Issue12 by New Business Matters

NEW BUSINESS

MATTERS Your local business to business journal

In this Issue: • Enjoy 2 Course Business Buffet Lunch for two (p2) • 10% Discount given off first 3 Months Cleaning (p4) • Receive a FREE Lifestyle Pack worth £200 (p6) • 15% Off Initial Physio/Sports Injury appointment (p18) • 50% Off Nuance Accredited Training (p19) • 10% Off all HR Consultancy & Retainer Fees (p20)

Helping your business to develop and grow! Issue 12/2010

December/January

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

December/January

Editor’s Note

Contents

Christmas is just around the corner and winter is on the way! I hope you are all busy as you approach the festive season, but will you have time to take a few days off? It has taken me long enough to realise that we should ‘work to live and not live to work.’ Try and be like the guys on our front page who look like they are having fun at what is after all a fun time of the year. There is of course a time to be serious as well as being light hearted and if you have customers, who expect you to supply a service as well as products over the festive period, then you will need to plan and organise your weeks accordingly, not only to meet the commitments of your customers, but just as importantly the needs of your family, especially at this time of the year. Family is so important and the older you get the more you realise that we must strive to get a proper ‘work life balance.’ If you are having difficulty in any shape or form I am sure there is a local business person who could help you out. Perhaps you can find someone in this issue of New Business Matters, but if not please check out the back issues on our website. New Business Matters is two years old in January and we are celebrating, as the circulation of our local business to business journal continues to grow. Due to the popularity of our bi-monthly journal we have seen our distribution increase from 2000 copies to 3,500 off copies, but if you do not receive your own free copy and would like to then please do get in touch.

IFC Money Worries 03 Accommodation 04 Cleaning Specialist 05 Events & Parties 06 Fitness & Leisure 07 Internet Marketing 08 IT Services 09 Lettings & Landlords 11 Legal Arrangements 13 Printing & Design 14 Photography & PR 15 Corporate Recovery 17 Telecoms & UC 18 Physio & Sports Injury 18 Apprenticeship’s 19 Signs & Displays 19 Naturally Speaking 20 Change Partners HR 20 How to Taste Wine

Kind Regards Peter Westwood

IBC FSB Matters

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

December/January

Is going Green just a sales ploy? By Zoe Westwood, Ramada Encore Hotel

e are living in a world where the buzz words right now are ‘how green is your business’. So why do hotels want to be green? There are lots of reasons, but protecting our future generations has got to be the main reason. So why would this be a sales ploy? Lots of green initiatives cost businesses lots of money. Currently most hotels recycle glass, paper, and food and in addition they have general waste. Each needs a separate bin, plus two bins in each room to help separate the waste at source, and each has a separate pick-up. They rely on guests and staff to put the right things into the right bin: and on top of all of this they are trying to run a business! A huge proportion of food is wasted in restaurants and hotels each day from the all - you - can - eat buffets to the breakfast buffet where you can try everything. By sending the food off to be compost at least hotels are doing their bit to reduce rubbish going to the landfill.

However, going green can also cut costs. Simply turning off some lights a few minutes earlier can save businesses hundreds of pounds a quarter. Using motion sensitive lights and making sure lights that are not in use are turned off can help save a few pence as well as energy. The Ramada brand is owned by Wyndham Worldwide Hotel Group, which is one of the largest hotel company’s in the world and as a franchisee we have to adhere to the Wyndham Green Policy. Therefore, we make sure we recycle 80% or more of the products that go through the hotel including paper, glass and even food. But does this get us more sales? The short answer is no, the fact that our leftover food goes in a different bin does not make any difference to most guests. So why do we do it? As a company we have found that our staff have been very supportive and are 100% behind the initiatives to ‘go green!’ We have also found that they have been delivering an

even higher level of customer service as they believe in what they are doing. So when we add up the pros and cons actually it is better to be green. It helps us to think about how we run our businesses and it makes us think about how to be more efficient and how we can deliver a positive message about the good points of ‘going green’ . There are lots of our guests who read about which bin is which and make sure they recycle their newspapers, and these people will help our future generations come up with better ideas to be green not just because they want to sell, but because it is worth it. I make sure that I thank guests for recycling properly as it makes the hard work to provide the service worthwhile. If you want to stay at a local hotel that has ‘gone green’ then you should consider the Ramada Encore. To find out more please contact me on 01202 291266 or send an email to zoe@encorebournemouth.co.uk

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

Page 3

CLEANING MATTERS

December/January

Follow Simple Rules to Save Money! By Paul Gowing, MD of Cleanforce Ltd

ith the economy still so unpredictable and cost cutting high on many businesses agenda, every saving that will filter its way down to your bottom line has to be worth considering. By ensuring you have a regular cleaning service rather than on an ad hoc basis, you are more likely to preserve your internal furnishings and decoration, thus saving upon capital expenditure or maintenance costs that you can do without. I also recommend that in the first instance you follow these simple rules: 1. Encourage your workforce not to eat at their desk – that is sure to reduce cleaning time. 2. Ask your staff to remove large items of waste rather than leaving this for the cleaners to take – thus maximising cleaning time.

3. E nsure office staff take their washing up to the kitchen and do the washing up themselves – again more time made for cost effective cleaning. 4. U rge your staff turn off any mobile & laptop chargers from electrical points, which will save wasted electricity. At Cleanforce we have adapted our services to meet current market trends and we understand the needs of our clients and the stringent budgets they have to work within. Whether you need a weekly or daily service we have a cost effective package for your business. To obtain 10% off the first 3 months service please contact us for a quote before 31st January 2011. Don’t delay, clean the Cleanforce way. For all enquiries contact Managing Director Paul Gowing on 01202 516655 or at paulg@cleanforceltd.com

CLEANforce Support Services Ltd

COMMERCIAL CLEANING CONTRACTORS OFFICES - LEISURE - RETAIL • Windows

• Signs & Facias

• Floors

• Carpets & Upholstery

• Laundry & Dry Cleaning

• Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies

CLEANforce Support Services Ltd

01202 516655 sales@cleanforceltd.com

300 Wimborne Road Winton Banks Bournemouth BH9 2HN

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To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

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EVENT MATTERS

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December/January

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Contact us T: 01202 554415 F: 01202 294810 usContact T: 01202 554415 F: 01202 294810 us T: 01202 554415 F: 01202 294810 mailContact info@queenshotelbournemouth.com Web www.queenshotelbour Email info@queenshotelbournemouth.com Web www.queenshotelbournemouth.com nfo@queenshotelbournemouth.com Web www.queenshotelbournemou The Queens Hotel and Spa Meyrick Road Bournemouth Dorset B The Queens Hotel and Spa Meyrick Road Bournemouth Dorset BH1 3DL he Queens Hotel and Spa Meyrick Road Bournemouth Dorset BH1 3D To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

Page 5

FITNESS MATTERS

December/January

Advantages of Group Exercise

By Roxy Bowater – Group Fitness Instructor, Village Hotel Bournemouth

here are endless reasons to participate in Group Exercise classes. They help individuals to move past a plateau with their training and classes can help give a participant more motivation, structure and enjoyment to their workout. Classes are always taken by a professional instructor who will ensure that members are moving correctly and making the most of the exercises to maximise their personal fitness, and to ensure they do not cause themselves personal injury. Group Exercise classes are great to give variety and let you achieve your goals whilst having fun doing it. There is also the social side of joining a class, where you will meet new friends and colleagues.

likely to stick to it and the DVD/Video will soon be put on the shelf or in a drawer – with the saying “Oh I will start that tomorrow”.

There are many “Keep Fit” and “Exercise” DVD’s and Videos now available on the market, put together by celebrities. With the New Year fast approaching they will be everywhere in the shops. Who really wants to exercise in their lounge on their own? By joining a class you are much more

Group Exercise does not have to be just a “keep fit class” there are now a variety of classes available which cater for all ages, genders and fitness levels. From Aqua through to Zumba and with timings from 7.00am – 9.00pm to fit in with busy schedules.

U O Y NOW JOIN T A H W W O N K E W MER!

DID THIS SUM

VILLAGE HEALTH AND FITNESS

GET IN SHAPE AND GET A FREE ‘LIFESTYLE’ PACK WORTH £200 AUG ‘10

Choose from an amazing range of gifts and products:

• • • •

Sportswear discounts Half price personal training Free memberships for friends Exercise and nutritional plans

JULY ‘10

0844 847 2972

Call for more information or just visit us at VILLAGE hotel Bournemouth, Wessex Fields, Deansleigh Rd, BH7 7DZ Terms and conditions apply, see www.village-hotels.co.uk/promo_terms

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JUNE ‘10

• Sports supplements Lucozade and PhD • Discounted hotel stays • Free food and drink

a n d fit n

at VILLAGE hotels

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

Internet MATTERS

December/January

Give Your Business a 40% Boost – Automatically By Murray Cowell, Belmont Internet Marketing.

f you have clients who book appointments, a simple but often overlooked way to increase your business is to enable them to book online.

An online booking system can increase orders by up to 40%. With more business being done online, buying decisions are often made instantly. Give your customers the ability to book on the spot, and you could see a huge upsurge in your business. If your competitors don't use online booking, you could be the first in your market to offer this service. For example:• Restaurants can take table bookings online •B eauty salons, dentists and physiotherapists can let customers book specific treatments with named professionals

•G arages can allow customers to book services and MOT’s at a time to suit them •T heatres and music venues can take bookings for performances Combine online booking with a well-targeted email marketing system aimed at past customers, and you'll have a fully automated system to generate repeat business for you! The days when online booking systems were expensive and complicated are long gone. With today's modern methods, it's easy to add a booking system to most websites. With a bit of training, anyone with basic PC skills can manage the system using a simple web-based interface.

Online booking systems cost much less than you may think, and you don't have to redesign your website to use one. To find out more, go to www.belmont.uk.com/online-booking.

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

Page 7

IT MATTERS

December/January

The Benefit of Managed Print Services! By Katie Rogers, Copyrite Business Solutions How great life would be if when you were ill your doctor knew straight away and turned up on your doorstep with a remedy! How great life would be if when your car breaks down your roadside rescue company is travelling behind you ready to fix the problem immediately. How great life would be if when your office printer broke down your designated emergency service provider walked through the door with his bag of tools. Unfortunately life is just not like that, but all of these things are important to our state of health and our state of mind. We know when we are ill we go to our trusted local doctor, when our car has broken down we call our roadside rescue company, but who do we turn to when our office printer breaks down? How often does a small problem with your office printer create a big problem in your business? Do you often end up with 3 or 4 members of staff moving round the machine, removing paper and opening and shutting parts of the equipment? A lot of head scratching and a few expletives later, that paper jam or small technical issue has put you a few hours behind and maybe even made you miss an important deadline! With Managed Print Services that small problem no longer becomes your problem. Whilst Copyrite Business Solutions is unable to help with your car or your health, we are able to become the emergency service solution for your fleet of printers and multi-functional devices, as we have the skills and experience to analyse your current print technology and work with you to find appropriate devices when replacement makes sense.

refusing to work; we are notified straight away and are therefore able to fix the problem. We are able to collect live data from your networked devices using @remote or Print Audit Software; this will then provide the data to enable us to make informed recommendations with regard to your document costs. This will allow comprehensive device management with no additional burden to your own IT staff. How can @remote help reduce your print costs? • Optimize equipment placement • Increase device uptime • Enables remote service • Collects meter reading automatically • Shows individual device costs • Provides environmental reports • Allows Firmware to be automatically updated Together, we can make the world a better place for Print Services. With our Managed Print Services, we hope to dramatically reduce the amount of devices and printers being hit and kicked, and also dramatically reduce the stress levels of your staff. To find out more information on how you can save money, save time, save space and maybe some day, SAVE YOUR BUSINESS, visit www.copyrite.co.uk or call me on 01202 848866. Copyrite Business Solutions is a provider of integrated IT, Print and Business Software Solutions. If you want to rate this article and/or place your vote for the next topic to be covered, then please go to www.copyrite.co.uk/itmatters

Copyrite use a product called @remote and this product is your devices very own doctor and recovery service. If your machine is unwell and

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To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

LETTINGS MATTERS

December/January

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF LETTINGS By Sharon Moore from Move on Rentals

eptember saw record numbers of lets, which was good news for Landlords. October has also been very good and rent arrears have started to fall across the UK, which is a good sign we are heading in the right direction as this rose by 55% nationally. The cap on Housing Benefit on higher rents (which will affect London mainly) will see tenants looking for cheaper rents and looking to move into the outer regions. However a wise word to Landlords whose properties are currently vacant. If you have a property due to come up for rent or is currently empty, you could be in danger of this remaining empty into the New Year. This time of year is known for slowing down as we enter December and into the Christmas period.

MOVE ON The lettings specialist

You may need to look at reducing your rental price as this time of year tenants can bag a bargain. Two months loss of rent due to a property being empty will take along time to recoup. Where as renting at a lower price continues to bring in an income and is also healthy for the property to be lived in over the next cold and wet months. Please also remember that if your property is empty for more than 30 days, you should be notifying your Insurance Company. If you do have an empty property or would like a free friendly chat regarding your current situation, please telephone Move On Rentals 01202 711169.

01202 711169

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

Looking for a new place in time for Christmas? Let us help you MOVE ON... We specialise in quality local lettings for sharers, couples & families. We focus on the local rental market 100% so when you MOVE ON you can be sure you are dealing with dedicated professionals. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a better room, flat, bungalow or house to live in time for the holiday season; or you are thinking of letting your property at this popular time of year...

move on with MOVE ON... where experience, knowledge & expertise really makes the difference.

www.moveonrentals.com

464 Ashley Road, Poole, Dorset BH14 OAX

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

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

commercial leases commercial property transactions property development business transfers commercial agreements

• • • •

shareholder/company matters partnership matters dispute resolution and mediation employment law matters

For a no obligation discussion, please contact Mark Daniels or James Love on 01202 673071 BROADSTONE – 221 The Broadway – 01202 692308 POOLE – 5 Parkstone Road – 01202 673071

www.dickinsonmanser.co.uk

LEGAL MATTERS

December/January

Beware Serious Sanctions! By Susie Smith, Dickinson Manser LLP Solicitors The amount of laws and regulations affecting businesses seems to be ever increasing and the details of the laws and regulations often change making it difficult for businesses to ensure compliance. This is especially true for small to medium sized organisations that cannot afford to have dedicated compliance departments or personnel. At Dickinson Manser we can assist businesses in considering their practices and procedures with a view to ensuring compliance and steering clear of the often serious sanctions that can be imposed on those in breach. Below are just a few current issues which businesses should look out for as they have particularly serious sanctions attached to them. Unfair Trading The Office of Fair Trading published a guide to the criminal enforcement of consumer protection from the Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 on 22nd September 2010. The guide makes it clear that the OFT are likely to take criminal enforcement action in some cases. In particular the guide states that such action is likely if a business is a flagrant or persistent abuser of the rules or where a business deliberately or recklessly uses fraudulent, misleading, aggressive or intimidating practices. Businesses should therefore ensure that they are familiar with the requirements of the Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and that their practices are in compliance with those requirements which include a general duty not to trade unfairly and to act honestly and fairly when dealing with consumers.

Bribery The Bribery Act 2010 is due to come into force in April 2010 and introduces a new criminal offence which can be committed by a business if a person associated with it bribes another person intending to obtain or retain business or some business advantage. However, businesses will have a defence if they can show they had adequate procedures in place to prevent such conduct. The Ministry of Justice has just finished consulting on a guidance document to help businesses of all sizes ensure compliance and the final guidance document is expected early in the New Year. The guidance, when issued, is likely to highlight 6 main points which will be considered before prosecutions are brought:1. Have proper risk assessments been done? 2. H ave the managers/owners/ directors made it clear that bribery is never acceptable? 3. H as risk based due diligence been undertaken in respect of the businessesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; business partners? 4. D oes the business have clear, practical and accessible policies and procedures in place? 5. H ave procedures been implemented effectively? 6. H ave policies and procedures been monitored and reviewed appropriately? All businesses should make time to consider the guidance and their internal policies and procedures once the final guidance is released.

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

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Remous is bringing Design, Print, Finishing & Mailing to Bournemouth And bringing you an amazing new list of services We are certain, we can offer you:-

• • • • • •

Amazing vibrant colour on your print. Fast turnaround times and we always work to your deadline. Complete project control in house. Friendly helpful and pro-active service. Experienced staff with a real understanding of print. Hassle free print service – Order and Expect.

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. Family owned and run, we are able to bring the benefits of corporate print management and production coupled with ‘hands on’ personal customer relationships.

www.remous.com

01963 250920

PRINTING MATTERS

December/January

How to save money in the long run? By Peter Westwood from Remous Limited

e are all affected by the so called ‘credit crunch’ in one way, shape or form and as such this can seriously jeopardise your decision making when it comes to purchasing your print requirements. If money is not flowing into the business as quickly as you would like, then automatically you do not want to spend any more money than you have to. Unfortunately you are then drawn into the trap of buying on price alone and what you should be doing is buying on the best advice, because in the long run it will save you money! To highlight this point I had a client who recently asked me for a quotation to produce two full colour Company Brochures to promote the different sectors of their business. Also one brochure was wanted urgently for an exhibition they were attending in 10 days time. I stated if they were printed at the same time and they had the same quantity of each brochure then they would be able to save a considerable amount of time and money. To their surprise we were able to show them a saving of over £300, but there next concern was could we get them both printed and delivered on time, especially as they now wanted to double the quantity they initially required, so that they could take advantage of our competitive run-on rates, which showed an extra cost of just £120 for them to have 500 off each Brochure instead of 250 off each, which drastically reduced the cost per item. To the customers delight we not only delivered their brochures on time, but to an exceptional

high quality that they had not experienced before. The answer in this instance was to definitely buy on the best advice, because it gave them what they wanted at a price they could afford. Perhaps you are thinking, that all sounds too good to be true, and would I also receive the same truly independent, impartial and incisive advice? It can sometimes be difficult in finding a printer you can trust, but there are certain criteria you should consider to help you make your decision. Are they local, are they a family run company, have they been in business for more than ten years, do they invest in technology? All of these things will hopefully help you choose the right printer. If you can find someone that meets these criteria then this will ease your fears to give you confidence that your printing will be produced with the right quality, on time and at the right price! If you are having trouble finding such a printer then you should look no further than Remous, a family run printer based in Sherborne, Dorset, who have been trading for over thirty years. They have also invested around £850K in the last two years on the latest technology in pre-press, press and finishing equipment enabling them to ensure they can supply you with the best quality at a very competitive price. They also have a Sales Office in Bournemouth, where you can discuss your requirements in detail and receive the best technical advice in the industry today. To find out more simply telephone 01202 532277 and ask to speak with Peter or simply send an email to peter@remous.com.

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

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PHOTOGRAPHY & PR MATTERS

December/January

What has Royal Approval and is great for Business?

By Steve Cook, Seeker News & Photo

uckingham Palace's announcement that the Queen has her own page on Facebook confirmed something that forward looking companies have known for some some time: Social Media makes good PR. It seems somewhat bizarre that the likes of Facebook, once the province of the exhibitionist and the eccentric, is now an invaluable tool helping promote businesses' goods and services to a worldwide audience. Similarly, Twitter, a favourite for celebs to put over their point - in 140 characters or less - has also become a key marketing tool. So why have Facebook and Twitter, as well as the other social networking platforms, become such an asset to a business' PR campaign? Admittedly, to some people Social Media is a mere internet toy. But the fact it is not restricted by national boundaries

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and enjoys a worldwide appeal makes Social Media indispensable to companies. Once we relied on leaflets being pushed through doors, newspaper advertising, and if we could meet the expense, radio and TV advertising. With Social Media we have been able to take things several steps forward, allowing a company's brand, it's products and services to be seen by a much wider audience. When used effectively it can be used to draw more traffic to a company's landing page, enabling visitors to learn even more about what is on offer. Social Media is both the cheapest and most effective form of PR on the planet. Any business which ignores this fact does so at its peril!

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

RECOVERY Matters

December/January

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

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TELECOM MATTERS

December/January

Learn from Experience & Unify Communications! By Kevin Harrison, Founder of TXI Limited

cross the country large companies increasingly adopt Unified Communications (UC). This term is repeated often and it is worth, from a real world perspective, looking at what exactly that means to business. Many small and mid-size businesses (SMBs) doubt whether the ‘UC approach’ can assist in bringing their profits up and help to compete with larger competitive organisations, yet are also unsure about the real benefits and components of UC behind the jargon. To help clear up some of the doubt, UC is the bringing together or integration of key business communication services. This could bring voice, email and instant messaging into a cohesive system. Possibilities then include reading a voicemail email, forwarding voice calls to mobile or other numbers, while working remotely. Getting them all to work together is the key. The ability to call an address book contact with the click of a mouse demonstrates how ‘bringing it all together’ can drive efficiencies and make working life easier. Reducing time spent finding information to begin a productive call or contact people who are away from their usual place of work, brings a feeling of improved working. Customers who experience a company working in a unified way can’t always put their finger on why they feel the good service. It is often as simple as the fact that they don’t experience the frustrations felt by many of us when we just need to make contact. Genuine long term cost savings, coupled with green credentials of less software, equipment and commutes (when compared to traditional fractured services) mean there is business sense to get integrated. Organisations often utilise existing kit and services matching these with a service that pulls them all together making UC a reality. Reading this, you might think that UC is the preserve of larger organisations.

Those running successful businesses across our region and nationally are using the ‘Large Company trick’ of hosted technology (and capability) to project scale and competences. This enables them to compete effectively. Where to start? Firstly, work out what the business actually needs to really benefit from UC. An SMB can have a lot of responsibility and hassle taken out of daily life by adopting hosted services. The voice call is, for most, the single most important business component. Hosted telephony is also one of the simplest routes to begin the course of Unified Communications. This can be the bedrock to enable a number of services to project scale and give real business advantage and progress to full integration. Buyer beware! The temptation to move towards free or low-cost solutions around telephony is great. Usually stand alone; these further separate services, generally increasing the gulf between a professional proposition and a consumer type product. A trustworthy alternative is a hosted PBX offering. A VoIP-enabled solution offering telephony in addition to other UC components such as email and instant messaging to bring things together and consolidate overall bills(and capabilities) into one. The true benefit TXI sees in many successful businesses striving to UC is the benefit of real collaboration. People, wherever they are, being allowed to focus on their chosen work, not their communication.

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Page 17

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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.

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How to Taste Wine

by Jeff Bowden of Templar Wines This issue brings you the 5th “S” of wine tasting… Spit/Swallow This is totally your decision but please remember to take into account the number of wines you will taste. Wine professionals always spit out the wine they sample - any taster who didn't would become incapable after half an hour. Spittoons are provided at all tastings. They may take the shape of a metallic funnel, a box filled with sawdust, or any other bowl-shaped receptacle even an ice bucket or plastic jug can be used. You should spit the wine firmly and accurately in a single jet through pursed lips. Practicing at home beforehand in front of a mirror can often help. Etiquette dictates that precedence is always given at the spittoon - you should never spit diagonally across another taster. If you have never been to a Wine Tasting and would like to learn more from a wine professional or you would like to give a place as a present. We will be running day/evening courses starting in January. Please contact us for further details.

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VALUE OF KEEP TRADE LOCAL CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTED BY SNOW & ICE The ice and snow that swept much of the country at the New Year provided a clear example of the value of small businesses and the ability of village stores and pubs in particular to support local communities in times of difficulty. The grim situation for many showed that the FSB’s Keep Trade Local is totally justified.

FSB Events in Bournemouth, Poole and beyond

The Federation of Small Businesses Quiz Night

The FSB is Britain’s leading 23 March 7pm business organisation with over 215,000 Arlington Hotel, members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the selfBournemouth Jamieson, said: Get aand team all together an excellent employed, job those who run their own business.

Regional Organiser in Dorset, Colin “Small stores in local communities did keeping people supplied with the essential goods and by going out of their way to keep shelves stocked for those unable to travel. With many such businesses currently under threat I sincerely hope that people remember how important these businesses were to them when they couldn’t get to the supermarket or out of town centre.”

discount on ticket prices for teams over 4 persons.

The FSB in Dorset has 4,000 small businesses as members. �

New Member Evening

FSB Regional Office: 01425 280080 : www.fsb.org.uk/wessex 18 May—6.30pm Bovington Tank Museum

VALUE KEEP LOCAL CAMPAIGN It’sOF not justTRADE about networking and it’s not HIGHLIGHTED BY SNOW & ICE just about luck! By Colin Jamieson, Regional Organiser in Dorset A premier event at “The FSB’s Keep Trade Dorset’s premier Local Campaign seeks attraction! to stem the tide of By invitation only—contact business closures, the Regional Office for reverse the trend and further information. � defend the choice and diversity that Regional Office 01425 at snow customers that swept much of the country deserve.” 280080—Full listing -

The ice and the Businesses across Dorset www.fsb.org.uk/wessex New Year provided a clear example of the value of small are benefitting because ofAUTHORITY businesses and the ability of village stores and pubs in LOCAL PROCUREMENT particular to support communities the worklocal undertaken by the in times of difficulty. The grim situation for many showed Talks between Dorset that the FSB on their behalf. County Council and the FSB’s Keep Trade Local is totally justified. FSB continue to yield Colin Jamieson

benefits for small Procurement – We have businesses. A new,

SMALL Organiser BUSINESS RATE RELIEF Regional Dorset, Colin Jamieson, said: simpler Pre-qualification been saying for years, andinespecially during questionnaire (PQQ) is Each year thestores FSB in Dorset local councils about “Small inasks local communities did an excellent job now in use. take uprecession of Small Business Relief (SBRR)sector by small has more the thatRate the public keeping people with the essential goods and by businesses and what they dosupplied to encourage them to claim. A new scheme is now in Every council promotes the scheme andto North Dorset money and greater ability enter local contracts going out of their way to keep shelves stocked place which unifies for those even ‘phoned every eligible business. But in some areas purchasing across all the take up is just 31%. unable travel. manyplace. suchThere businesses currently than any to other part ofWith the market Council’s departments. The FSB nationally is campaigning for SBRR to be paid The FSB is continuing to under threat I sincerely hope that people remember how automatically but until then mind make sure you Local apply each is no doubt in our that Authorities in monitor how the new year to check your entitlement. important these businesses were scheme to them when they operates and its Don’t miss out on thisprefer help for small businesses. Dorset would to deal with Make localor companies, advantages for small couldn’t get to the out of town centre.” sure you claim, contact your localsupermarket council now! businesses.

FSB Events in The winners Bournemouth, Poole and were: beyond Best ‘Small Quiz Night

23 March 7pm Business Arlington Hotel, Friendly’ Bournemouth Procurement Get a team together Policy discount on ticket prices for teams over 4 persons. Bournemouth

Borough Council � New Member Evening – for organising 18 May—6.30pm a series of Bovington Tank Museum however as they are spending our money not workshops and theirs, there are many checks and balances drop-ins toat helpof Small B A premier event The Federation “The FSB’s Keep Trade The FSB is Britain’s leading business organis imposed from national government and Dorset’s premier small businesses Local Campaign seeks members. It exists to protect and promote t attraction! Europe to ensure as far as possible that this theof tendering process and a for very positive employed, and all those who run thei to stem thewith tide By invitation only—contact is done properly. The FSB in Dorset has 4,000 small bu approach to a huge issue for small businesses. business closures, the Regional Office for FSB Regional Office: 01425 280080 : ww reverse and Business further In order to make improve things for the SME the trend Best ‘Small Friendly’information. Programme � defend the choice and VALUE OF KEEP TRADE LOCAL C sector, the FSB has been working with Dorset or Campaign diversity that Regional Office 01425 BY SNOW & County Council to streamline their processes West Dorset DistrictHIGHLIGHTED Council – the Council customers deserve.” 280080—Full listing to enable our small businesses to more easily embarked a snow campaign to help The iceon and that swept muchsmall of the country at the www.fsb.org.uk/wessex New Year provided a clear example of the value of small enter into contracts for goods and services. businesses following recent business rates businesses and the the ability of village stores and pubs in particular to support local communities in times of Their main pre contract document the Pre re-evaluation and gave discretionary awards LOCAL AUTHORITY difficulty. The grim situation for many showed that the FSB’spubs, Keep Trade Local is totally Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) has been PROCUREMENT targeting small shops andjustified. fuel stations. extensively redesigned in consultation with the Regional Organiser in Dorset, Colin Jamieson, said: Best “Small All Round stores Small in Talks local Business communities did an excellent job betweenFriendliness Dorset FSB, and our work has now been adopted as d keeping people supplied with the essential goods and by Christchurch Borough Council – in recognition County Council and thefor those f going out of their way to keep shelves stocked Best Practice across the County and many unable raft to travel. Withcontinue many such to businesses FSB yield of a whole of initiatives supporting local currently under threat I sincerely hope that people remember how other parts of the country. Colin Jamieson N benefits for small important these businesses were was to them when they businesses and that the economy at the businesses. new, couldn’t get to the supermarket orA out of town centre.” B During the recession, when cash really wasRELIEF heart of its corporate plan. SMALL BUSINESS RATE simpler Pre-qualification king, the FSB led the campaign nationally that “The(PQQ) FSB’s Keep is Trade Each year the FSB in Dorset asks local councils about Keep Trade Localquestionnaire the public sector should, whereRate practical, pay now in use.Local Campaign seeks take up of Small Business Relief (SBRR) by small to stem the tide of The FSB is continuing its campaign to keep trade B their local small contractors within 10encourage working businesses and what they do to them to claim. business closures, local, although our campaign is more to with A new scheme is do now inlocal reverse the trend and Every council promotes the scheme and North Dorset days. We are delighted to report that that across defend choice and placeiswhich unifies authority contracts, there no doubt thatthe there is so even ‘phoned every eligible business. But in some areas Dorset most of the Council contracts adhered to diversity that purchasing across all the take up is just 31%. much more that can be done customers deserve.” this principle. Council’s departments. w firms for themselves. The FSB nationally is campaigning for SBRR toby belocal paid The FSB is continuing to automatically but until Business then make sure you apply each The FSB Local Authorities Engagement L monitor how the new FSB Regional Office P year toincheck Awards Dorsetyour haveentitlement. also recognised the many scheme operates and its Tel:Make 01425 280080advantages for small Don’t miss out on this help for small businesses. T ways in which they aim to better embrace local sure you claim, contact your local council now! C www.fsb.org.uk/wessex businesses. firms in a number of ways: F Colin Jamieson

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