NEW BUSINESS
MATTERS Your local business to business journal
Points of Interest in this Issue: • Customer perception is reality (p7) • 5% Discount off Christmas Parties (p8) • FREE 45 Day Trial of eCopy PDF Pro (p13) • Facebook & LinkedIn Training 14th August (p20) • FREE no obligation Solar Panel Survey (p21) • The perfect Wedding Suit for the perfect day (p23) • Slash your office energy & telephony cost (p26)
BUSINESS TIPS AND ADVICE! Issue 22/2012
August/September
N E P O up to business success talk to our local business experts Whether you are opening a business or are already up and running, talk to Barclays about how we can help make your business a success. Barclays, proud supporter of businesses in the Dorset region.
Use our expertise to help make your business idea a success too. Andrew Tapsell Business Development Manager Tel: +44 (0)7775 545851 Email: andrew.d.tapsell@barclays.com
Mark Churcher Area Business Manager Tel: +44 (0)7775 541601 Email: mark.a.churcher@barclays.com
Barclays Business is a trading name of Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England and authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered No.1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.
NEW BUSINESS MATTERS
Editor’s Note Entrepreneurial Spirit! Is your head in the clouds or are your feet firmly on the ground? There is nothing wrong with day dreaming because without a vision of where you want to go, how do you know when you have got there? Mind you having a vision is one thing, but having the courage of your own convictions to implement a plan is another, so I recommend you spend some quality thinking time, away from the pressures of running your business, to choose where you want to be in twelve months time, followed by a plan of how to achieve your goal. This sounds simple enough, yet I know it is a lot harder than that, but at least try and take the first step and set aside a time when it is peaceful and quite to allow your thoughts to drift and even day dream of where you are now and where you would like to be. None of us ever put aside enough thinking time and I am of the opinion that it is vital if any person or company wants to be successful, then they must have quality time alone with their thoughts. Once you have done this you will then need to commit your thoughts to paper and in order to achieve your goal you will need to work out a plan of action. This may involve investment in more staff or new equipment and if so further careful planning may be required, but this should not stop you from having a vision and going for it, because without that entrepreneurial spirit the world of business and high finance would come to an end. Good Luck!
August/September
CONTENTS 02 BARCLAYS MEAN BUSINESS 03 EDITORS NOTES 04 LIMITED COMPANY TAX 05 MODULAR TECNOLOGY 06 DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE 07 CUSTOMER PERCEPTION 08 5% OFF YOUR XMAS PARTY 09 FSB ENCOURAGE & SUPPORT 10 CREATE YOUR OWN BAY 11 LIFTING YOUR BUSINESS 12 KEY TO EMAIL MARKETING 13 WORD CAN BE BAD FOR YOU 14 PROPERTY STATS 1952 – 2012 15 MERCEDES – BENZ 16 PRINTING WITH ON-LINE HELP 17 THE WORLD OF PACKAGING 18 PROPERTY LAW MATTERS 19 RECOVERY MATTERS 20 IT’S NOT A FLASH IN THE PAN 21 SOLAR ENERGY MATTERS 22 SUCCESS IS IN THE MUMBERS 23 THE PERFECT WEDDING SUIT 24 COMMUNICATION TRAINING 25 TRANSPORT & STORAGE 26 SPORTS BETTING SYSTEMS 26 SLASH YOUR OFFICE COSTS 27 30th BIRTHDAY PARTY 28 DISTRIBUTE DOCUMENTS
Peter Westwood
You can be the only company of your trade or profession represented in this local business to business journal. For details on the ‘marketing packages’ available, please contact: Peter Westwood on 01202 233580 or email sales@newbusinessmatters.com New Business Matters UK Ltd Spacemaker House, 518 Wallisdown Road Bournemouth, Dorset BH11 8PT Tel: 01202 233580
The information contained within this publication is not intended to be complete. Whilst the publisher endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this publication, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and the publisher accepts no liability for the use of, reliance on or the accuracy of such information. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher and therefore the publisher accepts no responsibility for them. All artwork and editorial is copywrite and may not be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. © New Business Matters UK Limited January 2009 Designed by: Kerry Phillips, Palm Design Printed by: Remous Limited, Sherborne Published by: New Business Matters UK Limited
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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ACCOUNTANCY MATTERS
August/September
SHORT LIFE ASSET ELECTIONS By Andrew Hill, Director at Hill Osborne
S
ince April 2011 businesses have had the opportunity to make a short life asset election where the expected lifetime of an asset is less than 8 years. This can have the effect of accelerating the capital allowances deductions available. In our experience these elections are often overlooked with businesses therefore paying tax earlier than might otherwise be necessary. Where a business acquires for example £20,000 worth of IT equipment, in the absence of an election, and assuming the annual investment allowance has been utilised elsewhere, it would take in excess of 16 years to fully depreciate the expenditure for tax purposes. If a short life asset election is made in respect of Hill Osborne the expenditure and the equipment is scrapped after say 6 years then in the year of disposal the Logo Variant 1
balance of the expenditure can be claimed for tax relief purposes. This has the effect of accelerating relief of approximately £6,000. With the reduced rate of writing down allowances ie from 20% to 18%, with effect from 2012/13, it is now more important than ever to identify any scope for making a short life asset election. Although it is normally necessary to identify specifically any assets subject to such an election, where this is difficult because the expenditure relates to small items then it may be possible to adopt a concessionary basis by selecting a specific class of assets. If you would like to review the tax implications for your company please contact Hill Osborne and take advantage of a free one-hour consultation!
C H A R T E R E D A C C O U N TA N T S & B U S I N E S S A D V I S E R S
Our aim is to provide you with the best possible service and we do this by giving you a direct access to the Partner who is responsible for your affairs. This ensures that they will be able to develop a close relationship with you and establish a thorough understanding of your business. Clients can take advantage of a wide range of services as listed below. • • • • •
Auditing Accounts preparation Taxation compliance including Self Assessment Personal and Corporate Tax Planning Inheritance Tax Planning DSM – Design Solutions in Media
D1, Arena Business Centres, Holyrood Close Poole, Dorset, BH17 7FP, UK
[T] 0845 500 4600 [E] info@dsm-design.co.uk
• • • • •
Payroll Bureau Business Start-ups and advice on acquisitions and disposals Raising of business finance Management consultancy Company secretarial services
Hill Osborne, Tower House, Parkstone Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 2JH Tel: 01202 678555 Fax: 01202 666071 Email: enquiries@hill-osborne.co.uk www.hill-osborne.co.uk
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CONSTRUCTION MATTERS
August/September
RotaDock and Modular Care Units By Andre Vanheerden from EWL International Since its inception the RotaDock has been designed rather than adapted, primarily to meet the single and most obvious challenge facing dry boat storage today – the shortage of waterfront property. The inevitable result is a massive 60% saving in land compared to traditional dry stack operations with additional benefits such as car parking within the same facility, without any affect on its operation from tidal ranges. It is little wonder therefore that this departure from current thinking has resulted in a design that has capitalised on a dry stacking system for boats. With modular technology EWL can offer a full turnkey solution for: • Railways • Student Accommodation • Car Parks • Office Buildings • Schools and Houses Our latest creation is a modular care unit to give patients affordable, accessible, flexible living spaces at home, designed around their individual needs. We are an international construction company and together with our subsidiary companies specialise in; Project Design and Construction Management, planning, surveys, architecture, design engineering, building control, refurbishments, and the provision of additional project funding. We can also supply RotaDock developments, a dry stacking system for boats, and Modular Technology for railways, student accommodation, schools, houses, car parks, office buildings and many more.
Planning
Design
Construction
Funding
Operating Maintenance Refurbishment Modular
We have created these different divisions so clients can choose to use only a certain discipline of the project or if required the full turnkey solution EWL International Ltd Discovery Court Business Centre, 551-553 Wallisdown Road, Poole, BH12 5AG Email: info@ewlinternational.com Website: www.ewlinternational.com Tel: 01202 853300
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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CONNECTIVITY MATTERS
C4L advert 144x210 vFINAL - 1_v4.pdf 1 23/01/2012 09:35:38
August/September
Building the South’s digital infrastructure, changing business forever... C4L’s high speed, high capacity fibre network has been built to enable the lowest levels of latency alongside the highest levels of resilience. Coupling this with space and presence in over 40 premium UK data centres and round the clock UK based technical support, C4L provides all-encompassing internet infrastructure solutions at significantly lower costs. The expansion of our Bournemouth data centre, one of the largest colocation facilities in the South, is just the latest chapter in a truly amazing success story. C
So let’s talk about how we can care for your data, across your whole IT infrastructure, right down to the very last byte.
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Call to connect with our team
08000 098 024
www.C4L.co.uk/reliability
Reliability. Flexibility. Scalability. Stay connected: www.C4L.co.uk /blog /twitter /linkedin
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CUSTOMER MATTERS
August/September
Customer perception is reality! By Tony Rodgers, Director at Hambeldon Interims
H
ow do your customers perceive you? Whatever your customers think of you to them it is reality! Lots of organisations talk about being customer focused and that they deliver a high level of customer service. But what does that really mean to the customer? Can they see it, hear it or feel it the way you would like them to? Many leading companies believe they achieve exceptional customer service and receive nationally recognised awards to prove it. But there are many companies out there who do not understand the importance of delivering a unified customer experience. Your customers’ can interact with your company through a number of touch points, face to face sales and servicing teams, contact centre teams
and back office teams. So how you handle your customers’ at each and every one of these touch points (and most importantly how they feel at the end of their experience) is an essential part of your company’s brand and how you differentiate yourself. By getting your teams to begin to understand the tone, voice and language of your brand is a start, but is only 1 tactic you could use; there are a great many more. Get this area of your business right and you’ll increase both customer satisfaction and profitable sales. Over future editions of the New Business Matters publication I will share, at a high level, some of the thinking and debate that has taken place across the business communities, in order to address the issues of customer experience improvements.
PROVIDING REAL PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE THAT DELIVERS MEASURABLE AND PROFITABLE CHANGE
Hambledon Interims is a Dorset based consultancy that’s been helping companies, large and small, to successfully improve their customer’s experience and business profits by delivering change - to their processes and their people – through the implementation of various development and training solutions. Hambledon Interims can provide: • Interim Managers and Project Managers • Training and Development Design and Delivery Solutions • Customer Experience Development programmes • Sales and Customer Service Assessors Experience the benefit of ‘profitable sales’ by improving customer satisfaction! T: 01258 860249 E: tony@hambeldoninterims.com W: www.hambledoninterims.com
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
Nestledown Duck Street Child Okeford Dorset DT11 8ET
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EVENT MATTERS
August/September
Russell Cotes Road, East Cliff, Bournemouth BH1 3AB 01202 552111 www.dayshotelbournemouth.co.uk
Thank goodness all things are not as unpredictable and changeable as the British weather! Here at the Days Hotel we believe that the requirements for good hospitality staff are: • To possess a genuine desire and ability to please others. • An out going personality, a ready smile and a happy disposition. • The ability to listen to the client and interpret their wishes quickly and without fuss. • Not to be a clock-watcher. Our staff stays until the job is done and the client is happy. • To treat every client as an individual and of equal importance.
5 % OFF CHRISTMAS PARTIES! Why not try a Christmas party? If you haven't booked your staff party already, why not try our 3 course festival menu and coffee with disco until 1am. Prices start from £18 per person. Book a party place from Sunday to Thursday and quote: NBM to receive a 5% discount off your party night places
Follow us on:
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Tel: 01202 552111 Email: events@dayshotelbournemouth.co.uk
To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580
FSB MATTERS
August/September The Federation of Small Businesses
The FSB is Britain's leading business organisation with over 200,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-employed, and all those who run their own business.
The FSB in Dorset has 4,000 small businesses as members.
FSB Regional Office: 01425 280080 : www.fsb.org.uk/wessex
We continue to Encourage and Support Local Businesses! Growth for Dorset Conference Success The FSB was keen to support a recent business conference, organised by one of the South West MEPs, Julie Girling. This regional conference for local businesses, which brought together over 50 micro-businesses and SMEs to discuss the future of business in Dorset, the South West and Europe, was a local networking and European information event, with a wide variety of speakers, including representatives from
Microsoft, the Dorset LEP, the Federation of Small Businesses, and also Tobias Ellwood MP. The event offered a host of information and advice to businesses, and focussed on the main topic – Growth. Dealing with European legislation can be difficult and any information, which can help local businesses to engage more effectively with Europe, is certainly worthwhile.
Olympic Torch Business Relays Project in the South West The FSB and the RELAYS Project, with the support of Coca-Cola Enterprises, jointly hosted two recent business breakfasts within Dorset. As well as adding to the excitement of the forthcoming London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, the events tried to emphasise the positive difference that the Olympics can make to local communities within both the short and long term.
Photo of FSB Rural Dorset Branch Chairman, David Trickett, holding the Olympic torch
FSB Local Contacts: FSB Regional Office, Christchurch Tel: 01425 280080 E-mail: wessex@fsb.org.uk Neil Eames, Development Manager, Wessex Tel: 07920 846684 E-mail: neil.eames@fsb.org.uk FSB website www.fsb@org.uk/wessex
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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FURNITURE MATTERS
August/September
Exceptional Outdoor Leisure Furniture Ranges in: Woven, Aluminium and SynTeakTM
..
. y a B n w o r u Create yo
Cozy Bay Ltd | Unit 26, Upton Industrial Estate, Factory Road, Poole, Dorset, BH16 5SL | England & Wales Reg. 06641823
Tel: 01202 622331 | www.CozyBay.co.uk
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INDUSTRIAL MATTERS
August/September
Manual Handling: Lifting Your Business! By Gregory Martin, Champion Materials Handling Ltd Due to a longstanding occurrence of manual handling injuries, there are many products on the market available. These products not only reduce the risk of injury, but are quicker to use and less labour intensive, resulting in a faster production rate. Over a third of accidents reported to the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) each year are from manual handling. Legislation has been introduced to reduce the number of injuries. Failure to use proper manual handling techniques can result in pain on other muscle groups and joints such as shoulders, arms and legs. Feet can also be damaged by loads being dropped on them. How do these injuries occur? Lifting - Compressive forces on the spine, its ligaments and tendons can result in injuries.
Pushing and pulling - Stresses are generally higher for pushing than pulling. Pressure on the rib cage can result in difficulty breathing. Carrying - Involves some static muscular work which can be tiring for the muscles, the back, shoulder, arm and hand. Prevention: When lifting follow these principles: • Secure grip and stable foot position • Bent knees and comfortably straight back • Keep arms close to the body • Keep the chin tucked in • Body weight is used to advantage Champion Materials Handling Limited are a local leading expert in supplying and servicing of forklift trucks, hire and training, together with other materials handling equipment.
For more information and to request one of our catalogues, please visit www.champion-forklifts.co.uk and call us on 01202 430 323.
Service is what life’s all about! At Champion Forklifts we offer a full range of new and used equipment to suit ALL budgets New fork lift trucks:
Warehouse equipment ranging from:
• • • •
• • • • • • • •
From 1 ton to 16 tons capacity Electric LP Gas Diesel
RENTAL & LEASING AVAILABLE
Hand pallet trucks Powered pallet trucks Stackers Electric Reach Trucks Order pickers Very narrow aisle trucks Access Platforms & Cherry Pickers Racking and Mezzanine Floors
tails Call for de
Hand Pallet Trucks delivered from
Our preferred makes are Baoli, Toyota, Doosan, Mitsubishi, Linde, Combilift, Bendi and Jungheinrich but we can offer full support service that is second to none on any make of truck, picker or stacker.
£199
Freephone: 0800 021 4516 Telephone: 01202 430323 Email: sales@champion-forklifts.co.uk
www.champion-forklifts.co.uk
‘Your local Fork Lift Truck company’
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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INTERNET MATTERS
August/September
Understanding Email Marketing Campaign Statistics By Bryan Benjafield of greenmessage
O
ne of the key features of an e-mail marketing campaign is the variety of statistical reports available to you after sending. Unlike any other direct marketing, e-mail marketing has the tools to instantly gauge the response to your campaign. You can view in-depth information with such accuracy that you can build an individual profile with the results. See exactly how many people have opened your newsletter, who has clicked on what links and even who has forwarded the newsletter and to whom.
These statistics should form an important part of your future marketing strategy; firstly they can be used to follow up interest from a previous campaign, either with a further, more targeted email, or with a telemarketing campaign. Secondly you can use them to see exactly which parts of your campaign people are responding to, allowing you to gauge what type of content to feature more or less heavily in future. You can also compare multiple campaigns to build your own profile of the optimum time & day for sending a campaign to your database.
You can also see e-mail addresses that have bounced and for what reasons, allowing you to view the results and help you fine tune future campaigns, whilst also cleaning up your mailing lists.
For more information on understanding campaign statistics, or for any aspect of email marketing, please contact Bryan Benjafield at greenmessage on 01202 802205, email info@greenmessage.co.uk or visit www.greenmessage.co.uk
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IT MATTERS
August/September
Why Word can be bad for your business? By Ava Lambert from Copyrite Business Solutions We all use Microsoft Word. It is an industry standard for creating business documents. But is it the best format to distribute the documents in? Sending Word files can reveal confidential information. Word is often configured by default to automatically track and record changes you make to a document. When you send such a document to a third party, you can recover these changes and see how the document appeared several revisions ago. The confidential information you thought you removed from a document before sending it may in fact still be accessible to the recipient. There have been a few high-profile cases of confidential information being leaked via publically-posted Word documents such as Blair’s Iraq Dossier
formatting and pagination even when viewed with the same version of Word on another computer
Word files can be a security hazard. Unlike standard data formats, Word files can contain programming code which can be executed by your computer automatically when the document is opened. Word has been targeted by dozens of computer viruses. When you receive a Word attachment by e-mail, do you really want to take the risk of infecting your system?
• Compress the document to a fraction of its original size
Microsoft Word documents cannot always be read by customer and clients. People, who use other word processors, either by choice or by necessity, may be unable to open Word documents Documents produced with one version of Word cannot always be read by other versions of Word. Word file format is not standard and fixed, it can change between versions. As a result, documents saved with one version of Word often cannot be opened with previous versions of Word.
Microsoft Word documents are large compared to other file formats. A large collection of Microsoft Word files can quickly eat up one’s available disk space What are the alternatives? Convert your documents into a secure PDF format before emailing or distributing! eCopy PDF Pro is a low cost option to: • Convert PDF to and from Word and other office formats (Excel, PowerPoint etc)
• Secure the PDF file by encrypting it and restricting who can print it, view it and edit it
• Protect confidential information by redacting (placing a solid black band over it) • Create searchable documents so one can search on any words within the document • Automatically compare versions of documents such as contracts
• Convert paper forms into electronic PDF fillable forms and email them to clients/customers to complete • Connect with popular Document Management Systems
Try before you buy – please contact us for a free 45 day trial version of your eCopy PDF Pro Please quote NBM 22 when you call 01202 848866 or email info@copyrite.co.uk
Microsoft Word documents are not guaranteed to look and print the same way on every computer and printer. A document produced with Word on one computer may end up with radically different
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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LETTING MATTERS
August/September
Property Stats during the Reign of our Queen By Sharon Canning from Move on Rentals A recent research from the HSBC noted the average Property in the UK is 86 times higher now than when the Queen came to the throne 60 years ago. In 1952 the average price was £1,891 compared to £162,722 today.
The Private rental sector in 1952 helped accommodate 50% of the population compared to only 14% now. Last year we saw the owner occupier decrease for the first time in 100 years and the private rental sector overtaking Social Housing.
The number of dwellings has almost doubled, with 14.1 million in 1952 and 27.3 million today. It’s no wonder the property market has been so good for such a long time, however, the number of new homes being built each year has fallen by 46% from 248,320 to the latest estimate of 133,840, hence this sector is feeling the recession.
Investment properties should always be over a 10 to 15 year period and when looking at these stats, bricks and mortar is still looking good.
32% of Britain owned their own property in 1952 compared to 68% now and another recent report states that we have presently 1 in 15 renting in England. By 2020 they predict this to be 1 in 5.
If you are looking to increase your Portfolio, purchase your first Buy to Let property, or obtain a free up to date rental valuation, then please contact one of our team for a no obligation chat on 01202 711169 or send an email to Sharon@moveonrentals.com
420 Poole Road, Branksome, Poole BH12 1DF
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MOTORING MATTERS
August/September
14717 Generic Bus Advert 220x144 Poole_Layout 1 17/05/2012 09:15 Page 1
C-Class
Efficient. Competitive. Innovative. Isn’t that just what business needs? High standard specification and residual value. Low CO2 emissions and whole-life cost. Combined with competitive finance, a Mercedes-Benz increases performance, not expenses. Now that’s a distinct business advantage. • ECO start/stop technology for reduced fuel consumption • BlueEFFICIENCY technology for lower emissions • Class-leading safety innovations such as Pre-Safe® anticipatory safety system • Extensive range of vehicles to suit all requirements and budgets
Call our Business Development Manager, Mark Wingate, to discuss your business needs on 01202 666330 or 07850 204393. Alternatively email: mark.wingate@mercedes.co.uk
Mercedes-Benz of Poole Holes Bay Road, Poole BH15 2BD 01202 666 330 www.mercedes-benzofpoole.co.uk Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the C-Class Saloon range: urban 15.5(18.2)-50.4(5.6), extra urban 33.6(8.4)-76.3(3.7), combined 23.5(12.0)-64.2(4.4). CO2 emissions: 280-117 g/km. Model featured is a Mercedes-Benz C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Sport Saloon at £29,665.00 on-the-road including optional metallic paint at £645.00 (on-the-road price includes VAT, delivery, 12 months‘ Road Fund Licence, number plates, first registration fee and fuel). Prices correct at time of going to press (05/12).
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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Remous Limited, Wyvern Buildings, North Street, Milborne Port, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5EP
PRINTING MATTERS
August/September
The World of Packaging! By Keith Sparks from Remous Limited
T
he world of packaging is wide and varied and normally only available to the large conglomerates who can order in huge quantities and thereby get a very economical unit price per item but, due to the advance of technology in lithographic printing and the various finishing processes, it is now possible for many companies to consider having a special box produced for their top of the range products in small quantities, such as only 500 units of each item.
The packaging pointers to consider are as follows: •
Maximum flat sheet size (B2) 520 x 720mm
•
Board thickness up to 620 micron
•
Material Substrates - White & cream back folding boxboard, white lined chipboard, Kraft back folding boxboard
•
Litho printing in the CMYK process + plus one Spot PMS colour
•
Finishes include UV Gloss spot or overall varnish, foil blocking, embossing, window patching and latex application for blister packs.
•
You can also have a Press Lock base (envelope base) with tuck in lid and side glued seam for slightly lighter products, as well as Crash Lock glued base for heavier products such as bottles – so they don’t drop out of the bottom.
•
Product Header Cards are also available and they can be drilled or euro-slotted for display hanging or just creased and folded.
Products suitable for special packaging and individual box making include: Brandy bottles, Sparking Wine, Model Railway Kits, Military Models, Cake Mix, Gloves, Tea Bags, Chocolate, Tools & Accessories, CDs & DVDs, Pizza, Ready Meal Sleeves, Toys, Sewing Kits, Electronic Accessories, Jams & Chutneys etc. The list is basically endless, but if you have a need and want to receive advice on packaging for a particular product or some future project, then it is always best to have a meeting with an expert in cardboard technology at the initial stages, as a few well placed ideas in the beginning can save you several hundreds of pounds at the end. For a FREE one hour consultation please call Remous Printing on 01963 250920 and ask to speak with Keith Sparks or Peter Westwood. Alternatively please send an email to: keith@remous.com quoting NBM BOX as your reference.
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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PROPERTY LAW MATTERS
August/September
Streamlining Commercial Property Transactions By Mark Daniels, Partner, Dickinson Manser LLP Solicitors In May this year the Investment Property Forum produced the second edition of a guide for streamlining commercial property transactions, produced in consultation with the British Property Federation, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and other professional bodies. This was an update of a Code of Practice first published in 1996, intended to eliminate the factors delaying property transactions by ensuring that a property is “ready for sale”. The existing procedures for the acquisition and disposal of real estate were carefully considered and the guide recommends improvements to speed the sale and purchase process. Although transactions can sometimes proceed quickly in a strong market, they take much longer in a difficult trading environment, where prices are often renegotiated and funders are increasingly selective. Probate, Wills & Powers of Attorney|Divorce/Family Law| Commercial Matters|Employment Advice| Court Representation|Accident Claims|Moving Home| Parking Available
The emphasis of the guide is to encourage sellers and their advisers to familiarise themselves thoroughly with the property and its legal title before putting it on the market, avoiding this being done in the heat of the deal. The intention is that a prospective buyer will be provided with a full package of legal documentation and management information at the outset, leading to quicker transaction times, avoiding nasty surprises and thus eliminating or minimising the scope for price renegotiation. The commercial property team at Dickinson Manser LLP is the process of adopting the recommendations in the guide in its commercial property transactions. For further information on the guide and how Dickinson Manser LLP can assist in its implementation, please contact Mark Daniels on 01202 673071 or email m.daniels@dickinsonmanser.co.uk
Big business, small business, we’re the business. • commercial leases • commercial property transactions • property development • business transfers • commercial agreements • shareholder/company matters • partnership matters • dispute resolution and mediation • employment law matters For a no obligation discussion, please contact Mark Daniels or James Love on 01202 673071
BROADSTONE – 221 The Broadway – 01202 692308 POOLE – 5 Parkstone Road – 01202 673071
www.dickinsonmanser.co.uk
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RECOVERY MATTERS
August/September
BY GRAHAM DOWN | www.bscorprecovery.com
TheMy Myths of Directors’ Liability Help! Business Is Struggling! When the company goes into liquidation the liquidator will investigate the company’s background andshouldn’t will want to find whilst out theit’sreasons for its failure.whilst That investigation It’s oftentrading said that a company trade insolvent. Trading insolvent, even trading at a time when review the directors know that the directors. business isThe insolvent, is not necessarily will include a detailed of the conduct of the liquidator’s function is unlawful obviously, desirable. toalthough get back itasis,much as he far canfrom for creditors, so he’ll be looking for any claims that he may able to make, including thethe directors. business collapsed. Eventually the Insolvency Service The Courts havebe recognised that there are times against when it is perfectly proper for the directors of a company to was forced to concede that its case didn’t stand up. But Itoresigned But I took professional advice But I that havethe limited liabilityshould ... take the view company continue trade as a director before goodno time... thethough company wentThe bust ... however, in judge, made criticism of the directors. In out of its difficulties. What this means is that even Wrong. Not only can directors fact, he said, their efforts going looking for a a company may have more debts than assets, or is not Wrong. You were still responsible Right.to Ofkeep course, it maywhilst not be be made personally liable if they solution, which would enable the company’s debts to be immediately able to meet all its debts, that does not for the way that the company was possible to change what’s already allow a company to trade to the paid, was entirely reasonable. “Not only did the directors necessarily signal that the company must immediately happened, but the factthey that a director whilst you there, and thewrong” said detriment of creditors they to find arun nothing the judge “but did everything cease trading; there may stillwhen be time solution to weredo liquidator’s investigation will cover a the took professional as soon as ought toproblems. have known that it could possible to save group and the advice depositors”. the company’s problems started to emerge, and then period of at least three years. not avoid liquidation, but there are But allowing a company on trading whenhelp it’s This situation came upofrecently in the acted to oncarry that advice, will certainly a whole range other claims thathigh profile Farepak really struggling is a risky gameany to play. themay business does insolvency, the might Government’s Insolvency Service him defend claim Ifthat be thewhen liquidator be able to make, But I from was a director in name only... eventually collapse, the directors’ actions will be looked tried to get the directors of the company banned brought. such as for breaching the legal duties at with the benefit of hindsight, and the consequences holding directorships. Farepak, you’ll remember, was a Wrong. The law doesn’t distinguish being a club director, preferences, At Burton Sweet Corporate Recovery Christmasofsavings that went bust in 2006. of getting it wrong can be very severe. Certainly it’s not between different types of director, transactions at an undervalue, It collected payments from members of the public each something that should attempted taking we be won’t charge youwithout for just listening whatever they are called, so a nonproper professional advice. week, with the promise thatdividends, it would provide hampers and payment of unlawful and to your problems, setting out your other Christmas goodies. When it went throughexecutive it oweddirector may be equally much else. options in a clear, jargon-free way and If you’ve got worries about your business, contact us for something like £40m to savers. culpable for any wrongdoings of other recommending a solution tailored to a business healthcheck and a free chat and discussion directors. In fact, he may be in even your specific needs. Call us today. about the The Insolvency Service case was that the directors had deeper trouble for neglecting theoptions which may be available to you. carried on collecting money from its customers even duties which being a director carry. though the directors knew that the money would be lost if
cash flow problems …or worse? clear, professional advice for you and your business when you need it most. contact us for a free initial consultation call: 01202 313624 | www.bscorprecovery.com 2nd Floor, Bristol & West House, Post Office Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1BL
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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SOCIAL MEDIA MATTERS
August/September
Social Media is not a flash in the pan!
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By Katherine Hanson – Soci@lite
espite the invention of Social Media as a fun platform for interaction online, it has evolved into an integral marketing and business awareness tool. And although still in its infancy, the growth rate of Social Media is both astounding and steadfast. Over the past eighteen months we have witnessed Social Media acquisitions and mergers abound and many previously unconvinced investors and brands are now sitting up and taking notice of Social Media marketing, particularly since Facebook raised $16 billion, providing the company with a $104.2 billion market value and adding further kudos to the cause. With the level of diversification also occurring amongst the big Social Media players and the possible launch of a Facebook Job Search feature to rival LinkedIn’s, many large IT companies are increasingly investing in Social Media.
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Although many businesses understand the importance of Social Media for engaging with customers and clients, they do not necessarily have the resources to dedicate to it (or perceive that they do not), yet even some of the most technophobic businesses acknowledge that a Social Media presence is now essential.
If you would like assistance with setting up or enhancing your Social Media profile or to book training, then please contact Katherine on; 01202 798270 or email; katherine@social-ite.info
To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580
SOLAR PANEL MATTERS
August/September
THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME!
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By Graham Southey, Director of Gendex Ltd
n April 2010 the government started what is known as the Feed in Tariff (FIT) scheme, where they paid 41.3p per unit of electricity generated for PV systems up to 4KW and some companies would charge up to £20,000 for a system like this. This was well taken up but as the initial cost/investment was very high many businesses and householders just couldn’t justify the outlay or simply didn’t have that sort of money available. The government has over the last two years rapidly reduced the FIT scheme to 16p. This has put many companies in difficulties and due to the amount of negative marketing most people and businesses think it just isn’t worthwhile considering. But would you change your mind if you could find a company that has been able to secure some very competitive products, which allow them to now announce that a 4KW system can be installed from as little as £5,700 plus vat?
There has never been a better time to consider a Solar Panel installation as it now represents a reduction of over 70% of the original 2010 price for the same system, which is particularly poignant when the FIT scheme has only reduced by around 60%. So now, in the majority of cases, Solar PV offers a substantially better Annual Return than those in 2010 and Tax Free returns are general in excess of 15% Index linked for the next 20 years. This is fantastic news for both new customers looking for a good investment and businesses who have the additional benefit of being able to use nearly 100% of the FREE electricity generated, as well as earn a substantial amount on a quarterly basis from the electricity generated. Gendex Ltd is a local family run business that is MCS approved to install solar PV and Thermal Systems and over the last two years we have expanded to create six teams of totally qualified, quality electricians all fully employed by the company. We are also fully accredited NICEIC electricians that can offer any electrical certification or installation work required. To receive a FREE no obligation survey, for an honest appraisal of your likely return on investment, please telephone: 01202 62 55 88 or send an email to: leads@gendexsolar.co.uk
Gendex Ltd Unit 1A Holton Trading Park Holton Heath, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6LT
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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STRATEGY MATTERS
August/September
Success is in the numbers!
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By Paul Haley from Sterling Business
e should all know that a substantial part of this country’s business backbone is the small business section. There are over 4.7 million small businesses in the UK and businesses with less than 250 employees account for 99.9% of all enterprises.
doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy to be a success, however; there is no mention of failures in this list as we don’t dwell on negative thoughts.
Small firms employ more than 58% of the private sector workforce and 13.5 million people work in small firms. These firms contribute more than 50% of the UK turnover, which would explain why 500,000 people start up their own business every year and that figure is growing!
Talking of Success and Numbers, the difference between success and failure can be measured in very simple terms; It’s the number of times you can get up after being kicked to the floor - but remember if you are not going to always get up then stay down, especially the first time it happens, it’s so much easier. Running a business is a bit like that, if you don’t get up again and again - don’t bother to start.
So there we go, those are the facts and starting a business is incredibly easy. You can even register a limited company for about £29, but that
Perhaps the real secret is not falling down in the first place or at least trying to learn the skills that will help you get up quicker!
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To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580
TAILORING MATTERS
August/September
The perfect wedding suit for the perfect wedding day The high end London tailoring service that comes to you Our unique service will enable every client to benefit from our extensive knowledge to achieve well fitting clothes with quality touches that single out the stylish from the safe and the samey. The growing trend for couples to marry in a broader range of locations and the introduction of the Civil Partnership Bill means a more diverse ‘look’ for the wedding ceremony is now available. Whether it is the traditional top hat and tails, a contemporary lounge suit, a lightweight cotton/ linen in pastel shades for that romantic overseas wedding, Fox Tailoring can cater for most occasions and tastes.
• Classic lounge suits • Traditional tailcoats • Colour analysis • Lightweights, cottons, silks and linens
To arrange an appointment call John Parrett
01202 289090
• Home/office visits available • Made-to-measure shirts – classic and fashion
Fox Tailoring Compton Acres 164 Canford Cliffs Road Poole Dorset BH13 7ES john@foxtailoringbournemouth.co.uk www.foxtailoringbournemouth.co.uk
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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TRAINING MATTERS
August/September
Communication Training – It’s Good to Talk! By Lucia Marigliano from trainingsouth.com
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sn’t modern technology wonderful in helping us to communicate? Emails, webs, blogs, mobile phones, text-messaging, telephone and video conferencing, presentation packages, reporting software, word-processors; the list is endless. And of course, with their help, we’re all super-effective communicators…aren’t we? Well, actually, at the end of the day, you know, we’re actually, not that good after all. So what is good communication? When was the last time you spoke and knew that your words had made an impact? When did you successfully influence an outcome with effective communication? When were your emails and reports succinct, well-structured and worth reading? When did you last deliver – or for that matter, attend – a presentation that was
engaging and compelling, and not soporific? Or is ‘presentation’ a dirty word? I remember a training course I once attended on Presentation Skills: the first thing the training manual (yes, the dreaded training manual) told us was that we had to be – confident. Of course, confidence. I shall go to the local supermarket and buy myself a bag of confidence – then I don’t need to be on the course! Communication training techniques should go beyond the check-list of eye-contact, barriers, preparation, planning, and practice. Communication is one ‘P’ – personal! As with any techniques in effectiveness, we need to find and master the tools that work for us on a personal level, and training ought to help you to find those tools, for you.
Your Mobile Training Provider
Based on the Dorset South Coast, Training South is a training provider dedicated to delivering training that is productive, that is effective, that covers your needs and not the manual’s outline! Providers of: • Apple Mac & PC training • Print & Web Design training • Application and Practical Knowledge Skills • Microsoft Office • Microsoft Project • Other Microsoft Applications incl. Visio & Expressions training • Personal Skills Development training Tangleweed Cottage Ringwood Road Bransgore,Dorset BH23 8AA
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www.trainingsouth.com email: info@trainingsouth.com tel: +44 (0)1425 674898 mob: +44 (0)7770 376 181
To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580
TRANSPORT MATTERS
August/September
T: 01202 624 716 F: 01202 625 761 E: info@poolebaywarehousing.co.uk W: www.poolebaywarehousing.co.uk
Big enough to cope - Small enough to care! With many years experience in the transport, warehousing and storage industry we are able to provide a quality, efficient service that is second to none! Our vast knowledge means that our customers will enjoy a more personal and professional service, allowing us to be very flexible to meet all their needs! • • • • • • • • • •
Delivery and collection within the BH postcode, including a tail lift facility. With the Pallet Network we operate anywhere in the UK, Ireland and Europe. We can handle anything from a small half pallet to full loads. We offer a next day economy service with pre booked timed deliveries. We operate from a 30,000 sq. ft. industrial unit on Holton Heath. The warehouse benefits from a full security system including CCTV. Cost effective – Only pay for the storage positions you use each week. State of the art IT system allows you to track your consignment every step of the way. We operate our own fleet of vehicles to ensure reliability and on time delivery. We also offer racked or bulk storage, with unloading of vehicles and loading of containers.
We can palletize unloaded goods, label and dispatch all from our warehouse. We currently store a range of goods for our customers from, raw materials to finished goods, to machinery and even bathroom suites. If you have a similar need then please do get in touch!
Poole Bay Warehousing Ltd D’orial House, Holton Heath Trading Park Poole, Dorset BH16 6LE
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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BUSINESS MATTERS LEGAL MATTERS
August/September April/May
UK MONEY Online MONEYOnline
Info@ukmoneyonline.co.uk
Sports betting systems are a great way to make TAX FREE money. “Timing is everything, especially now when the world is in deep recession… Do not miss the boat with our amazing tax-free cash generation business opportunity?” Create an immediate “tax free” income from anywhere in the world using your computer, iPad or mobile telephone. Our traders have a 10 year track record in the “Sports and Index Trading Markets” and our trading results are updated daily. We have a full range of trading strategies on a pay as you go basis, information only and Trader’s Club membership. Our very successful trader Colin Harris returned over 2020% tax-free profits in 20092010 gross of Betfair’s commissions using a 5% staking plan. Past performance is no guarantee for the future… In February 2012, our Horse Laying system generated over 50% tax free profits. Contact us today for a free information pack: Tel: 07971511934 • Email: Info@ukmoneyonline.co.uk • Website: www.ukmoneyonline.co.uk
Slash your office costs Fineget Seafront Dining at on one bill and all your utilities Ocean Bay Restaurant
ALL Y UTILI OUR TIES ON ONE BILL
A short trip over the Sandbanks Chain Ferry by car, bus or bike leads you to the picturesque town of Swanage and its premier seaside Office Phone Office Mobile Office Internet Office Gas Office Electricity Restaurant, "Ocean Bay". There is plenty of window seating to admire the views and the relaxed atmosphere gives a sense of holiday, day or night. The Utility Warehouse offers the full range of utilities. They can save your business money and make your life simpler in the process.
You could benefit from:
• Save on your services • 10% extra discount on your energy • 10% extra discount on your telephony services • Up to £200 to help you switch • Award-winning customer service • CashBack on your office expenses and personal petrol
We are a family friendly restaurant and also offer a children's menu. We use local produce for our menus to create interesting dishes with fresh fish, quality seafood or meats. Vegetarian options and Contact Peter Westwood are TODAY! special dietary requirements catered for and we have party Tel: 01202 233582 or 07837 menus available to suit113224 your function.
One call is all it takes!
Email: peter@best4value.co.uk Full à la carte menu and extensive wine list available Website: www.best4value.co.uk Roast Lunch is served all day Sunday for £9.95
For all our seasonal menus and special offers please go to www.oceanbayrestaurant.com Tel: 01929 422222 now to reserve your table Ocean Bay Restaurant, 2 Ulwell Rd, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LH
Some benefits apply only to customers with ‘Gold Status’ (ie. customers who apply for four or more main services, and pay by Direct Debit). Charges, terms and conditions apply. See the Utility Warehouse website for full details.
Page 26 a FREE copy go to Towww.newbusinessmatters.com advertise in this local journal telephone 01202Page 233580 To receive 25
Supplying Dorset’s businesses with talented people since 1982 has resulted in the database of local candidates. Just imagine how our birthday party will be!
Get involved here
30th birthday.indd 1
11/07/2012 10:57:20