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NEW BUSINESS
MATTERS Yo u r l o c a l b u s i n e s s t o b u s i n e s s j o u r n a l
In this issue: • Keep Trade Local Campaign by FSB (p8) • FREE Landlord Seminar 18th February (p9) • FREE Seminar 24th Feb on Code of Conduct (p20) • Business Development Club Tues 3rd Mar (p14) • Open Evening 12th March at The Queens Hotel (p16) • FREE Seminar 30th March on Flexible Working (p23)
Issue 01/2009
February/March
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NEW BUSINESS MATTERS
Editor’s Note
W
elcome to a local business journal dedicated to supporting local companies, by promoting ‘business to business’ activity within the conurbation of Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and neighbouring towns.
NEW BUSINESS MATTERS is totally different from any other business publication, mainly due to our intention to bring you useful, interesting and informative articles on various business issues across a wide spectrum of subjects. We wholly endorse the Federation of Small Businesses campaign to ‘Keep Trade Local’ and we trust you will like their article on page 8. In addition we also have numerous editorials to assist owners and managers with their day to day business decisions. If ‘new business’ matters to you then you should consider the invaluable marketing opportunity that NEW BUSINESS MATTERS offers you, by allowing you to be the only company advertising in your trade or profession.
Enjoy the read
December/January
Contents 03 05 07 08 09 11 13 15 17 18 19 21 23 24 25
CAR CARE FINANCIAL FITNESS FSB MATTERS LETTINGS IT MATTERS LEGAL MARKETING NETWORKING OFFICE PRINTING RECRUITMENT TELECOMS RECOVERY TRADE SERVICES
Peter Westwood
To enjoy exclusive rights within NEW BUSINESS MATTERS, by being the only company advertising in your trade or profession, please contact Peter Westwood on 01202 233580 or email sales@newbusinessmatters.com To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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CAR CARE MATTERS
February/March
YOUR RIGHT TO CHOOSE??? By Paul Booker M.D. of ooops.net limited
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f you are involved in a car crash, small or large, you have the right to choose which company will repair it, which is what happened when I advised my Auntie, when she phoned me to say “I’ve had an accident!” It was, “wet, cold and slippery” she murmered, but it was not long before I then realised she hadn’t even left her garage! I went round… “how on earth…no, don’t tell me” I said. The front wing was wrecked, she had managed to scrape both doors and the rear quarter had a massive dent. “Happens to the best of us!” I said. “Just go through your insurance and take it to ooops! for a FREE estimate, they will do all the work for you and you’ll get a courtesy car. They will have your car looking as good as new within 2 days and they’ll give you their LIFETIME GUARANTEE. Your insurance company will try and bully you into going to their ‘authorised repair centre’ which is usually someone they have
done a deal with for receiving a certain volume of work. I said to Auntie “Don’t let them bully you, just tell the insurers you know your rights and you prefer to choose ooops! because at ooops! they bonus their team on quality, which is why they can give a LIFETIME GUARANTEE.” If this had not been my Auntie, but instead some elderly lady, she could have been persuaded to go elsewhere, probably receiving a sub-standard service. After informing my Aunt of her rights she replied “All right, all right, I get the message!” “No need to be crotchety Auntie” I said, “I’m only trying to be a helpful nephew!” and under my breath “Just trying to protect the inheritance!” In the U.K. all car owners have the right to choose where to take their car to have it repaired, after all we are still a FREE country! Exercise your rights and take your car to ooops! behind makro in Creekmoor POOLE, for a FREE estimate – 13,000 clients can’t be wrong?
01202 373
030
trust us to make it better! www.ooops.net To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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FINANCIAL MATTERS
To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580
February/March
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FITNESS MATTERS
February/March
IT PAYS TO KEEP EMPLOYEES FIT! By Dan Homer, Sales & Marketing Manager Esporta Health & Racquets Club Dorset Great Facilities: • Relax, get fit, play tennis, swim, meet old friends, make new friends! • Fantastic Fitness Arena to help you get fit & stay healthy!
DID YOU KNOW? • Employees in corporate fitness programmes take 5 sick days less per annum. • Exercisers work at full efficiency all day, giving a 12.5% increase in productivity. • In 2008 the average cost of absence was £517 per employee or 3.1% of payroll. • UK absentee rates 9 days per employee per year, with a cost to UK business of over 12bn. When you realise the full impact of these statistics and how it may affect your bottom line, then perhaps you should consider Corporate Partnership of a health and fitness club? If so, why not take a look at Esporta Heath Clubs, who have probably the best Family Health & Racquets Club in Dorset...
• Superb 7 Indoor Tennis Courts, 4 Badminton Courts, 2 Squash Courts & 3 Outdoor Tennis Courts! • Sauna, Steam & Jacuzzi, plus Indoor & Outdoor Pools! • Ofsted registered childcare, Restaurant & Bar, Health & Beauty Treatment Rooms! • 3 Aerobic and Wellbeing studio’s with over 80 classes per week! • 25m Indoor heated Swimming Pool! • 18m Outdoor heated Swimming Pool! • And much, much more…….. Esporta Health Clubs where excellent service, splendid facilities and expert coaching join to provide a members experience that is unsurpassed. Esporta has 55 premium clubs across the UK, offering tranquil
settings to accommodate everything you need to workout, get fit, relax, unwind and socialise with friends. With first class racquets facilities, state-of-the-art gym equipment, luxurious swimming and spa areas, restaurants, classes of all types, family activities, crèches, specialist sport shops, health & beauty treatments and a wealth of social events – Esporta really does have it all. Over 172 million working days were lost due to absence in 2008. The Dorset Health & Racquets Club in Poole, are pleased to offer a corporate partnership at no extra cost to your business, which gives fantastic benefits to your employees and the chance for you to improve your business. The Esporta Health & Racquets Club Dorset, Cabot Lane, Poole, Dorset BH17 7BX Tel: 01202 642 642 www.esporta.com
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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FSB MATTERS
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LETTING MATTERS
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February/March
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IT MATTERS
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February/March
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LEGAL MATTERS
February/March
What resolutions should your business make? By Susie Smith, Dickinson Manser
2
009 will be a challenging year for all businesses and it is important to consider whether you are doing all you can to protect and promote the success of your business. Below are some key legal issues you should consider in the coming year.
The Companies Act 2006 A major overhaul of company law is underway by virtue of the Companies Act 2006. Many of the new legislative provisions came into effect on 1st October 2008 and the majority of the remaining provisions are set to follow on 1st October 2009. It is important that company directors are aware of the changes and take care to ensure that the correct procedures are followed. Some of the key changes include:1. Directors duties have now been codified and as from 1st October 2008 directors have the following statutory duties:a. To avoid conflicts of interest. b. Not to accept benefits from third parties. c. To declare any interests in proposed or existing transactions or arrangements with the company. d. To act in accordance with the company’s constitution and exercise powers only for their proper purpose. e. To promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole having regard to a prescribed list of considerations (amongst others). f. To exercise independent judgement. g. To exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence. 2. All companies must now have at least one director who is a natural person i.e. not a company.
3. Directors’ service contracts in excess of two years (rather than five) must be now be approved by the shareholders. 4. A simplified procedure for reducing share capital has now been introduced. 5. The restrictions on private companies giving financial assistance for the purchase of their share have now been lifted. 6. There is no longer a statutory requirement for private companies to hold annual general meetings. 7. Private companies can now choose not to have a company secretary.
Contracts The difficult economic climate is likely to mean an increase in the number of disputes arising between businesses, their suppliers and customers. Key to many disputes will be the contract involved and therefore it is important that all businesses consider whether the contracts they rely on remain suitable and effective in the market in which they operate. Properly drawn contracts can help avoid unwanted, costly disputes and limit the liability of the parties involved. However, the law relating to commercial and consumer contracts is complex and subject to regular interpretation and amendment by the courts. The consequences of contracts containing unenforceable provisions can be significant and all businesses should remember to review their contractual documents periodically.
Employment Law Employees are central to nearly all businesses and the constantly evolving law regulating the employment relationship can be difficult to negotiate. Below are a few issues employers should be aware of.
To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580
Holiday entitlements From 1st April 2009 the statutory entitlement to paid holiday will increase from 4.8 weeks to 5.6 weeks pro rata. Employers do not need to amend existing employment contracts in light of this but they should notify each employee of the change in writing and ensure that staff handbooks and standard employment contracts for future use are updated. Maternity & Adoption Leave There is now less of a distinction between the benefits employees are entitled to during their periods of ordinary and additional maternity or adoption leave as they are now entitled to non-pay contractual benefits such as cars for the whole period rather than just the ordinary leave. The law relating to maternity, paternity and adoption leave is complicated and it is important that employers ensure that they treat all employees fairly and in accordance with the applicable legislation or they could face claims for unlawful deductions of wages, sex discrimination and breach of contract! Employment Bill 2008 This is due to come into force in April 2009 and is expected to abolish the statutory grievance and disciplinary procedures and introduce a new ACAS code of practice in its place. Employment tribunals are expected to be given the power to penalise parties who unreasonably fail to follow the code. All employers will need to update their disciplinary procedures in light of these changes.
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MARKETING MATTERS
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
February/March
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The ONLY Physiotherapy Clinic approved by Flora London Marathon AnneMarie n helping a te athle nd understa their gait on the l treadmil
B
ournemouth based Body in Motion has had their success sealed this month, when they were named the only physiotherapy clinic in Dorset that is approved by the Flora London Marathon.
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The clinic’s experience with treating marathon runners spans over 10 years. Director of Body in Motion, Anne-Marie Samuel, offered her thoughts on why the physiotherapy clinic is flourishing; “We don’t just treat the symptoms of a problem, we look at the root cause, which in the case of many runners is the WAY they run. By helping them make adjustments, we can prevent future injuries and enhance their performance.”
Body in Motion is exemplary in their field: When helping clients understand the causes of their pain, they leave no stone unturned. Their all encompassing assessments may include a video
analysis of a patient’s running gait and in-depth evaluations. For runners, both professional and amateur, getting to the root cause of an issue can be the difference between a few days off training and weeks of remedial work.
Body in Motion is happy to offer a free consultation to help you identify your requirements, just call 01202 720300 or visit www.bodyinmotion.co.uk. Body in Motion 457 Christchurch Road Bournemouth BH1 4AD
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NETWORKING MATTERS
February/March
The Networking scene in and around Dorset By Eleanor Storey, Tasty Marketing
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his column is dedicated to bringing you useful tips and information about the networking scene in and around Dorset. It’s something that businesses are recognising as an essential tool in their marketing strategy, but what does networking mean and how can it help your company? Simply put, business networking is the gathering of business people in a single location with the intention to find people to work with, and to work for. You will usually give a one minute introduction to the room, and tell everyone about you and your business. This can sound a little bit daunting, especially if you haven’t networked before, so here are some tips for networking to help you maximise your results! • Be prepared Make sure you have plenty of business cards, and they are presentable. A finishing touch is to keep them in a smart business card case – if nothing else this will make you feel more professional! • Dress to impress Arrive in good time and make sure you are properly presented. Some networking meetings start
early in the morning or after a day at the office – this is no excuse for arriving looking like you’ve only just got out of bed! • Stand out from the crowd Do something a bit different; everyone hands out a business card so why not hand out something edible with a little call to action attached. This is a cost effective way of getting your details into people’s hands, and it can also act as a great conversation starter!
Business Xchange In each issue we will write a brief summary about a networking group in the local area and for our first edition we are looking at Business Xchange that runs four networking groups across Dorset. Each group meets once a month and each meeting have the same format. On arrival guests are encouraged to mingle and chat to one another. After eating, guests are asked to sit in designated places (if you would like to meet certain businesses Laura can arrange this), you will introduce your business in a 60 second introduction, and you are also asked to tell your table a ‘wicked issue’ which is a
business issue that has been troubling you. Once everyone has revealed their wicked issues, the table discuss ways in which you could solve your problem. After a break, guests find a new seat and are asked to introduce their business again and share an ‘ah-ha moment’. This is something you possibly have discovered that improves your working day somehow – there have been many interesting ahha moments, including good websites to use and places to visit. Each session also has a different speaker, giving an insight into their business, as well as helpful advice on a particular aspect of running a company. Billed as a support network, not a lead generation network, Business Xchange really delivers what it promises – support by the bucket load. If you would like more information about Business Xchange, please contact Laura McHarrie on laura.mcharrie@businesslinkwessex.co.uk
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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OFFICE MATTERS
February/March
“Office Outsourcing is a phenomenon that is changing the world…”
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s it? Is it really? Possibly – who can say, but in today’s climate it’s certainly featuring quite heavily. When Barclay’s outsourced, Dorset lost 1,100 jobs, so it’s not surprising that it’s got a bad name. However, it can’t be denied that Office Outsourcing is all about efficiency. Companies chose to outsource because it correlates directly to their bottom-line. Streamlining makes good business sense; the key is finding the right balance.
Tips for Office Outsourcing Be specific. If you can, identify the tasks you want to outsource, how long you expect them to take and how much you expect to pay. You’re in control. Most outsourcers will agree a set timeframe for a project or if it’s a rolling contract, a defined budget. This should never be
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exceeded without your consent – your freelancer should keep you regularly updated so that such a situation should never arise.
Finding the Right Office Outsourcer Keep it local. With today’s advances in technology there’s no reason why you should ever meet your freelancer, but it’s always good to be able to put a face to a name. Dot I’s and Cross T’s. Most outsourcers will have a standard confidentiality agreement or be happy to sign yours. Also check T&C’s for details of transference of rights to the client.
Office Outsourcing is now high on the agenda of firms seeking to cut costs, but it needn’t be viewed as a last resort, done properly, everyone can benefit.
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PRINTING MATTERS
February/March
How to find a good Printer? By Peter Westwood, Authentic Colour Print Ltd
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t is sometimes more difficult to find a good Printer than it is to find a good Solicitor or an Accountant, mainly due to the simple fact that many print companies are run by exmachine minders and not true professional business people. As such their ability to look after your every need is sometimes beyond their expertise and as far as ‘after sales care’ is concerned then you might as well try and fly to the moon! However, to help point you in the right direction I have tried to put together a simple plan of action which is as follows: 1. On your first contact do not communicate by sending out an email with your requirements and asking for a quotation, because all this will do is get you a price and surely you do not buy on price alone? 2. Pick up the phone and speak with someone to see what sort of help and advice you will receive. This is essential if you want to get a good understanding of what type of company they are and to see if you would feel comfortable in dealing with them.
3. You should ideally select at least four print companies to talk to over the telephone. If you feel happy with their response then ask them to send your quotes in the post. This way you will be able to see how professional they are. 4. When you have studied all of this information you should then choose two printers with whom you feel you can develop a good relationship with, because this is essential if you want to receive the best service possible. 5. Visit these printers and ask for the guided tour. Ask questions about their machinery, in particular is it a B3, B2 or B1 press and will it print all four colours in one pass. A fifth unit is good for spot colour or sealing in-line. 6. Finally look at what systems they have in place to ensure you will receive your job on time when you want it. This may seem a daunting task, but if you follow this six point plan, you will end up with the printer you want, which could be essential for the future development of your company? However, I hear you say “I do
not have time for all of that” and if this is the case then you should choose a reputable Print Broker/Management company to do this for you. Find a good one and they will also be able to help you with the initial design concepts and produce finished artwork in a print ready format. Alternatively, they will check the artwork you supply to ensure you receive the right quality of reproduction. To find out more why not contact Peter Westwood at Authentic Colour Print for a service that is truly ‘above and beyond’ their competitors. Authentic Colour Print Limited, Spacemaker House, 518 Wallisdown Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH11 8PT Tel: 01202 532277 E: info@authenticcolour.co.uk www.authenticcolour.co.uk
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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RECRUITMENT MATTERS
February/March
Developing your company’s code of conduct By Tracey Wood, Director, Jobshop UK
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ith effect from April 6th, a new Code of Practice, issued by ACAS, is being introduced on the way employers handle discipline and grievences. Called the Discipline and Grievance Code, the idea behind the changes is to encourage employers and employees to resolve disputes in the workplace rather than pursue them in an employment tribunal. The code has been revised to take into account the changes being made to workplace dispute resolution by the Employment Bill, in particular the removal of the statutory dismissal and discipline procedures.
How the Code works in Disciplinary Proceedings The new Code applies to all formal disciplinary proceedings, including those where a Written or Final Written Warning are given. It is considerably shorter than the existing code and provides basic practical guidance to employers and employees. It lays down how disciplinary proceedings should be conducted by the employer including allowing the employee to ask questions, present evidence and call relevant witnesses. A failure to follow the Code does not, in itself, make a person or
organisation liable to proceedings. However, employment tribunals will take the Code into account when considering relevant cases. Tribunals will also be able to adjust any awards made in relevant cases by up to 25 per cent for unreasonable failure to comply with any provision of the Code.
In a Nutshell: • New ACAS Code replaces statutory discipline and grievance procedures from 6th April 2009 • Code will apply to all disciplinary action, not just to dismissals • Code will not apply to redundancies or termination of fixed term contracts • Failure to follow Code means up to 25% increased compensation if an employee is found to have been unfairly dismissed. Employers and employees should do all that they can to resolve disciplinary and grievance issues in the workplace. Where this is impossible, employer and employees should consider using a third party to help resolve the problem. Recourse to an employment tribunal should only be a last resort.
Discipline and Grievance Code Jobshop UK and solicitors Coles Miller are holding a FREE seminar at the Lighthouse Poole on Tuesday, 24th February, 8.00 for 8.30 a.m start. The seminar is aimed at Directors, Managers and HR staff who need to ensure they conform to the new Code and are keen to keep up with modern practices regarding performance management. The seminar will be introduced by Tracey Wood, Director with Jobshop UK and will include an update from Neil Andrews, employment solicitor with Coles Miller Solicitors, about the changes to the law governing the Code of Discipline and Grievance Procedure. In addition Mike Tanner of MTA Consulting will be giving a presentation on how to develop a workable Code of Practice for staff within the workplace to help enhance performance management. The seminar will last approximately one hour and there will be an opportunity at the end for questions. Tel: 01202 674488 Website: www.jobshopuk.com
In order to ensure that you are fully versed in the new
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TELECOM MATTERS
February/March
Radically Changing How the World Communicates! reality and no longer a perception. In a similarly short time frame, massively positive changes have been taking place to alter our communication landscape.
H
osted voice over internet protocol (VOIP) and flexible mobile solutions offer a simple approach to decrease costs, responsibilities and resources whilst increasing functionality, growth and flexibility. All the benefits you want to read about. They do however, involve some form of change. Despite our Business minded attitudes and knowledge of why change is needed, it is rarely greeted with enthusiasm or in a positive way. We all know it is human nature to resist change. Our minds are now matching our natural resistance to change with the graphic demonstration of the speed and scale of change currently impacting on our global economy. Is it really any wonder then that our subconscious and very often now, our conscious, tell our business minds that ‘change is expensive and potentially bad news!’ In months rather than years, we have seen and continue to see negative change. This is a
With some irony, it is the backdrop of economic uncertainty that has put focus onto the Interface (the spaces or even the gaps) that links our means to communicate. Our voice and our data methods of communication are finally converging and changing, in a positive way. Real innovation has grown from these potentially terminal times for business. Various options are available to fully utilize the investment businesses have already deployed to communicate with their customers and with each other. These options are considered before a further pound (euro or dollar!) is spent on bringing them all together.
The ability to work anywhere in an efficient and effective way is now a reality and the need for an individual to own devices to ensure communication in different forms is passing. This seamless approach minimizes the total cost of ownership, saving money and increasing profits. To find out more about how change has given renewed focus to communication in business, contact Anita Potten Sales Director of TX Installations Ltd
complete communications solutions
Unit 4 Glenmore Business Park, Blackhill Road, Holton Heath, Poole, Dorset BH16 6NL Tel: 01202 233550 Fax: 01202 621255 Email: anita.potten@txiltd.co.uk www.txiltd.co.uk
TXI and their associate partners at Office Unwrapped are running their latest free seminar event on Monday, 30th March 2009 at Kingston Maurward House, Dorchester DT2 8PY. The focus will be on ‘Flexible Working’ and further information can be obtained by contacting Anita on 01202 233550. Alternatively send an email to info@officeunwrapped.co.uk or register on-line at www.officeunwrapped.co.uk
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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RECOVERY MATTERS
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February/March
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TRADE MATTERS
February/March
Freephone: 0800 0025 192 Getting cleaner... the true blue way! 42 Glenmeadows Drive Northbourne Bournemouth BH10 5HQ
info@aussieclean.co.uk www.aussieclean.co.uk
Commercial & Domestic cleaning packages tailored to suit your budget.
Your Local Centre of Excellence • Physiotherapy • Sports Massage • Personal Training Approved by Flora London Marathon
Tel: 01202 720300 info@bodyinmotion.co.uk www.bodyinmotion.co.uk
* Business * Premium * Economy * Discounted Worldwide Fares * Visas * Hotel Accomodation * Passports * Insurance
Tel: 01202 853228 andyfountain@cadogantravel.com www.cadogantravel.com
ADVERTISE HERE FOR ONLY £31.50 PER MONTH National Service to Local Business. Suppliers of Kenco Coffee Products including snacks and can vending
Tel: 07966 514107 Unit 3A, 8 Cowley Road, Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole BH17 0UJ
To find out more, please contact Peter Westwood
Tel: 01202 233580 sales@newbusinessmatters.com
info@kencolocal.com
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