Issue10 by New Business Matters

NEW BUSINESS

MATTERS Your local business to business journal

In this Issue: • E njoy a 2 course Buffet Lunch for only £4.95 pp (p2) • F ree Day Pass to the Village Leisure Centre (p8) • S witch Business Insurance for 5% Discount (p9) •A Fairer Future – The Equality Act 2010 (p15) •G olf event raises nearly £3000 for Charity (p23) • E xhibition & Free Seminars Wed 15 Sept (I/B Cover)

Helping your business to develop and grow! Issue 10/2010

August/September

NEW BUSINESS MATTERS

August/September

Editor’s Note

Contents

We all need a helping hand now and again? The economy is still in a stop/start position and although there was a certain amount of optimism after the general election, the media are again voicing their concerns and creating a possible further period of doom and gloom. I am now so switched off about all these negative attitudes that I refuse to read newspapers on a regular basis, because at the end of the day we all have our businesses to run and no matter what goes on in the rest of the world, we all need to keep in business, even if it we do need a helping hand now and again. Dorset is full of expert companies who can help give us advice on how to move things forward and although it may appear to some that you are sticking your heads in the sand, my advice to you would be to just get on with it and ignore the doom and gloom mongers. If through the help of local business people we can remain positive then I am sure this mini-recovery we are experiencing at the moment will continue. Keep your heads down and keep on working and wherever possible always turn for help, advice, supplies and equipment, to Dorset based companies and then our business community will continue to thrive, irrespective of what is going on in the rest of the world. To that end I trust you will find a helping hand within the editorial pages of New Business Matters. Kind Regards

03 Accommodation 04 Accountancy 05 Cleaning 07 Events 08 Fitness 09 Insurance 10 Internet 11 Investment 12 IT Matters 13 Lettings 15 Legal 17 Printing 18 Photography 19 Property 20 Recovery 21 Slice of Life 21 wine 23 Telecoms 24 Seminars

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 +LZPNULK I`! 3PUKZL` *HYY 7HST +LZPNU 7YPU[LK I`! 9LTV\Z 3PTP[LK :OLYIVYUL 7\ISPZOLK I`! 5L^ )\ZPULZZ 4H[[LYZ <2 3PTP[LK

Peter Westwood on 01202 233580 or email sales@newbusinessmatters.com

To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

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Accommodation Matters

August/September

Change is good and we have made several! By Brendan Westwood, Ramada Encore Hotel

hen I first started my business career, I was always told, if you stand still long enough you will start going backwards, and both my wife Zoe and I are real believers in this. When we first opened our hotel on 8th September 2006, we had a very good idea of what we were – a posh bed and breakfast hotel, with high quality bedrooms but limited service – and although the basics structure has remained the same, we have also changed with the times. In our first year, we didn’t offer any food in the evenings apart from the odd sandwich. We did and still do offer a 10% discount for our guests at certain local restaurants which continues to work very well, which is why we shied away from providing our own food. The first change was the introduction of our hot buffet lunch served Monday to Friday 12-2pm. It was originally designed for local business people to get a reasonably priced lunch. We have homemade soup to start, which changes each day,

and we offer 3 hot dishes of the day, one of which is vegetarian, and various salad items, along with a hot drink from our machine, all for only £5.95pp. The next change was to look at increasing our food offering for the evening, as a couple of our guests had mentioned it would be nice to get more than a sandwich in the evening. So in June 2009, we started offering things like panninis, pizzas and jacket potatoes, which really worked for our guests. Over the last year we had been wondering whether to go for it and offer virtually a full menu between 6pm and 9pm, and again that same phrase came back into my mind “if you stand still long enough you will start

going backwards”. So from June 2010 we are offering an increased food menu, with things like an Encore Burger available. In line with these changes we also hired a new chef and she has made some changes to the menu adding dishes like homemade lasagne, medallions of pork resting on tagliatelle, a selection of starters and some gorgeous homemade desserts. Although we are still a posh bed and breakfast hotel with limited service, we do now offer that little bit more and it is proving a real success. I have to say change is a good thing, it keeps us moving forward and the old saying of “a change is as good as a rest” is so true.

EVENING MEALS NOW AVAILABLE! If you would like to try any of our new menus, please simply come on in between 6pm and 9pm and get a reasonably priced good quality meal. Why not try it – for a change, and there is no need to book in advance. If you are in need of regular hotel accommodation or conference space, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 01202 291266.

To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

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Accounting in a new light; Bright Star is launched. Bournemouth based Bright Star Accounting offers accounts, tax and auditing services to small businesses nationwide. Bright Star is an evolution in the way accountants communicate with clients They have embraced new technology and adopted concepts from social media to change the way advice is provided and work undertaken for their clients. Seeking an innovative model that differentiates a business from it’s competition can be difficult, particularly when the business operates in a very traditional market such as accountancy. Not so for the bright star accounting group. Whist they provide accountancy, tax and business advice, and are chartered accountants and registered auditors, what sets them apart is how those traditional services are offered. You will be surprised that so much of what they offer is completely free of charge. Video guides, podcasts and templates no longer have to be paid for. They are free to use from their website. The website is also packed with features, including an RSS News section which is an aggregation of over 100 other feeds, with Bright Star only publishing what’s relevant and meaningful along with their own comments and opinions. Why filter all those feeds yourself when theirs does it for you.

The future is also looking very exciting. Owner, Duncan Strike, says “We are developing online accounting and payroll systems so we can offer them freely to any business, not just our clients”. But the good stuff doesn’t end there. The business reminder service which sends free reminders by SMS so your deadlines aren’t missed is available from their website. Bright Star makes accountancy and tax accessible, you choose the services you want, and can even get an instant price from their web site. Duncan goes on to comment, “If you are not sure about what you want or need simply call us, we are real people offering real advice. Our prices are fixed and guaranteed.” The use of video conferencing to replace time consuming meetings, live chat for immediate response and online technical support means Bright Star can offer a first class service for a low cost. The Bright Star accounts and payroll systems integrate internally so they can provide financial and tax reporting online via a secure portal. One thing is for sure, younger businesses, run by entrepreneurs comfortable with the internet will love the immediacy, the efficiency and the 24/7 access. The new website -

brightstaraccounting.co.uk will be launched in August 2010

FCB PRESEASON A4 48pg_AFCB Preseason 2010 p 19/07/2010 14:49 Page 40

CLEANING MATTERS

August/September

Do you need a little TODAY’S MATCHBALL “specialist” cleaning?

MATCH BALL SPONSOR FOR THE TOTTENHAM GAME

SPONSOR

By Paul Gowing, MD of Cleanforce Ltd

however large or small? Well look no further pecialist cleaning services are an essential because at Cleanforce our professional integrity factor for every healthy business, whether its means everything to us and this has enabled us to contract cleaning for commercial or retail We advise Corporate and Personal Clients a wide retain contracts locallyupon over the last 11 years. premises, one off deep cleaning; floor restoration range of Business, Tax and Investment strategies and wish & cleaning with ongoing maintenance programs By providing in-house training, to ensure your Eddie, Jason and the Team all the very best for the Season. or high level window cleaning, we all need a little criteria are met on every occasion, we are also ‘specialist’ cleaning now and again, but who do you able to employ and retain the best operatives, to turn to for these services? ensure your expectations are exceeded.

t. 01202 555785

Ideally you should look for a local organically Various packages are available, irrespective of the www.schofieldsonline.co.uk grown company that have the expertise to meet size of your organisation or your budget and we all your cleaning needs. Someone who will work are pleased to offer all customers a FREE Initial in partnership with you and who has experience Consultation, without obligation and at short in the leisure and sports industry, outlets, Schofields is retail the business name of Schofieldsnotice Partnership LLP registered in England and Wales. where possible. Registered No. OC344961 Registered Office as above. car showrooms schools, restaurants and office Registered to carry on audit work by the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales. way. Don’t delay, clean inthe Cleanforce premises where high standards are Authorised andessential. Regulated by the Financial Services Authority For all enquiries contact Managing Director But where do you find someone who can provide Paul Gowing on 01202 516655 or email; excellent service that is delivered all clients ASSOCIATEtoMATCH BALL SPONSORpaulg@cleanforceltd.com FOR THE TOTTENHAM GAME

tel: O12O2 516655

email: sales@cleanforceltd.com

Proud to be working with AFCBournemouth To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

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P R E M I E R M ATC H D AY H O S P I TA L I T Y ?ÍW a?ßË Ä¬ Í? ÍßË ÄË ¬ ¬Ö ?ÁË ? ~ÄÍËÄÖ¬¬ ÁÍjÁÄË? aËMÖÄ jÄÄjÄË alike. The modern and unique Dean

ÖÁÍË .Í?a Ö Ë wwjÁÄË ?Ë ¬jÁwjWÍË venue to entertain clients, friends or families on matchdays. You can j ßË Í jË ÖÍÄÍ? a ~Ë ÄjÁÜ Wj^Ë ÄÖ ÍjË j ÍjÁÍ? j ÍË ? aË jÞWj j ÍË w aË Ý Í Ë?Ë Ä¬ Í? ÍßË¬?W ?~jËÍ ?ÍË jjÍÄË ß ÖÁËÁj¶Ö Áj j ÍÄË? aËMÖa~jÍ±

PRE-MATCH VË 0 ÁjjËW ÖÁÄjË Ö W Ë ÁËË Ë dinner with coffee VË ÍjÁÍ? j ÍËwÁ ËÍ jËËËË Matchday Host VË ¬ j Í?ÁßËË Ë Ë ¬Á ~Á? j VË .jjË?Ë¬ ?ßjÁË ÍjÁÜ jÝËË Ë in the Restaurant before the Ë ~? j VË ? WjËÍ ËÝ Ë ËË Bournemouth merchandise Ë Ä ~ jaËMßËÍ jË ÁÄÍË0j? ËË Squad

AFC BOURNEMOUTH VS PETERBOROUGH FC

DURING THE GAME VË ÞjWÖÍ ÜjË.j?Í ~Ë ËÍ jËË Main Stand VË ? wÍ jËÍj?^Ë coffee and cakes in Ë Í jË0 ¬Ë ÁË-jÄÍ?ÖÁ? Í AFTER THE GAME VË #¬¬ ÁÍÖ ÍßËÍ ËÜ jÝË? ËË Ë Í jË¬ ÄÍ ?ÍW Ë ËË ¬ÁjÄj Í?Í Ä^Ë W Öa ~ËËËË the man of the match

BOOK NOW! CALL 01202 337

RECEPTION 01202 726 300 | SALES 01202 726 337 | E blacklabelevents@afcb.co.uk | W blacklabelevents.co.uk Black Label Events, Dean Court Stadium, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF

EVENT MATTERS

August/September

CORPORATE OPPORTUNITES By Jo Gibbs – Event Sales Co-ordinator

FC Bournemouth, also known as the Cherries, is a family and corporate friendly football club offering a range of exciting corporate opportunities. The catering is run in house under the brand name of Black Label Events which enables far greater flexibility. Black Label Events at AFC Bournemouth can accommodate any event and all group sizes from a meeting for 2 to a party for 400 guests or complete venue hire. The Cherries play at Dean Court Stadium at Kings Park in Bournemouth which is one of the most unique and versatile venues in Dorset, offering some of the best equipped conference facilities and hospitality suites at unbeatable rates. The Stadium boasts seven main suites and 13 smaller rooms for exclusive hire that can be used for social occasions or corporate events, where guests can enjoy magnificent views of the pitch and stadium. Dean Court provides an ideal venue for breakfast meetings, exhibitions, product launches, banquets, conferences, weddings and Christmas parties. AFC Bournemouth have just been promoted to npower League 1 and are looking forward to the start of the new season and increasing attendances. Football is a powerful vehicle which engages with the community and reaches people of all ages and social backgrounds. Businesses

benefit from a number of exciting matchday packages and the opportunity to use the Club to reach a captive audience both at the Stadium and across the wider community. Matchday Hospitality at AFC Bournemouth is very popular amongst supporters and businesses alike. The modern venue offers the perfect location to entertain clients, friends or family on Matchdays in either the Champions Top Floor Restaurant, which offer panoramic views of the Stadium. The match day package includes a three course lunch or dinner with coffee, entertainment from the match day host, a complimentary programme, see a player interview in the Restaurant before the game, Chance to win AFC Bournemouth merchandise signed by the First Team Squad, Executive seating in the Main Stand, halftime tea, coffee and cakes in the Top Floor Restaurant and then after the game an opportunity to view all the post-match presentations, including the man of the match. Full packages start from £55.00 + VAT, with meal only packages also available from £30.00 + VAT. For more information or to book a match day package please contact one of the Black Label Events sales team on 01202 726337. Black Label Events, AFC Bournemouth, Dean Court, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF

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FITNESS Matters

August/September

The Perfect Start! By Robert Fordham (M.Sc, B.Sc), Leisure Operations Manager, Village Hotel Bournemouth Lets face it, we’ve all probably done it…joined a gym with the best intentions and even endured that horrendous induction only to eventually lose interest or motivation and devote our energy toward escaping the contract. Well no more!! The revolutionary Perfect Fit programme exclusively available at Village Health & Leisure and designed by double Olympic Champion, Dame Kelly Holmes is here. This unique and comprehensive philosophy allows their members to enjoy fitness at their own pace whilst promoting a variety of social clubs and events. Most importantly, they»ve ditched the traditional (and dull) induction that simply doesn»t work for most people. Instead, you can try Perfect Start. Combining motivational strategies with effective training techniques, they»ll help you commit to creating a body you»ll be proud of.

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But it doesn»t stop there, Village stick with you for the journey! They help dispel common myths and give you the tools to fast-track your results, with a fat-loss session I»d recommend to anyone. You are then encouraged to book a complimentary 1:2:1 session and enjoy your own personalised programme with Dame Kelly Holmes seal of approval. If that»s not enough, you can also book 6 weekly reviews, try drop-in workshops and enjoy a range of classes designed for those new to exercise. And so instead of feeling intimidated in the gym, you»ll feel at home in fun, enjoyable and social surroundings that»ll have you coming back for more. This month, there»s no question about it... why just get fit, when you can get Perfect Fit!

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

InSURANCE Matters

August/September

Expert help, more cover – and savING you money!

By Barry Shereston, MD of Arthur Savage Insurance A GUARANTEED MINIMUM 5% discount when you switch your Business Insurance or Landlord Property insurance to Arthur Savage Insurance – now that’s worth considering in today’s economic climate. And moreover, a better than 75% take-up of policies for new businesses speaks for itself.

«Business Builder» services for advice and support. These include:

Arthur Savage Insurance has exclusive schemes, which guarantee a minimum 5% discount off a whole range of policies, if you»ve had no claims in the last 3 years of business. And for many, the savings are even greater. In addition, policies offer wider cover and include Commercial Legal Expenses for free with a legal advice helpline.

In addition, fully qualified advisors are on hand to discuss your needs and offer expert advice; risk management and claims support ˛ you»ll find them helpful in all aspects of insurance for business and property.

And that»s not all; with Arthur Savage Insurance you get more from your business insurance with 12 months free exclusive access to the

• 24-hour legal helpline • Sales & Marketing • Business Planning • Bookkeeping

If you have a new business or property to insure, the free services they offer can give you a real helping hand, but they are equally beneficial for existing businesses to save money and provide additional support in these tough economic times.

To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

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InTERNET Matters

August/September

Will You be Online this Christmas? By Murray Cowell, Belmont Internet Marketing.

oh! It gets earlier every year, doesn’t it? But only because people like me have to go and mention it! However, it’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas if you plan to sell online or if your business has a seasonal element to it.

If you want to start selling goods or services directly from your website, there’s still time to get an online shop up and running in time for the peak Christmas shopping season. Last Christmas was a record year for online sales, with an increase of 17% over the previous year. £5bn was spent online in the UK in November alone. High Street sales, by comparison, grew by less than 3%.

You can also boost your seasonal business with a well thought out professional email marketing campaign. Bearing in mind the time involved in scheduling a web development project, deciding on designs and creating content, if you’re thinking of doing something different this Christmas, now’s the time to act!

Predictions for online sales this Christmas are even higher, with a predicted further 23% increase on

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last year. If you’re a retailer and you don’t sell online, you could be missing out. Even if you don’t sell online, you can easily change your website to reflect the changing seasons. This can be automated so that you don’t have to worry about taking your site’s Christmas decorations down by Twelfth Night!

May I be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year?

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

INVESTMENT Matters

August/September

Pension Reform – An Employers Duty By Jeremy Leslie-Smith from Alexander Price

he government spending on state benefits for pensioners in 2006/07 was £84.6 billion. By 2035/36 this is expected to increase to £189.1 billion. As people are living longer and with fewer saving the government have tried to tackle this issue in several ways over recent years. We have seen the introduction of Stakeholder Pensions, described as “Pensions for Everyone”, the planned increases to the state pension age for men and women, changes to the basic state pension and the state second pension. Now, with the introduction of the Pensions Act 2008, Section 3 (2) states “The employer must make prescribed arrangements by which the jobholder becomes an active member of an automatic enrolment scheme”. Starting from October 2012, phased over four years, it is planned that all eligible workers, who are not already in a good quality workplace scheme, will be automatically enrolled into either their employers’ pension scheme or a new savings vehicle, NEST (National Employment Savings Trust), formerly known as personal accounts. To encourage participation, employees’ pension contributions will be supplemented by contributions from employers and tax relief. For the first time all employers will be required to contribute a minimum of 3 percent (on a band of earnings) to an eligible employee’s workplace pension scheme. This will supplement the 4 percent contribution from the employee and around 1 percent from the Government in the form of tax relief. The Pensions regulator will impose fines on those companies that do not comply ranging from a one off £400 up to £10,000 a day. Employers could even face up to two years in prison.

to ensure everything is in place in time. Over the coming months we will be holding presentations for local companies, so if you would like to register your interest to keep fully up to speed with what you need to know, please email your details to Jeremy.leslie-smith@alexanderprice. co.uk or telephone 01202 840900. We will also be doing a presentation at the New Business Matters Open Exhibition at AFC Bournemouth on 15 September 2010 at 11.30am. For further information about this or other related business or personal issues please give me call 01202 840900 or send an email to enquiries@alexanderprice.co.uk Alexander Price Ltd, 20 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1NF www.alexanderprice.co.uk

The Pensions Act 2008 and the requirements for employers is complex and needs careful planning

To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

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IT Matters

August/September

The future of paper? By Ben Summerfield, Copyrite Business Solutions

he concept of the paperless office was first thought of in 1975 – it has yet to be realised! Our love of paper is as strong as ever despite the development and advancement in technology that has potential to make it redundant. This is in the face of the fact that not only does the cost associated with print account for a firm’s third largest overhead, but there is a greater need than ever for collaborative and remote working.

Different technologies exist to help answer all the above questions – in order to get the correct solution, it is necessary to carefully consider your firms’ individual requirements before you set out on a project. Copyrite Business Solutions are able to provide tailor made solutions and consultancy to help your firm make the best decisions throughout the process.

Creating the possibility for staff and offices to share documents and access them remotely can help unlock efficiencies as well as becoming part of an increasingly important environmental policy. Naturally all of this needs to be done in a controlled and audited manner in order to make it a viable alternative to the standard methods of document storage. Generally businesses today have several areas for their documentation – typically some documentation stored on centralised hard drive space, some stored in an email system, some stored in paper files and possibly some data stored in accounting or CRM packages. In an ideal world, to achieve the best efficiencies, these areas need to be centrally accessible and have securities applied before a truly viable solution can become apparent. There are several factors that are brought into play to achieve this in the most efficient manner: • How can we get documents in? • What can be done to automate this? • How can we recall documents?

For a better insight to Electronic Document Management (EDM), we will be holding a FREE Seminar at the upcoming New Business Matters Open Exhibition at 9:30am on the 15th September. To book your place for this seminar please call 01202 848866. Alternatively, please get in touch for a free no obligation appointment and we would be delighted to see if we are able to help with your requirements.

• How quickly can we recall documents? • What security can we apply? • Can the system be audited? • Are the documents stored legally permissible?

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To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

Lettings Matters

August/September

SHORTAGE OF SUPPLY!

By Sharon Moore from Move on Rentals The second quarter of 2010 has been challenging due to an even bigger increase of tenant enquiries, but there has not been enough available stock to offer because; 1. A shortage of new buy to let investors. Since the budget this has been slow to pick up again. 2. L andlords testing the market and trying to sell up. We have seen an increase in this, however we have had over 70% of those return to us where they have not sold the property. 3. T enants are staying in the rental sector for longer. This is due to many not being able to secure either enough deposit or fit the strict criteria for multiple income ratios to mortgage offer. 4. T enants staying in the rental sector because they donÂťt believe in the Thatcher philosophy of ÂŤowning your own homeÂť.

.07& 0/ The lettings specialist

5. P roperty owners renting out their own property and going into rented themselves. This trend has become increasingly popular, whether the landlord is looking to down-size, upsize, move to another area or move abroad. Whatever, the reason, the main fact is there is a shortage of supply. Therefore, this is a good time to get into the ÂŤBuy to LetÂť sector, especially if you are seeing less than 5% on your existing savings. At Move On Rentals, we now specialise in the Buy to Let sector. By selling with a specialist, a landlord can continue to receive rent up to the day of completion and the new landlord can receive rent from day one. If you would like an informal chat on either increasing or decreasing your existing portfolio, then please speak to the team at Move On

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To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

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To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

Legal Matters

August/September

A Fairer Future By Susie Smith The Equality Act 2010 received royal assent in

building to reduce or

April with a view to the majority of its provisions

avoid a disadvantage

coming in to force this October. The new

they face in comparison

coalition Government has confirmed that it still

with

intends to honour this timeframe and so it will

people, then the landlord

be necessary for many businesses to familiarise

must consult with those who will be effected within

themselves with the Act and consider what

a reasonable time and then take such steps as

action they should take to ensure compliance.

are reasonable to avoid the disadvantage. Before

The Act will replace most of the existing discrimination legislation so as to create a more unified approach. The Act will continue to protect the following characteristics; age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage, civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex

non-disabled

making any changes the landlord must enter a written agreement with the disabled person setting out their respective obligations, for instance will the disabled person pay for the works or be required to reinstate the property to its original condition when they vacate?

and sexual orientation but makes various significant

Employers:

changes to how that protection is given. Below you

• The Act allows employers to choose between two

will find a few examples of key changes which will

equally qualified candidates by selecting one from

affect certain businesses.

an under-represented minority.

Businesses Supplying Goods or Services:

• The Act provides that in some cases an employer

• Protected characteristics for the purposes of

may be liable for harassment of employees in

service providers are disability, age (for over 18s),

the workplace even if a third party commits the

gender reassignment, pregnancy, race, religion,

harassment.

belief, sex and sexual orientation. • The Act prohibits discrimination, harassment and victimisation and these will include:

- refusing to provide services,

- providing a different quality of service,

- providing services on different terms.

• Service Providers cannot use contracts to exclude the requirements of the Act. Landlords/Property Managers: • The Act prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, belief or sexual orientation against tenants, occupiers, potential tenants or purchasers. • If a disabled tenant or occupier requests (in relation to their home), changes to common parts of a

• In some cases the Act will make contractual prohibitions on employees discussing their salaries unenforceable in relation to any discussions aimed at establishing whether there is pay discrimination. • The Act will prevent employers asking preemployment health questions of job applicants other than in limited cases for instance when they relate to the persons ability to carry out an intrinsic part of the job. If you would like further information about the Equality Act 2010 please contact Susie Smith on 01202 673 071 or by emailing s.smith@dickinsonmanser.co.uk

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

Tel: 01963 250930

www.remous.com Making you look good on paper...

Printing Matters

August/September

Print it any colour as long as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s green? By Peter Westwood, Remous Design and Print

he printing process and the way in which individual printed projects are designed both have an impact on the environment. However, there are many ways in which this impact can be reduced and the printing industry itself has come a long way over the past couple of decades in changing the way it works to reduce its effect on the environment, mainly through the use of new technologies that have become available. As environmental concerns rightly impact on all our purchasing decisions, more and more companies are looking for printers with the right â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; credentials! So, if you are concerned about the measures your printer has taken in support of their environmental impact then you should check them out to see if they recognise and adopt certain procedures in their production methods and in the materials they use to produce your printed matter. For instance do they follow the guidelines laid down by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) in the selection of recommended papers and boards and do they use cheaper, but more harmful, solvents and inks? To help demonstrate you are cutting down on your carbon footprint, we feel it is your duty to do as much as

you can to limit the damage to the environment. To this end we have listed a few key areas that you should concentrate on. 1. Paper: The paper used should be 100% Chlorine Free and the pulp, used in its production, is to be sourced from well managed wood and sustainable forests. (This means for every tree that is felled a new one is planted). 2. Waste: All paper waste and offcuts are collected once a week to be recycled for future usage.

the biggest customers of buying this scrap metal is Volkswagen! If your printer cannot demonstrate that he is following these basic guidelines then you should seriously consider changing to one that can, such as Remous Design & Print, who as your print management provider guarantee to manage your green concerns and to help you get the best possible results whilst saving you time and money!

3. Ink: The ink used at our printers is vegetable based and not the more harmful oil based variety.

Your company can benefit directly from the active promotion of its environmental stance and Remous can help you by advising and implementing a green print management strategy!

4. Plates: All of the aluminium scrap, which is the old and unusable printing plates, should be recycled at least four times a year. We are told that one of

For further details or to arrange a FREE green print survey please call Peter on 01963 250930 or send an email to peter@remous.com

To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY MATTERS

August/September

How image & words make the perfect press release By Steve Cook, Seeker Photography

any attempts at PR and press releases are spoiled by a failure to stick to a few basic rules. While the release itself may be beautifully written, it will all be a waste of time unless it captures the readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention. And one of the best ways to grab his attention is with a professionally taken photograph gracing the release.

the picture. The quality of the photo, and the opening sentence of the press release, will make all the difference between success and failure. Also there is no sense in having a release adorned with a beautifully taken photo if the writing is a turn off.

It may be hard for a writer to bear, but no matter how well the release is written, the eye is always first drawn to

With this marriage of image and word, you have the perfect press release!

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Once the reader has cast his eye over the picture, he will read the text. And unless you capture his attention in the first couple of sentences, all is lost. Just like the photographer, the writer must seize the reader by the lapels and make him WANT to read the press release to the very end.

Visit www.seekernews.co.uk to explore the relationship between words and images, and to keep up with local business news.

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

Property Matters

August/September

Provide for your Financial Future! By Alan Cracknell from Platinum Investment Property

hat is your plan to provide for your financial future, and how do you feel these plans will produce the results you are expecting? Many savings and investment schemes are not producing the income streams expected to fund the desired lifestyle or maintain your lifestyle during your retirement years. It may be time to review those plans for you to take control of your future. So, what alternatives are out there that could produce a better result? An ever-increasingly popular product that people are investing in, either within their personal ownership, or with their new or existing SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension), is luxurious commercial holiday property!

do telephone us on 0845 632003. Alternatively send an email to info@platinumws.co.uk to arrange a personal appointment or book a place on one of our up and coming seminar events.

Alan Cracknell AMC New Forest Limited trades as an Associate Platinum Investment Property. Registered Office: 426/428 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth BH8 9AA Platinum Investment Property Ltd and its representatives are not authorised or regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Platinum Investment Property Ltd does not offer financial advice.

A New Funding Strategy Seminar for Property Development!

If you decide to go down this route then you want to make sure you choose a leading UK based world class Hotel and Resorts developer, who can show you a business model that includes partnerships with high profile hotel and travel businesses and well known sporting organisations and personalities. For the property-wise itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a return to the old favourites this year, as buyers cold-shoulder speculative purchases in less sound countries for the tried and tested markets. At Platinum Investment Property we pride ourselves in helping people to carefully invest in freehold property on 5 Star Luxury Holiday Resort developments that offers excellent potential returns, with a unique funding scheme, as well as many other benefits. If this is what you are looking for then

This seminar provides an insight into a unique successful funding scheme for all individuals and serious property investors. Discover how these principles could be adapted to fuel your business growth. Looking for a great passive income, now or for the future? Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be warmly welcomed as you learn why thousands have already chosen to take this route.

2pm to 3pm at AFC Bournemouth Dean Court, BH7 7AF Wednesday 15th September 2010 By Mark Reynolds from Platinum Investment Property www.platinumws.co.uk

Our seminar is part of the NBM Open Exhibition, which is being held throughout the day, starting at 9am and finishing at 5pm

To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

Page 19

RECOVERY MATTERS

August/September

BY GRAHAM DOWN | www.bscorprecovery.com

Avoiding a catastrophe! Let’s imagine that your company is starting to Z[Y\NNSL ÄUHUJPHSS` For too long you’ve been hoping that it was just a short term hiccup and that business would soon PTWYV]L You’ve been hanging on hoping that there was a big contract which would come in just as soon as your major customer got its act together. But it hasn’t, and now you’re under pressure from suppliers who want their money. You know that the list of people that the business owes money to includes a close friend or a family member. Obviously you don’t want that individual to lose out if the worst happens, so you would be quite justified in paying that debt off first, right? Wrong! One of the basic legal principles when a business is facing financial difficulties is that all creditors should be treated equally, and to pay off one creditor, or a particular group of creditors, in priority to others who are left unpaid breaches that core principle. That priority payment is what’s known as a “preference”, and if the business becomes formally insolvent

the insolvency practitioner appointed to deal with its affairs will be making a claim against the creditor which has received the preferential treatment so that the money can be recovered in order to be redistributed amongst all creditors. That could be a costly process and, if the claim is successful, those costs may well fall on the preferred creditor. But you and this creditor are far too intelligent to fall for something as basic as that. You’ve come up with a clever wheeze to get round the problem. Let’s say the amount owing to the creditor is £3,000. Your company owns a van which is worth, say, £7,000, but you agree to sell it to the creditor for £4,000. Everyone’s happy. The creditor has got something worth £7,000 which only cost him £4,000, and so once he’s sold the vehicle he’s recouped his debt and lost nothing. You’re happy because you’ve made sure that your friend or relative has effectively got his money back, albeit in kind. Sad news, though, I’m afraid. Once again the transaction won’t deceive anyone, and a claim will follow, this time to recover the “transaction at an undervalue”. The problems don’t end there. In most formal company insolvencies the appointed insolvency practitioner has a legal duty to prepare and send a report to the Secretary of State on each director’s conduct. The

purpose of that report is to enable the Secretary of State to decide whether the director should be banned from taking part in managing any limited company for a period of time. A ban, or “disqualification order”, may curtail that individual’s ability to be involved in business in the future. If your company faces financial problems the solution is not to bury your head in the sand, ostrich-like, and certainly not to try and devise clever schemes. The answer is to take advice from an experienced, qualified insolvency practitioner. However, unique you believe that your business problems may be, an experienced insolvency practitioner will have seen it all before, probably many times over. An insolvency practitioner will undertake a review of your business to identify the problem areas and, provided that you haven’t left it too late, may be able to find a way through the problems and help you restore your business to a firm footing. Even where the problems are so severe that formal insolvency is unavoidable, it may nevertheless be possible to salvage something from the wreckage and enable the business to continue in some restructured form. Certainly, he will be able to help you avoid the pitfalls and prevent a crisis becoming a catastrophe.

0M `V\ [OPUR `V\Y I\ZPULZZ PZ MHJPUN ÄUHUJPHS KPMÄJ\S[PLZ VY WV[LU[PHS KPMÄJ\S[PLZ contact Graham Down of Burton Sweet Corporate Recovery on 01202 313624 MVY H MYLL JVUÄKLU[PHS PUP[PHS TLL[PUN

Don’t be an ostrich – act today! Page 20

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

A SLICE OF LIFE!

highly successful ‘Carnival of Golf’ took place at the end of June. This event was organised by Bournemouth-based radio station, HOPE FM, in conjunction with one of the south’s most successful business networks, The Carrington Club. The Carnival was held at Sturminster Marshall Golf Club, to raise funds for three local charities: Bournemouth YMCA/HOPE FM; for a support worker at Poole Hospital working with young people with diabetes; and St James’s Place Foundation. Thirteen teams took part in superb weather. The first hole was sponsored by Custom House in Poole, who provided steak, Yorkshire pudding and strawberries! Later on, Cosy Bay Furniture provided comfortable seating and parasols for the teams while they enjoyed a barbecue. Green with envy Meanwhile, the players faced a host of challenges. The course had been laid out as a ‘greenkeeper’s revenge’, one aspect of which included playing

Email: info@templarwines.com

blindfolded! Richard Cossey from Humfries Kirk still managed to get on the green in two! In the evening, the prizes were presented, with the winning team being Linda Smith, Val Lea, Alison Carter and Pat Morrisey representing AMS Cleaning. There was also an auction of items that ranged from meals, a case of wine and a Pamper Day through to a golfing holiday in Spain, which raised £556.

Several items have been held over and will eventually be available via Carrington, Bartercard and the HOPE FM website. The total amount raised for the three charities was nearly £3,000. The event was such a success that it will be repeated again next year. Written by Phil Allcock – Copywriting that brings results (www.phila.co.uk)

Phone: 01202 300331

How to Taste Wine by Jeff Bowden of Templar Wines

This issue brings you the 3rd “S” of wine tasting… Smell Smell is a vital element in the process of assessing a wine. Your nose can tell

you a great deal about a wine before you even taste it. So following a good swirl, to release the aromas, put your nose well into the glass and sniff. The perfume will vary according to its age, composition, the region of production and ageing in oak barrels. Consider – is it powerful and complex or simple and light? Does it linger or is it soon dissipated? Obviously the grape variety has a profound influence. The aroma of Sauvignon Blanc, is classically described as ‘cat’s pee on a gooseberry bush’, Cabernet Sauvignons are often characterised as having a blackcurrant quality and Pinot Noirs have something of the barnyard about them. Smelling will also give you clues about a wine’s condition – if it is corked it will smell musty. A whiff of burnt matches is evidence that sulphur has been added as a preservative (this is quite common in cheap white wines). An oxidised wine will be given away by a rich burnt aroma, similar to that of Madeira wine. Be as poetic as you want in your evocation of a wine’s bouquet and have confidence in your ability to judge its qualities. After all, there is no right or wrong in anyone’s description of a wine – it is just a highly personal reaction.

To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

Page 21

Telecom Matters

August/September

Features to help you make the grade! By Chris Potten, Sales Manager at TX Installations Most businesses are probably aware that they could save money through switching to a VoIP provider, but many may well be unaware of the calling features that accompany the transition. With VoIP, voice is carried across Digital IP networks and so voice-mail messages can be stored as audio files. This means voicemail messages can be emailed to the recipient, just like any other data file, allowing them to be picked up wherever they have internet access. Furthermore employees no longer need to be at their desk to pick up calls and voicemails on their work number. Instead they can travel the world or even stay at home. By simply plugging their VoIP telephone on an internet connection they are instantly available on their office number. Alternatively they can simply use a ‘soft phone’ on a laptop. This is a piece of software which turns the laptop into their VoIP phone, allowing them to make and receive calls with a microphone and headset.

There are a multitude of features which transform the way companies do business, particularly those relating to multiple extensions. In the past multiple numbers or extensions would have cost a fortune, but with VoIP they are now really affordable. With VoIP it is very easy to set up multiple numbers (“virtual extensions”) very quickly and far cheaper than with conventional telephone systems. This ability is helping business to transform, especially if they need to grow or shrink rapidly. Companies who find that they get busy cycles, can ramp up how many people they have on extensions and then ‘rest’ those extensions. They are not switched off, but are ready to be reactivated when they are needed again. Apparently one of the Conservative party campaign offices used this feature extensively throughout the recent election.

with Outlook also allows you to know who is calling and have the relevant information on the screen the moment the call is taken. It means that your staff can be much more helpful and they start off the call in a warmer way. These features truly revolutionise how businesses interact with clients and if you would like to find out more to see how your company could benefit from this technology more then please contact me or one of our sales team.

TXI know a lot about VoIP so you don’t have to. TXI has over 10 years experience in providing Business Telecommunications Solutions. “At TXI we believe in long-term relationships… …just ask our customers” Call 01202 233550

Businesses also like the way they can just click on a contact in the Outlook contacts on their PC to make a VoIP call. The integration

To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

Page 23

SEMINARS FREE & NETWORKING £5 At the New Business Matters Open Exhibition on Wed 15th Sept we are holding various sessions as listed below

9.30am – Unlock the potential savings and efficiencies of EDM The ever-spoken subject of EDM (Electronic Document Management) – disseminated. We will walk you through the key components and look at things to consider when planning a successful EDM implementation. We will also explain how you can unlock the potential savings by showing you some typical ‘return on investment’ examples. Ideal for Owners, Financial Directors, Office & IT Managers! By Ben Summerfield from Copyrite Business Solutions in Wimborne www.copyrite.co.uk

10.30am - Morning Minute Networking Session This Minute Networking Session gives you the opportunity to stand up for a minute and speak to around 30 to 40 business people to tell them about your products and services, whilst at the same time handing out your Business Cards and Company Literature, with open networking at the end.

11:30am - “Pension Reform” The Employers Duties From October 2012 the government will phase in new requirements when ALL employers will be required to provide and contribute into a Qualifying Workplace Pension Scheme for ALL qualifying employees. Our presentation will review the Pensions Act and explain the consequences (Fines) of not being prepared. This will affect everyone so you need to attend! By Jeremy Leslie-Smith from Alexander Price Ltd in Wimborne www.alexanderprice.co.uk

2pm - A New Funding Strategy for Property Development This seminar provides an insight into a unique successful funding scheme for all individuals and serious property investors. Discover how these principles could be adapted to fuel your business growth. Looking for a great passive income, now or for the future? You’ll be warmly welcomed as you learn why thousands have already chosen to take this route. By Mark Reynolds from Platinum Investment Property www.platinumws.co.uk

3pm - Afternoon Minute Networking Session This Minute Networking Session gives you the opportunity to stand up for a minute and speak to around 30 to 40 business people to tell them about your products and services, whilst at the same time handing out your Business Cards and Company Literature, with open networking at the end.

4pm – Five Ways to Boost your Bottom Line! This seminar will explore Lead Generation; get more people interested in what you sell. Conversion Rate; increase the proportion of leads who actually buy. Average Sale Value; maximise the value of your average sale. Number of Transactions; get your customers coming back more often. Margins; boost your profit. This is ideal for anyone that wants to make more profit! By Charlie Haddon from ActionCOACH in Ferndown www.actioncoach.com/charliehaddon

To register your details for a FREE Seminar or a Networking Session at a cost of £5, please telephone 01202 233580 or email sales@newbusinessmatters.com

NEW BUSINESS

MATTERS Open Exhibition 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

Wednesday 15th Sept 2010 (Starts at 9am and finishes at 5pm)

AFC Bournemouth Dean Court, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF

FREE to all Business Visitors Simply send an email to sales@newbusinessmatters.com or telephone 01202 233580 to register your details and gain FREE entry into this business to business exhibition.

Morning/Afternoon Networking Sessions £5 each We are holding two sessions throughout the day, where you will have a minute to speak to around 30/40 business people about your products or services. One at 10.30am and the other at 3pm.

FREE Seminars (Interesting and Informative) There will be four Seminars giving interesting and informative information throughout the day. 9.30am Document Management, 11.30am Pension Reforms, 2pm Property Investment, 4pm Boost your Bottom Line!

Standard or Premier Exhibitor Packages Standard (1500mm wide) = £125 plus Vat - Premier (3000mm wide) = £195 plus Vat. Includes one or two small tables, buffet lunch with refreshments & car parking space.

The idea of our Open Exhibition is to get as many local business people as possible in front of each other in just one day, so if you are looking for ‘new business’ then it’s well worth attending! To Exhibit, attend a Seminar or to simply Visit please telephone 01202 233580 or email sales@newbusinessmatters.com

New Business Matters UK Limited, Spacemaker House, 518 Wallisdown Road, Bournemouth BH11 8PT