June 2021 - Issue 103
Lets Get social www.look-localmagazine.co.uk |
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• • • • • • •
Electrical Installation Condition Reports New Distribution Boards Security Lighting Fault Finding Lighting / LED’s New Sockets Rewires
Plumbing & Heating Engineers • • • • • • • •
Gas Engineer New Heating Systems Heating System Upgrades Boiler Service & Repair New Boilers New Radiators Landlord Certificates Power Flushing
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June 2021
YOUR LOCAL PLUMBING, HEATING AND BATHROOM EXPERTS By providing a full range of high quality, domestic and commercial plumbing services across Buckinghamshire, we offer our customers a complete one-stop solution.
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Hello Readers, Welcome to the June issue! That is correct isn’t it.... the weather recently is painting a very different picture but my calendar does in fact tell me that we are now entering Summer and the month where all Covid restrictions are lifted. With many people now having received the vaccine (myself included) and the hospital admissions remaining low I am feeling very positive that the next step on the Governments road map will go ahead and we can start to get back to our old lives.
26 CONTENTS 07. Home & Garden Loft Ladders you can trust from Home County Loft Ladders. 12. Get the Look Wood vs. Stone Worktops by Coulon Stone. 14/15. Sound of music Simon Markland talks us through this months music scene and upcoming events. 16/17. News News from our region. 20. home & Garden Look locally over the garden gate, by Lucie Ponsford of Mimosa Garden Design. 24.Editorial The importance of making a Will by Guardianship Wills with Integrity. 26. health & Wellbeing NEW FEATURE: Welcome to the world of Simply Skincare by Shelagh Foster. 29.Editorial IT Support form PCHelp 4U. 30.Business Bounce Back Better? By Chris Harris of Harris Consultancy. BOOKING DEADLINE for July 2021 issue:
Wednesday 16th June 04
I’ve definitely felt glimmers of pre-covid life over the last few weeks with the shops reopening and being allowed to enter our favourite restaurants again. We’ve even been the cinema, my little boys first time, and it felt heart-warming to be able to do ‘normal’ things again. Events are back too, read our Music feature on pages 14 & 15 for information on some of our local entertainment festivals, and if you’re looking for something a bit different to do with the family why not visit Rectory Farm in Oxford. They have an incredible selection of ‘Pick your Own’ fruit and vegetable plots throughout the year. Read more in page 16. Along with our regular features we welcome a new regular contributor this month from the founder of local, natural skincare range Simply Skincare. Shelagh Foster will be joining us each month offering tips and advice on various skin conditions and highlighting how her products may help. I look forward to her articles, her first instalment can be found on page 26/27 where she’s running a 20% Discount off products for all Look Local readers. Thank you Shelagh! And as always, stay safe, enjoy the restrictions easing and continue to shop and support local...
Love Emma x For Advertising contact 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk W: www.look-localmagazine.co.uk : Look Local Magazine : Look_Local_Mag 7,100 copies of Look Local Magazine are printed on a monthly basis and delivered to households in, Aston Rowant, Bledlow Ridge, Chalgrove, Chinnor, Crowell, Cuxham, Great Haseley, Great Milton, Henton, Kingston Blount, Kingston Stert, Lewknor, Little Milton, Milton Common, Postcombe, Sydenham, Tetsworth, Towersey and Watlington. In addition, the magazine can also be picked up from businesses in these areas and also Thame & Wheatley. All material appearing in this publication is reproduced as supplied. Although every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers/printers cannot accept responsibility for the content of this publication. All artwork is accepted on the understanding that the description of goods and services are fair and accurate and permission has been given for use in this publication. Inclusion of advertisements does not imply endorsement by the publisher or printer. No part of this publication may be reproduced.
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June 2021
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June 2021
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Editorial Feature
Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust! These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.
watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.
The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a light - all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our
Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.
us by our existing customers - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles. At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make
that happen for every installation we carry out!’ So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9558 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!
Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to
Need more storage space?
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June 2021
Hardy Plant Specialists
- Herbaceous perennials, shrubs, climbers, trees, hedging and hardy annuals in a beautiful nursery set in Chiltern woodland - UK grown and peat-free - Wide range of common and unusual plants - New workshops and experiences available for 2021! Opening Hours Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm Summer (British Summer Time) 10am-4pm Winter (Greenwich Mean Time) www.stottsnursery.co.uk Ibstone Road, Stokenchurch, HP14 3XS 07542 718307
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Home & Garden
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Home & Gardens
The
50 plus
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- Tap washers - To consumer units (fuse boxes) - Fencing and external works - Plus technology and help at home for the elderly
Call or visit our web site for full details of our broad range of services, helpful advice & pricing
01844 392 823 www.the50plus.co.uk
Serving customers for over 20 years
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Home & Garden
Stone vs Wood Worktop... By Coulon Stone Ltd.
When updating or renovating your kitchen, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is what material to choose for your worktop. The workhorse of the kitchen the ideal worktop is both durable and low maintenance. And style is important too, as the worktop sits on a horizontal plane it makes up a prominent part of your overall kitchen design. Whilst technology has given us some great worktop choices which tick all three of the above boxes, for example composite quartz, many of us still hanker to fill our home with natural materials. This leaves us with natural stone or wood, both of which remain well loved. So which to choose? We compare the durability and maintenance of natural stone and wood worktops.
Natural Stone Pros •
Stone is heat resistant so will not be scorched by hot pans.
•
Stone is water resistant so will not rot around the sink.
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Stone is impervious to most scratches and stains but foods like citrus juice and red wine should be wiped away immediately to avoid damage.
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Natural stones come in a huge variety of textures, colours and patterns to accommodate any style from minimalist to rustic.
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If sealed correctly by your stone mason they don’t require regular sealing – once every 10 years is fine. STONE PRO
Natural Stone Cons •
Each slab of natural stone is unique so ensure you’ve seen the slab being used for your worktop to ensure you’re happy with its unique patterning. STONE C
Wood Pros •
Wood develops character as it ages.
•
Wood creates a warm, earthly look.
•
There are a number of woods that can be appropriate for kitchen worktops including oak, walnut and iroko. WOOD PRO
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Home & Garden Wood Cons •
Wood is not water resistant so will rot around the sink area where exposed to prolonged soaking.
•
Wood can stain when exposed to foods like red wine and beetroot.
•
Wood is not heat resistant so will scorch if hot pans are placed directly on to it.
•
Wood will scratch if cut directly on to it.
•
To maintain the look and durability of a wooden worktop it must be sealed using an oil once a month. Sanding may also be required to remove scratches.
Price will be important when choosing a kitchen worktop, however wood and natural stone are difficult to compare because there are many different options for both that come at very different price points. When choosing a kitchen worktop instead think about your lifestyle and how the kitchen will be used. Whether you have a busy household, or simply like to keep cleaning and maintenance to a minimum natural stone may be a better match for you.
Email info@coulonstone.com | Showroom (Appropriate Covid measures are in place): Wycombe Road, Stokenchurch, HP14 3RP | Call: 01494 484333
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Sound of Music
elcome to our June music page. Here you will find information on local musical events, upcoming concerts and where to find the best music tuition in the area.
W
Thame has a variety of fantastic opportunities for budding musicians who wish to join together with other like-minded people. From bands to choirs to bell ringing! We also host a huge variety of annual musical events. Thame Music Academy TMA is excited to let you know that they are now BACK OPEN for face to face lessons with all of their tutors and instrument tuition back up and running (Hopefully with no further lockdowns in the future!!) Their fantastic teaching facility is based in the centre of Thame and the academy has 3 large, well equipped, professional teaching rooms, a waiting area and the usual amenities. Their convenient location means it is just a short walk from the town centre with free parking available directly opposite. TMA has all the required temporary Covid-19 measures and procedures in place in order to provide a safe, clean and friendly teaching environment. More information regarding their measures and procedures can be found via the TMA website and their social media platforms. Thame Music Academy
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provides lessons in a large variety of instruments including; Piano, Keyboard, Singing, Guitar (Acoustic or Electric), Ukulele, Bass Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Violin, Strings, Brass and Music Theory. During the summer months TMA will be offering an exciting and varied timetable of workshops, courses and children’s activities. These will include; Composition & Songwriting workshops, Music Recording & Production workshops, Beginner Guitar Group Sessions and Band workshops, plus much more! More details will be updated via their website and social media platforms. For further information regarding lessons and to make a booking please contact the academy via the details at the end of this article.
Oakfest 2021! - A fantastic local
music event held in Oakley, in the grounds of the village primary school. The festival will be taking place on Saturday 4th September from 1 pm – 11:30 pm. This year there will be 14 local music artists on the bill, ranging from solo acoustic acts to bands, all of which will provide fantastic entertainment in a variety of different genres. Alongside the musical
Entertainment
entertainment there will be a whole array of other activities on offer including; Face painting, Crafts, Bouncy slide and sporting activities. There will be a full bar on offer and a fantastic selection of food stalls throughout the day. Tickets are priced at £12.00 per adult, £7.00 per OAP and £5.00 for children aged 3 – 17 years (Under 3’s go free). To book your tickets and find out more about this brilliant event please visit the Oakfest website: www.cuatoakfest.co.uk
The Rising Sun Ickford - This fantastic country pub will play host to an afternoon of live music from 2 – 7 pm on Saturday 5th June 2021! The event will be free and plenty of fantastic food and drink will be on offer. The performances will be based outside with an extensive garden, seating and children’s play area to keep the whole family entertained. For further information please contact the pub via: www.risingsunickford.co.uk
R
egular local live music?
We are sure that 2021 will eventually bring back all the wonderful local and regular live music events which we all really enjoy, but in the meantime don’t forget these brilliant online sessions so you can get your musical fix... Open Micsolate! With all of us forced to socially distance ourselves from each
other, and with possibly a little more time on our hands, a group of open mic fanatics wondered if any friends or friends several times removed might like to post a video of them having a bash at a song/ performance open mic style! Any style, any standard! Be brave! Feel free to invite anyone you think may enjoy or contribute. Kind comments only, if you hear anything you don’t like, skip on! All copyrights belong to original artists. The group started way back in March 2020 on Facebook and since then has grown to almost 6500 members with people from around the world sharing their musical talents. It has also given a chance for people to collaborate online and create some truly stunning music together! The group is a must for any performer who is missing their local music scene. It is all totally free of course and you can join them by searching ‘Open Micsolate’ via Facebook! They are also now running ‘Open Micsolate Live!’ once a month, this gives performers the opportunity to sign up for an online slot and perform live in the comfort of their own homes! Along with appreciating a whole array of fantastic artists at the same time.
This feature is brought to you by Simon Markland of Thame Music Academy Tel: 07743 032292 Email: info@thamemusicacademy.com Web page: www.thamemusicacademy.com
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NEWS & EVENTS
in our region
Improve your mental health and well-being through nature at Lindengate…
With restrictions easing, why not go and enjoy the 5 acres of therapeutic gardens and wildlife haven that is Lindengate. There’s plenty of outside space as well as sheltered and shady areas making it the perfect location for a picnic with family and friends or to enjoy a bit of ‘you time’ with a good book.
Lindengate’s mission is to empower everyone to nurture their wellbeing through nature based activities. They believe that the natural environment contributes to building resilience and helping one reconnect through the healing power of the great outdoors. Free drop-in opening times are seasonal so do check their website www.lindengate.org.uk for full details. Address to visit the gardens: The Old Allotment site, next to Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD
Its all happening down on the farm... Rectory Farm in Stanton St. John Oxford grow over thirty different types of fruit, vegetables and flowers with their own specific season all available to pick and take home throughout the year. New for this year is a wonderful vegetable patch full of family favourites such as carrots, beetroot, green beans, sweetcorn and more which will be available throughout the summer months and if you’re quick, you may even be able to grab the last few asparagus which are available to pick until 21st June. The farm are also excited to be growing their first ever pumpkin patch ready for Halloween in October. For future information about all the fruits and veg available to pick and their seasons, visit: www.rectoryfarmpyo.co.uk
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News & Events
NOT The Midnight Walk returns for 2021…
The best reason to get up early.... Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity is asking everyone to set their alarm clocks for 5am on Saturday 10th July and join hundreds of others (virtually) for a dawn walk to raise crucial funds to support the Hospice. “Whilst we are disappointed not to be able to go ahead with our traditional Midnight Walk, we had such an overwhelmingly positive reaction to last year’s event that we are confident that it will be a great success and raise a fantastic amount of money to help fund local hospice care again” says Julie Chittie, Events Manager at the Charity. This year Walkers are again be asked to walk a minimum of 5 miles, wherever they want, starting at 5am on Saturday 10th July. The event is open to all, whatever your age and wherever you are in the world - last year saw lots of children (and dogs) join in so this year the Charity are offering children’s T-shirts and dog bandanas so everyone can be a part of the event. The Midnight Walk is a long-standing and major fundraiser for the Charity, and with their income hit so badly over the past year, they are hoping everyone will get behind them by signing up to this year’s virtual event and help to raise the thousands of pounds needed to help secure the future of local hospice care. For more information and to sign up, please visit www.fnhospice.org.uk/notthemidnightwalk or call 01296 429975.
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Home & Garden
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Home & Garden
Look locally over the garden gate with Lucie Giselle Ponsford
Seasonal tasks: June. The list is long and the work is getting away from us, tasks
left undone, moments missed but there are things growing in spite of us and it is good. If you want to propagate by all means take softwood cuttings and if growing veg; keep planting with sweet corn and tender veg, brassicas and well most of the crops going in, if they haven’t already. We are about a month behind with the cold nature of the season, but things will soon catch up. Summer bedding pots can and should be filled now to ensure they get away in time to reward us before we dash off for a staycation or whatever a lifted lockdown allows. If I can offer one thing we oft neglect though and that will stand you in good stead for the performance for the rest of the year is feeding your plants. Bedding roses, vegetables can all have a dose of some home brew liquid fertiliser or off the shelf alternatives. Buy & apply according to type as roses need magnesium & potassium to flower well and don’t like iron (found in nettle tea for instance). This applies to your bedding plants too. Veg will want, safe to consume, nitrogen feeds for good leaf growth. Comfrey tea, banana & potash are some natural solutions check out gardenorganic.org.uk for some ideas. But also don’t forget to take a load off the days are warmer, hopefully and when the sun does come out, sit in your comfy chair and settle. Watch nature buzz and run & fuss whilst you have a cuppa tea. You will best be able to write the list then of the other things still outstanding: the biennials to sow, the border interest to extend and improve, the weeds to get on top of and the grass to mow. Yes gardens are joyful relaxing places, aren’t they!
With love, Lucie
For more top tips on all things gardening join me (@ Mimosa Design ) on Facebook and Instagram. Email: info.mimosadesign@gmail.com | Call: 07737 286784.
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Wheatley Farm Shop x Small Bedma f the ro Retaile 20 0 Year 2
Welcome to our farm shop where we stock Wild Bird Feed
Pet Food - brands include Burns, Natures Way, Chudleys Heygates Farm Animal Feed Animal Care including, Hay, Straw, Wood Shavings for Horses, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs Snowflake, Bliss and Bedmax Animal Bedding Bulldog Gardening Tools Garden Sundries & Seeds Erin Compost - Mix and Match offer across the whole Erin Range £5.99 each or 3 for £15.00 (50ltr)
Melcourt Farmyard Manure, Topsoil & Ornamental Barks Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm Saturday, 9:00am - 4:00pm Tel No: 01865
874636
Address: Old London Road, Wheatley, OX33 1YW Website: www.wheatleyfarmshop.co.uk
Large selection of Home Grown Perennials ready to plant NOW! Beautify your garden this Spring!
June 2021
- Extensions - Renovations - Loft Conversions - Kitchens - Bathrooms - Landscaping - Driveways - Windows & Doors - Conservatories Tel: 07967 991770
E: lpbbuilders@hotmail.com www.lpbbuilders.co.uk
Quality Thatching Services If you’re looking for a roof thatching company to help in maintaining, re-thatching or re-ridging your thatched roof, trust the experts at Premier Master Thatchers.
Premier Master Thatchers 40 Ardley Road Fewcott Bicester OX27 7PA
Contact us 01869 250 292 07985 842 824 info@premiermasterthatchers.co.uk
Making a Will - some important decisions, by Mike Bradley of Integrity Wills
A professional Will Writers job is to take your instructions and translate them into your Will,
creating a document which accurately reflects your wishes. The Will needs to be understood by your executors and most importantly, The Probate Court, to ensure that it is proved quickly, thus minimising any problems after your death which could cause delays leading to hardship for your loved-ones.
THE APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTORS You may choose to appoint a member of your family, a prime beneficiary or close friend to act as an executor. Remember, an executor can also be a beneficiary. If you do need to appoint a professional executor, you could opt for either a solicitor, chartered accountant or a Trust Corporation to act on your behalf.
APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIANS If you have children (under the age of 18) you will need to appoint guardians. It may be helpful to make at least one guardian a joint executor as they have a right to money from your estate to help towards the upbringing of your child. This amount can be restricted to a certain amount or could be left in a trust fund. If you have a child with additional needs, who are likely to require specialist care either at home or in the care of the Local Authority, a trust will be required to ensure adequate funds are available for their future.
PROPERTY How you hold your property will determine how it passes on after your death. As ‘joint tenants’ your share will pass on to the survivor automatically. If you wish to pass your ‘interest’ in the property to your children or others, you should hold your property as ‘tenants in common’. More in-depth information can be discussed with your consultant.
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PROTECT YOUR FAMILY TREE GUARDIANSHIP WILLS WITH INTEGRITY
PRICES FROM £95.00 - Basic Single Will £150.00 - Basic Joint Will £3,900 - Pre-payment Funeral Plans £110.00 - Lasting Powers of Attorney
THE IMPORTANCE OF A WILL Having a will is arguably one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. Not only can a will legally protect your spouse, children, and assets, it can also spell out exactly how you would like things handled after you have passed on. A will gives you the opportunity to appoint guardians for your children which is the only way to ensure they are safeguarded if the worst were to happen to you. For more in-depth information or experienced advice regarding Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Funeral Plans contact Michael Bradley
T: 01844 281013 | M: 07868 746406
Health & Wellbeing
Welcome to the world of Simply Skincare... By Company Founder, Shelagh Foster
I am so excited to be sharing my knowledge and insights into skincare, plus healthy and holistic lifestyle tips.
Since my teens, I have always had a passion for natural remedies and healing from within.
I was brought up in an entrepreneurial environment, with my late Father having his own printing and marketing business in London, he truly was my role model. He taught me to follow my dreams, never give up, work hard and treat others as you want to be treated yourself. If my friends could sum me up, in three words, they would be caring, positive and outgoing. At 60 years young, I have so much energy and passion for life, it’s infectious. I adore travelling, music, dancing, fitness and entertaining. After relocating back to my homeland in 2016, I was totally burnt out, emotionally and physically, after juggling family life and running 2 businesses in Koh Samui, Thailand! I decided to think about ME for a change and took 2 years off. Practicing yoga and meditation, Reiki and following a super food diet, I got strong and fit, and evolved into the next exciting stage of my life -the launch of Simply Skincare brand.
26 To advertise, call 07707 386034 or email info@look-localmagazine.co.uk
This follows on from our Simply Samui brand; supplying 5 star resorts, spas and retail shops worldwide. Having worked with some of the leading names in hospitality, such as Four Seasons Resorts, Six Senses Resorts, we offer a bespoke white-labelling option for brands. We are a dedicated family run business with personalized and friendly service. We are eco- friendly and sustainable. Manufacturing is in Bangkok, with GMP certification and FDA approval and we have recently launched our first online shop where readers of Look Local will benefit from 20% Discount on their next order (see advert on the left for Promo Code required at the checkout). Our range of products includes Face Care, Body and Hair Care, men’s Shaving products, Hand Gel and Creams. Every product is created naturally, so natural in fact that you could eat them. Our belief is that if it’s fit for your skin, it should be equally as safe to eat too. This is why we have devoted over 15 years to finding innovative ingredients that can create incredible results, without the use of harmful chemicals. Join me again in next months issue for tips on Rosacea.
Love and Light, Shelagh
Email - shelagh@simply-skincare.com Online shop – www.shop.simply-skincare.com Website - https://www.simply-skincare.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelaghfoster
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Business Support
Bounce back better... If there is one thing, we’ve all been relying on more over the last year, it’s the use of our technology, to keep in touch and to work from home. Ringing loved ones through Zoom or Facetime, watching a film together online or perhaps playing an online game as a way to keep connected.
The way in which we now go about our daily lives has changed, employers have allowed working from home to continue in many cases. Schools have adopted remote learning and the pandemic has had a profound impact on the way we use and think about technology. We all shop online more and we turn to digital means as a way to get things done. Our lifestyles’ have changed and those of us with businesses have had to adapt to the consumer change to ensure we are still relevant and able to continue to connect with customers. Our core objective as a web consultancy has always been to “develop bright ideas for local business” its in our branding and the essence of what we do! This extends past web consultancy to business consultancy too. Looking and analysing the way in which processes are done, to automate the labour-intensive tasks where possible, so you can focus on being more customer centric. We believe that streamlining the use of technology, whether that is the way a potential customer utilises a website or the very computer technology that runs the processes throughout the business. A business needs an efficient and effective way to operate utilising all forms of technology, where possible and to save costs and reduce administrative tasks. We also recognise that a review of business process can be very daunting and where do you begin? Here at Harris Consultancy, we want to help local businesses as much as we can, especially in this time of transition as we ease out of lockdown. Are your accounting tasks labour intensive? How do you ensure you pick up every call to your business? Is your social media producing the results you want? Is your website responsive? Are you utilising a lot of resources to gather all the information you need to facilitate a service or to sell a product? These are a few examples of the questions we are asked and we can help you save time, money and resource. We believe in building long; customer centric relationships so let’s give you all the time you need to achieve that. Customers are the bread and butter of any business, so let’s prioritise them and automate those pesky time-consuming business tasks – That need to be done, but do not help to achieve customer satisfaction. In order to help you achieve this, Harris Consultancy is offering a free 30-minute introductory call, to review what you do, what your challenges are and help you overcome them. This is a way for us to help our local businesses and to give back, but hurry we have limited availability!! To book now it only takes 30 seconds, scan this QR code with your phones camera and submit your details. We look forward to speaking with you and supporting you to bounce back better! M: 07799 282042 | E: hello@harris-consultancy.co.uk W: www.harris-consultancy.co.uk
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Voted the Best Antique Centre in the UK High Street, Tetsworth, Oxon, OX9 7AB
01844 281777 www.theswan.co.uk antiques@theswan.co.uk
WE ARE MAKING OUR VENDORS THOUSANDS OF POUNDS!
Our next auction takes place on 9th, 10th & 11th June 2021 Fine Vulliamy Clock SOLD for £5,100 hammer
A fine Chinese jade antique carved bowl. ESTIMATE: £2500 - £3500
A large collection of silver in our upcoming auction.
Silver Cups SOLD for £3,500 hammer
19th Century Bronze bust for Tiffany & Co. ESTIMATE: £1200 - £1500
We are still open for valuations and virtual valuations, from a single item to a complete house clearance or specialist collections. For all enquiries T: 01844 281777 | E: antiques@theswan.co.uk
