APRIL 2013 - NEWS & VIEWS FROM ACROSS WILTSHIRE
THE FREE MONTHLY NEWS JOURNAL
WILTSJOURNAL.CO.Uk
Getting to the core...
The businesses that are reviving Old Town - Pages
10 to 12
Fratello’s
Inside Swindon’s award-winning restaurant - Pages 14 to 15
Name changer
Third time’s a charm
The place to be green
Regent Circus is renamed kimmerfields as construction of the £50m development in Swindon is set to get under way in May.
The third annual Business Show in Swindon is a success after more than 1,000 guests turned up to network.
We look at the Wiltshire businesses leading the way and making a profit from being green.
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Hello! You’re looking at the very first printed edition of The Wiltshire Journal... Welcome to the very first printed edition of Wiltshire’s newest business and lifestyle magazine, The Wiltshire Journal. This magazine is made for business people to enjoy and keep informed as to what is going on in their beloved county, as well as promoting and celebrating the diversity and quality of business it offers.
Inside our launch edition we take a look at the young businesses in Old Town, Swindon, and how they are helping to reinvigorate the area. Additionally, we look at some of the businesses in the county that are reaping the benefits of going green. We also nip out for lunch at Swindon’s award-winning Italian restaurant, Fratello’s.
Every edition of The Wiltshire Journal will contain exciting features and profiles as well as regular features on Wiltshire’s property, legal, financial and training markets. As well as covering news, views and events in the county the magazine will also highlight Wiltshire’s diversity and quality in areas such as food, leisure, travel, weddings and motoring.
Contents 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 16 18 19 20 21
Business news Kimmerfields development The place to be green Good Energy Bewley House Green profiles The Core GlamoRose Cakes What to buy in Old Town The Business Show, Swindon Inside Fratello’s Finance Law ‘Rising star’ joins Withy King Fieldology expands to Kembrey Park Small housing development under starter’s orders
Editor: Owen Fishwick
Published By FLOKK Creative Ltd. 2013
Designer: David Wildish
Registered Company: 08380204
wiltsjournal.co.uk
flokkcreative.co.uk
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Coombe Castle International tops Enterprise Awards Coombe Castle International, a Corsham-based producer and exporter of high quality dairy produce, has been named as Business of the Year 2013 in the first Enterprising Wiltshire Awards. It was double cream for the company at a packed event at Bowood Hotel recently as Coombe Castle International’s managing director Darren Larvin received both Business of the Year 2013 award and also took the title of Best Exporter – North Wiltshire. Speaking after the presentation, Mr Larvin said: “This win is a phenomenal achievement for everyone in the business. It comes at the end of a fantastic few years for us.” Asked why his business had been so successful in exporting dairy products to more than 40 countries, Mr Larvin said: “It’s all about the relationships we have with our suppliers and customers – even in countries like the USA, Canada, Russia and Japan – and not forgetting the great team we have here in Wiltshire. That’s what really counts.” The company was the first from the Uk to export cream to the growing South korean market. Founded in 1980 and based in Corsham and Calne, Coombe Castle International employs 30 people. It exports its own cream and also butter and cheese products from a range of farms, creameries and dairies. Mr Larvin said the firm has just completed the purchase of a new site in Melksham. Explaining why the judges had selected Coombe Castle International, Chris Simpson, senior business manager at the Wiltshire Business Support Service, said: “Although it was very difficult to pick the Business of the Year from such a diverse set of category winners, Coombe Castle International stood out in terms of the company’s recent achievements, its genuine growth in emerging markets and commitment to its place in Wiltshire.” More than 140 firms entered the inaugural Enterprising Wiltshire Awards, run by the Wiltshire Business Support Service. Many attended Friday evening’s ceremony alongside representatives from Wiltshire’s chambers of commerce. Chris Simpson said: “We’re been astounded by the response to the awards in terms of both quantity and quality. The judges had to consider some truly amazing businesses operating in very diverse areas such as security services, retail and training. If anything, it’s shown what an amazing diversity of businesses trade in Wiltshire.” Winners of each category received a cash prize of £1,000, donated by Wiltshire Council.
Smiths News wins Gold Award Swindon-based magazine wholesaler Smiths News has won Gold in joint place with Menzies for the ACE Supply Chain Excellence Award category. Both businesses were recognised for their flawless execution of their Olympic distribution plans. The ACE Press Awards are the highest accolade in British publishing and circulation. It’s an opportunity for those in the newspaper and magazine industry to gain recognition for their hard work and determination for success. Some of the most inspiring and driven circulation directors and executives judged this year’s award applications. Simon Gage, Smiths News sales director was delighted to accept the award on behalf of Smiths News at the Awards Ceremony which was held at The Royal Garden Hotel in London. Jonathan Bunting, Smiths News’ managing director, who was present at the awards, said: “I’m thrilled that we’ve won Gold. Last year we won the Silver award for our sales-based replenishment service and I’m delighted that we got Gold this year. The award is testament to all of the hard work which everyone put in in preparation for and during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. “As well as gaining excellent sales results, we had to overcome many operational challenges to maintain our customer service levels and ensure supplies were delivered to our retailers on time. Therefore, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who was involved.”
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Newly renamed Kimmerfields development to begin in May Construction of the £50m retail and leisure development which will transform Swindon town centre and create hundreds of jobs is primed to get underway, leading development company Ashfield Land has announced. The Regent Circus scheme, recently renamed kimmerfields, includes a 52,000 sq ft Morrisons superstore, eight restaurants and bars, a six-screen digital Cineworld multiplex cinema and a 450-space car park. National restaurant chains Ask, Nando’s and Prezzo are already signed up and there is strong interest in the remaining units.
We are excited at the prospect of seeing the scheme begin to take shape this year and we envisage that it will be completed and open before the end of 2014. Construction contractors ISG will start work on the private sector regeneration project in May with completion in autumn 2014, Ashfield Land managing director Andrew Fisher said. “I can confirm that demolition and site clearance is now complete and the construction of our kimmerfields mixed use development will get underway in May, marking the beginning of the complete transformation of this part of Swindon town centre. “We are excited at the prospect of seeing the scheme begin to take shape this year and we envisage
that it will be completed and open before the end of 2014. Despite the tough economic climate that still prevails we have always been determined to deliver on our promise to provide Swindon with a first class retail and leisure destination. “With the support of major companies such as Morrisons and Cineworld our significant investment will result in the regeneration of what was a dilapidated area of the town centre and promises to create hundreds of jobs for local people.” Morrisons development executive David Bevan said: “It is great news that the construction of our new store at kimmerfields is about to begin. Combined with the additional facilities, it will create a wonderful new shopping and leisure destination for the people of Swindon to enjoy. We are looking forward to being able to open the store next year.” Cineworld CEO Steve Weiner said: “We are very excited to be opening a second cinema in Swindon as part of the kimmerfields regeneration scheme. Cineworld Swindon kimmerfields, which is due to open in 2014, will host 814 seats across six screens, all of which will
be digital to offer customers the highest quality viewing experience. “We will screen a range of films from the latest blockbusters to international films as well as live music, theatre and sport to cater to the needs of cinema goers in Swindon and the surrounding area. Congratulations to Ashfield Land for their efforts in pulling this fantastic project together.” Restaurant chain Ask is part of the Gondola Group. Marc Ward, group head of acquisitions, said: ““The improvement of the leisure offer in central Swindon has been long awaited. We are delighted to be represented in this important development.” Ashfield Land acquired the freehold of the site in 2006 which facilitated Swindon College’s relocation to a new £17m campus. Agents acting on behalf of Ashfield Land on the kimmerfields development are: Christopher Mackaness of R&C Retail Property Consultants (07836 210625 and chris.mackaness@randcuk. co.uk), and Mark Rudman of Jones Lang LaSalle (07808 290882 and mark.rudman@eu.jll.com).
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The place to be green There are many ways to respond to the environmental question. Some companies seem to be coming up with all the right answers. We take a look at the Wiltshire businesses leading the way in providing innovative and environmentally friendly solutions and services across the county.
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Flying the flag for green electricity in Wiltshire is Chippenham-based Good Energy, who have recently won business of the year at the Chippenham Business Awards. Founded more than ten years ago, Good Energy’s ambitious goal of making a difference to climate change seemed like quite an ask, however the company has gone from strength to strength receiving awards and accolades for its many achievements. The Good EnergyHomeGen scheme (paying microgenerators for all the power they produce, even if they use it), was the first of its kind in the country and won the company a whole host of awards as well as national recognition. Although not the biggest prize the company has received, the latest Chippenham business of the year award is still special to Good Energy founder Juliet Davenport (pictured right). “We’re really honoured to win the Chippenham business of the year award,” Ms Davenport said. “I grew up in Wiltshire and when I set up Good Energy, Chippenham seemed the perfect location to base the business. There’s a wealth of local talent and we have many employees who’ve developed their careers with us. “Chippenham has a thriving business community and we’ve worked with some fantastic local companies over the years. It’s great to be recognised by our local community.”
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Eco friendly office sets an example Bewley House, Chippenham
Bewley House in Chippenham and Churchward House in Swindon are setting an example for other office buildings in Wiltshire with their innovative utility moniting system. The offices, run by Bath-based HPH Commercial, use a system called Elcomponent which provides remote utility monitoring of the buildings’ water, gas, and electricity usage. By measuring each building’s rate of gas, water and electricity consumption, HPH Commercial can identify where savings could be made, with the ultimate aim of reducing utility bills and passing savings on to the businesses occupying the office space. As a result of the measures implemented, Bewley House has seen a sustained reduction in emissions, which are now 50% what they were five years ago. This has translated into annual savings of £25,000 in the buildings’ utility bills. Bewley House was also part of HPH’s water saving initiative in 2011, achieving an incredible 54% reduction in water use, a saving of £1,764 in the annual water bill, the equivalent to 70,000 less WC flushes. This was achieved through the replacement of old toilet syphons, monitoring of usage to identify any faults (i.e. dripping taps etc), and the replacement of two old hot water heaters with six localised water boilers. Lindsay Holdoway of HPH Commercial said: “In terms
of HPH as a company, we have taken organisational measures to improve our sustainability credentials. We have introduced an Environemental Management System working with our carbon consultant which lies at the heart of our management culture. “We have reduced stationery, postage and waste by more than 20% and our electricity consumption by 4%. In addition, we offset all carbon emissions across our organisation and property portfolio, and this year the cost helped fund a hydro-electric installation on the Cakit River in Turkey.”
Churchward House, Swindon
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Cottsway Court, Swindon
The new homes have been built by Hills to a high level of sustainability and comply the Code for Sustainable Homes and Secure by Design standards.
Former derelict site nominated for award A piece of land in the centre of Stratton St Margaret that was regularly used as a dumping ground has been nominated for a building award following its transformation into affordable housing for local Swindon people.
much a feature of Cottsway Court, was carried out by local trades people. Local suppliers were sourced for a large amount of the materials with a number of the subcontractors coming from Stratton.”
Cottsway Court, a new development of 26 flats, is the result of a partnership between Hills Homes, Cottsway Housing Association and Swindon Borough Council. The development, which stands on the site of the former home of the Police House and Station, is now in the running for a Local Authority Building Control (LABC) award. The LABC Building Excellence Awards are all about the essence of good buildings where finalists are not judged on architectural beauty, but rather on the excellence shown from a construction and technical building control point of view. The Awards showcase buildings and design teams that have had to overcome technical issues and difficult sites with innovative and creative solutions. Nick king, group director Hills Homes, said: “Environmental issues were a vital part of the strategy for the build process at Cottsway Court and we ensured that as many materials, products and trades as possible were sourced locally to minimise the carbon footprint and to support local enterprises. “A major part of the building was its timber frame. The wood came from sustainable sources and by using this method of construction, a high level of acoustic and energy efficiency was achieved. The beautiful mellow render and detailing, so
Adrian Miller, Cottsway’s head of Development, said: “These 26 new homes have been built to a high level of sustainability and comply with both the Code for Sustainable Homes and Secure by Design standards. The development was a construction challenge not least due to it being a relatively confined site in a busy location. We feel that Hills have done an excellent job. “It is our first development working in partnership with Swindon Borough Council to provide much needed accommodation for single people, couples and young families in a major employment area of Swindon.” Cottsway Court will be judged alongside a number of other housing developments with the winner announced at an awards ceremony to be held at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel June this year. Regional winners go through to the LABC National finals to be held later in the year in London. Hills Homes is no stranger to these awards having won the National LABC Building Excellence Award 2010 for ‘Best Small Housing Development’ for The Old Dairy, Upper Castle Combe and the West of England Regional LABC Building Excellence Award 2012 for ‘Best Social or Affordable Housing’. Development’ for Stonesfield Close, Southrop.
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Getting to the core...
Pure, natural ingredients, colourful-crafted juices, innovative and wholesome products are just some of the exciting, healthy goods on offer at a new juice and holistic bar in Old Town. Officially opened in March at a special VIP evening, The Core is the brainchild of entrepreneurs kris Talikowski and Chris Liston. Situated on Devizes Road, the juice lounge is backed by international author and celebrity health coach Jason Vale (also know as the Juice Master) and has chosen Swindon to open England’s first Juice Master franchise. kris Talikowski, partner at The Core, said: “I’ve seen first-hand the changes juicing and a healthy
lifestyle can have on people over the last 10 years. “Working with Juice Master we’ve helped thousands of people lose weight, improve health conditions and get healthy by helping them think differently about their diet. I believe the truth is that people do want to be healthier, and I’m really excited to be bringing something so health focussed to Swindon.” Chris Liston said: “We wanted to offer a venue that offered freshly made juices, smoothies, raw and vegan food and a loose leaf tea bar, in a relaxed and inviting environment.” Additionally, The Core features an upstairs holistic lounge providing services such as lunchtime massage, reflexology, luxury facials and a drop-in nail bar.
The young businesses that are revitalising Old Town and bringing a fresh, vibrant and creative edge to the top of a little hill in Swindon.
Kris Talikowski and Paralympic tennis star Louise Hunt at The Core’s launch party
For regular updates and news visit The Core’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/thecoreswindon or follow @thecoreswindon on Twitter.
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Baking the best of it Another unique shop to recently open in Old Town is GlamoRose Cakes, specialising in freshly baked and beautifully decorated cup cakes. Run by 23 year old art graduate, Jessie Dennis, GlamoRose Cakes began its life by supplying cakes to small shops and cafes, along side running a weekly Saturday market in Newbury. A year later she has her own “cupcake boutique” in Old Town. But it’s not just your standard
cup cakes that this young company specialises in, GlamoRose Cakes also make customised promotional cup cakes for businesses to take to corporate events or conferences for a truly unique and tasty way of promoting their business. GlamoRose Cakes also can cater for weddings with a fully-customisable range of colours and decorations to suit and match the themes and colours of the celebration. For more details email jessie@glamorosecakes.co.uk
or visit www.glamorosecakes.co.uk
For regular updates and news visit GlamoRose’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/ GlamoRose-Cakes or follow @GlamoRoseCakes on Twitter.
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Shopping: How to spend it in Old Town Old Town in Swindon is home to a wealth of independent retailers both old and new, below we’ve highlighted a few little treasures that are available.
Hickmans Panasonic SC-BTT590EBk premium home-cinema system, 3D Blu-ray, DVD & CD player, high quality audio components., iPod dock & USB socket for media playback, 5.1 Surround SoundSmart TV features & Wi-Fi
Was £649 Now Only £399
Willobys Furniture Was £1,405 Now Only £840
Three seater sofa in Slate Fabric. This range is fantastically stylish whilst still being extremely comfortable. These are all made in the Uk and are of a very high quality. Combined with a very quick delivery of around two weeks. These sofa’s are available in a choice of four fabrics.
Normal £1,199 Multibuy £899
Deacons 18ct yellow gold four stone diamond cross ring (Total approximate diamond weight 0.50ct) Same day ring sizing on all new purchases Surprise her with diamonds, the birthstone for April. Items featured subject to stock availability
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Third year of success for Business show The third annual business show in Swindon has been hailed a success after taking place at STEAM. The show hosted 80 exhibitors and more than 1,000 visitors and the atmosphere was electric. This year’s key note speakers were Mike Gibson, senior director of Enterprise for Uk & Ireland at BlackBerry and Charlie Wade, head of Product Management at Vodafone, who both spoke about at the future of the mobile in the workplace and ways of cost saving and increasing productivity in the future. Additionally, the speed networking sessions all sold out and were greatly appreciated by those involved. One of the many highlights of the day was the announcement of the winner of Accord Office’s £400 office chair, going to Barbara French from AMS Accountancy. A spokesman from Business West said: “It was a fantastic day at the Swindon Business Show, thanks to all our exhibitors, speakers and visitors. Great feedback with many new contacts made.” The show was organised by Business West’s Swindon Initiative and sponsored by Swindon-based IT and communications firm Excalibur.
Getting a bit social with #wiltshirehour A new networking intiative has been launched recently on Twitter to encourage businesses in Wiltshire to connect with each other using social media. The Wiltshire Hour takes place every Tuesday evening from 8.30pm - 9.30pm and has met with great success so far with the hashtag #wiltshirehour trending on Twitter and the @wiltshirehour account receiving more than 500 followers in its short life. The initiative is the brain child of PR specialist Amanda kennedy, a trained copywriter and educator of how the right words in the right place can grow business.
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Fratello’s Whether you’re a small or large business, Swindon’s award-winning Italian restaurant Fratello’s has the perfect setting to ‘seal the deal’ and build relationships. Opened in 2005, Fratello’s has been voted Wiltshire’s best restaurant by listeners of Heart Wiltshire. And it’s no wonder, the restaurant boasts
the only authentic woodfired oven in the area, for that true taste of Italy. But where the restaurant really stands out, is it’s offering for businesses. Lunch time diners can expect to be blown away by the restaurant’s outstanding quality and unbeatable value. Where on earth can a lunch time diner order
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Portion size was more than generous for a full-price meal, let alone one with such a steep discount an authentic woodfired pizza, pasta or rice dish for just £5 each? Well you can at Fratello’s! This offer is available every day from 12-2pm (Mon-Sat) and also on Sundays for the whole family to enjoy from 12-6pm “The portion size was more than generous for a full-price meal, let alone one with such a steep discount,” said Barrie Hudson of the Swindon Advertiser. Fratello’s is also the perfect venue to host both small or large
client lunches, or team/business off-site meetings. Not only is it fully air conditioned and licensed, the top floor dining area provides complete privacy and can be set up to the specific requirements of the meeting. The restaurant also prides itself on a range of different buffets to suit every budget and taste, including pasta dishes, pizza, meat and fish dishes. “You can rest-assured that everything we serve is freshly prepared daily, on the premises, using carefully sourced ingredients,” said Ivan Tetti, chef at Fratello’s. Fratello’s offer the perfect setting for team building nights-out, whether it’s a meal with drinks, or you join one of the restaurant’s popular wine tasting evenings, which comprises of experiencing five regional wines along with five dishes to compliment,
plus a host to talk you through details of the region, wines and food. “We can cater for up to 60 people in one event (minimum numbers apply for exclusive events) from as little as £39 per head,” said Mr Tetti. Fratello’s is a great venue to bring clients, with its distinct characteristics and atmosphere, plus great tasting fresh food that’s bound to make a lasting impact. We would be delighted to offer your company credit facility. Established local businesses can apply for an account, where you can then simply phone ahead to tell us you’re coming, we’ll set your table up and invoice your bill directly, creating a more personal visit but maintaining professionalism at all times. for more details email: info@fratellos.co.uk
2 FOR £10
LUNCH OFFER Award Winning Restaurant
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Coombe Castle secures £1m from Barclays for expansion Coombe Castle, a Wiltshire-based global dairy export company, has secured a £1m investment for new premises supporting its rapid business growth. The loan from Barclays, accessed through the Government’s funding for lending scheme, has purchased a 24,000 sq ft premises located at Western Way, Melksham providing a single site for production, storage and offices unifying the firm’s existing sites at Corsham and Calne. Established in 1980, Coombe Castle is a leading British dairy export company, distributing cheese, cream and butter world-wide to 40 countries including North America, Canada,
Australia, the Far East, and Europe, and has won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2001 and 2007. The firm prides itself on partnering with small farmhouse dairies and large creameries offering overseas customers access to a broad mix of cheeses from Stilton to Sticky Toffee. In addition Coombe Castle produce their own range of extended life cream which can be enjoyed as part of the High Tea experience in Raffles Hotel, Singapore. Darren Larvin, managing director, Coombe Castle, said: “The new premises will allow us to meet our ambitious strategic business goals and we’re thrilled to have completed
the transaction. It is essential in today’s economic climate to have a trusted financial partner and Barclays has proven to be this through their continued support.” Martin Crook, relationship director, Barclays, said: “We continue to work closely with Coombe Castle and are fully supportive of the management’s expansion plans. There is an experienced management team in place with a great reputation in the marketplace, and in addition, a range of products which showcase British dairy products at their very best.” The business has circa 30 employees, servicing more than 100 clients and in recent years has grown from a small company to a medium-sized company with double the operating profit and continued upward trend. The expansion comes on the back of winning Business of the Year 2013 at the very first Enterprising Wiltshire Awards.
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Old Mill helps secure Wiltshire Hotel deal
Fast growing accountants and business advisers Old Mill have today announced the purchase of one of Wiltshire’s largest businesses. Tim Lerwill, director of Corporate Services, and Victoria Studley, director of Tax Planning at Old Mill provided the lead advice to three couples on their acquisition of The Wiltshire Hotel Golf and Country Club, a 200 acre property about two miles from Royal Wootton Bassett. The property was
When we drove up the driveway to the Hotel, I think we both thought that this was a special place marketed off a guide price of £3.5m. Comprising of a 58 room hotel, leisure centre with an 18m swimming pool and spa, a restaurant, bar, function suite for up to 200 people and a clubhouse for its 18 hole and nine hole golf courses, The Wiltshire is one of the region’s premier leisure complexes. The new owners – Andrew and CinÈ Dunkley, Andrew’s brother Nigel Dunkley and his wife Julia, and Haydn and Mandy Barrell – are all highly experienced in the hospitality
and leisure industry. Andrew was managing director at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, South Africa for 10 years. CinÈ and Mandy also worked at Gallagher and Nigel has more than 20 years experience in financial services. Haydn is a British Qualified PGA golf Professional and for the past four years Julia has run her own successful health business. The three couples started looking at properties in the Uk in June 2011 and by November they had decided to focus on the south west. Andrew and CinÈ made a permanent move here from South Africa in May 2012, and heard about The Wiltshire being up for sale within two weeks of arriving. “When we drove up the driveway to the Hotel, I think we both thought that this was a special place,” said Andrew. “We viewed another 30 or so properties but felt that The Wiltshire had the most potential.” They made an offer in July, and spent the next six months in negotiations, both with the banks and the sellers. They met Tim and Victoria through one of the banks and stayed in touch. “Given that we were not overly familiar with the Uk accounting, tax and regulatory environment, we asked Old Mill to assist us in various areas
surrounding the acquisition,” explains Andrew. “We dealt with Victoria in most of these areas and I am very happy to report that she and her team assisted us tremendously in formalising the most optimal way in which to structure the acquisition. Going forward we are looking at continuing using their services for audit and tax advice.” The new owners have big plans for The Wiltshire, including replacing a lot of the golf course equipment and machinery and the spinning bikes in the gym. They also plan to do more on the food and drinks side, including a room service for the Leisure Village and converting some offices into a hotel restaurant. This will immediately create new jobs as the existing Pavilion restaurant will also remain but serve more traditional pub-style classic meals. Other areas of big potential are corporate conferencing and weddings. The facilities look out over the golf course and can accommodate up to 250 people. “Given that our corporate event background is so strong, we believe that this is an area that offers fantastic potential. “Our plan for the business is to start realising the potential, as we feel the complex requires fresh ideas and further investment.”
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New partner at Thrings Thrings has further boosted its South West corporate team with the appointment of a new partner well-known in the south west’s business world. Jane Oakland (pictured), who brings more than 20 years’ corporate experience in acquisition and disposal, strategic planning, reorganisation, and board and shareholder advice, joins the growing law firm from Clarke Willmott, where she was also a corporate partner. Jane said she felt this was the ideal time to join Thrings. “Thrings is a very pro-active and ambitious law firm, focused on the areas where it knows it can deliver; it has an impressive expertise in-
has a many years’ experience in working with boards and business owners to develop their businesses, the opportunity to be part of a firm that has taken such a strategic approach to its own growth was one I simply could not pass up.” Jane, who has particularly strong interest in the food, agri-business and leisure sectors, will continue her work with the not-for-profit Bristol International Balloon Fiesta which, as well as being one of the region’s most iconic social events, brings in more than £13 million to the Bristol economy each year. Thrings’ managing partner, Thomas Sheppard, welcomed Jane to the firm. “Jane is a highly regarded
“The opportunity to be part of a firm that has taken such a strategic approach to its own growth was one I simply could not pass up.” house, as well as great team spirit and cohesiveness,” said Jane. “I find its bold decision-making appealing, and see plenty of opportunities for me to help deliver the well thought-out business objectives. As someone who takes a practical and pragmatic approach to businesses at all stages, and who
corporate lawyer who is very wellknown in the region, so we were delighted that she has chosen to join our senior team,” said Thomas. “As a corporate lawyer with years of expertise and experience and the highest of reputations, she will be a very valuable and valued member of the corporate team.”
Solicitor gains arbitration qualification A partner at Swindon and Marlborough-based law firm, Withy king, has qualified as a family law arbitrator. Jon Toogood, a family law expert at Withy king, will become a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, joining a select band of 75 family arbitrators nationwide. Arbitration is another way of resolving matrimonial disputes without involving the Court. An arbitrator will hear from both sides and decide how best to resolve the issues under dispute. One of the most commonly disputed areas is how to apportion finances and property when a marriage breaks down. The arbitrator’s judgement is normally final and legally binding. “Arbitration is extremely helpful to many couples and often provides a compelling alternative to lengthy and expensive litigation,” said Jon Toogood. “We look forward to working with other family solicitors who have clients they feel could benefit from arbitration. It’s a relatively new, but highly effective form of dispute resolution and we believe it has a bright future.” There are a number of advantages of arbitration. The parties can control the process by choosing their decision-maker and structuring procedures to suit their needs.
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‘Rising star’ joins Withy King One of the legal world’s rising stars has joined Bath’s largest law firm, Withy king, as a partner. Becky Ricards Small (pictured) is considered to be one of the profession’s most promising solicitors, having been selected for the “Top 35 under 35” private client practitioners guide compiled annually by the industry’s leading magazine, Private Client Practitioner, from hundreds of nominations countrywide. Prior to joining Withy king, Becky spent nine years at Thrings where she was a partner and headed their private client team in Bath. “I have long admired Withy king’s private client practice,” said Becky. “I have the greatest respect for James McNeile who is nationally-renowned for his expertise and I look forward to working closely with him and the rest of the team. “It’s clear that Withy king puts its clients’ interests first and their empathetic,
caring and helpful approach really resonates with me. It’s only when you build long-term relationships with people built on trust and mutual respect that you can really add value, not just to their immediate concerns but in helping them to anticipate and deal with future challenges.” Becky handles all aspects of private client work, from helping people to draft their Wills and ensure their loved ones are properly provided for, to working closely with individuals, couples and extended families on managing and structuring their wealth while also minimising any inheritance tax and other liabilities. Becky deals extensively with probate and estate administrations, working closely with Bath residents as well as owners of farms and agricultural estates in the surrounding areas.
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Fieldology expands to Pine Court at Kembrey Park
Pine Court, Kembrey Park Field force technology company, Fieldology, has taken a 1,540 sq ft office unit at Highcross’ Pine Court scheme in kembrey Park, Swindon. Highcross has let the selfcontained office unit to Fieldology on a five-year lease. The company has relocated from the Pure Offices business centre at kembrey Park, following expansion. Formed in 2010, Fieldology helps organisations that deploy field staff with a data capture and field management solution using the latest Android technology, business intelligence reporting and cloud based management interface. The company provides the full technology solution from the supply and support of hardware, software solutions and bespoke services. Fieldology’s products and services are used by Ferrero, The Health Lottery and Sodexo, among many others. The company is part of the Activate Group of complementary marketing agencies, which use the
field technology to co-ordinate their agents, collect data and provide realtime reporting to their retail partners. Fieldology managing director, Paul king said: “This is an exciting time in the development of our business, with our staff numbers doubling in the last six months, and a range of new business wins. With plans for further growth, we needed larger offices with room for expansion and meeting room space and Pine Court offered the self-contained, high quality premises we were looking for in a location right next to our previous offices at kembrey Park.” Pine Court is a development of two-storey office buildings, ranging from 1,130 – 2,013 sq ft with allocated car parking. The units are ideal for companies which want to benefit from kembrey Park’s well-established, managed business environment, with the added benefit of their own ‘front door’ and identity. Highcross asset manager, Debbie Marshall said: “kembrey Park is
Kembrey Park is able to provide space for companies at all stages of growth able to provide space for companies at all stages of growth, from start-up serviced office space at the business centre run by Highcross subsidiary, Pure Offices, right through to high quality office space of up to 15,000 sq ft at our Apple and Cherry Orchard office schemes.” kembrey Business Park provides 700,000 sq ft of business space, including office accommodation, warehouse and light industrial units, set in an attractive landscaped site. Facilities include 24-hour security, onsite estate office, meeting rooms and ample parking. A hotel, restaurant, health/fitness club and coffee shop are also located at the park. Joint agents are keningtons and Loveday.
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Small housing development under starter’s orders A small housing development with a distinctly equestrian flavour goes under starter’s orders in picturesque Castle Eaton, on the Wiltshire/ Cotswolds border, this week. The five houses have been sympathetically designed and built by a local developer with a fine pedigree: Bower Mapson has a bulging trophy cabinet, with ten What House National Design Awards, a National House Building Council Pride in the Job quality award, and two Daily Express British Housebuilding Awards to their name. And this year Prime Minster David Cameron presented the firm with a commendation in the Best Designed Housing Project Award of 2012 from The Sunday Times for their 106-home scheme in his home constituency town of Witney. While two of the properties at Castle Eaton development The
Paddocks have already been snapped up, thoroughbred estate agent Moore Allen & Innocent is offering the remaining three for sale from this weekend. First out of the gate is The Forge, a handsome four bedroom detached house at the front of the development with detached garage, priced at £575,000. Hot on its heels is Carriage House, a four bedroom detached house at £435,000. And bringing up the rear is Stirrup Cottage, a threebedroom semi-detached home over three floors at £320,000. All of the houses are built in natural stone, with a mixture of slate and plain clay tile roofs. Each has a larger than normal double garage: perfect for parking the 4×4. Inside, the homes are fitted to a high standard, with Porcelanosa bathroom products
and tiles, and kitchens by locally-based Soul Interiors. And buyers who reserve their homes early can personalise features. Company director Pauline Mapson said: “Depending on the build stage of the home chosen, we can offer a choice of door finishes, kitchen worktops, and floor and wall tiling for kitchens and bathrooms; these are all included in the price of the home. The properties have been individually designed by Peter Mapson, who took his inspiration from the historic core of the village. Castle Eaton itself maintains all the allure of a Cotswold village, while being a stone’s throw from the commercial centre of Swindon. It boasts the first pub on the Thames, the 18th century Red Lion, a Norman church, and a village hall with Post Office. www.mooreallen.co.uk
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Promote your business in the May Edition
APRIL 2013 - NEWS & VIEWS FROM ACROSS WILTSHIRE - NEWS & VIE
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Regent Circus is renamed Kimmerfields as construction of the £50m development in Swindon is set to get under way in May.
Third time’to s beTgreen a charm he place a charm to be green The third annual Business Show in Swindon is a success after more than 1,000 guests turned up to network.
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Celebrity chef gives out cooking tips Celebrity chef James Martin has visited a Swindon shopping centre to give out cooking tips as a part of The Brunel’s Food and Home Show. The chef appeared from 12pm to 3pm and as well as putting on a cooking demonstration for visitors to the show, he also signed books and gave out DIY tips and advice to a captive audience. James is best known for appearing on cookery programmes such as Ready Steady Cook and has hosted BBC One’s Saturday kitchen since 2006. The celebrity chef appeared as the highlight of the week long Food and Home Show at The Brunel Shopping Centre in Swindon. kerry Hunter, marketing supervisor at The Brunel Centre said: “This is the first time we’ve held a food and home show at The Brunel and we hope that, if successful, it’s something that we could do again. We feel it is important for town centres to put on activities and enhance the shopping experience for everyone.” Earlier this year property managers First Investments announced that the marketing budget for the Brunel Centre had been increased as part of a bid to attract more visitors and increase occupancy rates. The Food and Home Show is the first in a series scheduled to encourage people to explore what facilities the Centre has to offer. For more information visit www.thebrunel.co.uk
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