it so we need to look at the end of it, however difficult it is now. We need to support people through it.” About two years ago, an inward investment strategy was adopted and a public-private partnership formed to create an investment strategy board which aimed to improve the economic performance of the borough. The strategy has five priorities – capital projects, skill levels, enterprise, image and economic activity. The new Floral Pavilion was opened last December and features an enhanced 800-seat auditorium, a spacious foyer, bars and lounge, alongside 7650 sq ft of conference, meetings and events space. It is the first phase of a £65m project to regenerate New Brighton. Supermarket Morrisons is to be joined
by Premier Inn hotels and The Light, the UK’s first digital cinema operator, in signing up for the waterfront development. A £250m masterplan is also being developed to link the waterfront with the new town centre and again a planning application is expected to be lodged in the coming months. The scheme plans to create offices, residential, and leisure developments as well as improve the Woodside Ferry Terminal. Mr Adderley added: “We are going through the planning phase on the projects, particularly the Wirral Waters scheme, which has a huge amount of work, which is quite helpful. So when the current economic climate ends we will be in a position to move the projects forward.” A major success story is Wirral International Business Park (WIBP), a 830 acre site of industrial and commercial sites and retail, leisure and residential areas. The Bromborough site has been identified as one of the top regional strategic investment sites by the Northwest Regional Development Agency. M A G A Z I N E
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It is also a key employment site in an area that is a net exporter of workers to surrouding towns such as Liverpool and Chester. “We do have a low job density,” said Mr Adderley. “There are 61 jobs in Wirral for every 100 people of working age, which means we will always be a net exporter of labour. “Its unlikely that Wirral will be a place that will always have a job for everyone – the area supplies Liverpool, Chester, Manchester and North Wales – but we do aim to increase the job opportunities in the borough. “We do see a significant number of Wirral residents out-commute. Is that a bad thing? “In terms of our GVA they don’t count, however the reality is that those people go out of the borough and bring their wages back and spend in the local economy. “One of the objectives is to increase the number of employment opportunities in the borough, especially the higher skilled jobs. “But there are already jobs like that, for example Unilever research which is a world leader.” L I V E R P O O L
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The importance of reviewing your pension options Paul Bocking, director, Fraser Wealth Management
Q: I’ve had several different jobs over the last 30 years, some of which included company pension schemes that I have left behind. I now have a private pension plan. Would I be better to amalgamate all of the different pension plans into my current scheme for simplicity?
A: The days when people spent all of their working life with one employer and then drew a single pension in retirement have all but disappeared. Most people will have several jobs in a lifetime, indeed some of us will have a number of different careers. For people like you who’ve worked in jobs with company pension schemes and left them in place even when they’ve moved on to pastures new, it can be quite difficult – nigh on impossible – to work out how well you will be provided for in your retirement. You are right to be wondering whether your cash is being invested in the best possible way, but you should not be in a rush to move your pensions
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without first seeking expert advice from a properly qualified financial adviser, who can undertake a full transfer value analysis. There are lots of factors to take into consideration. Firstly, it’s important your prime reason for switching is not emotional. A lot of people waste money transferring out of a first-rate scheme because they want to sever links with a previous employer. Timing is also important as the process can take months and the Government will not allow transfers at or after the normal retirement date. And it’s vital when transferring any pension to make sure that the benefits are not outweighed by exit penalties and entry charges. A transfer value analysis will take all this into account by comparing what the value of your current pension would be at transfer and what it would be worth at retirement. The level of exit penalties will be worked out and your financial adviser can then assess how much you would benefit by switching to a different plan.
The LDP Business Club is completely free to join and members can take advantage of the following exclusive benefits: • Daily ‘e’ newsletters with all the latest business news from The Liverpool Daily Post • A monthly ‘e’ edition of our business magazine delivered directly to your mail box T H E
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Switching out of a company scheme into a private pension is usually a nonstarter, especially if it is a final salary scheme. There are some exceptions, eg, while trustees of occupational pensions are slowly catching up with modern lifestyles, typical death benefits exclude anyone other than widows; so transferring to a personal pension could make sense if you are single, not married to your partner, or in a samesex relationship. You are certainly right to be thinking about your pensions. You have worked hard for your money and deserve the most from your investments, but it is amazing how many people neglect their pensions in a way that they would never neglect cash savings or other investments. Pensions should be reviewed on a regular basis, especially as you approach retirement. A company like Fraser Wealth Management – the first firm of independent financial planners in Liverpool to be awarded Chartered status – can help you with this. We have a team of pension specialists at your disposal and also offer general investment and inheritance tax planning. Contact: Paul Bocking, Fraser Wealth Management, tel: 0845 456 4404, enquiries@fraserwm.co.uk
• Exclusive VIP access to online discussion and business forums • Networking sections • Video masterclasses and online business seminars • Access to archive material and research tools • Discounted rates for ‘exclusive’ products and services
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Skills training and Apprenticeships can assist your business Simon Pierce is the acting director of Area for Merseyside at the Learning and Skills Council (LSC)
Q : I run a small business and I’m getting increasingly worried about what the future holds. I want to make sure that I do everything I can to make it through the downturn, but I don’t know where to start. A: No-one knows what the future will bring, and it is impossible to say with certainty how to be a guaranteed success. But, given that your best assets are your employees, making sure that they have the skills your business needs is a good place to start. There’s a sound business case for addressing skills shortages, since businesses that don’t train their staff are 2.5 times more likely to fail than those that do. The government has recognised that companies often need help in sourcing and funding the training best suited for their business and has introduced Train to Gain. The Train to Gain service is designed by industry for industry, so it can provide sector-specific tailored support to help meet your business
needs. Train to Gain can help you access ‘bite-sized’ courses in businesscritical fields such as business improvement, cash flow and profit management, finance and credit and risk management, plus funding for leadership and management training (for businesses with 5-250 employees). The most important thing to remember is that help and advice is available. Visit www.traintogain.gov.uk for more information or call 0800 015 55 45 to speak to a skills broker. Q : I’ve seen the “Apprentices Make Things Happen” ad with Sir Alan Sugar and I’m curious about what an apprentice could do for me.
How easy is it to employ an apprentice, and what do I do to find out more? A: With the Government committed to increasing the number of Apprenticeships there’s never been a better time to get Involved. Apprenticeships can make your organisation more productive and competitive by addressing your skills gap directly. And, because apprentices receive ongoing training, they can give your business access to the latest industry expertise and skills. Information, advice and support is available to help employers who want to offer Apprenticeships. If the apprentice is aged between 16 and 18, the Government fully funds the training costs of an Apprenticeship programme; if the apprentice is older you will need to contribute to training costs. You don’t necessarily need to recruit new staff though; Apprenticeship programmes can be arranged for existing employees. They don’t have to be young people either; an apprentice can be any age. Visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk to find out more.
www.ldpbusiness.co.uk
• Priority (pre sale) and discounted invitations to high profile events • Exclusive LDP Business club events held throughout the year including key guest speakers • Exclusive access to ‘member only’ news stories and articles • Discounted advertisement rates across the whole of the LDP portfolio and related products To become a member, log on to www.ldpbusiness.co.uk
Is the place to find extensive and up-to-the-minute coverage of local, regional, national and international business news and the financial markets. There will also be audio and video content featuring news and views from Merseyside’s key business movers and shakers. It contains a wide range of useful links, archive material plus a special section for members of the free LDP Business Club. Log on today and check out www.ldpbusiness.co.uk. M A G A Z I N E
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Time is right for Chinese language courses Richard Xiao, Chinese Studies programme leader, Edge Hill University
Q: Why is now a good time to study Chinese? A: Quite simply, there has never been a better time to study Chinese. The country has experienced rapid growth which has in turn triggered a huge demand for more people with an understanding of its culture and knowledge of its main language, Mandarin. China now has the fastest-growing economy in the world and is one of the world’s top exporters, attracting millions of dollars in foreign investment. Business leaders in the UK and across Europe see China as their greatest opportunity with an economy expected to be worth in excess of £2,568bn during 2009. But at the same time, global executives have signalled their concern that many of their senior managers lack the skills and experience to work effectively in China. The new Chinese studies programmes we offer at Edge Hill aims
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to go some way to meet this demand by producing a generation of “Chinafriendly” graduates, while also opening up vital links with China and Chinese communities in the UK. The programme allows students to develop cultural competence in Chinese while also pursuing modules in English Language. What sets it apart from courses offered elsewhere is an additional option to study English Literature. This is expected to be highly appealing to students with an eye on a teaching career, allowing them to progress directly onto a PGCE English or PGCE Mandarin course. As graduates with Chinese language skills and an understanding of Chinese culture are still seen as a scarce resource, proficiency in Chinese and a practical knowledge of China is also likely to improve the employability of graduates seeking jobs in government departments, British embassies and consulates and in UK service sectors such as international trade, banking and investment. The programme is designed to meet the needs of UK businesses of all types dealing with China, either as a
The LDP Business Club is completely free to join and members can take advantage of exclusive benefits: To become a member, log on to www.ldpbusiness.co.uk
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competitor or a partner. The programme equips students with the essential knowledge and skills of doing business with or in China. Alongside language skills and cultural awareness, students will develop their knowledge of business environments and practices in China and in the wider Chinesespeaking communities. Both Chinese Studies programmes are also unique in that they can be studied on a flexible basis – ideal for members of the business community. Plus, their accessible learning methods enable students to develop their language skills assisted by the latest technology rather than learning to handwrite thousands of Chinese characters, as on many courses. This feature in particular really opens up these programmes to a wide audience as a knowledge of Mandarin is not an essential requirement.
Contact: Dr Richard Xiao Tel: 01695 657180 Email: richard.xiao@edgehill.ac.uk Online: edgehill.ac.uk/chinese
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Artist’s impression of FACT’s plans for Bold Street
Bold new vision for FACT CULTURE CENTRE PLANS TO TURN STREET INTO ATRIUM. BY ALISTAIR HOUGHTON CREATIVE hub FACT wants to open a new “front door” onto Bold Street as it bids to attract more visitors to its cutting-edge exhibitions and events. The centre, whose full name is the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology, is based in Wood Street but is visible from Bold Street itself across Ropewalks Square. Now director Mike Stubbs has unveiled plans to turn Ropewalks Square into an “atrium” for FACT, encouraging more visitors to make the short walk from Bold Street into the centre itself. He said: “We have an extremely interesting opportunity in terms of moving FACT onto Bold Street. We want to move our front door from Wood Street onto Bold Street. That will improve our business opportunities and draw customers to this space. “We’re investigating a light-filled atrium going onto Ropewalks Square. We’re doing feasibility work and we’re looking for partners and private developers that can see this as an interesting proposition.” FACT was founded in 1988 to promote film, video and new media and is one of
the UK’s leading digital media centres. Its Wood Street home was opened in 2003 and includes a cinema, exhibition space and cafe. It sits just off Bold Street, a haven of city centre independent shopping that traders want to become a freespirited alternative to Liverpool One. Mr Stubbs says FACT can help in that transformation and is working with traders to help get the area spruced up. He said: “We’re working to define the Ropewalks as a bohemian and independent retail area and as a cultural hub for the city – as a complement to Liverpool One, or perhaps as an antidote. “FACT was the main investment for the regeneration of the Ropewalks. It’s five years old now and the area has got a bit messy.” FACT has developed its own online video technology under the name FACT TV. The system, described by Stubbs as a “cross between iPlayer and television”, is a high-definition service developed entirely in-house that has won plaudits from industry peers. FACT TV, said Stubbs, is an example of the technological innovation that needs M A G A Z I N E
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to happen in the Merseyside creative sector if its recent growth is to continue. He said: “Even though we’re in a recession we need to continue to take risks and have a high degree of ambition. We can’t take our foot off the gas as a city building its reputation as a hub for creative arts and culture.”
For more information on FACT visit www.fact.co.uk
FACT director Mike Stubbs L I V E R P O O L
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THE EVENT
COMPILED BY CAROLYN HUGHES
NATIONAL FOOTBALL MUSEUM WINS LEVER PRIZE The National Football Museum has scooped this year’s £20,000 Lever Prize award. Last night the museum became the fourth cultural organisation to receive the prestigious accolade at an exclusive awards ceremony hosted by last year’s winners TATE Liverpool. The award was presented to Kevin Moore, National Football Museum director and Paul Dermody, chair of trustees, by Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe MP. Former England and Preston North End player, Sir Tom Finney (OBE), now aged 87, was in attendance to support his local museum, which was a runner-up in 2008’s competition.
Sir Tom Finney (right) and son Brian Finney
Andrea Nixon, executive director Tate Liverpool, with Paul Lee, chair of the North West Business Leadership Team
WEST DERBY GIVES WARM WELCOME TO ALMOND Many of those who live and work around West Derby Village turned out to welcome Almond to the neighbourhood. As local entrepreneur Kate Ravenscroft realised her dream of opening Almond Restaurant and Bar, guests were entertained by Xander and the Peace Pirates whilst enjoying ‘Almond Bellini’s’ accompanied by canapés which were inspired by the locally sourced menu created by talented young head chef John Dolan.
Vicky Anderson, Daily Post, Deborah Aydon of Everyman and Playhouse, Laura Sillars and Angelica Cipullo of FACT
HOTSHOT FERNANDO MAKES TIMELY VISIT
Christine Colvin from Eventa Management with Karina Todd
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was honoured for being voted LFC Player of the year by visitors to www.liverpoolfc.tv for 2007/2008 season. Fernando visited David M Robinson in Church Alley, Liverpool, to receive the new Breitling Super Avenger watch with white dial and a red Ocean Racer strap, which retails for £2,695. He was delighted with his watch and opted to keep the red strap.
Paul Corcoran, Agent Marketing, Claire Bowles, CBC, Jayne Moore, Agent Marketing 86 M A G A Z I N E
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John Robinson (David M Robinson) with Fernando Torres
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Fat lot of good
SPONSORED BY
BARRY TURNBULL PRAISES THE LARD hat do the African Masai, Eskimos, the Japanese and the French all have in common? Answer: Their diets are extremely high in saturated fats but they have an astonishingly low incidence of coronary heart disease. I mentioned this over mineral water and salad sandwiches at a very low key postChristmas lunch following the excesses of the festive season and was treated like some kind of benign but mad relative. You see, questioning the cholesterol hypothesis, promulgated by the pharmaceutical giants who make a fortune out of it, is definitely not the done thing. Consider this though: the respected American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recently concluded, “Overall dietary intervention by lowering saturated fat intake does not lower the incidence of non-fatal coronary artery disease nor does it lower coronary disease mortality. After 50 years of research there is no evidence that a diet low in saturated fat prolongs life.” Of course I will qualify this and add that manufactured trans fatty fats found in the likes of vegetable oils are another matter and any fat can pile on the pounds. But generally, this isn't the story you will get from your GP and other health professionals who benefit from promoting statins, the so-called magic bullet for lowering cholesterol. I ruminated on the delights of fried bread and potatoes sizzled in lard at the event where a health professional was present. I thought she was going to faint at the very idea but
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she instead berated me for promoting views that are a danger to public health. What she won't tell you, and probably won't know, is that the drugs giants lean on governments to peddle the cholesterol myth with the implied threat of pulling jobs. Of course, they will tell you that research and development costs for new drugs are huge, but they are in fact dwarfed by marketing budgets. At this time of year I don't suppose I should be championing the virtues of full fat butter and red meat but, hey, everything in moderation. Meanwhile, I must dig out that gym membership.....
NEW BOYS AT TOP OF FOOD CHAIN Talking of food, I suspect Liverpool One will have a bigger impact on the restaurant trade in the rest of the city centre rather than general retail. I recently went to dinner with an acquaintance on a Friday evening at a once popular and well-established traditional restaurant in the business quarter...which was absolutely empty. I also passed other established eateries that were equally quiet. Surprisingly, there wasn’t even a January discount on offer at the venue we visited although we were invited to visit again to take advantage of a 20% reduction. Er, I don’t think so. Meanwhile, over at Liverpool One the dining venues were buzzing on the same evening. I suspect the traditionalists may have to meet the challenge or face the consequences. P O S T
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Shot on location at The Living Room
WORK HARD PLAY HARD
Downtown Liverpool in Business THE BUSINESS CLUB WITH ATTITUDE 0151 227 1633 WWW.DOWNTOWNLIVERPOOL.COM
GROUP PLC
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THE NETWORKER THE LIST - DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Tuesday, February 24 Head of employment law at Quinn Barrow, Paul Beck, is giving a lecture on continuing professional education for the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAEW). The lecture will take place at RBS, Hoghton Street, Southport from 5.30pm-7pm. For more information, contact ICAEW on 01925 661858 or e-mail celine.macdonaldmatti@icaew.com. Liverpool Chamber of Commerce is holding its monthly platform lunch at Sapporo Teppanyaki, Duke Street, from 12.15pm-2.30pm. It costs £28.75 members / £34.50 non-members. To book, contact Sue Platt or Melissa Bush on 0151 227 1234 or e-mail events@liverpoolchamber.org.uk. Thursday, February 26 Liverpool law firm Bermans is holding an employment law seminar at Tate Liverpool. It will examine the legal issues surrounding redundancies, the use of short time working and variations to terms and conditions of employment. Employers wanting
more information, contact Joan White on 0151 224 0567. Stepclever is launching a series of free drop-in sessions for businesses in North Liverpool looking to connect with new income streams. The first two are invited to attend either the morning event, from 912pm, or the afternoon event, from 1pm-4pm, at the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce in Old Hall Street. Stepclever is operated for companies in the wards of Anfield, Everton, County, Kirkdale, Linacre and Derby. For more information or to book contact June Davies on 0151 224 1891 or e-mail june.davies@liverpoolchamber.org.uk Tuesday, March 3 A Scandinavian Business Day which will highlight the opporunities available from the Northern European markets is being held by Liverpool Chamber of Commerce. Companies will have 45-60 minute individual consultations with market experts Sorenson Connecting Markets. It is on from 10am-5pm. For more information contact Elena on
FEATURED EVENT Thursday, April 30 Settling disputes in an industrial tribunal can be a costly and timeconsuming nightmare for employers. Most firms would agree that tribunals are expensive and use up a lot of management time in both preparing and defending. LDP Business is teaming up with training provider Weightman Associates to stage a day-long event that aims to help employers maximise their chances Tony Weightman of of winning a tribunal. Weightman Associates The Mock Industrial Tribunal takes place at Aintree Racecourse on April 30 and will give those attending the opportunity to watch an authentic mock-up of a tribunal hearing featuring up-to-the-minute case law. The day will also include presentation on procedural rules in Employment Tribunals, describing the steps which an employer must go through between the date of receipt of the ET 1 form, up to and including the formalities which apply to the hearing. The event costs £175+VAT per person and a booking form can be downloaded from www.ldp business.co.uk/tribunal. Alternatively, e-mail alex.woods@liverpool.com or call 0151 472 2805. There are 50 places available at a 25% discount exclusively for members of the LDP Business Club. The club is FREE to join. Just log onto www.ldpbusiness.co.uk 90 M A G A Z I N E
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Cocktails at Chameleon
0151 227 1234 ext 2212 or e-mail export@liverpoolchamber.org.uk Thursday, March 5 Sefton Chamber is holding its March networking meeting at The Prince of Wales Hotel, Southport. To book, contact 01704 531710. The Business After Hours networking event is being held at Chameleon, Back Colquitt Street, Liverpool, from 5.30pm-7.30pm. The event, organised by Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, will showcase a member’s businesses and provide the opportunity to make new contacts. Cost is £11.50 members / £17.25 non-members. To book, contact Sue Platt or Melissa Bush on 0151 227 1234 or e-mail events@liverpoolchamber.org.uk Thursday, March 12 Networking group Business 9am is holding Connection, its informal networking event, at the Mocha Lounge, Sir Thomas Street, from 9am-11am, free to members. Non-members should e-mail liverpool@business9am.co.uk for more information. Downtown Liverpool in Business is holding a members’ reception at Alma de Cuba, Seel Street from 6.30pm-10pm. The event, which costs £25+VAT, is limited to 40 people. Places can be booked online at www.downtownliverpool.com Tuesday, March 17 Law firm DWF is holding a free seminar for employers on changes
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to the rules governing disciplinary procedures which come in on April 6. The breakfast seminar at DWF’s Liverpool office in St Paul’s Square will guide employers through the key elements of the Acas Code of Practice and explain what changes they need to make to their procedures. Registration begins at 8.00am with the seminar ending at 10.00am. To reserve a place, contact Melanie Griffin on 0161 604 1535 or e-mail melanie.griffin@dwf.co.uk. Wednesday, March 18 A seminar on IT security for businesses, which will focus on threats from the internet, is being hosted by St Helens Chamber. It is from 8.45am-12.30pm, includes a buffet lunch and costs £11.50 members / £17.25 non-members. For more information, contact Rachel Wellens on 01744 742028. Tuesday, April 21 Connection, the informal networking event held by Business 9am, is at The Mocha Lounge, Sir Thomas Street from 9am-11am. It is free to members and nonmembers should e-mail liverpool@business9am.co.uk for more information. Wednesday, April 22 Getting the most from a web designer of producing a website for your own business is the theme of St Helens Chamber’s seminar. It costs £11.50 members / £17.25 nonmembers. To book, contact Rachel Wellens on 01744 742028.
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CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT
Be the next Lewis Hamilton
SPONSORED BY
GO-KARTING AT DAYTONA IS SHEER FUN, SAYS BILL GLEESON OF all the coporate events I have attended, the most memorable in terms of sheer fun would have to be gokarting. That’s going back a few years now, so I decided to check out the facilities on offer at Daytona, Trafford, accompanied, very willingly, by my three sons. Situated close to the Manchester United stadium, Daytona's circuit is housed in a purpose built, centrally heated 50,000 sq ft venue with on site car parking. Listening to the squeal of breaks and thrumming of engines pushed to their limits as you complete your driver registration forms, it’s reassuring to know that the circuit has a 100% safety record and National Karting Association approval. Before getting behind the wheel, the race director provides a briefing about the karts’ controls and the procedures. The final part of the initiation is donning the race suit, helmet and gloves, a rite that instantly transforms you into Lewis Hamilton. Daytona supplies all of the kit, but if you prefer to bring your own gear you may, so long as
they meet safety rules. And then the fun begins. Described by Daytona as a chance to work together in a high octane competitive race, various formats are on offer. Individual sprint races are like Formula 1 and feature all of the team racing simultaneously. The Grand Prix Heats is a knockout tournament and the Pit Stop Challenge is acclaimed to be the ultimate bonding exercise where teams compete against each other and the clock to change the wheels and tyres of a genuine Formula 1 racing car. Karts for adults have a 200cc Honda GX200 engine with 6.5 bhp and a top speed of 40 mph, though racing the karts so low to the ground creates an exhilirating sense of even greater speed. To increase the competitve spirit, all events are timed by the ROC Timing System. Afterwards, a personal lap time print-out is provided for each competitor with graphical performance information, race position, lap times and personal bests. Corporate events usually take place mid week and can cater for groups of 10400, though there is a maximum of 14 M A G A Z I N E
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on the circuit at any one time. Races can be combined with use of meeting rooms for conferencing and pre/post match hospitality. Inevitably all this fun is to going make you hungry and thirsty. The bar provides an elevated view of the circuit and can cater for up to 200 people, offering freshly cooked food prepared on the premises with bespoke menus available on request. Daytona offers a range of packages and conference rooms which can accommodate up to 90 delegates. There is an audio visual briefing cinema with wireless connectivity to the internet and AV equipment is available on request. Rooms can be hired either by the room, or per half or full day and ranges from £5-10 per head. For 15+ drivers, racing events range from £55-£67 per person, or from £200 per team for the two hour endurance race. For those with disabilities, hand controlled karts are available as well as two-seaters.
Daytona Go-Karting sales: tel 0845 644 5505 L I V E R P O O L
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60 HOPE STREET BARRY TURNBULL FINDS OUT WHAT MAKES MARK TOCK TICK
Eggnog, how could I resist you? 60 Hope Street Hope Street, Liverpool 0151 707 6060 info@60hopestreet.com Three courses for £18.95 including a bottle of white wine between two people. Offer available until Feb 28. Ring 0151 207 6060 and quote ‘Sale at 60’.
A CASUAL glance at the menu jolted me back in time when I reached the pudding section. A memory floated down through the years to when I was an office junior in charge of the readers’ telephone hotline. The nifty idea was to encourage people to ring up with vital matters for investigation. Instead there were mindnumbing appeals for lost dogs, a woman who claimed to have been swindled by the Queen Mother and a chap who nonchalantly enquired: “How do you make an eggnog?” I didn't know then and I don't know now but my interest was piqued when I saw on the menu at 60 Hope Street that there was Eggnog Brûlée with Brandy Snap − there was no other choice really. My guest was Mark Tock, the man with the role of developing Liverpool Innovation Park on the site of the former Marconi plant in Edge Lane. One of his tasks is to attract new businesses as well as retaining existing ones − several promising knowledge-type firms have left the
TopTIPPLE
SHAKEN NOT STIRRED…
HOT STUFF This month’s Top Tipple comes from an award-winning Mexican fast food chain that made its mark in Liverpool One in September of last year. Barburrito is hitting the spot with customers by serving traditional Margaritas for just £3.15. The strong cocktails contain one shot of Tequila, one shot of Cointreau and 30 mls of lime juice and are served shaken with ice.
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area because they could not find premises to expand into. Mark, an incubator specialist, said: “The things is with incubators, is that once a business is established and wants to expand you have to be able to deliver what they want or they will be off elsewhere.” With the space available at the innovation park, he is confident any requirement can be met, from fledgling companies to multinationals. As he explained all this, I addressed an appealing smoked haddock tart with poached egg and horseradish cream, a tantalising combination that teased and tickled the tastebuds. Mark, meanwhile, wandered down his own memory lane with a classic prawn cocktail. I asked him whether the recession could impact on his ability to draw in new business. He explained: “People will always be sensible about how they invest in times of recession but we are dealing with a lot of healthcare and bio businesses which should not be as badly affected.”
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Co-owner of Barburrito, Morgan Davies, told LDP Business magazine: “The margaritas have been proving very popular since we opened back in September. “We decided to make it the traditional way, however you can get some Margaritas that use other liqueurs instead of Contreau, like Patrón Citrónge and blue curaçao, which create a blue margarita. “Also, we’ve kept the drink at a very reasonable price as the same type of Margarita in a local bar can cost up to £6.”
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Fine dining at 60 Hope Street The restaurant was reasonably busy on a Friday lunchtime even though a gloomy-grey winter sky and a buffeting wind was spraying cascades of rain across Hope Street. The grim weather was a perfect excuse for some comfort food and the honey roast gammon with parsley mash, glazed carrots and mustard sauce hit the spot. Mark opted for the more sophisticated seared salmon with braised greens and soy dressing, declaring it a subtle but pleasing dish. The pièce de résistance was the egg nog and it didn’t disappoint: soft, creamy and rich brûlée topped with a crunch of brandy snap. For my guest it was back to work: “We have some enquiries outstanding, including one from a games company in Mumbai; it's all go at the moment.”
Mark Tock, of Liverpool Innovation Park
Hotel exterior
why not try... TASTY TART Chameleon bar has produced a range of cocktails with a twist. Take the one based on a Bakewell pudding. The Bakewell Tartini contains vanilla vodka, 1oz Amaretto, 1/2 oz Chambord, shaken and strained into a chilled cocktail glass. A float of whipped cream is placed on top. This drink is featured on Chameleon’s Best of British menu and was created by general manager John Ennis. Cost: £5.50 M A G A Z I N E
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www.dailypost.co.uk
MOTOR REVIEW
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VAUXHALL ASTRA TWIN TOP
Open and shut case BARRY TURNBULL IS CONVERTED BY OPEN TOP ASTRA THE days of wrestling with a convertible car roof are well and truly over. The Astra’s advanced mechanical hard top is driven by eight hydraulic pistons, 13 sensors and five motors and takes 26 seconds of engineering excellence to put up or take down. In addition, you can also access the boot without having to go through the unfolding process. A new design also gives automatic entry as you approach − as long as the key is in your pocket. From there it’s a simple push button start and you’re off without having so much as a jangle of the keyring. Another user-friendly feature is the Sport switch on the dashboard that enhances throttle response and provides slicker steering. Of course, for purists, this sort of gadgetry would be repellent, but, in the hi-spec world we live in, these are the sort of things loved by the modern car buff. Other features include leather covered steering wheel, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and CD player with MP3 format. The car also incorporates a wind deflector, which allows you to use it even on days when the temperature is not exactly conducive to open top motoring. The 1.9 litre TDi Astra is a stylish wedgeshape that shouts affordable chic and is the best looking model in its class. The turbo offers a smooth-shifting gearbox, revving up to 60mph in 9.5 seconds and allegedly capable of a top speed of 132mph, which is not recommended in the twisting byways of north Yorkshire where I tested it out.
However, those same highways are ideal for allowing the Astra to express its confident handling, rolling around sharp bends and powering effortlessly into gradients as splashes of green and yellow countryside flashed by. Steering is light and responsive while the ride is supple and forgiving even on some rather unforgiving surfaces. Safety is boosted by Vauxhall’s innovative Active Rollover Protection system, which detects when rollovers are imminent, tightening the seatbelts and flipping up two safety bars behind the rear seats. Inside, the cabin is all black and grey − the modern colours of cool − and the layout is as well executed as the exterior. There is a satin stone console, chrome internal handles and charcoal fleece velour carpets. The console itself is easy to use, with large buttons and nicely weighted switchgear that give the car an upmarket feel. Supportive seats complement a low driving position so long journeys can be completed without discomfort. The Vauxhall seems keenly priced alongside competitors too, with an impressive level of standard kit. These rivals include the Renault Megane CC, Peugeot 307 CC, Volkswagen Eos and the Ford Focus CC. So there you have it, a hybrid car that comports as a coupé and a cabriolet. It's fun, looks good and is selling well. It was great just for cruising on the open road or for tackling those tricky sections in the countryside. Verdict: A winner.
Vauxhall Astra Twin Top PRICE: £19,570
COMBINED MPG: 36.7
MECHANICAL: 140bhp, 1,796cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
INSURANCE GROUP: 10 CO2 EMISSIONS: 177g/km BiK RATING: 35%
MAX SPEED: 132mph
WARRANTY: 3yrs / 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint
0 - 60mph: 9.5 secs
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THE NETWORKER
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SPONSORED BY
E XECUTIVE T RAVEL BY BARRY TURNBULL
Premier Inn rooms are in big demand
Cost cutting businesses back budget hotels TRADE BOOM FOR VALUE HOTEL CHAINS BUSINESSES have cut back on travel and accommodation costs but that’s been good news for some operators. Value hotel chains Travelodge and Premier Inn have seen corporate usage rocket by 45% and 33% respectively. Premier quickly grasped the idea that they could generate more trade from business customers as the credit crunch began to bite by launching a TV campaign led by comedian Lenny Henry. 96 M A G A Z I N E
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The company offers rooms from around £50, about half the rate a corporate customer would normally expect to pay. And anyone who has stayed at the Albert Dock venue will know rooms are comfortable and of a very high standard. Gerard Tempest, marketing director for Premier owner, Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, told LDP Business: “Companies looking for accommodation are now
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'buying smarter' due to economic concerns, realising that you can cut your costs without compromising on quality. “The Premier Inn Business Account continues to attract new customers, with new users up 16% and total sales via this channel up 33% in the first half of this financial year, which illustrates that more and more businesses are taking advantage of our rooms, free Wifi access and a guaranteed good night's sleep.”
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BESIDE THE SEASIDE Premier Inn loves to be beside the seaside. The chain is planning a new 60 bedroom venture in the heart of New Brighton's ambitious £42m redevelopment programme as part of its aggressive expansion drive. It is also being innovative and at Hartlepool in the North East there are proposals for a trendy floating hotel on the town's marina. Premier already has a venue at the marina where rooms cost around £54. I stayed there to test the claims that budget hotels can deliver everything you might expect of a more expensive chain.Well, there is no room service or a health spa but for comfortable, clean accommodation and helpful staff the hotel couldn't be faulted. In value-for-money terms you can't complain. Breakfast is extra and costs £7.35 for a fullEnglish, £5.15 for continental and £2.90 for a croissant and coffee 'grab to go'. Children under 15 eat free. The savings that can be made from staying at hotels can be substantial. Travelodge estimates the average executive staying 43 nights a year in hotels can save £8,000 a year, by moving to budget providers. Guy Parsons, managing director UK at Travelodge, said: “With all hotel rooms looking the same when the lights are turned off, trimming the fat off the annual hotel bill must be one of the more logical decisions for a finance director to make. “Many of the traditional business orientated hotels charge an enormous excess for facilities and room extras that customers simply do not use. I am confident that we are going to see a further increase in business bookings as firms realise they are spending a fortune unnecessarily.” The global economic crisis has forced more than a quarter of companies to introduce urgent cuts in business travel, a survey by Business Travel Coalition reveals. More than 34% indicated that they have frozen all corporate travel altogether while almost 19% indicated that a percentage reduction had been put in place. Action being taken by companies
Lennon and Yoko Ono lookalikes test a bed at the launch of the Premier Inn at Albert Dock. includes imposing stricter travel policies such as insisting executives use a lower class of air travel and cheaper hotels. Other measures include: • Trying to do day trips rather than making overnight stays; • Looking at train travel rather than by air; • Trying not to travel if a web or conference alternative is available; • One person travels when two would usually; • Combining trips; • Trips have to be approved by more than one superior; • All long haul flights to be approved at director level and all non-essential travel cancelled; • Reviewing the reason for trips and analyse costs in advance.
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Travelodge in Manchester Street, Liverpool
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SPONSORED BY
NOTWORKER
LAURA DOYLE’S OBSERVATIONS ON BUSINESS TACTICS, NEPALI STYLE.
It’s a dog eat dog world in the scramble for new business HAPPY Chinese New Year − it’s the year of the Ox and, if our economic woes continue, Britain’s year of the dead duck. New business is becoming ever more difficult to get hold of. The pickings are getting slimmer and the competition tougher as we sniff out potential leads with the ferocity of a hungry dog. As I write this column, I too am surrounded not only by hungry dogs but sauntering cows, cheeky monkeys and wide-eyed tiger-balm touts all vying for me − the only tourist in Kathmandu. I came to Nepal with the hope of shedding the corporate stress and finding my inner Buddha and have achieved all those things. Yet my most precious discovery and the souvenir I bring back for you is a glimpse into the world of doing business Nepali style. Nepalis do everything in the street: washing, selling, socialising. There are no secrets here and everyone is privy to the minutiae of local life, from which neighbour has lice to what you just paid for your hand-carved wooden goat mask. The people here have their finger on everyone’s pulse and know instinctively what you’re in the market for. Straight in with the proposition, they tell you what they’ve got, why you need it and how special the price is ad nauseam − even if it means following you for 10 minutes down the road. Their tenacity is laudable. They are the true cold callers
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of the ancient world, where the word “no” has no meaning. Likewise, they never miss an opportunity to sell. En route to the mountain resort of Pokhara there was a car crash and the villagers blocked off the road in order to attend to victims and detain witnesses. The traffic quickly backed up and within 15 minutes stranded motorists were targeted by a stream of young entrepreneurs selling tangerines, monkey nuts and whatever else they had in their gardens. First prize, however, goes to the wily Nepalese businessman on holiday with his family in the Chitwan jungle. Sharing an early morning elephant ride, I felt liberated as we explored the lush and verdant lands, a thousand miles away from the eternal din of the business world. Suddenly my higher state of consciousness was interrupted by the hideous, yet familiar sound of a mobile phone and I watched in horror as my Nepalese friend reached into his pocket. “Hello? Yes. I’m on the elephant! No problem, let me just grab a pen.”
Join the LDP Business Club for FREE Call Litza Gorman on 0151 472 2352 P O S T
98_99 notworker
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Professional Liverpool is the business network and sector support organisation for ÄUHUJPHS HUK WYVMLZZPVUHS ZLY]PJL ÄYTZ HJYVZZ [OL 3P]LYWVVS *P[` 9LNPVU
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If your staff don’t have the right skills for the future then neither does your business. Recently, thousands of employers admitted their staff don’t have the right skills to do their job properly. That’s where Train to Gain can help. It’s an impartial service that can work with you to identify what training your staff need, to give your business an edge. Train to Gain has already helped over 43,000 businesses. As an increasingly competitive future hurtles towards us, it’s time for you to take full control and steer your business on a more productive course.
For more information visit traintogain.gov.uk or call 0800 015 55 45.