Making Bucks Issue No 1 - May 2010
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www.MakingBucks.co.uk
The Online Magazine and Professional Network for Business in Buckinghamshire
Special Feature:
In this issue: Chamber of Commerce Developments at the Thames Valley Chamber should give Bucks a bigger voice >>
Open for business as well as students
The Key to Regeneration Developing new skills is a positive route to regeneration and future prosperity for businesses in Bucks >>
The Business of Art Forging profitable relationships between artists and businesses across the county >>
Executive Careers Providing support for unemployed executives in the county? >>
Join the Network: Share your views in forums, write and read blogs, attend and promote events, create and join interest groups, upload and view photos and videos. It’s FREE! >>
Enterprise
Innovation
Education
Skills
Read online now at
Creativity
Culture
Community
Retail
MakingBucks.co.uk
Welcome to MakingBucks.co.uk The Online Magazine and Professional Network for Business in Buckinghamshire “With the positioning of Bucks as The Entrepreneurial Heart of Britain what better way to celebrate the variety and excellence of businesses in the county with Making Bucks, itself a new business venture� Alastair Pike, Chairman, Chamber of Commerce Council for Bucks
Welcome to the first edition of Making Bucks. Whether you work for an established company or run your own business, if you are interested in or located in the county of Buckinghamshire, you will find Making Bucks an essential read. With a mission to promote the excellent reputation of businesses and organisations in the county, Making Bucks will cover a broad business agenda including enterprise, innovation, education, skills, creativity, culture, community, tourism, heritage and retail. As a destination for investment and trade the county has many advantages. Located conveniently close to, but independent from London, we benefit from the beautiful Chilterns countryside as well as vibrant town centres, industrial parks, excellence in education and a deep local talent pool. Whether you are looking for the ideal new location for your business or great companies and organisations to do business with, Making Bucks is a great place to start. If you would like to get involved by writing articles, advertising, sponsorship or by simply helping to grow the circulation by emailing the web address to your business colleagues we would welcome your support. For more information please contact our head office at 01494 883163 or email me directly
Mike Watson Publisher, Making Bucks mike.watson@makingbucks.co.uk
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MakingBucks MakingBucks Network Social and professional online networking is common now and the benefits for business growth by increasing your number of contacts is understood. Sign-up FREE now to the Making Bucks Network share your views in forums, write and read blogs, attend and promote events, create and join interest groups, upload and view photos and videos.
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Making Bucks TV Making Bucks will also be producing a range of video programmes for publishing on the Making Bucks website. We welcome approaches from business professionals with something of interest to say to the Bucks business and professional community.
Join the Making Bucks TV group on the network now >>
To advertise or submit articles call 01494 883163 or visit www.makingbucks.co.uk
In this edition of MakingBucks.co.uk Education and Skills >>
Supporting Bucks Business >> Chamber of Commerce
Skills: the key to regeneration! The mission of Skillscentre Bucks is to give people of all ages and backgrounds the skills they need to be successful in the difficult times we face today. Skillscentre Bucks also work with organisations to identify skills gaps and help develop effective skills strategies for the future. See Making Bucks for more information.
Help for Executives Operated by Skillscentre Bucks the Executive Careers Network meets every Friday and is a networking group to help unemployed executives and professionals considering their next career move.
The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce group is set to be a bigger force in Bucks with the forthcoming merger of the Aylesbury and Wycombe and South Bucks councils. Take part in the Chamber’s new organisation and find out about the benefits of membership in Making Bucks.
Bucks New University Open 4 Business is a Bucks New University initiative that provides a wide range of services to support the growth and development of new and existing small businesses including training courses and serviced offices. See Making Bucks for more details.
See Making Bucks for joining details.
The Business of Art & Creativity >>
Wycombe Focus >>
Centre for Creativity and more!
WDC to hold Economic Summit in June
Working with Wycombe District Council, Arts4every1 is setting up a new centre for the arts, creativity and enterprise at the old St John's Church in Desbrough Road High Wycombe. See Making Bucks to find out how to get involved
ART Works for business ART Works for Business helps broker profitable relationships between local artists and Bucks based organisations. With clients including John Lewis, ART Works for Business help companies get insight into the many benefits of working with artists. See Making Bucks for more details
This interesting event on June 10th will give local businesses the chance to hear and shape the direction of the district’s Local Economic Assessment. Being held at the Bucks New University’s new Gateway building register now to avoid disappointment.
Exhibition opportunity Are you ready to make an exhibition of yourself and your organisation? Put 28th October 2010 in your diary as it will be a great opportunity to promote your company and business as a whole in the area. See Making Bucks for details on how to book and attend
To advertise or submit articles call 01494 883163 or visit www.MakingBucks.co.uk
News
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Open 4 Business: Making a difference to the local business and economy As a new generation university we can make a real difference to your business or organisation. Innovation is key to our success. We invite you to share in our success, and benefit from our knowledge and expertise. We have an open door policy, and to make getting in contact easier, Open 4 Business forms the hub of our services to businesses, individual entrepreneurs, public and voluntary sector organisations. Here you will find information and advice about the wide range of services that Buckinghamshire New University can offer you. We offer services in three broad areas: Knowledge transfer : We invite you to make use of our academic expertise to develop your business. You can do so in several ways, for example, through contract research and consultancy. We have two nationally - recognised specialist centres, one offering fast prototyping, the other environmental advice for businesses.
Or if it’s talented people you are looking for, you can take advantage of the Governmentbacked Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) scheme, in which you can take a new project forward by forming a three-way partnership with us and a recent graduate. If you are looking to recruit staff, look no further than our enterprising students. Professional development: The Bucks hallmark is our developing range of unique, innovative and creative programmes and courses. These range from half-day seminars to continuing professional development (CPD), MBAs and foundation degrees. Short courses can be tailored to meet the needs of you and your business. Support for entrepreneurs: Have you got an idea you want to develop? We work with local Partners and can help you find out more about proof of concept-funding and venture capital for appropriate initiatives.
Internship Opportunities for Local Businesses
Are you looking for a talented gaduate? Could your business use an additional member pf staff with part of their salary paid? If you can identify a specific role that a smart graduate could handle, Bucks New University’s Graduate Internship programme will give you £1,200 towards their salary for eleven weeks. Graduates will apply with the skills and knowledge to fit your brief, giving you a field of degree-qualified candidates keen to apply their talents in your workplace. The employer contribution of £1,200 represents half of paid work (minimum wage), the second half is covered by the project to complete the graduate’s internship. To register go online at: open4businessbucks.com
News
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New Chamber strategy set to give bigger voice to Bucks Alastair Pike President of Wycombe and South Bucks Chamber of Commerce writes about the forthcoming plans to introduce a Buckinghamshire Chamber of Commerce “Recent discussions with business colleagues have indicated that the Chamber’s voice needs to be widened across Buckinghamshire if it is to really support and influence a better business environment”
Currently there are two separate Chambers, notably Aylesbury Vale and Wycombe & South Bucks. A county-wide Chamber, encompassing all key areas within Buckinghamshire, will immediately represent 264 member businesses bringing with it more influence. In addition to maintaining a strong focus on Aylesbury, High Wycombe and South Buckinghamshire the new chamber will seek to include the needs of businesses within Chiltern District and rural areas. Focus will be centred on key areas of influence including Transport, Skills, Regeneration, Retail, Infrastructure and Connectivity. The new Chamber will seek to work closely with Bucks County Council who are committed to offering regular briefings to the business community and Bucks Economic and Learning Partnership (BELP) who are responsible for investment, learning and economic development within the area. Additionally, the new Chamber plans to work closely with other membership organisations on policy. Thus far it has proven difficult to gauge a Buckinghamshire position. Under new plans the Buckinghamshire Chamber of Commerce will be able to campaign and lobby collectively with organisations such as the Institute of Directors and the Federation of Small Business, as well as groups representing other sectors”.
Alistair Pike, Interim President, Bucks Chamber of Commerce Council
The first meeting of Buckinghamshire Chamber of Commerce will take place early June. Alastair Pike has agreed to be the interim President until elections take place. If you would like to take an active role with the new Chamber please contact James Hay, TVCC’s Buckinghamshire Business Manager. jameshay@thamesvalleychamber.co.uk
News
Wycombe Economic Summit set for June 10th at Bucks New University 10.30am – 2.00pm
MakingBucks.co.uk
Why hold an Economic Summit? The Wycombe Economic Summit will provide the opportunity to focus on: > The challenges and opportunities for Wycombe arising from the LEA . > The need to identify appropriate sites for businesses and an overview of the sites currently available. > Identifying the type of help required by businesses. The Summit will feature presentations on the LEA from a Wycombe perspective and the top business sites in the District. There will also be small group discussions to answer the question ‘what actions need to be taken to keep Wycombe District economically strong?’ Lunch and a tour of the Bucks New University Gateway building will be provided following the Summit.
What is the Local Economic Assessment? (LEA) The LEA is being produced for Buckinghamshire by the Bucks Economic and Learning Partnership (BELP) on behalf of local authorities. The LEA is now a statutory duty with the first assessment being produced by early 2011. The LEA will help to ensure that local authorities and partners have a clear understanding of the conditions required for businesses to flourish in their area and for people to take advantage of economic opportunities.
Can I attend the Summit? Wycombe District based business and organisations involved in helping to ensure that Wycombe has a thriving economy are welcome to attend the summit. However, space is limited so anyone wishing to attend is requested to reserve their place by 20th May 2010. Click here to find out more >>
News
MakingBucks.co.uk New leaflet promotes services
Skillscentre wins Retail Academy Status We are delighted to have won a contract from the National Skills Academy for Retail to deliver retail training right across Buckinghamshire as part of a national network of retail skills shops. We will provide high quality training for employees and the future workforce in national and local retail businesses based throughout Buckinghamshire. The core offer will include retail training at all levels - right though from pre-employment to degree level courses.
A new leaflet has been designed to encourage potential delegates and trainees to get in touch with the Skills Centre. As well as telling everyone about our core services the leaflet also features the Executive Careers Network. Launched in January this year this services helps local executives and professional people develop ideas and strategies for developing their careers.
New website is here to help! Skills Centre Bucks has launched a new website to promote its wide variety of services and to act as an online meeting place for everyone involved in skills delivery at the centre. Delegates, trainers, partners and Skills centre staff can network can collaborate online and support each other in skills development. Visit www.skillscentrebucks.co.uk
Based in the heart of High Wycombe's historic marketplace in the Little Market House, we will offer training, support and information for employers, employees and those looking to work in retail – the UK's largest private sector industry.
STEVE HAYES, OWNER WYCOMBE WANDERERS AND LONDON WASPS “It is our policy to ensure all our stewards are trained to NVQ Level 2 in Customer Service. We are delighted that The Skills Centre has been able to deliver this training in such a professional and quality-focused way. In fact the training our stewards have received and the way they confidently work with supporters, helped us win the National Customer Service Award for Leisure and Tourism beating the likes of Manchester United and Butlins."
News
MakingBucks.co.uk
New centre for the arts and more will now become reality!
Volunteers Needed: Can you help create a centre to be proud off Arts4every1 is a not-for-profit, membership organisation, run by a voluntary board of directors. Soon to become a charity, we are looking for new members, volunteers, fund raisers, donations and sponsors to help us build the new centre for the arts and creative industries for the people, communities, businesses and organisations of Wycombe District. Whether you are interested in the visual arts, craft or the performing arts, either as a hobby or as a professional the new centre will be the perfect place to develop your interests and career.
Ever since the Spring Gardens art centre closed in 1999, Wycombe Community Arts Centre Limited has been lobbying for a replacement centre for the people and communities of Wycombe District. Finally in March 2010 the hard work paid off and the organisation entered into an agreement to lease with Wycombe District Council to manage the former St John’s Church and Halls as a new centre for the arts and creativity. Based in Desborough Rd the St John’s site is ideally close to the centre of Wycombe and with parking nearby will be ideal for people attending the many different events and activities that will happen at the centre. If you or a group you represent would like to get involved in using the centre or volunteering please contact 01494 883163 or visit www.arts4every1.com
The new centre will also be great place to meet like-minded people and groups, form collaborations and produce new and innovative ideas and work that otherwise would not see the light-of-day. Wycombe district has a proud heritage in craft, design and the arts and we are sure the centre will be place to develop and celebrate creativity now and into an exciting future.
CONTACT: 01494 883163 www.Arts4every1.com
News
MakingBucks.co.uk
ART Works for Business: Forging profitable relationships between artists and businesses With the pressure to increase sales and reduce costs so prevalent in business today can the arts play a part in helping improve organisational success? ART Works for Business is an organisation focused at helping artists and businesses forge mutually beneficially, profitable relationships. Whether it’s providing additional revenue streams through commission on art sales, building teamwork through community arts projects, providing access to leisure and fun activities for staff or utilising creative processes to realise product innovation and new marketing strategies, business leaders that recognise the power of the arts, are able to deliver real benefits to their organisations. ART Works for Business is a unique Bucks based organisation that has developed specific skills in helping managers understand that real organisational benefits can accrue from using the arts. We also work with artists to help them understand the language of business and organisations and how to translate their capabilities to positively impact the future potential and development of a wide range of organisations. For example:
John Lewis Programme continues to grow In 2009 and going forward in 2010 John Lewis in High Wycombe has delivered an exciting programme in collaboration with ART Works for Business.
Exhibitions: Companies can provide a space for an exhibition either with a single artist or group, taking a percentage of sales as commission either for you or for a charity of your choice. Artist Residency: Companies can involve an artist with their daily routine, offering valuable insights and feedback about business as well as stimulation for staff and customers. Team Building: Companies can work with an artist to motivate and inspire staff though creative thinking and to improve relationships in the workplace. Innovation: Companies can employ an artist to help address specific issues within the business such as design, illustration, brand image, promotion, creative development and marketing Artist Talks and Demonstrations: Companies can invite an artist to demonstrate their skills and talk about their work.
Artists on Show at John Lewis High Wycombe
David Quinton, Marketing Manager at John Lewis says: “Each quarter we feature up to three artists in store. They display and demonstrate their work over a weekend and most importantly they make sales which benefits both the artists and our store. An extra benefit for John Lewis is that it really helps for us to show we are supporting local artists. In exactly the same way that Waitrose stock items from local food producers John Lewis is able to work with local artists to enhance people’s homes” Visit www.AWBNetwork.co.uk for more information.
Finance
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How has your business fared in the economic downturn? Are you poised to take advantage of the earliest signs of the recovery? Have you made the strategic changes necessary to build sales, margins and market share? Or has your industry suffered the worst effects of the credit crisis, the weakened pound or the failure of key suppliers and customers? Whatever your situation, the past few years have been torrid for almost every business and an unsettled economic and political forecast looks like the only certainty for some time to come.
By the time you read this article, the UK may have a change of government, either by an outright majority or coalition formed from a hung parliament, the first since the 1970s. Whilst the impact of the election is far from certain, and may still continue to be in the days and weeks after 6 May, increased taxes and reduced public sector spending look a sure bet from whoever is delivering the post-election budget. And what of other risks facing business at the moment? Weakness in the Eurozone is affecting UK exporters’ competitiveness in their closest markets, essential business travel and logistics continue to be disrupted by the Icelandic volcano’s ash cloud and BP find themselves at the centre of an human and environmental catastrophe as a result of an explosion and oil leak at a contractor’s rig in the Gulf of Mexico. What can businesses learn from the world we see in 2010? Organisations, no matter how large or small, can usually improve their performance. Growth, cost efficiency, improved cash flow, increased profitability and risk reduction can all be achieved by careful financial and operational analysis coupled with a thorough commercial understanding. Does your organisation have these capabilities? Can you afford not to exploit the opportunities which exist to make your company more competitive? Rigorous business planning and analysis should be for everyone, whether it is a discipline within your finance and risk function or the advice of a trained professional a few days each month. How much is a 1% increase in margin worth to you? What about a 5% uplift in sales? Or a 10% reduction in discretionary spend? A 20% cut in the likely cost of an operational failure? If this could be the difference between loss or profit, missing or making your target, it’s time to consider increasing your investment in analysis. John Walton, Senior Finance and Risk Manager
Market Place
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Contact Hazel Wilson 01494 883163 or Hazelw@soundsolutions.co.uk Skills and Education
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Market Place
MakingBucks.co.uk
To advertise contact Hazel Wilson 01494 883163 or Hazelw@soundsolutions.co.uk
Business Services
How good are you at
Selling Yourself? Whether it’s an interview or business situation, your success depends on how well you sell yourself.
About the Starter Course: Over a packed and fun day, Selling Yourself covers meeting preparation, introductions, questioning techniques, how to handle objections, how to gain commitment and more.
If you find ‘selling yourself’ a challenge, take the positive step of enrolling on the Selling Yourself training day. The Selling Yourself training day will provide you with a step-by-step guide, giving you insight, knowledge, tools and techniques to help you achieve your career and business objectives. Selling Yourself will help you: >> Approach interviews and meetings with more confidence in your own abilities >> Meet potential employers or customers with compelling strategies to succeed >> Build deeper and more productive relationships with existing customers and clients >> Learn techniques to apply in a variety of life, career, business and customer situations >> Develop persuasive powers by better preparing what you say and how you say it
1-to-1 and Public Courses in May and June 2010 in High Wycombe Visit www.SellingYourself.co.uk or call Hazel Wilson on 01494 883163 or email hazelw@soundsolutions.co.uk