Issue 26

NEW BUSINESS

MATTERS Your local business to business journal

Points of Interest in this Issue: • Is your office building environmentally healthy? (p5) • People buy from people (p6) • Those first few important moments (p9) • Need for Email Use Policy all too obvious (p10) • Simple steps to growth (p13) • Eggs and Cartons (p17) • Futile landlord counting the costs (p18) • The World of Packaging (p20) • What is Guest Blogging? (p22)

BUSINESS TIPS & ADVICE! Issue 26/2013

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NEW BUSINESS MATTERS

Editor’s Note Keep your eye on the mountain!

Following on from Peter’s “jumping for joy” article in our last issue, it got me thinking about what brings joy and happiness to our lives.

Ultimately this comes from the attainment of the goals that we set ourselves.

Similarly joy and success in business come from reaching those goals and targets we set out to achieve. These can be expansion into new areas or of increased production. Often there may arise difficulties and situations that divert us or mask these goals from immediate view. It is in these times that we must “keep our eye on the mountain” or in other words ensure that no matter what we do our efforts are aligned to the end goal or target we have set ourselves or our business.

It is our goal at New Business Matters that the business tips and advice that you find in the pages to follow will help you and your colleagues to achieve your goals in business and in life.

In the coming issues we will be looking to broaden the aspects of business categories that these tips and advice cover.

We are also excited about the ongoing association with WSX Enterprise and look forward to bringing you an update soon on further joint events that will bring local businesses together to help you to develop and grow.

Best wishes,

April/May

CONTENTS 02 COLEMAN PRIVATE CLIENTS 03 CONTENTS & EDITORS NOTES 04 NEW PATENT BOX REGISTRATION 05 ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY? 06 PEOPLE BUY FROM PEOPLE 07 BOAT STORAGE FOR THE FUTURE 08 A NEW CORPORATE EXPERIENCE 09 FIRST IMPORTANT MOMENTS 10 NEED FOR EMAIL USE POLICY 11 CONSIDER BRIDGING FINANCE 12 KEEPING TRADE LOCAL 13 SIMPLE STEPS TO GROWTH 14 IDENTIFYING TANGIBLE ASSETS 15 THOROUGH EXAMINATIONS 16 GET YOUR CONTENT RIGHT 17 EGGS AND CARTONS 18 LANDLORD COUNTING COSTS 19 PROBLEM-FREE SHIPPING 20 THE WORLD OF PACKAGING 21 GETTING BACK ON YOUR FEET 22 WHAT IS GUEST BLOGGING? 23 DESIGN & PRINT SERVICES

Stephen Corney

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: Debbie Corney on 01202 233580 or email sales@newbusinessmatters.com New Business Matters UK Ltd 1 Moorlands Rise, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0JR Tel: 01202 233580

24 HELPING YOU JUGGLE COSTS The information contained within this publication is not intended to be complete. Whilst the publisher endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this publication, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and the publisher accepts no liability for the use of, reliance on or the accuracy of such information. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher and therefore the publisher accepts no responsibility for them. All artwork and editorial is copywrite and may not be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. © New Business Matters UK Limited January 2009 Designed by: Stephen Corney Printed by: Remous Limited, Sherborne Published by: New Business Matters UK Limited

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Page 3 26/03/2013 09:17:40

ACCOUNTANCY MATTERS

April/May

Will your company benefit from the new patent box registration?

By Andrew Hill, Director at Hill Osborne

New legislation is being introduced in April 2013 which will mean that, subject to certain qualifying conditions, companies’ income derived from patents may be taxed at 10% rather than the usual 23% corporate tax main rate which will otherwise be effective from the beginning of the new financial year.

The new rules seek to encourage businesses who are involved with the exploitation of patents to locate their business here in the UK. The rules will broadly apply to businesses which have been involved in the development and ownership of patents and who derive income therefrom. Only patents granted by the UK Intellectual Property Office or certain overseas equivalents will qualify.

According to HMRC: "You have to make an +LOO 2VERUQH election to benefit from the reduced rate of Corporation Tax that applies to the Patent Box. You can do this in the computations accompanying /RJR 9DULDQW

your Company Tax Return or separately in writing.

There is no special form of words for this election.

You must make your election within two years after the end of the accounting period in which the relevant profits and income arose.

The full benefit of the regime will be phased in from 1 April 2013. You will need to apply an appropriate percentage to the profits your company earns from its patented inventions."

If you think your company may be able to take advantage of this valuable tax concession then urgent action should now be taken to review the particular circumstances of your business to make sure you don’t miss out.

If you would like to review the implications for your company please contact Andrew on 01202 678555 or send an email to: andrew@hill-osborne.co.uk

C H A R T E R E D A C C O U N TA N T S & B U S I N E S S A D V I S E R S

Our aim is to provide you with the best possible service and we do this by giving you a direct access to the Director who is responsible for your affairs. This ensures that they will be able to develop a close relationship with you and establish a thorough understanding of your business. Clients can take advantage of a wide range of services as listed below. ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹

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Hill Osborne, Tower House, Parkstone Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 2JH Tel: 01202 678555 Fax: 01202 666071 Email: enquiries@hill-osborne.co.uk www.hill-osborne.co.uk

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To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580 25/03/2013 13:05:44 24/11/2012 03:56

12 03:56

CLEANING MATTERS

April/May

Is your office building environmentally healthy?

By Sebastian Popa, MD of TotalClean Solutions The green movement is here! Is your contract cleaning company doing its part in keeping your office building environmentally healthy?

A clean and healthy work place means better working conditions for employees with higher employee productivity and less absenteeism!

Green cleaning is not a fad and it’s not going away, so partner yourself with the experts to ensure you are doing your best for your employees as well as the environment, but what does this involve I hear you say. Basically you will need to find a cleaning company who use environmentally safe cleaning products, tools and equipment.

This means better indoor air quality and no harmful residue left from cleaning chemicals that could make your staff ill from perfumes and odors.

You will also need a company whose approach to cleaning your facility is based on solid science,

with technicians trained in meticulous quality control standards.

If your existing contract cleaning company cannot deliver these benefits then you need to contact Total Clean Solutions. We understand today’s budgetary constraints so cost containment and labour efficient health based office cleaning solutions separate us from our competitors. Our services include general office cleaning, hard floor care, carpet and upholstery cleaning, window washing and light building maintenance.

New Business Matters Magazine Offer: Call us on 01202 50 90 91 by 31st May for an appointment to quote on your office cleaning and if we are awarded the contract then you will receive the first week of service FREE. NB. This offer is only available for cleaning contracts with a minimum service of 2 days per week.

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COMMUNITY MAG MATTERS

April/May

People buy from people!

By Stephen Corney, Director at Dorset Publications This phrase "people buy from people" is well-used and undoubtedly true in business, but nowhere more so than within the community. So how can local businesses use this to help build sales (and reputation)?

Make yourself visible An example of this might be to include an image of you or your team in any advertising or promotion. That way when you turn up to a potential new client, they can recognise you or your staff from the image. This helps to create a first connection and, particularly with more nervous residents, gives some security that you are who you say you are!

Excellent service goes a long way I am sure that we all strive for excellence in the level of service that we provide. The closer knit communities can make this all the more important

as word of mouth plays a very large part in that second line of promotion. A "job well done" should ensure that any similar work from that client comes your way, but also will help to bring potential new referrals from those most closely connected to them.

When speaking of service, this can be quite a broad term and most certainly refers to such things as politeness, punctuality, efficiency and value for money. Although I have put that last one there, personally I feel that the previous three points go much further in producing the right result.

So whilst you might not want your photo taken or feel that "what" you do is of greater significance, don't rule out this fact that people definitely do buy from "people". Behind each business is a person and if you can create that personal connection well then future business can almost be assured.

Would you like your business to reach 1000s of potential residential clients on a monthly basis?

Full colour A5 glossy magazines distributed by our own team of distributors - you can rely on us! » Free artwork design » A free article, the same size as the advert booked in one of the months, with a 3 months booking » Free advertising on our magazine Facebook pages » A free listing on our Website Directory pages » Each magazine is fully uploaded every month on the internet via our website

Call Debbie or Stephen on

01202 894397 info@dorsetpublications.co.uk

West Moors • Ferndown & West Parley • Bournemouth • Poole • Southbourne • Christchurch Page 6 NBM18Apr-May-Mag26.indd 6

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CONSTRUCTION MATTERS

April/May

Taking Boat Storage into the Future!

By Andre Van Heerden CEO of EWL International Ltd With logical, intelligent and creative engineering the RotaDock is a new, unique and patented multi-level dry boat storage facility. It has been designed rather than adapted, to meet the single and most obvious challenge facing dry boat storage today – the shortage of waterfront property.

The RotaDock will store the same number of boats in a facility that is half the size, and less bulk means less impact on the environment.

The RotaDock’s civil and structural engineering is no different to any other dry stack facility, just more compact, attractive, secure and environmentally friendly.

One of the unique features of RotaDock is that it capitalises on the shape of motor boats, thereby maximising the surface area as well as volumetric space. The inevitable result is a massive 60% saving in land area compared to traditional dry stack operations.

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EWL International Ltd has created a number of divisions so clients can choose either one discipline or a full turnkey solution.

EWL International Ltd Discovery Court Business Centre, 551-553 Wallisdown Road, Poole, BH12 5AG Email: info@ewlinternational.com Website: www.ewlinternational.com Tel: 01202 853300

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

Page 7

CORPORATE MATTERS

April/May

A New Corporate Experience!

By Ali Burridge, Business Development Co-ordinator Why not turn business trips into pleasure with a stay at one of Bournemouth’s glamorous Art Deco Hotels?

Enjoy the ultimate in luxury surroundings and unobtrusive service on demand, as well as FREE public area Wi-Fi and FREE parking. Add to this leisure facilities with indoor swimming pool, gym and squash courts, and two restaurants, including a 2 AA Rosette awarded Grand Café and you would think you are on holiday instead of a business trip.

What if you could also join a Corporate Scheme, to earn reward points that could be exchanged for vouchers to use in other hotels - would that appear to be too good of a deal to miss?

As a valued member of a Corporate Scheme you would be guaranteed to receive additional benefits as follows: • Double or twin room for single occupancy – always!

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• All year round same rates (Winter £56.50 inc breakfast, Summer (June-Sept) £66.50 inc breakfast • Free sea view upgrade on arrival (subject to availability) or guarantee for supplement from £20 per room per night • Priority late check-out till noon • Partner stays with you from only £27.00pp B&B • A dedicated corporate client manager on site But where can you receive this New Corporate Experience?

The Cumberland Hotel is part of the Oceana Group of Hotels that include The Suncliff and The Cliffeside, all next door to each other situated on East Overcliff Drive in Bournemouth.

For more information about your business trip please contact our Sales and Reservations team on 01202 298350. The Cumberland Hotel – designed with the business traveler in mind!

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580 25/03/2013 13:05:51

CUSTOMER MATTERS

April/May

Those first few important moments!

By Tony Rodgers, Director at Hambeldon Interims Is there any doubt that when you meet a customer for the first time you are standing on the ledge of an opportunity?

Why then do some people fall off the ledge while others grasp the opportunity and climb to the next level and take the customer with them?

Those who climb to the next level, with the customer in tow, understand the correct behaviours to fully engage a customer and how to apply them. The first few moments are therefore the most important minutes of the first interaction. Taking control but not letting the customer feel it, is a skill very few people can display. This can be achieved by the following behaviours.

• Put across your key messages by setting the scene with the customer and explaining how you work

• Present the long term benefits of your proposition in positive terms • Instil and reinforce trust by building credibility and positive intent While you are delivering these messages the customer will be thinking, “Is this person demonstrating common values?” “Are they illustrating that they know what they are doing?”

“Do I believe what they are telling me?”

If they answer yes to all of these questions your customer relationship will go from strength the strength.

If you wish to review how you or your team are dealing with those ‘first few important moments’ with your customers then Hambledon Interims would be delighted to help. For further information please call Tony direct on 07976 965250.

PROVIDING REAL PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE THAT DELIVERS MEASURABLE AND PROFITABLE CHANGE

Hambledon Interims is a Dorset based consultancy that’s been helping companies, large and small, to successfully improve their customer’s experience and business profits by delivering change - to their processes and their people – through the implementation of various development and training solutions. Hambledon Interims can provide: • Interim Managers and Project Managers • Training and Development Design and Delivery Solutions • Customer Experience Development programmes • Sales and Customer Service Assessors Experience the benefit of ‘profitable sales’ by improving customer satisfaction!

T: 01258 860249 E: tony@hambeldoninterims.com W: www.hambledoninterims.com

To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com NBM18Apr-May-Mag26.indd 9

Nestledown Duck Street Child Okeford Dorset DT11 8ET

Page 9

BUSINESS LAW MATTERS

December/January

EMAIL LAW MATTERS

April/May

SHAREHOLDERS AND Need for Email Use Policy PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS all too obvious!

By Susie Sanusi, Dickinson Manser LLP Solicitors

By Mark Daniels, Partner, Dickinson Manser LLP Solicitors >OLU VWLYH[PUN H I\ZPULZZ HZ H JVTWHU` VY The recent case of two young lovers, whose WHY[ULYZOPW P[ PZ PTWVY[HU[ [V JVUZPKLY [OL amorous emails to each other were mistakenly YPNO[Z HUK VISPNH[PVUZ VM [OL WLVWSL PU]VS]LK copied to the wider world, emphasises all too 0[ PZ LHZ` [V V]LYSVVR Z\JO PZZ\LZ LZWLJPHSS` clearly why firms need an “email, internet and ^OLU [OL V^ULYZ HYL NL[[PUN VU ^LSS social media use” policy for all members of staff. /V^L]LY PM P[ PZ V]LYSVVRLK HUK WYVISLTZ It’s easy to laugh at what happened, but firms KV HYPZL P[ JHU IL ]LY` KPMMPJ\S[ Z[YLZZM\S HUK should bear in mind the possible ramifications.

L_WLUZP]L [V YLZVS]L A recent High Court decision highlighted the In the case in question a young lady in Aberdeen, difficultiesemailed that canher arise if parties failwhilst to consider Melanie, boyfriend Eric at in advance how to dealforwith work.

He also worked thetheir sameconflicting firm and rights and obligations. responded using the firm’s email. Their emails The case concerned a Shareholders Agreement commented on how much and how often they which stated that certain parties were to the be young enjoyed their lovemaking.

Unfortunately directors of the Company.

Later a majority of the lady inadvertently attached the series of emails directors decided to remove one of the directors to another email to a fellow employee, and the named in the Shareholders Agreement from office whole exchange “went viral” as they say, much to arguing that they were obliged to do so in order to everyone’s embarrassment! comply with their fiduciary duties to the Company.

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

The Court found against them, stating that Although the young couple’s employers took a the Director should not have been removed. fairly relaxed attitude to the affairofand This decision reflected the sorry wording thedid not intend to discipline either of them, the couple Shareholders Agreement which did not make subsequently resigned, most probably from sheer any allowance for the conflicting obligations. embarrassment!

Many business owners do not fully appreciate their rights and obligations or the many ways You only have to imagine if the exchanges had in which they can conflict. If this is true of you, been very much more explicit, even were we would strongly advise thatoryou seek legal accompanied by graphic images to begin to see advice to help you avoid such problems. why employers need a policy to be in place, both At educate Dickinson to andManser to deter.LLP we are experienced at advising business owners on their rights and obligations and in drafting shareholders/ If you feel you would like to know more about partnership agreements. an “email, internet and social media use” policy -VY HK]PJL HUK HZZPZ[HUJL JHSS for your firm, then please call Mark Daniels at VY LTHPS Dickinson Manser LLP on 01202 673071 or send an email to mjd@dmsolicitors.co.uk and request Z ZHU\ZP'KPJRPUZVUTHUZLY JV \R further information.

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

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BROADSTONE – 221 The Broadway – 01202 692308 POOLE – 5 Parkstone Road – 01202 673071

www.dickinsonmanser.co.uk

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24/11/201213:05:52 03:56 25/03/2013

FINANCE MATTERS

April/May

When to consider Bridging Finance?

By James Erwin from Access Commercial Credit finance or debt are normally dirty words when considered in the context of running a business, however, to the more enlightened businessperson, finance, in one form or another, is a fundamental part of a business cash-flow strategy.

So, when to use them? Bridging is ideal for situations where a desired funding source cannot deliver funds within the timeframe needed to complete a purchase and doesn’t necessarily need to be secured against the asset being purchased.

In this article I want to consider Bridging Finance, which is traditionally seen as panic borrowing and usually taken to rescue a house purchasing chain, with interest rates often considered as exploitative and offered by slightly shady back-street lenders.

The reality however, is dramatically different especially when viewed in a business finance context.

A classic example would be the purchase of property at auction; a Mortgage Lender is unlikely to be able to move quickly enough on the purchase without first viewing the property so, for an investor perhaps looking at a number of lots, there will not be the time to make the necessary arrangements. But, by securing a Bridging facility against an existing property, funds could be available almost immediately.

Yes, rates are relatively high, but Bridging Lenders will have to cover their margins over a much shorter term than traditional Mortgage Lenders and therefore, whilst they are not always household names, they are generally major financial institutions.

Access Commercial can source and provide advice on Bridging Finance and other Commercial Financial Products, so please call us on 01202 375545 to discuss you requirements.

Experienced Commercial Mortgage and Business Finance Brokers We supply solutions for all types of commercial lending and due to our close working relationship with all major and specialist lenders, including our partnership with brokers UK wide, we are able to provide the best deal for all types of commercial finance.

• Commercial Mortgages

• All forms of Factoring

• Asset Finance

• Short term Finance

• Invoice Discounting – available on a confidential basis

• Development Finance

For advice on all areas of Commercial Credit and Finance Tel: 01202 375545 Fax: 01202 465297 jamese@accesscommercialmortgages.com www.accesscommercialmortgages.com Members of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers

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Page 11

FSB MATTERS

April/May

The Federation of Small Businesses The FSB is Britain's leading business organisation with over 200,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-employed, and all those who run small businesses.

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

The importance of Keeping Trade Local The FSB is relaunching its Keep Trade Local campaign, and is calling upon the support of local communities to secure the future of small shops throughout Dorset, and to safeguard the choice and competition that people expect in the market place, and their High Streets.

The value to consumers of small independent shops is overlooked, and with independent retailers becoming an increasing rarity on our high streets, it is imperative that we save small businesses from being driven out of our towns and villages. Small independent shops have been closing at a rate of 5,000 per year throughout the UK, and the FSB campaign will focus on small businesses providing the backbone of local communities.

The FSB feels that the government should do more to provide a level playing field for independent traders who are often unable to compete with larger organisations and are forced out of business. Our local economy is driven by small businesses and they are vital for economic growth, and job creation. Small businesses are not

just a part of the local community; they are the local community in effect, generating wealth, employment and opportunity. However, in towns and villages in our locality and wider across the UK, small businesses and local shops continue to face closure; our familiar high streets face extinction.

Within Dorset, the FSB has over 4,000 members. Many FSB members running their own businesses are trying, wherever possible, to support other local businesses through supply, and thus keeping money within the local economy to support the local infrastructure businesses.

Keeping Trade Local is vital to all our local towns and villages, in order to maintain diversity, choice and individuality of high streets.

FSB Local Contacts: FSB Regional Office, Christchurch - Tel: 01425 280080 - Email: wessex@fsb.org.uk Neil Eames, Development Manager, Wessex Tel: 07920 846684 - Email: neil.eames@fsb.org.uk FSB website: www.fsb.org.uk/wessex - Twitter: @FSBWessex Page 12 NBM18Apr-May-Mag26.indd 12

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580 25/03/2013 13:05:53

GROWTH MATTERS

April/May

Simple steps to growth!

By Liz Wright from WSX Enterprise Last time I wrote about planning for smart growth but you may be wondering where that growth can come from if your market is pretty flat at the moment. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Review your pricing. When was the last time you put your prices up? You may have had price rises from your suppliers over the last few years but have not passed these on.

Take a look at your competitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pricing (make sure you look at like for like) and ask yourself whether your offer would still be fantastic value with a 5% price increase.

2. Review your offer. If you think sales would suffer if you raise prices could you introduce a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;premiumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; offer at a higher price? If some of your customers buy the premium offer then you should see a rise in profits.

3. Work your customer data base. If you can sell more or more frequently to your existing customer base your sales and profits will rise â&#x20AC;&#x201C; be more proactive, contact your customers more often and make it easy for them to buy from you rather than shopping around. What about customers you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen for a while â&#x20AC;&#x201C; can you win them back?

4. Ask for referrals. We all know that word of mouth can be the most cost effective form of marketing but do you do anything to actively encourage your customers to spread the word? It could be that all you need to do is ask.

For more help and advice on growing your business contact Liz at WSX Enterprise on 08454 586480 or email her at liz.wright@wsxenterprise.co.uk

738?$ORSET?!DVERT? PDF

"Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together." - James Cash Penney

/UR AIM IS SIMPLE 4O HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS

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Call us: 08454 586480

Email us: connect@wsxenterprise.co.uk

Supporting... Informing... Enabling Helping new businesses start and grow

Developing rural enterprises

Connecting businesses through our networks

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IDENTIFICATION MATTERS

April/May

How to accurately identify Tangible Assets!

By Tony Hart from Avonwood Developments

Being able to accurately identify tangible assets for a company is important for a number of reasons such as inventory, safety, security, process control and location. Different identification methods exist and have been adopted with varying levels of success and investment returns.

Radio Frequency Identification or RFID is a technology that has been in use for many years, especially in the industrial sector so for some its existence is nothing new. Unfortunately RFID has not always proven to be cost effective for every business application when compared to other identification methods and technologies.

However RFID technology breakthroughs are occurring all the time thanks to ongoing developments with hardware manufacturers, software developers and system integrators.

The technology today is maturing with

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deployment costs reducing allowing more cost effective applications to be realised and provide even the small and medium sized business sectors with beneficial returns on investment.

A basic system consists of a reader device, antennas and tags fixed to assets. A system on its own may only provide limited benefits, however when RFID is integrated with other technologies, software platforms and utilising digital infrastructures the benefits can be far more reaching as RFID data can be shared and exchanged.

Some of the keys to a successful and cost effective RFID deployment is to understand what problems and issues need to be solved, identify what the application processes are and how they work and to work out what returns on investment can be achieved.

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

INDUSTRIAL MATTERS

April/May

What is a Thorough Examination Inspection?

By Grégory Martin, Champion Materials Handling Ltd A Thorough Examination is essentially the industrial equivalent of an MOT test for a car.

This article looks at some of its features as they might affect your business.

A Thorough Examination is a legal requirement for lifting equipment under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER 98), Regulation 9. It has the same purpose as an MOT by providing a report identifying that the lifting equipment is safe to use, and/or advice that needs to be followed to avoid risks in use.

Is it important?

It is just as important as an MOT – probably more so! There is a legal requirement for a Thorough Examination to be carried out on fork lift trucks at least once a year, and often more frequently depending on conditions of use.

How long does a Thorough Examination Certificate last?

Although a Thorough Examination for a fork lift truck is like an MOT test for a car it is not valid for a set period of time. This is because there are different operational conditions that can impact on how quickly important components wear out.

Under LOLER 98 the examiner is required to state on the Report of Thorough Examination: “the latest date by which the next Thorough Examination must be carried out”. Effectively this becomes the expiry date. The truck should not be used after this date until it has been inspected again and a new Report of Thorough Examination has been issued.

If your forklift truck requires a Thorough Examination, please contact us on 01202 430323 or visit www.champion-forklifts.co.uk for more information.

Service is what life’s all about!

At Champion Forklifts we offer a full range of new and used equipment to suit ALL budgets New fork lift trucks:

From 1 ton to 16 tons capacity Electric LP Gas Diesel

RENTAL & LEASING

Warehouse equipment ranging from:

Hand pallet trucks Powered pallet trucks Stackers Electric Reach Trucks Order pickers Very narrow aisle trucks Access Platforms & Cherry Pickers Racking and Mezzanine Floors

Hand Pallet Trucks delivered from

Our preferred makes are Baoli, Toyota, Doosan, Mitsubishi, Linde, Combilift, Bendi and Jungheinrich but we can offer full support service that is second to none on any make of truck, picker or stacker.

£199

Freephone: 0800 021 4516 Telephone: 01202 430323 Email: sales@champion-forklifts.co.uk

www.champion-forklifts.co.uk

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INTERNET MATTERS

April/May

Tips on getting your content right!

By Bryan Benjafield from greenmessage The focus of an e-mail marketing campaign should not solely be to get new customers or sell more products, instead inform people who you are, where you are and what you do, so they come to you when the time is right!

Here are some tips to follow: 1) Inspiration Consider the following as sources of inspiration: your notebook, bookmarks, literature, legislation, e-mails from other businesses, competitor websites.

2) Coupons and offers There’s nothing like a great offer to engage your readers! Make them exclusive to your e-mail campaign and if possible as an incentive for people to sign up.

3) Checking Once you’ve finished writing, read through carefully! There's nothing worse than sending an e-mail only to find out you've missed something.

Take your shop to the next level and start selling online.

Generate sales from our shopping basket system: Accept payments from all major gateways Manage your own stock and orders Various delivery charge methods Logins with accounts and order history Promotions and discount coupon codes

from £1200 or £99 per month CALL FREE NOW ON 0800 068 058 9 Or email: nbm@radikls.com

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4) The message Either pick a theme or make sure you cover a broad range of subjects. This will help you focus the content and not let it drift into waffle. Also try to pick a theme that is relevant and timely by linking to current news stories or trends.

5) Clear calls to action Give people clear information on what they need to do next and the details to get in touch. If you offer a free quotation, proposal or consultation then invite them to contact you. If you're quoting recent case studies or legislations then make your reader think about how it might affect or benefit their business.

With greenmessage's fully-managed email marketing service we always read through our clients' e-mail campaigns and offer help and advice where we can to improve the message, before sending out.

For more information call 01202 802205 or e-mail info@greenmessage.co.uk.

Fully-Managed E-Mail and SMS Marketing Packages from just £100 per month.

If you want to raise the awareness and profile of your businesses then call greenmessage on 01202 802205 or email info@greenmessage.co.uk.

We have a range of services and packages to suit all organisations, with powerful professionally-designed ad campaigns, getting your message across to a targeted audience and a wealth of statistics available for you to track progress and tailor your responses.

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580 25/03/2013 13:05:57

IT MATTERS

April/May

Eggs and Cartons

By Mike Burden, Head of Copyrite Business Solutions In the IT world, there has been much talk for many years about virtualisation. Whilst the concept is very simple, explaining it for the first time often isn’t that straightforward.

Virtualisation in the server world allows a single physical machine to support or host several servers (guests) at the same time, but without interfering with what those servers do.

The author Luke Kanies explained it with an analogy based on eggs and egg cartons. The virtual host is the egg carton. It is really good at looking after eggs, from one to many, all at the same time. What it cannot do is get inside any of the eggs, they are all self-contained and carry on doing what they need to do regardless of the egg carton.

The benefits of the virtual server (and indeed the egg carton) is that based on a single investment and with just a single unit to locate and maintain, many applications (and eggs) can all be supported for a lower cost than in a traditional environment, and should there be a sudden increase in applications / workload (and eggs), that increase can be accommodated very quickly without additional investment.

Replacing single function servers with a virtual server environment will typically have a lower capital outlay than a like for like replacement, support effort will reduce, flexibility will increase, and for those of us that are environmentally conscious, we will use less power and spend less cooling our equipment.

of virtualisation. That environment has been running now for over 2 years without issue and the client is naturally extremely happy.

This is one example of many that we can provide; we are just one of many that implement this technology. It’s capabilities and benefits are both proven.

So what is the catch? This one is simple; be careful and ensure the person or business responsible for the work has the necessary skills and experience. The changeover needs to be to a secure, reliable environment that performs to the required levels.

If you operate on several servers and have not yet considered virtualisation, there are a number of compelling reasons to do so.

If you do not have experience of this in your business and would like to know more, there are many places to go for advice and support, including Copyrite.

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

One of our clients in the services industry was faced with server replacement costs (due to ageing equipment) of around £25,000. This was reduced down to under £12,000 through use

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LETTINGS MATTERS

April/May

Futile landlord counting the costs!

By Sharon Canning from Move on Rentals A local landlord is counting the costs of his futility and refusal to play by the rules.

The Landlord had originally protected a deposit given to him by a tenant through MyDeposits; however the Landlord did not renew his membership the following year and despite MyDeposits writing to him and advising of the consequences, the landlord neither renewed nor joined another scheme.

Failure to protect a deposit within 30 days of receiving it will result in a ‘Section 21 Notice to Quit’ not being recognised in a Court of Law and the tenant being entitled to up to three times the original amount paid as a deposit.

When the tenants vacated the property and requested their deposit back, the Landlord refused, leaving the tenant with no option other than to take the Landlord to court.

Although the landlord cited dilapidations in the property, he was ill equipped with a hand written Inventory and photographs that were undated.

The court sided with the tenant and awarded £350 costs, the original deposit of £700 and three times the deposit of £2100, bringing the total to £3,150.

The courts are coming down heavy on Landlords not protecting deposits. The ruling to protect deposits originally came in to force in April 2007, when all deposits had to be protected within 14 days, however since April 2012 an amendment in the Localism Bill changed this to 30 days with no exceptions.

The legislations are changing all the time and it is becoming more vital for a landlord to belong to a Landlord Scheme to keep up to date with news or a good reputable Letting Agent.

420 Poole Road, Branksome, Poole BH12 1DF

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To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580 25/03/2013 13:05:59

MAIL BOXES MATTERS

April/May

10 Top Tips for Problem-Free Shipping!

By Howard Woodward, Mail Boxes Etc.

1. If you’re sending packages by courier here’s a quick list of what they won’t take: batteries, alcohol, aerosols, perfume, flammables 2. To find out about import prohibitions/restrictions by country go to: www.fedex.com/GTM?cntry_code=gb 3. When sending packages by courier bear in mind that the cost will depend on the size as well as the weight. So remove any unnecessary empty space by making the box smaller. This will make it stronger too.

4. Want your package to arrive in one piece? Make sure you pack it properly, taking account of the fragility of the contents! Don’t skimp!

5. Packages can be subject to rough treatment when sent by courier. You need to protect the contents against pressure, compression, shock and vibration.

6. Don’t assume that just because you’ve put a ‘Fragile’ label on a package it’s going to be handled any more carefully. Sadly it won’t!

7. Most of the damage caused to packages sent by courier occurs to the bottom surface, corners and edges. So pack accordingly!

8. Sending china or glass by courier? Always, always double-box with plenty of cushioning between the layers.

9. Sending a painting? Masking tape any glass, cover images without glass in acid free tissue paper, bubble wrap and pack into an art box.

10. It always helps if you’ve got the original box & packing when sending a PC, laptop or TV. But bear in mind that the original box was probably designed for storage rather than the rigours of a parcel delivery system. So additional packing may be necessary. As a rule of thumb around 4” of protection is required all the way round.

For further help and guidance on packing and shipping either documents or parcels, contact the experts at Mail Boxes Etc. on 01202 299151 (Bournemouth Lansdowne) or 01202 292831 (Bournemouth Triangle).

WHILE YOU’RE THINKING BIG, WE’LL HANDLE THE SMALL STUFF.

As international packing and shipping specialists, Mail Boxes Etc. has the expertise to make it happen. Shipping across the UK or around the globe is easy when you trust your packages to MBE. Anything from important documents and samples to a new product line – MBE can pack it and ship it anywhere in the world via a choice of major couriers such as UPS, FedEx, DHL & TNT. Choose from a range of services which allow you to balance speed with economy, helping you to reach new customers and suppliers wherever they are based.

Worried about confusing paperwork or regulations? We’ve got the knowledge and technology to cut through all the red tape.

Bournemouth Lansdowne t: 01202 299151 e: info@mbebh1.co.uk Bournemouth Triangle t: 01202 292831 e: info@mbedorset.co.uk

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PRINTING MATTERS

April/May

The World of Packaging!

By Keith Sparks from Remous Limited

T

he world of packaging is wide and varied and normally only available to the large conglomerates who can order in huge quantities and thereby get very economical unit price per item, but due to the advance of technology in lithographic printing and the various finishing processes, it is now possible for many companies to consider having a special box produced for their top of the range products in small quantities such as only 500 units of each item.

The packaging pointers to consider are as follows: • Maximum flat sheet size (B2) 520 x 720mm • Board thickness up to 620 micron • Material Substrates - White & cream back folding boxboard, white lined chipboard, Kraft back folding boxboard • Litho printing in the CMYK process + plus one Spot PMS colour • Finishes include UV Gloss spot or overall varnish, foil blocking, embossing, window patching and latex application for blister packs.

• You can also have a Press Lock base (envelope base) with tuck in lid and side glued seam for slightly lighter products, as well as Crash Lock glued base for heavier products such as bottles – so they don’t drop out of the bottom.

• Product Header Cards are also available and they can be drilled or euro-slotted for display hanging or just creased and folded.

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Products suitable for special packaging and individual box making include: Brandy bottles, Sparking Wine, Model Railway Kits, Military Models, Cake Mix, Gloves, Tea Bags, Chocolate, Tools & Accessories, CDs & DVDs, Pizza, Ready Meal Sleeves, Toys, Sewing Kits, Electronic Accessories, Jams & Chutneys etc.

The list is basically endless, but if you have a need and want to receive advice on packaging for a particular product or some future project, then it is always best to have a meeting with an expert in cardboard technology at the initial stages, as a few well placed ideas in the beginning can save you several hundreds of pounds at the end.

For a FREE one hour consultation please call Remous Printing on 01963 250920 and ask to speak with Keith Sparks or Peter Westwood.

Alternatively please send an email to: keith@remous.com quoting NBM BOX as your reference.

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580 25/03/2013 13:06:00

RECOVERY MATTERS

April/May

BY GRAHAM DOWN | www.bscorprecovery.com

GETTING YOUR BUSINESS BACK ON ITS FEET Is your business under pressure? It’s hardly surprising given the tough few years that we’ve had. Perhaps, having been punished during the recession, you feel you’ve lost the energy, and don’t have the skills to put the business back on its feet. Here’s a quick step by step guide to getting things back on track: Be brutally honest. There’s no point in burying your head in the sand and pretending that there’s no crisis.

Moving numbers around the accounts solves nothing, and don’t kid yourself that there’s some huge new profitable contract coming in next week. Ditch the false optimism and face reality.

Understand your cash flow. It’s vital that you understand when your cash is coming in and when it’s going out. Make sure you have a carefully prepared cash flow forecast for at least the next three months, prepared on a weekly basis, and keep it up to date. Three months ought to be straightforward to predict; much longer than that and it may be like trying to gaze into a crystal ball. Be realistic in terms of what you’ll sell, and how long it will take customers to pay.

Make sure the cash is available for when it’s needed. Raise cash by getting rid of assets you don’t need, renegotiating terms with suppliers, and chasing overdue debts. Factoring or invoice discounting may be worth thinking about in some cases. Talk to HMRC before letting tax debts get into arrears – they’ll usually try to help when they can. And for goodness sake keep in touch with the bank and other lenders.

Get a plan. The people working in the business usually have a fair idea between them of what’s wrong, and what needs to be done to fix it. So trust your staff and listen to what they have to say. It’s amazing the difference that communication and honesty can make.

Of course some will have personal axes to grind, or indulge in blame and

arguments. You need to filter those out and that takes experience, but often it’s only a handful of changes that are needed to turn a business around. So put together a plan, get buy-in from everyone and make sure the plan’s on paper.

Get support. The skills needed to manage a business in distress are very different to those needed when everything’s going swimmingly. That’s why you probably need the support of someone like an experienced insolvency practitioner; someone who’s been there, done it and got the t-shirt.

We don’t charge for just listening to your problems and setting out some options. Call us for a free, no obligation conversation.

Cash flow problems …or worse?

Clear, professional advice for you and your business when you need it most.

CONTACT US FOR A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION CALL: 01202 313624 | www.bscorprecovery.com 2nd Floor, Bristol & West House, Post Office Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1BL

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SOCIAL MEDIA MATTERS

April/May

What is Guest Blogging?

By Katherine Hanson – Soci@lite Guest blogging involves either writing blog posts to be published on other bloggers’ blogs, or another person writing a blog post to appear on your blog.

It is a really effective method of driving traffic to your website as well as enabling you to network with other bloggers from your industry.

What • Submit to a website or blog where the content will be valuable or useful to its audience and ensure your content is unique and easy to read • Be honest, straightforward and demonstrate your knowledge

How • Find a blog or website that is or seems like it may be open to guest posts • Respond to comments left on your post • Include an author bio and introduce yourself to the readers • Promote your guest post to social media websites

When • You have established a well-written blog and are confident in your blog writing abilities

Where • Try to seek out well-established blogs which you feel offer you the best opportunity to attract likeminded readers • Many submission sites rely solely on submissions from guest bloggers for content

Guest blogging can be extremely mutually beneficial; the host site/author is provided with link-worthy unique content and a link on your site whilst you have the opportunity to contribute your knowledge and experience which creates a line of communication and encourages new readers to visit your site.

Contact Soci@lite today (01202 798270 or 07771 303932) to discuss how I can assist you with Blog Writing to help increase your online presence.

Soci@lite The Only Thing Worse Than Being Talked About Is Not Being Talked About (Oscar Wilde) Social Media Training & Consultancy, Content Writing, Website Design

Social Media Training Roll up, Roll up! Join me at my next training session 121 Training at your premises or Remote Training using software which enables me to dial-in and see what you see

katherine@social-ite.info | www.social-ite.info | 01202 798270

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To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580 25/03/2013 13:06:02

0635_AC-NBM9 Jun-Jul

27/5/10

09:25

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Remous Limited, Wyvern Buildings, North Street, Milborne Port, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5EP

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