Issue11

NEW BUSINESS

MATTERS Your local business to business journal

In this Issue: • 15% off Physio/Sports Injury initial appointment (p6) • One day FREE Consultancy on HR Matters (p6) • Get a FREE Lifestyle pack worth £200 (p7) • Three FSB Events in Dorset during October (p8) • Unique Xmas Card Calendar promotional gift (p15) • Employers Essential Workshop Wed 3rd Nov (p21) • AECC Business Open Evening Wed 17th Nov (IBC)

Helping your business to develop and grow!

Issue 11/2010

October/November

Personal money worries?

Business struggling?

For clear professional advice when you need it most... ...contact Graham Down at Burton Sweet Corporate Recovery Bristol & West House, Post Office Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1BL Tel: 01202 313624 Email: graham.down@bscorprecovery.co.uk

www.bscorprecovery.co.uk Also at: Bristol, Dursley, Gloucester, Shepton Mallet, Shrewsbury, Thornbury and Weston-super-Mare

NEW BUSINESS MATTERS

October/November

Editor’s Note

Contents

Is it time to put our feet up?

I certainly do not think so! The state of the economy is still showing a confused picture. Whilst on one hand there is a certain amount of optimism this is counteracted by other businesses that must cut the grass otherwise they will be lost forever! By this I mean that running a business can sometimes be like gardening and if we let the grass grow beneath our feet it will in the end take up all our time to get us out of the mess we find ourselves in.

By taking action today we can keep ahead of the game or at the very least keep in the game. As a well known local businessman once said to me “the first rule of business is to stay in business.” So, before you find yourself up to your neck in the long grass get on and prepare yourself for what could be a long hard winter, maybe then you will be ready to take advantage of what is sure to be an upturn in the spring.

Preparation is the answer to perfect planning and if you need help and assistance to guide you through this maze then perhaps you can find the tips and advice you are looking for within the pages of this business to business journal? If not I am sure that you will be able to find the experience and expertise you require within Dorset and to that end you have several other organisations, like the FSB or the BCTC as well as various businesses listed on the Buy Dorset website that can give you assistance.

Kind Regards

IFC Business Struggling 03 Accommodation 04 Cleaning Specialist 05 Events & Parties 06 Physio & Sports Injury 06 Change Partners HR 07 Fitness & Leisure 08 fsb matters 09 Internet Marketing 10 IT Secure Data 11 Lettings & Landlords 13 Legal Arrangements 15 Printing & Design 16 Photography & pr 17 Corporate Recovery 19 Telecoms & VoIP 20 Speaking Naturally 20 How to Taste Wine 21 Employer’s Workshop 21 Apprenticeship’s 22 NBM Young Reader 23 Outdoor Entertaining 24 Off Road Experience

Peter Westwood

IBC Chiropractic College

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

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Page 1

Accommodation Matters

October/November

What makes accommodation good or bad?

By Brendan Westwood, Ramada Encore Hotel

F

or what seems such a simple question, you would think the answer would also be simple - and you could be right, it is simple, but as with life, we humans always try to make things more complicated than they actually are.

Is the answer simply that the guests either like your style of hotel or not? Although in fairness this does play a role, it’s not in my opinion the whole answer. Perhaps it’s also the comfort of the beds, the fact that there is plenty of hot water when you need it or you can manage your own room heating or cooling via an in-room control panel?

Could it be down to the cleanliness of the room or the tea and coffee making facilities?

Maybe it’s having FREE wired internet access in the rooms or having FREE Wi-Fi in a hub area? Of course these things are simply expected in this day and age for any hotel.

It could also be down to the price paid or even the perceived value, not only for the room, but also for the quality of a hot and cold buffet breakfast, the cost of drinks and the variation of hot food on offer in the evening? If they are all reasonably priced this will make a difference and adds to the overall service, but guests nowadays are far more savvy than they used to be and these things are also just expected.

So what does make the difference? For the Ramada Encore, it has to be our staff from our housekeepers making sure each room is really clean and ready to use, to our maintenance man with his regular programme to ensure all of our rooms and public areas can be used safely: from our welcoming bar staff to our front office staff who give you the warm smile when checking in that says you can relax now, no more getting caught in traffic jams, no more phone calls, just relax.

Over the years we have updated our interview process and I can honestly say it works very well.

We have consistently been very lucky with the staff we have employed - they have all been conscientious, polite and hard working with a real aptitude for learning new roles.

So to answer the question simply: in my opinion the thing that makes accommodation good or bad, is your staff. Now, don’t get me wrong, you need the premises and the basic standards, but people deal with people. You could have the best premises in Bournemouth, but without that ‘personal touch’ it doesn’t mean a thing.

So if you would like to experience the ‘personal touch’ that the Ramada Encore can provide, please contact me on 01202 291266 or email Brendan@encorebournemouth. co.uk for more information about us, from details of our conference room or hot buffet lunches or if would like to set up a preferred corporate rate.

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

Page 3

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

CLEANING MATTERS

October/November

Keeping your carpets TODAY’S MATCHBALL looking fresh!

MATCH BALL SPONSOR FOR THE TOTTENHAM GAME

SPONSOR

By Paul Gowing, MD of Cleanforce Ltd

T

he appearance of carpets in your buildings By maintaining the health of carpets with effective can have a lasting effect for your company daily vacuuming and regular carpet cleaning image, so why not give them a regular clean? maintenance you will: There are a variety of ways that you can clean your We advise Corporate and Personal Clients upon a wide 1. Give your building a much better carpets and in today’s market your options are; range of Business, Tax and Investment strategies and wish look and feel.

Dry Carpet Cleaning, which canJason be doneand during Eddie, the Team all the very best for the Season.

2. Give your carpet a longer life. working hours, Bonnet Cleaning, which is effectively carpet cleaning maintenance and is dry 3. Bring consistent low maintenance costs. within 15 minutes and t. the01202 traditional555785 Hot Water At Cleanforce Support Services we are able to Extraction method which cleans down into the www.schofieldsonline.co.uk offer you a tailored cleaning package, irrespective root fibres of the carpets. of the size of your organisation or your budget Carpets act as a filter that catches and holds dust, available and we are pleased to offer all bacteria, fungi, pollen and pollutants, including FREE ininitial without Schofields is the business name of Schofieldscustomers Partnership LLPa registered Englandconsultation, and Wales. tobacco smoke. Like all filters it needs to be Registered Office as above.

Registered No. OC344961 obligation and at short notice where possible.

Registered to carry onstuff” audit work by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. regularly cleaned or else all the “nasty will Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority Don’t delay, clean the Cleanforce way. For all go back into the air and into your lungs. Regular enquiries contact Managing Director Paul Gowing cleaning with a proprietary system will help make onFOR 01202 516655 or at paulg@cleanforceltd.com your environment much safer.

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To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

EVENT MATTERS

October/November

How to Keep Your Staff Motivated?

By James Gordon, Director - The Queens Hotel and Spa

T

he British Chambers of Commerce latest economic survey suggests the UK economy saw further growth in the second quarter of 2010, building on three months of improvement at the beginning of the year. Business Owners and Heads of Departments are making crucial decisions on a day-to-day basis fuelled by the changing landscape of our government, financial borrowing and the ability to progress in such difficult times.

But it is the staff of companies who are possibly suffering the most. They may be working much harder, yet are unable to develop as fast in their PROOF FORwould APPROVAL careers as they like to. It is therefore crucial A4 single page PDF thatThewe toscaled reward and recognise our artworkcontinue on this page has been to fit proportionally on the page. This artwork is the property of Artavia Advertising, and must not be reproduced without our permission. staff.

Not only for their moral and sense of worth,

The

Queens Hotel and Spa

but to maintain good staff retention and increased levels of customer satisfaction.

Here at The Queens Hotel and Spa we can offer you a wide range of function suites and packages that won’t cost you the earth. If you are unsure about whether to treat your staff to a Christmas Party why not consider the positive effects an event like this will have. We can cater for a small banquet of 10 people, up to an all inclusive party for 250 guests with a DJ, buffet, private bar and overnight accommodation.

APPROVAL DEADLINE: Friday, 13 Aug 10, 1:00pm You could make the difference to how your staff Client name: Gordon Hotels Limited Media name: ARTWORK Insertion date: Tuesday, 17 Aug 10 Size: Half page 186x132 (129 x 176 mm) are feeling in 2011....about their company, about Colour type: CMYK Order number: 2702413/1 Placement ID: 400368 Filename: Gordon Hotels L - No Order 2 you and about a brighter future all round.

The Queens Hotel and Spa

BOURNEMOUTH

We have everything that you need for the perfect event…

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Christmas Party Package Outstanding Food and Service Competitive Delegate Rates Free Upgrade to Premium Package Three Large Conference / Function Suites Wi-Fi Internet New Luxury Lounge and Spa

Day Delegates from £29. 50 Accommodation from £37 .50 Christmas Parties from £15 .95

Contact us T: 01202 554415 F: 01202 294810 Email info@queenshotelbournemouth.com Web www.queenshotelbournemouth.com The Queens Hotel and Spa Meyrick Road Bournemouth Dorset BH1 3DL

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

Page 5

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Is it all ‘plain sailing’ for you?

By Mandy Fitzmaurice from Change Partner HR People are great and being an employer is great - when it’s all plain sailing, but in reality, things do go wrong from time to time and when they do it takes time, patience and energy to sort things out and creates distractions that you can do without!

The field of HR is huge and it would be impossible to list everything, but the following gives you an idea of the kind of support that is available.

• • • • •

R Start-Up for New Businesses H Outsourcing of HR Administration Recruitment Employee Relations and Mediation Redundancy

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With over 20 years' experience in HR and General Management the Change Partner Consultancy approach is simple and we can make a difference! So, if you want to spend more time with your customers and less time dealing with staff then it's probably worth giving us a call, especially as you can now take advantage of our Special Offer listed below.

Special Offer to all New Business Matters Subscribers For October & November only - take advantage of a full 1 day's FREE CONSULTANCY and get some expert help to sort out those little 'distractions' that have been taking up too much of your time lately.

There are no strings attached, you've got nothing to lose and it could actually make a real difference to your business!

Call now on 07990 776021 or email: mandy@changepartner.co.uk www.change partner.co.uk

Page 6

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

FITNESS MATTERS

October/November

The Benefits of a Kettle Bell

By Liam Bowater - Personal Trainer, Village Hotel Bournemouth

W

hen you are looking to get fit or you want to build and strengthen a particular muscle group, you should look to join a Leisure Centre who can provide â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;personal trainersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as well as make provision for the latest and most up to date equipment and training methods.

But have you ever considered trying something different likeâ&#x20AC;Śthe Kettle Bell?

A Kettle Bell is a traditional Russian Cast Iron Weight that looks like a cannon ball with a handle and it is used by many, including athletes, sports teams, strength athletes, power lifters, personal trainers and everyday gym users.

Kettle Bells are viewed by many as the ultimate conditioning tool and quite a few â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;personal trainersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; believe they provide an effective, functional and fun training device.

At The Village Bournemouth we hold Kettle Bell workshops, for beginners and experienced gym users, several times a week. We also provide

qualified and experienced â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;personal trainersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to all our members.

So, if you are looking for a new workout or are in need of some new ideas to make your time at the gym more interesting, the Kettle Bell and the Leisure Centre at the Village Bournemouth could be the answer for you?

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FSB Matters

October/November The Federation of Small Businesses The FSB is Britain’s leading business organisation with over 215,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the selfemployed, 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

APPRENTICESHIP SPECIAL NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SERVICE IN THE SOUTH WEST

By Colin Jamieson, Regional Organiser in Dorset

You may think that apprenticeships are the reserve of large companies and the public sector, but think again. The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), which was launched in 2009, has opened the door for small businesses to also take advantage of the benefits of taking on apprentices.

More small businesses and organisations in Dorset are realising that apprenticeships are key to a highly skilled, highly motivated future workforce.

Providing training on the job, particularly when that training is fully funded, just makes commercial sense.

NAS focuses on increasing the number of apprenticeship opportunities and provides a dedicated, responsive service for both employers and learners. NAS is also simplifying the process of recruiting an apprentice through Apprenticeship vacancies, which are advertised online free of charge to young people.

Grants Available With over 190 different types of apprenticeships, there’s likely to be a place for an apprentice in your organisation. As an added incentive to encourage new employers a new grant scheme has been launched by NAS in the South West. The new grant offers eligible businesses up to £1000 when starting a new apprentice in its organisation and £750 when placing an existing employer onto an Apprenticeship. The scheme is limited, so businesses should contact the NAS to find out more about eligibility.

NAS also runs a free online vacancy matching service which allows individuals to search, and employers to advertise, live vacancies. To find out more about the how Apprenticeships can benefit your business and the funding available NAS can be contacted on 08000 150 600 or visit apprenticeships.org.uk

Why not find out more at the FSB’s NAS event on 14 October? See across for details.

Page 8

FSB Events in Bournemouth, Poole and beyond

B2B NETWORKING LUNCH 12 October 12.00pm-2.00pm Orchid cuisine, Parkstone Make new business contacts or renew existing ones! £12.50 inc lunch Ì

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SERVICES (NAS) 14 October 12.00pm –2.00pm The Dorford Centre, Dorchester How you can engage with the apprenticeship scheme in Dorset and raise expectations of your company at the same time.

FREE Ì

AGM AND BUSINESS BREAKFAST 29 October 7.30am—9.30am The Village Hotel, Bournemouth Neal Butterworth, Editor, Bournemouth Echo, the value of printed media in the online era £10.00 inc full English Breakfast Ì

A full listing of FSB events is now available. Details can also be found on the FSB website.

Regional Office 01425 280080 www.fsb.org.uk/wessex

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

InTERNET Matters

October/November

5 Myths about Email Marketing!

By Murray Cowell, Belmont Internet Marketing.

Myth 1 – It doesn't work. Truth – 70% of large businesses use email marketing and the Direct Marketing Association have calculated that the return on investment is over £40 for every £1 spent.

Myth 2 – People don't like receiving them. Truth – 60% of people are signed up to at least one regular email newsletter. If you create interesting content, it is a great way to build stronger relationships and improve your reputation.

Myth 3 – You need a big list of contacts. Truth – One of Belmont's clients emailed a list of just 170 people and was inundated with orders. He was still receiving orders 4 months later. If you've got a list of any size, you can benefit from email marketing.

If you haven't, it's never too late to start building one!

Myth 4 – It is difficult and complicated.

Truth – Whilst it is possible to do complicated things, getting started can be very simple.

Myth 5 – You can email just as effectively using Microsoft Outlook. Truth – Sooner or later sending bulk emails from your own system will get you banned or blacklisted. Subscribing to a professional system not only removes the risk of getting banned, but it also provides valuable feedback about who opened your emails - and it only costs a few quid.

BIGGEST MYTH – It’s not for me. TRUTH – If you are in business, it can reduce your costs, improve your reputation and bring you business.

Remember, if you don't regularly keep in contact with your customers, someone else will!

For a FREE simple guide to getting started with Email Marketing, go to www.belmont.uk.com/getting-started

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

Page 9

IT Matters

October/November

How secure is your data?

By Phil Ford, Copyrite Business Solutions It is common knowledge that computers store information on hard disk drives.

What we must also be aware of is that many of our printers, multifunctional printers and copiers may also use hard disks that record and store data. It is the data that remains on these hard disks once you have disposed of the equipment that could pose a security risk.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HARD DISK SECURITY ON PRINTERS, MFPs and COPIERS Security of data is a legal requirement under the UK's 1998 Data Protection Act. This requires us to ensure the complete removal of all data from redundant equipment which is essential if we are to maintain the security and integrity of data.

Failure to comply could result in a ÂŁ500,000 fine or even a prison sentence.

So what security options are available for these hard drives?

Below is an overview of options available to those of us who identify concerns related to hard disk security on MFPs and printers. These options address security issues during the equipments service life and at the time of return.

Data Overwrite Security System (DOSS) DOSS overwrites the sector of the hard drive used for data processing after the completion of each job. During the overwrite process, all data is destroyed to prevent recovery. Additionally, DOSS also offers the option of overwriting the entire hard drive up to eight times. This feature

Page 10

may be used at the end of the lease or if the device is moved to another department. Overwriting the entire hard drive takes a few hours and can be added before or after the initial sale.

Hard Drive Encryption Option This option provides security for information that needs to be stored on the MFP or printer and used again. Examples of information that may need to be stored for reuse include administrator and user passwords and address books. The Hard Drive Encryption Option differs from DOSS in that the information encrypted is not destroyed, but locked up so only authorised users may access the information. DOSS destroys data so it cannot be reused. The Hard Drive Encryption Option and DOSS may be used in conjunction and will not interfere with MFP or printer operation.

Hard Drive Surrender at Lease-End/Trade-in Copyrite is able to offer customers a hard drive surrender option with which customers may elect to have our technicians remove the hard drive from the device and leave it in the custody of the customer before the equipment is removed from the site. Customers then have the discretion to maintain or destroy the hard drive.

If any of the above has made you question your own data security and you would like to discuss any of the above issues then please feel free to call us.

Philip J Ford - Tel: 01202 848866 phil@copyrite.co.uk - www.copyrite.co.uk

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

LETTINGS Matters

October/November

PREPARE YOUR RENTED PROPERTY!

I

By Sharon Canning from Move on Rentals

t is important for landlords to prepare their property for tenants.

The first is to think of what type of person are you looking to attract. Trying to attract Professional people and achieve maximum rent is not going to work if your property is not looking its best!

DĂŠcor is best being kept to whites and neutral colours. Skimmed walls are easy to maintain than wallpaper. It is a good idea to repaint your property every 3-5 years in order to keep it looking fresh.

Modern kitchens and bathrooms are expected these days and if they are more than 10 years of age you should think of updating them.

In Bournemouth and Poole the majority of properties are unfurnished where as in London they are predominantly furnished. I am often asked if it makes a difference with what you can achieve rent wise â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make any difference. If anything, furnishing a property will restrict your enquiries dramatically. If you can be flexible with furniture then you are reaching the whole market.

Students are obviously the exception as they do expect a furnished environment.

The majority of kitchens now include cooker, washing machine and fridge/freezer. It is an investment and the return will come back by attracting good rents, as well as the saleable value at the end, plus the better the handover with the tenant the better the handover will be back.

.07& 0/ The lettings specialist

Move On Rentals now have a monthly newsletter updating landlords on the latest legislations. If you would like to receive this, then please email sharon@moveonrentals.

High-quality rooms, flats & houses to rent throughout Dorset

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Page 11

Probate, Wills & Powers of Attorney|Divorce/Family Law| Commercial Matters|Employment Advice|Court Representation| Accident Claims|Moving Home|Parking Available

Big business, small business, we’re the business.

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LeGAL Matters

October/November

The Danger of Informal Arrangements!

By Susie Smith, Dickinson Manser LLP A recent first-tier Tribunal decision comes as a timely reminder to companies that they should always have documentary evidence of transactions and agreements, even if they are intra-group arrangements or between a company and its shareholders or directors.

company's assets, can in fact be quite a simple

The case related to an intra-group loan arrangement whereby a very significant sum was owed by a subsidiary to its ultimate parent company. Unfortunately in the case the companies did not put forward any extrinsic evidence of the arrangements and this led to a finding that there had been "no transaction for the lending of money". The recording of the arrangements in the companies' ledger accounts and statutory accounts was held to be insufficient.

between those people sour or more people are

We know from experience that many companies enter into loan arrangements with group companies or with their directors and shareholders without formally agreeing or recording the terms of the arrangement or even retaining proof of payments made. For instance many owner managed businesses rely on loans made by their shareholder/directors to get them started or to help with cash flow in difficult times but more often than not; they did not record this at all, other than in their accounts. What then happens if the arrangement is scrutinised by others such as subsequent investors, HMRC or any administrators or liquidators appointed?

Without proper evidence of the arrangements it is likely to be very difficult to prove the true position and this could mean big problems for the lender and/or the borrower!

Entering into proper loan agreements and ideally considering what security can be put in place to protect them, such as debentures over the

matter which in time may prove extremely beneficial. Although getting security from your own company may not seem very important now, for example if there are only a few trusted people involved, it may become so later if relations brought in.

It is not only loan arrangements that are commonly overlooked but also things such as contracts between group companies, director's service or employment contracts and agreements between shareholders and/or directors as to how companies are run. By not entering properly considered written agreements on these matters all of those involved are left exposed to the risk that the agreements may not be recognised as existing at all, or fundamental terms may be changed or ignored if a court or other competent body were to scrutinise them. In some of these cases there are also statutory procedures companies must follow and so the additional risk of regulatory and criminal sanctions being imposed against those in default of those procedures.

It

should

always

be

remembered

that

companies are distinct from those running them and although it may not seem important to formalise arrangements between those involved now, in time you may bitterly regret not doing so. If you would like advice on any of the issues raised in this article please contact Susie Smith on 01202 673 071 or send an email to s.smith@dickinsonmanser.co.uk

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

Page 13

Remous is bringing

Christmas Cards to Bournemouth

Get your corporate identity out there and give your customers a bespoke Christmas Card, choose from one of our designs or supply your own.

From 50 Cards upwards.

Digital Colour outer – Black Inner.

Diamond Flap Envelopes included.

Design Service available.

Hassle free print service – Order and Expect.

Variable data service available.

Formed 30 years ago Remous has become one of the most versatile print companies in Dorset.

We have constantly re-invested in the latest technology to ensure the highest quality available with quality control maintained through our ‘In House’ Production ethic.

*EQMP] S[RIH ERH VYR [I EVI EFPI XS FVMRK XLI FIRI½XW of corporate print management and production coupled with ‘hands on’ personal customer relationships.

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PRINTING Matters

October/November

Unique and functional promotional gifts!

By Peter Westwood from Remous Limited

In these challenging times there are basically two ways to tackle the difficulties of maintaining or growing your business. Some companies have cut all forms of advertising and promotion, where as others have decided this is the time to grasp hold of a genuine opportunity to promote themselves by really pushing to get their name in front of lots of existing and new clients.

it over you create a Desk Calendar, which will have your company name screaming out at your prospects and customers all day and every day of the year for the next twelve months.

Now has to be the best time to promote your business, especially when lots of companies are considering cutting back on their marketing and promotional budget spend, as this is the time many marketing guru's consider that it is possibly the easiest time for you to stand out from the crowd!

One of the many ways in which you can do this has to be with a promotional gift of some kind, but before you go ahead with any purchase ask yourself one question, what will stay on your clients desk for the whole year, there by keeping your name in font of them at all times, 24 hours a day, every day of the week?

Such a promotional item could be a Desk Pad, Memo Pad, Wall or Desk Calendar or even a Christmas Card signed by you, which is still a good way to thank your customers for the work they have given you over the last year. However, now you can now also consider purchasing a truly unique product that we at Remous have designed, which has functionality and low price as its two main objectives.

It is the Remous Christmas Card Calendar which is a card and a calendar all rolled into one item. It can be personalised by you with a Christmas greeting one side and when you turn

Just ask yourself how many times you have said 'no thanks' to a free desk calendar? You don't, you say thank you and place it on your desk because it's useful. Getting your name into prospects and client's offices and on to their desks is an extremely effective way to ensure you are on the tip of their tongue, especially when it comes to them next wanting to order your product or service.

So, if you want to stay ahead of your competition then you should seriously consider having a bespoke design created for a Christmas Card Calendar that will allow you to say thank you to your clients and help you to market and promote your products and services throughout 2011, without it costing you a fortune.

For further details just contact Remous Design and Print on 01202 532277 and ask to speak to Peter Westwood or Alan Bunter. They will be pleased to give you an individual and competitive quotation.

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

Page 15

PHOTOGRAPHY & PR MATTERS

October/November

Making sure your press release is published!

Y

By Steve Cook, Seeker Photography Steve Cook of Seeker News & Photo with a double of front covers in the Dorset Business Press last month

ou have written the press release and even included an excellent photo to accompany it. You are already picturing in your mind a big headline with the readers admiring your journalistic prowess. That's the dream of almost everyone who has ever issued a press release.

But the reality can sometimes be disheartening.

Either the newspaper or magazine cut it down to just a few lines, or it doesn't even appear!

impress, his reaction will be “So what?”

So why aren't press releases always published?

Almost always it is down to the person who wrote it.

Imagine, you have a fantastic story to tell the world.

The problem is it is fantastic to only one person – yourself. When writing a release, remember just one thing; it must impress the editor. An editor will publish only what he considers will interest the readers. If he reads your press release and it doesn't

Don't just tell people that something has happened, or will be happening, explain its significance.

The angle you take on the story can make all the difference between it being published, or ending up in the editor's waste-paper basket. Get the angle right, keep the editor happy and you can significantly improve your chances that the public will be reading your excellent press release.

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“So what” is the question you must ask yourself as you type out each and every line of the release.

Are these the words that will grab the interest of the readers? Will they be able to relate to it? What angle are you taking with the release? Is there a local interest? Does it relate to some event?

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

RECOVERY Matters

October/November

BY GRAHAM DOWN | www.bscorprecovery.com

Finding your way through the debt maze If you believe what you read in the press, then the Duchess of York owes her creditors anything between £2million and £4million.

Whether the stories are true or not is, of course, only she would know, but allegedly an Insolvency Practitioner from one of the major accountancy firms has been called in to advise her about her options.

Advising a Duchess is not an everyday experience, but whether royalty or mere mortal, what are the courses of action that someone who is heavily in debt might be advised to think about?

First of all, no-one should embark on a formal insolvency procedure if there is a way of avoiding it. We would start, therefore, by looking at informal arrangements. The most common informal structure (but just one in a wide range) is a debt management plan, or DMP. A DMP is an agreement under which the borrower repays the debts in full, but at a rate which can be afforded and which is usually less than the minimum stipulated in the loan agreement. Interest and charges are often frozen.

Whilst this has the advantage of avoiding formal insolvency it also has some distinct disadvantages. It’s not binding on creditors, so there is always the risk that the lenders could change their minds, reactivating interest charges, or insisting on full repayment in accordance with the contract, and so a borrower has no certainty that the problems are definitely resolved.

The other major disadvantage is that such arrangements continue until the debt is paid in full. For someone who is heavily in debt that can mean payments going on for many years. In fact, we have seen examples of DMPs which, if they ran to their conclusions, could last for 30 years or more, meaning that a borrower might have to live with the consequences of debt throughout their working lives and even into retirement.

A note of caution – DMPs are often administered by unregulated debt advisers, or by organisations which trade on the fact that offer free advice, but are in fact funded by lending institutions.

An alternative is an individual voluntary arrangement, often known as an IVA. IVAs are flexible procedures, but commonly a borrower makes monthly contributions set at an affordable level which is calculated using

accepted standard formulae, for an agreed period of time (often 5 years). Sometimes, if the borrower is a home-owner and the property has equity, then it may be necessary to add in a proportion of that equity.

Lenders then accept whatever that exercise produces in full settlement of their debts.

An IVA is a formal insolvency procedure, and so should not be seen as a soft option. A majority of lenders (by value) have to agree to an IVA before it becomes effective.

They cannot be forced to accept something that is clearly not in their interests, but once it is approved by that majority then it becomes binding on all creditors. Provided that the borrower fulfils his obligations, and does what he is promised to do, then it offers the certainty and finality that a DMP lacks.

IVAs have to be supervised by a qualified Insolvency Practitioner, who is completely independent, and regulated by a professional body.

There are other formal and informal options, including bankruptcy. For individuals with modest debts and little by way of income or assets, debt relief orders are available.

If you have debt problems, the best advice is to take advice. Most Insolvency Practitioners will offer at least an initial consultation without charge.

For further information, and for advice tailored to your individual circumstances, contact Graham Down or Penny Hitch at Burton Sweet Corporate Recovery on 01202 313624 or e-mail enquiries@bscorprecovery.co.uk

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

Page 17

Telecom Matters

October/November

Is VoIP becoming the telephone system of choice?

By Anita Potten, Sales Director at TX Installations

I

n a recent survey of the IT sector VoIP services was among the top IT technologies delivering a 20% increase in growth in the SME market. Anita Potten, Director at TXI Ltd says “the world recession has resulted in an overall decrease in the IT sector whilst we are bucking the trend”.

This is not surprising, when one considers that VoIP can offer significant cost savings when compared to traditional PBX fixed line systems.

VoIP has long been heralded as poised for mass market penetration and we are now starting to see that this is the case not just for larger enterprises with 1000 plus staff but also with as few as 20 employees or less.

Beyond traditional telephony There is an upward trend for organisations requiring VoIP technology systems, which are not only cost-effective but can help to deliver better customer services and enhanced productivity.

This is where VoIP can really deliver over traditional PBX systems. Beyond what is the most compelling reason, cheaper calls, there are a number of factors driving the demand. As VoIP is based on software rather than hardware, it can be easier to maintain, upgrade and scale either up or down. With IP telephony, SMEs can also add functionality and flexibility to their communications to deliver an enhanced level of customer service, such as directly connecting web users with customer support staff and using automated functions such as call forwarding and three-way calling, all of which are being rapidly deployed in this fast paced business environment.

in training or recruiting personnel with theses specialist skills. So, does that mean if you don’t have the in-house expertise required that this technology is not for you? No, hosted and managed IP telephony can free organisations from the management distraction of overseeing the network, hardware and software and return consistent, reliable and guaranteed high levels of service. Demand for hosted VoIP is certainly gaining ground as the cost and performance benefits together with not having to manage the service yourself makes this proposition even more compelling.

TXI offer complete hosted VoIP solutions with exceptional customer support; just take a look at our case studies at www.txiltd.co.uk For a free, no-obligation, cost comparison on any of your business telephony or mobile needs just call 01202 233550.

Hosted VoIP Services As with any complex environment, VoIP requires telephony experts as well as network specialists which, for an SME, could mean further investment

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

Page 19

NEW! V11 Dragon NaturallySpeaking Fast, Accurate & Healthy PC Speech Recognition Software Saves Business’ Time - Reduces Costs -Tax Deductible-

PC ADVISOR magazine says:

"It’s hard to see how speech recognition could be much better"

Let’s Talk! Contact your local Nuance Accredited Partner- Compliant UK for Sales, Training & Support on 01722 790049 info@compliantuk.com www.compliantuk.com

Email: info@templarwines.com

Phone: 01202 300331

How to Taste Wine by Jeff Bowden of Templar Wines This issue brings you the 4th “S” of wine tasting… Slurp

Take a mouthful of the liquid and swish it around in your mouth quite vigorously. Breathe as you do so, as this helps to aerate the wine and increases the flavour. After holding the wine in your mouth for 15 to 20 seconds, spit it out - or swallow it if you're not intending to taste more than a couple of wines.

Your tongue has a range of taste receptors in different places - you will taste sweetness most at the front, acidity along the sides and bitterness at the back. High acidity will make your mouth water, while tannin will have the opposite effect.

When you evaluate the wine, first take into account its complexity and Templar Wines next wine weight. Again, these qualities will depend on many factors, including the & dine evening will be grape varieties used and the age of the wine: a fine, aged Bordeaux will at the Hallmark Hotel, be far denser than a young Beaujolais.

Bournemouth, There is no right or wrong conclusion to be drawn about any individual wine. Describe it according to your own perception - after all, tasting is 01202 751000, meant to encourage you to create your own frame of reference for the Friday 26th November at wines you drink. Learn about the tastes that you enjoy - and those you 7pm. Tickets £35 to include don't - then follow the instincts that you have developed when it comes a 4 course meal and 5 wines to buying wine in a restaurant or for drinking at home.

Page 20

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

You are personally invited to attend the

Employer’s Essentials Workshop This is the first in a series of FREE Workshops and in this session we will be discussing the Equality Act, how it will affect your business and what action you need to take.

The format for the workshop is informal and fun, delivered in a plain speaking style.

Wednesday 3rd November 2010 The Sandbanks Hotel, Banks Road 7:45am for 8am start until 10am (Tea or Coffee with Sausage and Bacon sandwiches will be provided) RSVP: email@jobshopuk.com (By Friday 29th October 2010)

Recruitment of Apprentices made easy...

By Michelle Simmons, Smart Training and Recruitment Are you an Employer who is looking to take on an apprentice but don’t know where to start? With money too tight to mention for many businesses you should turn to a successful apprenticeship training provider like Smart Training and Recruitment who offer a no charge recruitment service!

We provide Apprenticeships that can help businesses in the Hospitality, Catering and Commerce sectors by offering a route to harness fresh new talent. Dorset businesses consider skills shortages and recruitment difficulties easily solved

by Apprenticeships, with many employers who rate this form of vocational training higher than any other qualification.

Smart Training and Recruitment can assist you with the job description, advertising and recruitment of your apprentice and offer on-going support to employers and apprentices throughout the duration of the apprenticeship qualification.

Apprenticeships ensure that your workforce has the practical skills and qualifications your organisation needs now and in the future.

"Working Together to Enrich Life"

Your business can benefit from employing an apprentice for as little as £2.50 an hour or £95.00 for a 38 hour week.

Key success facts and benefits to your business • There is no charge for using the service • Flexibility in who and how to manage the whole recruitment process, Smart Training & Recruitment work in partnership with you • The system is supported by a dedicated local Service team in your region • Apprenticeships deliver skills designed around your business needs For further information please contact michelle.simmons@smarttar.co.uk or 01202 557700 www.smarttar.co.uk

Smart Training and Recruitment are committed to the equality of opportunity!

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

Page 21

Outdoor living just got better

By John King, MD of Kingspace Ltd

J

ohn King has an ambition, to provide retail and business clients with a premier choice of outdoor living options.

Heading the Kingspace portfolio is a Euro-industry award winning product range from German based Weinor. Manufacturing in Cologne since 1950 Weinor is at the cutting edge of outdoor living rooms. From late October Kingspace will have a purpose built Weinor showroom as its centre piece.

Unique to the UK is the “Glasoase”(Glasshouse) garden room, a brick free concept enabling flexible al fresco home living.

Green issues are prominent in many of our daily headlines. Green plays an important part in the Kingspace culture. Artificial lawns are increasingly in demand. Artificial Grass Ltd is the Kingspace preferred partner. This Cumbria based company produce quality grass products adaptable to residential, sports, education and retail use.

Complimenting these products is a selection of opportunities to add practical style to your outdoor environment.

Thatched Gazebos - sheltered entertaining space which can be personalised to a high standard.

Outdoor kitchens - made to order incorporating the highest quality marine grade stainless steel appliances.

Cozy Bay garden furniture - stylish and with a five year guarantee Catalina Spas meets the need of residential and business clients, from sports spas to ultimate comfort models.

Longham Courtyard is truly a symphony of outdoor living temptation.

Kingspace are open 7 days a week. For an initial conversation to discuss your requirements please call Martin Collett 01202 576123 / 07917 340242 or e martin@kingspace.co.uk www.kingspace.co.uk www.weinor.com

New Business Matters Youngest Reader?

A

ll of the best business ideas happen when you’re having one of those ‘quiet moments’…and you’re never too young to start thinking about the next big thing!

When the latest copy of the New Business Matters magazine dropped through the letterbox Evie insisted she was going to use it wisely.

Parents, Rob from Studio 2 Media Ltd and Nicky from Singles that Mingle, are proud that their little treasure is having a good start in life with loads of tips and advice from

Page 22

one of the best local business magazines.

Maybe one day Evie could give Sir Alan or the Dragons a run for their money!

Peter Westwood, the Managing Director of New Business Matters was pleased to hear that his local business to business journal was being read by all people, from all genders, and by all ages.

Evie who is just 27 months old must be the youngest reader of New Business Matters, unless of course you can tell us different?

The No.1 Choice…and No.2!

NEW BUSINESS

MATTERS

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

ng Director

ace Ltd

Creating Bespoke Outdoor Entertaining Space Catalina Spas â&#x20AC;˘ Outdoor Kitchens Catalina Spas Thatchedâ&#x20AC;˘ Thatched Gazebos What better way to slip away from ArtiďŹ cial Lawns â&#x20AC;˘ Ecodecs â&#x20AC;˘ Outdoor Furniture â&#x20AC;˘ Infrared saunas Gazebo day-to-day stresses than in the warm embrace of a Catalina spa. These periods of deep relaxation will help you cope better with problems, make decisions easier and feel better physically and mentally.

Winter or summer, whatever the weather, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have your own private sanctuary.Your spa will become as integral a part of your home and lifestyle as a conservatory or barbecue. However and whenever you use your Catalina spa, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outdoors or undercover, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll soon wonder how you coped without it.

Hydrotherapy, the combination of warm water, buoyancy and massage, has long been known for its healing power. A spa harnesses its magic to caress away stress and help ease the pain and sprains and muscle related injuries.

Even long-term problems such as rheumatism and arthritis often respond to its gentle touch.

We have an extensive range of buildings, all of which can be supplied to you fully installed, or alternatively as a kit for self assembly.

Every building comes with a stunning thatched roof and high quality machined Redwood timber frame.

Oval gazebos have been developed to maximize internal space whilst maintaining the aesthetic appeal of these stunning structures.

To compliment the buildings we also have a full range of accessories including floors, seating, tables and heaters.

To finish the building we also have a range of roof linings, canvas side panels cushions all available in a choice of over 25 colours.

Installers of Weinor Glass Rooms, Sun Awnings, Glass Verandas Outdoor Kitchens One of the hottest trends in home building and home renovation has brought the inside out, we can create complete exterior kitchens for private enjoyment and entertainment.

This major movement has elevated simple burgers on the barbeque to the fully equipped outdoor kitchen, with every available service and appliance at your disposal.

We provide a facility that is so complete and fully functional that the homeowner never has to run back inside.

An outdoor kitchen will very quickly become the hub of entertainment in any garden. We can also include in the Design a full seating and dining area, creating a perfect area to entertain and mingle.

Artificial Lawns & Ecodeks Artificial grass supports a truly modern lifestyle. No more mud, no unruly patches, no discolouration.

And a carpet of artificial grass is soft to stroll on and looks incredible all year round. Artificial grass is perfect for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern lifestyle. If you want the look and feel of a beautiful lawn but canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spare the time, effort and expense of creating and maintaining a lawn, artificial grass is the answer. A FIT and FORGET Decking system that gives you durability safety and guaranteed long life. Unlike traditional decking products, ecodec makes maintenance virtually obsolete.

/PEN $AYS A WEEK s %ASY PARKING ,ONGHAM #OURTYARD 2INGWOOD 2OAD "OURNEMOUTH "( ,1 4EL s % INFO KINGSPACE CO UK s WWW KINGSPACE CO UK

Bournemouthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier ArtiďŹ cial Lawn Company Open 7 Days a week â&#x20AC;˘ Easy parking Longham Courtyard (next to Longham Bridge) 1198 Ringwood Road, Bournemouth, BH11 9LQ Tel: 01202 576123 â&#x20AC;˘ E: info@kingspace.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ www.kingspace.co.uk

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

Page 23

NEW BUSINESS

MATTERS

Helping local companies go green!

T

he Westover Group is hoping to encourage local businesses to invest in energy efficient vehicles after taking part in the recent New Business Matters Open Exhibition at AFC Bournemouth which attracted around 35 exhibitors and more than 140 visitors from various businesses across Dorset.

Rob Beldham, Westover Toyota and Lexus Fleet Manager, who took along a Lexus RX450h and Auris Hybrid to the event, said “It presented an ideal opportunity to introduce local decision makers to the benefits of hybrid technology. It was great to be involved in the NBM Open Exhibition and to talk to business representatives face-to-face about what our dealerships can offer them. Toyota and Lexus are pioneers in designing vehicle technology that can help drivers cut carbon emissions and reduce their fuels costs as well as offering them potential tax breaks, which has got to be a good thing for industry as well as for the environment. It was a very positive meeting for us, with delegates showing lots of interest in our range of fleet vehicles.”

The Westover Group also sponsored a prize draw which saw Shaun Owen, from Newsquest Distribution & Leaflet services, win a half day off road Land Rover Experience for two. Shaun was also be provided with a Toyota Prius courtesy of Westover Toyota to get him to and from the event and he can be seen here receiving the keys from Rob Beldham with Peter Westwood looking on.

Page 24

Peter Westwood, the MD of New Business Matters, who also produces a bi-monthly business-tobusiness magazine under the same name, added; “How great it is to see prominent local businesses get together for a thoroughly enjoyable business event which was a beneficial experience for all concerned and we were delighted that the Westover Group and Newsquest, two important businesses in the region, were able to join us. Due to the success of this event, we are now considering holding two NBM Open Exhibition's during 2011 to encourage more local business people to continue to engage with each other.”

Representing 13 marques across its 19 dealerships across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, the Westover Group has a vast array of new and approved-used vehicles available to cater for all kinds of business needs including the new and used cars and commercial vehicles on offer. These include the hugely popular hybrid petrol-electric Toyota Prius which offers ultra-low CO2 emissions, class leading fuel economy – up to an amazing 72.4 mpg - from a quiet yet powerful engine and the new Auris HSD, which, using the same Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, makes this family hatchback capable of achieving over 700 miles on one tank of petrol. Both are in the zero tax band. Another ecofriendly car available from Westover, which offers higher performance with lower emissions in true luxury, is the Lexus full hybrid RX450h – an ideal car for corporate drivers.

If you would like more information about the range of vehicles available from the Westover Group please visit the website at www.westovergroup.co.uk and click on the marque of your choice.

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

Anglo-European College of Chiropractic invites you to a

Business Open Evening Wednesday 17th November 2010 7pm - 9pm AECC Clinic, Parkwood Road, Bournemouth, BH5 2DF

Business Networking.

Tours of our Chiropractic Training Clinic.

Free opportunity to join the AECC Corporate Rate scheme - saving you and your business 20% on treatments.

Talks on how quality chiropractic care could help your employees.

To attend or for more information, please contact Andrea Dewhurst:

t: 01202 436313 e: marketing@aecc.ac.uk i: www.freefrompain.co.uk

www.freefrompain.co.uk