Seeker News - Issue 2 by Seeker News

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Issue 2 - April 2012

Looking to the future Eddie Mitchell and the financial revival of AFC Bournemouth Is a degree worth the money? Neal Butterworth on getting the best from the local media

For the latest news visit our website at www.seekernews.co.uk

Contents

002

Eddie Mitchell: Looking to the future

04-07

Seeker News Getting the best from the local media

08-19 20-21

Is a degree worth the money?

24-25

Do it all over again Launching Seeker News was only the beginning, now it’s time to start the real business.

Charities 28-29 Arts 30-31 Sports 32-33 Social Diary 34-39 Seeker News is published by Seeker Editor: Steve Cook - steve@seeker.uk.com Associate Editors: Dawn Cook - dawn@seeker.uk.com Nick Churchill - nick@seeker.uk.com Writers: Steve Cook, Nick Churchill Photography: Steve Cook Siân Court - sian@seeker.uk.com Accounts: Debbie Applegate - debbie@seeker.uk.com Designer: Ross Saunders - The Roman Group Printed by: The Roman Group, Bournemouth Seeker 01202 611163 www.seekernews.co.uk © 2012 Seeker. All rights reserved. PO Box 4983, Poole BH15 3ZX

This is me with the first copy of Seeker News. It was the moment I realised the phrase ‘hot off the press’ means just that - the magazine was so fresh it was still warm to the touch! There’s no point denying it was a massive thrill, but it’s also the precise moment it dawned on me exactly what a monthly magazine is all about - we had to go back to the office, look at a blank screen and start all over again. A daunting prospect, but within days of Seeker News being distributed the uniformly positive response from readers and advertisers alike had already generated a huge amount of respect and goodwill - so much so that when we approached AFC Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell he was only too happy to open up to us about the revival of the club’s financial fortunes. After 13 years as editor of the Daily Echo, Neal Butterworth knows a

thing or two about the changing media landscape so who better to ask about making the local press work for business? And as we look to the future we find out whether the next generation of business leaders is best served by going to university or gaining experience of the real world. We’re passionate in our belief that Seeker News should surprise and entertain readers while providing advertisers with a great platform from which to deliver their message. We’ll stand or fall on how well that passion translates to the page, but the support of readers and advertisers is every bit as important and hard to earn. We’ll never take it for granted.

Steve Cook This magazine is dedicated to Ron Churchill (1929-2012) who always showed us the right and proper way to do things.

For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 03

“I feel like I have achieved a great deal since I took over at AFC Bournemouth, but I have also made mistakes and I wouldn’t change a day”

04 April 2012

Looking to the

Future

Eddie Mitchell and the revival of AFC Bournemouth By Steve Cook & Nick Churchill

Property developer Eddie Mitchell has certainly put AFC Bournemouth back on the map. Since taking over as chairman in 2009 he has overseen a revival in the club’s fortunes, securing its business footing as the team dragged itself from the lower reaches of the Football League to within a crossbar’s width of promotion to the second tier of English football.

ootball fans are a tough bunch to please and Eddie Mitchell knows that more than many football club chairmen but as far as he’s concerned he’s still a Cherries fan through and through. “I grew up a fan and have been a fan all my life, I was born locally, lived locally and worked locally,” he says. “I’d always thought that I’d like to get more involved in the club one day in fact I wanted to join a year or so earlier but I was in Dubai when all the negotiations were going on so I missed that opportunity. So, yes, I’m a fan, but I’m also a businessman and this club is a business so you have money coming in and money going out and you have to be sensible with it.”

Eddie’s straightforward attitude to running the business appears to have laid the ghost of financial misfortune that has haunted the club since the mid1990s. In November he entered into a 50-50 partnership with Russian multimillionaire Maxim Demin, bringing new investment that saw manager Lee Bradbury sign Crawley Town striker Matt Tubbs in January for a reported fee of £800,000 - a clear statement of intent as the team pushes for its eventual promotion from League One to the Championship. “The target is to take this club as high as possible. In the short term that is to return us to the Championship - only Harry Redknapp has ever managed to take the club to that level and that was in the eighties. For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 05

AFCB manager Lee Bradbury

Matt Tubbs

Wes Thomas

“The club is without doubt the most stable it has been for a number of years with a squad of talented players, full of ambition and potential” 06 April 2012

“To do that I need to push the brand off-field as well and Maxim asking to come on board is a vital part of that. He wouldn’t be involved if he didn’t see the club as a solid base on which to build. He’s passionate about the club and he’s enjoying what he sees, but he’s a very private person which is why I end up doing interviews and he doesn’t.” Eddie’s ease in the spotlight has endeared him to more progressive Cherries’ fans, although it is fair to say others have been less impressed. Sometimes his passion has got him in hot water and a recent radio interview with Five Live presenter Mark Chapman was cut short. Earlier this season he confronted home fans in the Steve Fletcher Stand angry at the sale of several players from the team that lost on penalties to Huddersfield Town in the 2011 League One play off semi final. “The fans know that I’m one of them, a fan. If I decide to buy a ticket and go

and sit in the North Stand then I will do that. As chairman I’m fortunate enough to be able to get on the pitch and I’ll do that as well. If that leads to discussions then so be it. I’ve publicly apologised for what happened on Five Live, and I’ve done everything in my power to reconcile the situation. “From now on I only want to talk about the positive things that are happening at AFC Bournemouth. We have a great deal to be proud of and a lot of things to look forward to in the coming years. “This club has lost a generation of fans because of mistakes in how it has been run, but we’re still getting crowds of five to six thousand people. I want to see us drawing nine or ten thousand to home games. To do that we have to put the club back in front of everyone in the town so they can take some pride in it. “The club is without doubt the most stable it has been for a number of years with a squad of talented players, full of ambition and potential.

AFC Bournemouth

TIMELINE 1899

Boscombe St John Institute FC disbands and reconstitutes as Boscombe FC.

1910

Dean Court built on wasteland opposite the club’s home on Kings Road. The club’s nickname, the Cherries, comes from the nearby cherry orchards.

1923

Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic’s application to join Third Division (South) accepted.

1957

FA Cup run takes them to the sixth round, beating Wolves and Spurs before losing at home to Manchester United.

1971

Manager John Bond renames the club AFC Bournemouth after winning promotion to Division Three.

1989

Under Harry Redknapp Cherries finish 12th in Division Two, the club’s highest ever league position

1996

The club is just 15 minutes from being closed down as financial trouble threaten to destroy it.

1998

Manager Mel Machin steers the Cherries to Wembley for the Auto Windscreens Shield final, losing 2-1 to Grimsby Town.

Mark Pugh

“There are only one or two clubs in the world that don’t have to sell players to the next level. To become one of them you either have to pay them extortionate fees or rise to become the top team in the sport. Beyond that, every club has to deal with players that want to move up to the next level. We happened to lose several players at once, but we have rebuilt the team and Lee has got them playing well.” A committed family man, Eddie’s sons Tom (who played for Wimborne Town and Dorchester Town) and Josh are both directors of the club and his sonin-law Neill Blake is chief executive. “There are only pros to working with my family. We all have the same aim in life which is to find happiness, to do well and enjoy good health. Tom has a good understanding of football, he played to a good level and I think I would have played at a high level if I had kept at it. He gets on well with the manager, in fact he helped me chose the manager.

“It’s also great to have the support of a loving wife - there aren’t many who would tolerate their husband going to every away match as well as home games, then waiting up for them to get back. Being chairman of this club is an honour and a privilege, having that kind of support at home only makes it easier.”

2001

“I feel like I have achieved a great deal since I took over at AFC Bournemouth, but I have also made mistakes. With this in mind though I still stand by every decision I have made and wouldn’t change a day.

Peter Phillips steps down as chairman after four years at the helm.

“It is always hard for me to hear criticism about my tenure at the club, but it has never been my intention to tarnish the club’s proud reputation. I just want supporters to look past my personality and see that I am leading this club to a brighter future. “I want to be judged on what I achieve here and not things that I have said in the heat of the moment.”

Dean Court torn down and rebuilt as the Fitness First Stadium.

2003

Promoted to League One after a thrilling 5-2 play off final win against Lincoln City in the Millennium Stadium

2006 2007

A consortium lead by Jeff Mostyn takes over the club.

2008

Club goes into administration and starts the 2008-09 season with a 17 point penalty.

2009

A consortium including Eddie Mitchell, Jeff Mostyn, Steve Sly and Adam Murry take over the club.

2011

Shareholders Jeff Mostyn and Steve Sly sell their 50% stake in the club to Maxim Demin. For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 07

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$1m deal to seal Hansatech’s bright start to 2012 A $1 million deal with telecoms giant Vodafone has rounded off a very promising start to the year for Poolebased electronics manufacturing company Hansatech that has already seen turnover increase by 17 per cent during 2011. Managing director Paul Gill puts the company’s success down to the high level of technical and project support provided to customers. “Although we are purely a manufacturing company,” he says. “We specialise in taking designs from concept, to the marketplace and provide our customers with the manufacturing infrastructure for full production. A fully integrated appraisal will review the design for manufacture and test to ensure optimised product costs and reliability” Hansatech manufactures for a diverse range of markets which encompasses the telecoms, security, safety, vending, aerospace and medical industries. With deep cuts in armed forces spending the company is seeing increased demand from Defence contractors diversifying technologies for commercial use, “Defence companies increasingly approach us with products to value-engineer for viability in commercial markets,” says Paul. Hansatech’s future success not only lies with investment in capital but also it’s a highly skilled technical work force.

New look for one voice group The Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association has been renamed Bournemouth Accommodation & Hotel Association. Retaining its BAHA acronym, the Association will continue to speak for the town’s large, medium and small hotels, including bed and breakfast, self-catering and holiday lets to improve the environment, increase communication and support the marketing of Bournemouth in order to increase tourism. Announcing the changes, BAHA chairman Andy Woodland said: “Our new image is because we are prepared to change with the times and be up to date and ready to face the next stage in our ever-changing economic and social climate.”

Hansatech will invest £250,000 in its Nuffield site in Q1 of 2012, is committed to maintaining its own training school and is funding further NVQs in Lean Manufacturing. Paul also commented on how the business focuses on constant improvement,” The management team at Hansatech are focused on maintaining high levels of service to existing and new customers. To achieve this and to drive operational improvements the company uses a Policy Deployment tool to set long term objectives, identify improvements and monitor results. This is supported by detailed management information from the EPICOR ERP system.”

Speaking at a dinner for BAHA members in association with Bournemouth and Poole College at the Escoffier restaurant, he added: “Working closely with Bournemouth Council tourism departments, Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce and having members of our committee sitting on vital groups in the town such as the Bournemouth Tourism Management Board, planning and marketing committees, as well as the town and coastal BID’s is vital for the constantly growing BAHA membership.” The new BAHA logo will be distributed to all members and by the end of March a new website is due to be launched giving a huge resource to its members.

The code of success Since Poole-based Rubicon People became the first UK recruitment agency to use QR codes in newspaper adverts to attract candidates last year, thousands of businesses have followed suit. The distinctive black and white boxes are being used everywhere, from transport ticketing to entertainment and mobile coupon distribution, but particularly in business marketing. Rubicon People created this particular brand-embedded QR code for use in its advert in the first issue of Seeker News to

enable the company to track responses. In the first five days following the magazine’s launch and initial wave of distribution, more than 200 scans were recorded directing visitors to the blog on the website www.rubiconpeople.com “Not only did this reinforce the view that we’d made a good decision to invest in advertising in Seeker News, it is also another demonstration of how effective QR codes can be,” says CEO, Lloyd Banks. “QR codes have worked for our business for some time now and we use them in

a wide variety of applications. For example, we are able to increase the amount of information we communicate about each job opportunity, our service offering, direct internet traffic to specific company website pages and to landing pages on microsites set up to impart particular candidate and/or client information.” For more information on how QR codes have worked for Rubicon People, contact Lloyd on 01202 774756 For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 09

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Directors must pay after failing to keep company records Darrell Stuart Smith, partner at Humphries Kirk solicitors offers directors a warning about the importance of keeping good company records. The importance of keeping accurate written records of directors’ dealings and activities was highlighted in a recent case before the Court of Appeal. It involved five directors of a property company that had gone into liquidation. The liquidator began proceedings to make the directors repay money owing on loan accounts and to pay compensation for misfeasance and breach of fiduciary duty. Three of the directors denied any wrongdoing or that they owed any money, and two denied that they were directors at all. At trial, the judge was concerned about the lack of company documentation and had to rely largely on oral evidence from the directors. He found this to be self-serving and unconvincing. He found against the directors and said

that had their version of events been true, it would have been supported by documentary evidence. The Court of Appeal has now upheld that decision. It said that contemporaneous documentation was of the utmost importance when assessing evidence. It

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Electric Forest lights up Moors Valley Visitors got to see the forest in a whole new light and experience the sights and sounds of the woods as never before as Moors Valley played host to the Electric Forest recently. Opened to the public in 1988, Moors Valley is one of the biggest outdoor attractions in the south at almost 800 acres and was visited by around 800,000 people in 2010. The park is open every day except Christmas Day and visitors can explore the forest by bike, Segway, walking, running or even swinging through the tree tops! To find out more visit www.moors-valley.co.uk For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 11

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Still no easy money for business Insolvency specialist Mark Liddle warns business owners that banks must lend responsibly Bournemouth business rescue specialist Mark Liddle is warning that even though high street banks have promised to loan more money to small businesses, they are also committed to being more responsible with their lending. Even those businesses with a proven track record, good cash flow and healthy profits are going to find loan terms are tougher than in the past. “Banks may be prepared to lend successful businesses money to expand, but only if they offer plenty of security. Business owners will almost certainly have to provide personal guarantees and put their homes at risk – and they may find interest rates are higher than expected.” But he warns less established businesses that borrowing money will be even more difficult for them. “The banks are just not going to lend businesses money to tide them over until customers pay,” he says. “And business creditors are probably going to want their money back more quickly than before. As ever, the small business gets squeezed.”

Mark’s years of experience dealing with businesses in difficulty have earned him some valuable insights into weathering economic storms. “The best advice to anyone in trouble is simply to believe in yourself,” he says. “That way, whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right! It’s our thoughts which create our reality so that what we think about we become. “When someone complains they have had a bad day, it’s their own fault – that’s just how they have perceived their day, not necessarily how it really was.” Mark believes everyone has the ability to create the lives they want and that nothing happens by chance – everything happens for a reason because people create the circumstances for it to happen by their actions and attitude. And he expects his team to take the same approach to their own lives and the way they deal with the business people they meet. “People say we are in a stressful business, always dealing with business owners and directors facing seemingly

insurmountable difficulties, but stress comes from perception of circumstances. Change perception and stress doesn’t exist. “You may still face problems, many of us do, but you will be able to get through them much more effectively than you have in the past.” For more information, contact Mark Liddle llp on 01202 551193.

Cash boost for waste disposal Dorset businesses can benefit from a £200,000 investment in recycling service by Wimborne-based waste, recycling and recovery specialists Commercial Recycling. Most of the money was spent on a new ecofriendly refuse collection vehicle and new recycling containers to meet the increased demand anticipated as the annual landfill tax increase comes into force on April 1. Commercial Recycling, which ensures more than 75 per cent of waste collected is recovered and recycled, says it made the new investment to give Dorset businesses a chance to avoid price increases by switching to waste management solutions focused on recovery and recycling.

“The purchases are a direct response to the market demand that is present for our specialist waste recovery and recycling services, says commercial director Steve Chapple. “We believe that the trend will continue because businesses are always looking for a cost effective way to recycle and recover waste streams such as paper, cardboard, glass, food and metal.” As well as improving existing waste collection services, Commercial Recycling has also received an amendment to its Waste Management License for the Canford Recycling Centre to accept, manage and store a range of difficult and hazardous waste streams at the facility. For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 13

PM’s advisor feels Angels’ heat A government consultant who told the Prime Minister that loneliness is more deadly than smoking for pensioners is missing the point, says Dorset home help service Domestic Angels. David Halpern, whose Behavioural Insight Team advises David Cameron on the Big Society agenda, says loneliness is more deadly than smoking for pensioners and that maintaining strong social relationships such as those in the workplace improves quality of life. But Samantha Acton, owner of Domestic Angels, says: “Using loneliness to justify increasing the retirement age is grasping at straws. Loneliness is depressing and depression is the killer. “If Mr Halpern genuinely wants to address the massive issue of loneliness amongst pensioners, he would be looking to maximise the good work carried out by many charitable organisations. They reach out to those affected by loneliness and in turn these people become involved in either the same or other charitable work – all of which is very much inline with the so-called Big Society and becomes self- perpetuating success.”

David Halpern has suggested retired people should go back to work to help them live longer. “Being happy is the objective, and on the whole loneliness doesn’t result in happiness,” says Samantha. “Humans are social animals and we spend the majority of our lives with purpose and social interaction. Retirement and the downsides of ageing can

take both of these crucial elements away.” Samantha also works with Southbourne Creative Hub, and has been interviewed by researchers from the National Development Team for Inclusion as part of a project funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation social research charity for the European Year of Active Aging and Solidarity between the Ages.

Pigs show the Uncommon touch There’s a corner of a Dorset field that will be forever Berkshire. For farmers Luke and Louise Trowbridge of Stour Provost have created a herd of Berkshire pigs at their 300-acre dairy farm which is now home to a new rural business – The Uncommon Pig.

on the cuts we offer either by supplying half pigs or smaller quantities,” she says. “We are also happy to deliver within 20 miles of the farm as we want to be able to keep the personal touch and meet our customers.”

“Luke comes from a family that has produced generations of dairy farmers, so he is really branching out and diversifying by keeping pigs,” explains Louise.

Luke and Louise took their first pork to London and have supplied three butchers in the capital who specialise in high quality rare breed meat. There is now enough local interest from a handful of local pubs and restaurants where the chefs are keen on provenance, high welfare standards and supporting rare British breeds.

Berkshires are known for their black and white markings and placid nature. They have a long history dating back to herds kept by monarchs in the early 18th century. The present Royal family kept a large herd at Windsor Castle. Trading as The Uncommon Pig, Luke and Louise are keen to make Berkshire pork more widely available. “By selling our pork direct to customers from the farm, we can be very flexible

Provisio, a hospitality company known for using the very best local ingredients, has also been using the pork. “Without exception the comments and feedback have been excellent,” adds Louise. “The meat is well marbled which means it’s succulent and the chefs have said that it produces amazing crackling!”

The Uncommon Pig is now able to supply direct from the farm and will soon be making sausages as well. “People think that buying free range meat is expensive, but with a large family to feed myself, I am very conscious of the need for affordable, good quality food and our meat is priced in line with any free range meat in the supermarkets.” To find out more call The Uncommon Pig on 01747 838134 or email louise@ theuncommonpig.com. For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 15

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Ale’s well at flower show Beer and blooms at Hampton Court Dorset-based brewery Hall & Woodhouse is toasting some blooming brilliant news. For the family owned Blandford brewery is taking its famous Badger ales to the Royal Horticultural Society’s prestigious Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in July. The Badger Beer Garden will be the first ever garden in the show’s 23 year history to celebrate brewing and beer. Gold medal winning designers, Flemons Warland Design, have already been getting into the mood by visiting the brewery for a drop of delicious research and inspiration. “We are delighted to have been chosen to create a show garden at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show,” says brand manager Anna Corbett. “The garden has captured the real essence of Badger ales, which we hope will give visitors their own taste of the countryside to take home. We hope to meet thousands of fans of Badger at the show and

can promise a few surprises to everyone who pops by to see us!” The garden’s design – which has a unique way of incorporating beer bottles – is inspired by the landscape surrounding the brewery and is intended to take visitors on a gentle stroll through the Dorset countryside, with Badger ales to sample throughout the day of course!

Badger ales will be working closely with three key Dorset partners – the Gardens Group of garden centres, Kingston Maurward College, whose staff and students will help build the garden, and the Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust. The RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show runs from July 3 to 11.

Are you ready for Real Time Information? The current Pay As You Earn system was introduced in the UK in 1944 and has remained in place ever since. Real Time Information (RTI) is a new system that HM Revenue and Customs is introducing to reform the existing system and to support the launch of a new Universal Credit. The Universal Credit replaces existing state payments including Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and the income-related Employment and Support Allowance. RTI is designed to support the payment of the new Universal Credit and to ensure that it is paid to the correct recipients at the right rate, in real time. RTI is also being introduced to facilitate more accurate and timely income tax and National Insurance deductions and payments than under the existing system. The period in which employers must start using the RTI system is currently phased between April and October 2013. Every employer will be sent a letter giving them a start date up to six weeks in advance.

Clearly, this will not leave much time to ensure that payroll systems are ready to submit data online in the required form. Caroline Bayne of Inspire says: “RTI will require complete and accurate employee as well as company data as an essential to ensure the success of the system. Every time that an employee is paid, submitted data will be matched against the records stored by HM Revenue and Customs. If they do not match, some submissions may fail and employers will incur automatic penalties and be required to make additional checks.” RTI will introduce five new types of payroll submission: Employer Alignment, Full Payment, Employer Payment, National Insurance Number Verification and Earlier Year’s Update Submissions. Not all of these will be required on a monthly basis, some of them will merely examine the integrity of your payroll data.

Ian Govier, director, Inspire says: “All employers should act now to examine the accuracy of the information held for their current employees and to ensure that their systems are RTI ready such that they can meet their compulsory 2013 start dates.”

However a significant increase in the administrative burden and hefty penalties will result for companies with incomplete or inaccurate payroll records.

For further information, please contact either Ian Govier (ian@inspire.uk.net) or Caroline Bayne (caroline@inspire.uk.net) at Inspire or call 0800 0776410. For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 17

2012 m

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Recovery won’t be painless

Firms going bust may be a good sign, says insolvency expert

Trading conditions are likely to get tougher for Britain’s businesses before they get better – but that could indicate recovery is on its way. That’s the message from Bournemouth based insolvency experts Burton Sweet Corporate Recovery. “Since Christmas, there have been several high-profile business failures, particularly in retail, which suggests that the rate of insolvencies may be picking up,” says Graham Down, director of Burton Sweet Corporate Recovery. “But historically, insolvencies have increased as the economy comes out of a recession and whatever economists and statistics may tell us, it still feels like a recession for many people and businesses.” Mr Down was commenting in the wake of a report by the Institute for Turnaround, a not-for-profit body dedicated to helping businesses achieve their potential. The number of company failures rose in 2011 to 16,871, a five per cent increase compared to 2010, but fewer than some had predicted given the difficult trading environment. “I expect the number of failures to rise this year, especially in consumer-facing sectors such as retail and leisure, as the squeeze on household budgets continues. However, looking beyond 2012, I believe inflation will continue to fall back towards, and perhaps below, the two per cent target and whilst it’s unlikely that there will be any great boom, standards of living for those in work will start to improve.” And Mr Down stressed the importance of careful, realistic business planning for firms facing an uncertain future. “The key issue for businesses is to take advice early when problems start to appear, rather than leave it until it’s too late, the bailiff’s knocking at the door and there’s no way back from the brink.” 18 April 2012

Poole repair shop gets Porsche nod Prestige German car makers Porsche have approved Poole Accident Repair as an official Porsche Centre Approved Body Repairer for Porsche Bournemouth. To achieve the highly coveted status, Poole Accident Repair had to undergo a rigorous audit process to ensure its facilities are fully compliant to repair all Porsche vehicles to the manufacturer’s exacting standards. The process also requires specialist technicians to be trained by Porsche and that the equipment used is approved. Network members have to be able to offer an unmatched level of expertise across a wide range of Porsche services so that when a Porsche driver takes their vehicle to a Porsche Centre Approved Body Repairer they can be sure all work carried out will be of the utmost quality and parts used will be genuine. And only approved repairers can ensure that the Porsche Lifetime Guarantee of Repair – the unique, owner-transferable guarantee – remains intact and that a damaged car will be returned to its original condition. “We’re extremely proud of this fantastic achievement,” says Poole

Accident Repair director Leon Coupland. “We know that the effort invested will be worth it. We use the very latest technology and our customers are provided with a high standard service first time, on time, every time.” Poole Accident Repair was the south coast’s first development specifically designed to specialise in the repair of allaluminium vehicles and is one of only a small number of specialist aluminium repair facilities throughout the UK. This established experience will no doubt reassure drivers of the new 911 – the first all-aluminium body Porsche – as it’s believed that more aluminium body Porsches are to follow. “An audit process is never easy but I was confident as we work extremely hard to provide the excellent service that both Porsche and our customers expect. Our technicians are kept up-to-date with industry technology and the latest techniques and we continue to invest in training and improvement,” says Leon. For more information about Poole Accident Repair, visit www.pooleaccidentrepair. co.uk or to arrange an estimate call 01202 733866.

Gareth joins Ward Goodman Gareth Simon has been appointed a financial services director at Ferndownbased Ward Goodman Financial Services, having previously fulfilled the role of financial services manager. “Gareth has worked extremely hard with the team to make Ward Goodman Financial Services one of the best independent financial services practices in the market place,” says his fellow financial services director Simon Willcox. “Testament to this is the fact that revenue has grown by more than 20 per cent each year for the last 10 years. This is no mean feat given the intervening dot com crash and credit crunch. “We are very excited to have Gareth on board, especially given the current range of exciting opportunities we are

developing for our commercial and personal clients.” Gareth joined Ward Goodman in October 2003 following the completion of a Taxation and Law degree and training at a large IFA firm. He is responsible for the investment strategy and developing strategic ventures and specialises in investment advice and investment-based inheritance tax planning solutions, as well as dealing with a select number of wealth management clients. “It is a very exciting time for the financial services industry and, with the fantastic team we have at Ward Goodman Financial Services, I believe we are in a great position to maximise the opportunities that are available,” he says.

How to start a business A training course designed by business owners is helping new ventures get off the ground. The comprehensive two-day start up classes are being offered by WSX Enterprise (formerly Business Link) to provide information and guidance to help deal with the key issues involved in setting up a new business. Topics covered on the New In Business course are designed to provide information on every aspect of starting a business from scratch including how to draft a business plan, business law and ethics, marketing, tax and accounting, pricing, customer service and keeping records. Trainers will also cover the importance of good product and service knowledge as part of refining sales interview techniques and include a section on profit and loss as well as other financial considerations such as capital allowances and expenses. For more information call 01202 607541 or e-mail chris.darlow@ wsxenterprise.co.uk

Here for the beer! Cheers! The Big Bournemouth Beer Festival returns to the BIC over Easter weekend with more than 200 beers from all over the UK. The traditional real ales are complemented by novelty and seasonal beers, as well as a cider and perry bar and a wine bar. Ticketed sessions on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon/evening will feature live music from Bournemouth Folk Club favourites Quinns Quinney, Lady Winwood’s Maggot and Black Sheep with the ticket including drinks vouchers, souvenir glass and tasting guide. The weekend closes with the free-toenter Sup-Up Sunday session. The Festival has also linked up with Wilts & Dorset to offer discounted Explorer Tickets when booking for the event with their Don’t Get A Ban Get A Bus campaign. The event runs from April 6-8 with tickets on 0844 576 3000 or online at www.bic.co.uk For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 19

Getting the best from the local media By Neal Butterworth

Neal Butterworth was Editor-inChief of the Bournemouth Daily Echo when he left the company in December after more than 13 years at the helm. Born in Manchester, he was the youngest newspaper editor in the country at the age of 23 and during his tenure, the Echo helped raise more than £7 million for local charities and won a series of industry awards. Neal was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Bournemouth University in 2007 for his contribution to the town. Last year, the paper won its biggest-ever award, the Regional Newspaper of the Year, in the 2011 Newspaper Awards. One of the many services on offer from his newly-formed business Neal Butterworth Media is a series of three-hour seminars on how businesses can make the most of their local media, via his very individual website www. nealbutterworth.co.uk. The first two seminars are on Thursday and Friday, March 29 and 30 at the Haven Business Centre, Haven Hotel, Sandbanks. See the website for details. 20 April 2012

here was a young girl who used to ring me at least once a month for most of the 13 years I was in the editor’s chair at the Echo. I’m not very good with names, so let’s call her Nikkkiy (with three ks because she worked for a PR company in London and they’re all encouraged to prat about with their names there). “Have you received our press release?” she would ask, in an accent that was half-Roedean, halfThe Only Way Is Essex and, after two minutes, would make your teeth itch. “What was it about?” I asked, feigning the slightest bit of interest. “It’s about the opening of a new spa in Harpenden,” she replied excitedly and just managed to squeal the words Botox and Bleaching before I gently rested the receiver back in its cradle. It would be entirely cynical – and totally wrong – for me to suggest that similarly idiotic ways of spending

your marketing and promotional cash are prevalent locally. In fact, the county is well served by a veritable pot-pourri of topnotch press and public relations talent upon whose table I have unceremoniously plonked my slightly scuffed size 10s. But I’m slightly different. For a start, I haven’t the foggiest idea how to serve a client’s PR needs. I certainly know how to put the phone down on feckless junior assistants, but what on earth do I do when someone rings me and offers to pay me my extremely reasonable (but randomly calculated) rates to promote their organisation, whether it’s a major firm, a charity, public sector authority or voluntary organisation? For heaven’s sake, I spent a quarter of my working life fiendishly delegating such responsibilities to care-worn reporters and irritated managers.

The Golden Rules The seminars cover in depth how to forge and maintain a mutually satisfying relationship with the media. Here are three: • Deal with the bad news as well as you do the good. Bad news for you may be good news for the paper’s circulation. Be prepared for it, work honestly with your media contacts and don’t fear the problems. It’s more strategy than spin.

Then the phrase poacher-turnedgamekeeper came to mind and the seminars Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Your Local Media (But The Editor Never Returned Your Calls) started taking shape.

four other roles they juggle.

Businesses have much to learn about their local media, for a start let’s put to rest any suggestions that regional journalists spend their time slipping dodgy coppers a few quid or invading celebrities’ privacy like some of their national counterparts.

Not because it was a great decision, but because of the hard work and commitment of the individuals who took on the responsibility.

When I formed a small team of key individuals to service the business community at the Echo after the departure of the business editor, it somehow worked.

• Try to recognise the hierarchy. You may not be in regular contact with the news management, but you should understand their influence over when and sometimes more important where you’re featured. • Involve your staff and management in your media relationship. The old adage that ‘everyone has a good story to tell’ will prove true if you dig deep enough and ensure they understand your promotional aims.

But think about what your business or organisation does and ask yourself: will the people who buy – not publish, but buy – the local paper or read the business magazine that lands on their desk be interested in what you do?

Easily as it happens.

What might surprise you is the level of cuts that the industry has suffered in recent years.

Don’t even think about an answer: it’s a resounding yes.

What? You didn’t read about local newspaper redundancies in your local rag? Well I never.

As a junior reporter, I once had to write a feature about a plumbers’ merchants.

The feature’s never been in my portfolio, but it should be a constant reminder that it’s all about dealing with people who care about what they do.

The economic downturn has meant that newsrooms across the country have less people doing more work and earning little more than they did five years ago.

The latent editor in me was working overtime on headlines. It’s Job Satisfaction On Tap... Local Firm Beats The Cistern... They’re Flushed With Success...

Journalists most definitely fall into that category. They can be primadonnas, difficult to track down and on the odd occasion, might make the odd mistake, just like you do.

Specialists? Forget it. Business and motoring editors have been replaced by senior reporters fitting it in with the three or

But without wishing to send local plumbers’ merchants round the bend (stop it), how do you create 500 sexy words about them?

But whether your relationship’s via a PR middle man or you’re going direct, if you have a story to tell, they will be interested.

Hack a phone? Half of them don’t know the right way to put paper in a fax machine.

I talked to people. Not about plugs, pipes or Armitage Shanks, but about the employees there, especially the ones who’d been there for years and the ones with a tale to tell.

For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 21

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Members List Worth Accountants Steve Worth 01202 516888 steve@worth accountants.co.uk Fortress Mortgages John Richardson 01202 386053 john@fortressmortgages.co.uk Real Rebecca Allen 0845 0946242 rebecca@realsupport.co.uk RT Promotions Richard Mack 01202 882893 richard@rtpromotions.co.uk Gener8 Finance Ian Wedge 0845 8128808 icw@gener8finance.com Positive Solutions Arthur White 01202 605064 arthurwhite@think positive.co.uk Ellis Jones Solicitors Sarah Hopcroft 01202 414003 sarah.hopcroft@ ellisjones.co.uk Mark Liddle LLP Mark Liddle 01202 551193 mark@markliddle.com 22 April 2012

The Passionate PA Kate Chastey 01202 802863 kate@thepassionatepa.co.uk Mail Boxes Etc. Howard Woodward 01202 299151 info@mbebh1.co.uk ChemDry Kalliste John Minton 01202 309414 johnminton@ hotmail.co.uk Studio-fd Brian Freelander 01202 681461 brian@studio-fd.com Radikls Tony Raybould 01202 259187 tony@radikls.com Seeker Steve Cook 01202 779604 steve@seeker.uk.com The Business Explorer Ian Thurgood 07785 222054 ian@thebusiness explorer.com Richmond Home Improvement Co Allan Tofield 0800 614102 enquiries@ richmondco.co.uk

SMB Network Solutions John Harrison 01202 601776 john@smbnet.com Winning Business David Foster 01202 427464 david@winning business.co.uk Applied Safety Solutions Mark Baxter 01202 716100 mark@appliedsafety solutions.com AFC Bournemouth Rob Mitchell 01202 726322 rob.mitchell@afcb.co.uk Tempest Cosgrave Jon Sanctuary 01202 741888 j.sanctuary@tempest cosgrave.co.uk MEH Construction Management LTD Magnus Harding 01202 766732 magnus.harding@ meh-construction.co.uk MSP Business Services Malcolm Pitcher 08456 808304 malcolm@ mspbusinessservices.

Mark Baxter t: 01202 716100 w: www.safetystock.co.uk

The key to success lies within a well founded, well researched strategic plan which is in writing and which identifies:• • • • • • •

Each business owners personal as well as business objectives The strategic objectives they all agree upon Core products and services as well as possible new ones How these are to be taken to market The business structure, systems and processes A financial model An action plan with clear accountability and deadline dates

Next month. The importance of review and monitoring performance. Ian Thurgood FCA The Business Explorer Ltd t: 07785 222054

Tempest Cosgrave is a specialist telemarketing agency generating leads, appointments and clean data for business since 2001. In the business to business world the keys to new sales are: • •

Initial dialogue, new business relationships often demands cold calling Effectiveness communication, which relies on accurate data.

So, whether it’s engaging senior decision makers or cleaning high volumes of data - do it properly! Jon Sanctuary Tempest Cosgrave Telemarketing t: 01202 741888 w: www.tempestcosgrave.co.uk

We see many home owners who assume that paying their lenders ‘standard variable rate’ is the right thing to do, after all the Bank of England base rate is the lowest it has ever been! However, for the majority of home owners this simply is not the case. Many high-street lenders are offering better mortgages to new borrowers than they do their existing borrowers. Therefore transferring your mortgage could result in some very tempting savings. At Harvey Bowes our free ‘Mortgage Health-Check’ could identify any savings you might be able to make and ensure you have a healthier bank balance.

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Think carefully before securing other debts on your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Is a degree worth the money? By Nick Churchill

The raising of the cap on university course fees presents the biggest shake up higher education has seen in a generation. With fees of around £9,000 a year students are likely to leave university more than £30,000 in debt - so is a degree worth the money? A third of parents on middle incomes no longer believe a university education is worth the money. That’s according to a report by Edge, a charity chaired by Lord Baker of Dorking, the former Conservative education secretary. The government has defended raising the cap on fees saying the earnings threshold for repayments has also been increased and students will pay off less every month than they do now. Debts are wiped out after 30 years and a third of graduates may never repay the full amount. 28 April 24 March 2012 2012

In another study, carried out by uSwitch, two-thirds of those questioned said they worried university education was being devalued, but almost a third believe young people have no choice because they need a degree to get a job. That may not be the case according to Gary Seneviratne, sales director of Bournemouthbased digital marketing agency Adido Solutions, who formed the company in 2003 with three fellow software engineering students at Bournemouth University. But he thinks the university experience is vital for budding entrepreneurs.

“University takes you away from home and makes you stand on your own two feet,” he says. “Probably for the first time in their lives students have to pay the bills, meet people, present themselves and get things done for themselves. I worked hard during my degree to make ends meet and that whole process of getting money in, keeping costs down and staying afloat was a perfect rehearsal for running my own business.” But he questions how much use the actual degree is in his business life.

Gary Seneviratne

Lord Baker

Richard Goles

“It helps to have a basic understanding of the technicalities of the business, but my entrepreneurial impulse was so strong that I’m certain I would have been working for myself irrespective of what I studied. It’s a tough call given the higher costs today, but I’d still say going to university is worth it because of the life skills you gain.”

include an element of practical experience in the industry so I would say a university degree is still very important.”

earn around £20,000 in their first year, which could be seven or eight thousand less than a graduate in another industry.

However, raising the cap on course fees may see an upsurge in apprenticeships as an alternative to starting a working life with the burden of debt, he says.

Richard Goles, managing director of hospitality industry specialists Towngate Personnel, says many employers insist their candidates are educated to degree standard.

“I take issue with the level of fees being set as they don’t seem to bear any relation to the likely salary a graduate would earn. Universities are charging as much as they can for their most over-subscribed courses, which many of those relating to the hospitality industry are. The trouble is a graduate with a hospitality degree will typically

“So I can see apprenticeship schemes having an increasing part to play - for instance, graduates of the McDonald’s management training scheme are highly sought after because they get a very broad introduction to the restaurant industry.”

“It’s not just about the trade skills a candidate may pick up it’s also an indicator of their general education and many degree courses also Without trotting out hoary old cliches about the University of Life and the School of Hard Knocks, not having a degree has never been a barrier. I left school at 16 to join the RAF and firmly believe that experience of going out into the world prepared me for my life in business today. Studying for a degree is no mean feat and I admire the dedication of those who do it, but I would argue that life experience is grossly undervalued. As a photographer I learned the trade by taking photographs. I made mistakes and plenty of them, but if

Although students are not billed for their courses until after graduation they will typically start repaying course fees in their mid20s and could still be doing so in their early 50s, depending on how much they earn.

Editor’s comment you’re not making mistakes you are not challenging yourself and if you’re not challenging yourself you’re not learning. I have met photography graduates who will happily analyse a photograph and discuss its visual semantics at the drop of a hat, but have never shot on digital cameras which in the 21st century makes a mockery of the educational establishments they came from. Even if they’re seeking to

subvert digital technology they still need to be familiar with it. With all due respect to educators, mine is not the only profession hampered by students who are simply trained to pass exams rather than energised by a rounded appreciation of their industry that would enable them to challenge convention and truly make their mark. Steve Cook For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 25 29

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Harnessing the power of your online presence to get and keep more customers By Ali Carter, Entrepreneurs’ Circle

OK, so the Web has been around for ages, but how come most SMEs don’t use it properly, or even at all? It’s true that whilst most businesses have embraced the internet in some way, the fact is that the majority of small businesses in the UK still have no real concept of what the Web can actually do for them. The vast majority of business owners are not even scratching

the surface when it comes to harnessing the Web’s vast power – and that leaves money on the table… And it’s not just about online selling either. If you’re not currently using your website to bring in leads, to love the customers you’ve already got, to build your list and to make yourself a useful resource to the public at large – then you are missing a trick!

The problem is that as a business owner, it’s hard enough getting through the day, let alone spending your time (a precious commodity) on maximising your online presence, improving your business and getting and keeping customers. You know this is all of vital importance to your business, yet getting bogged down in the day to day means it’s always last on the list.

Wouldn’t you like to know how to make your website really work for your business…?

Flying Start

Entrepreneurs’ Circle taster seminar May 17, 10am – 1pm, AFC Bournemouth

Come and see how attending this seminar could be massive for your success in 2012… • Discover the tools you need to get and keep more customers • Learn how to avoid the five marketing mistakes that everyone else makes • Harness the full power of your online presence • Uncover the secrets to getting more stuff done… Book now to guarantee your place. If you’re a Dorset business owner or entrepreneur looking for a like-minded, forwardthinking support network, call 01202 722261 to book your free place (numbers are limited!) Being your own boss can be a lonely place – attend this free seminar for ideas, inspiration, understanding or maybe just a good kick up the backside. Find out what successful business owners know and do – but don’t normally share with you.

“At first I was sceptical – there are so many business gurus out there, but now I realise that who you hang around with really does make a difference. You can’t help but be inspired by the infectious enthusiasm for achieving success at the EC.” Simon Harrison, Callisto Communications, Poole

“I attended my first EC event last August and came away buzzing. It’s like a monthly shot in the arm of inspiration, giving me fresh ideas which I can implement into the business and amongst my staff straight away.” Barbara Cox, Nutrichef, Branksome

“This two hour seminar has provided me with at least another 10 hours a week to reinvest in growing my business” Lucy Cooper, Cross Networkingg, Poole

Book your free ticket online now at: flyingstartsecrets.eventbrite.co.uk For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 27

SeekerCharities

Wessex Cancer Trust More than £20 million raised to help those affected by cancer

For more than 30 years Wessex Cancer Trust has been providing relief for people suffering from cancer and their carers, promoting research into the disease and advancing education into its causes, prevention and treatment. The Trust was established in 1981 and has raised more than £20 million touching the lives of so many people living with cancer in the Wessex region – Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands.

In addition, the Trust funds major projects including the training of shared care nurses so children are able to receive treatment nearer to home, the provision of ultrasound scanners at Poole Hospital and, most recently, research at Poole Hospital into the effects of Nordic walking to ease joint pain in postmenopausal women taking aromatase inhibitors as adjuvant therapy for early breast cancer. Improving care for adults and children living with cancer is the biggest item of expenditure for the Trust.

Wessex Cancer Trust promotes awareness and publishes a series of leaflets covering early warning signs, treatment and advice for patients. The Trust also provides counselling and complementary therapy services. Each year many individuals receive financial grants to alleviate hardship resulting from the impact of cancer on patients and their families.

This challenge adds to the many other projects in care, education and research which Wessex Cancer Trust works on to promote relief and support for cancer sufferers across the region. The Charity has gained celebrity support with vicepresidents including Alan Titchmarsh MBE DL, BBC South Today presenter Sally Taylor MBE and British powerboat champion Shelley Jory-Leigh.

The charity also has two holiday homes, one in Weymouth and one in New Milton, for patients and their families to stay for respite.

For more information about Wessex Cancer Trust contact Karen Rhys, Dorset area manager at karen@wessexcancer. org or 07545 145776.

28 April 2012

Wessex Cancer Trust Events 2012 • Ladies Easter Networking Afternoon Wednesday, April 11 Heathlands Hotel, Bournemouth. Tickets £10 each • Titanic – 100th Anniversary Black & White Ball Friday, April 13 Bournemouth Pier. • Euro 2012 – AFC Bournemouth Monday, June 11 Watch England v France on the big screen • Business Come Dancing 2012 Thursday, June 28 Hotel Piccadilly • Air Festival – VIP Hospitality Friday, August 31 Bournemouth Pier • Golf Classic with Peter Allis Tuesday, October 2 Remedy Oak

SeekerCharities Zumba Smash raises thousands for charities

Will you survive?

They may have missed out on a Guinness World Record, but the Zumba Smash 2 at the BIC has raised some £12,000 for two local charities. Lewis-Manning Hospice and Wessex Autistic Society were aiming to break the current record of 2,012 participants in the world’s largest Zumba class, but more than 600 charity supporters, Zumba first-timers and fitness fanatics danced to the Latin-inspired calorie burning class at the BIC on February 13. “It was a shame we didn’t break the record, but we did raise massive amounts of funding for the hospice and the Wessex Autistic Society and we owe it all to everyone who took part,” says Maria Tidy, fundraising manager at Lewis-Manning Hospice. “The funds will go towards continuing to provide free care to people with cancer and other life threatening illnesses and towards our £2.5million Time to Care Appeal to build a brand new state of the art hospice in Lilliput.” Louise Trott, community and events fundraiser at Wessex Autistic Society adds: “We would like to thank the hundreds of participants who helped to make our second Zumba event so much fun. As well as raising awareness of both local charities, the funds raised are

vital to help us continue to develop our specialist services. “The success of both Zumba events will help to enhance our free information and advice service, providing much needed advice and support each month to hundreds of individuals and families affected by autism throughout Dorset. Whilst we may not have quite made history, we have certainly made a difference to the lives of the people we support.” Zumba Smash 2 was supported by BH Live and the Daily Echo and led by local instructors Tanya Bright and Cat Fowler and their crew. Seeker Photography and Carltan Video Productions recorded the event.

Charity’s running league needs sponsor Wessex Autistic Society has introduced a fourth run to its annual events calendar. In the Olympic year the Dorset charity has formed a new mini-league called The Four Seasons with the addition of the Cerne Burn 10k in Minterne Magna and Cerne Abbas and is seeking a corporate sponsor to help finance the events. Operating specialist education, social care and advocacy services, Wessex

Autistic Society is dedicated to campaigning for positive change to make the world a more accessible place for people with autism and their families. To sponsor the Four Seasons League, contact Louise Trott on 01202 703597 or email louise.trott@twas.org.uk. To book your place on the 4 season league please visit www.charityrun.co.uk.

Fancy yourself as the next Bear Grylls or simply want to escape from the daily routines and stresses of life? Dorsetbased charity Diverse Abilities Plus is offering a once in a life time chance to take part in an exciting Castaway Five Day Challenge, in aid of the charity, and is looking for 24 men and women to take on the challenge. During the event which takes place between September 22-26, you will experience fundamental elements of survival, which will test participants from dawn until dusk! During the five days there will be a variety of fun activities, secret challenges and tasks to learn and complete, including survival techniques, building a natural shelter, fire lighting techniques, sea life-raft survival skills training, navigating by the stars, sea fishing and much more! Sharon Wells, events officer at Diverse Abilities Plus, says: “By taking part in ‘Castaway’ you will help us to make a difference to the lives of children and adults with learning difficulties and profound physical disabilities. The challenge is not only great way to get back to nature and learn unique survival skills but it is an opportunity to make new friends and share a fantastic experience.” For more information contact Sharon Wells on 01202 718266 or email Sharon. wells@diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk Also find out more at www.diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk/events.

For all the latest charity news visit our website

seekernews.co.uk For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 29

SeekerArts Who are you? Simon Townshend at Mr Kyps, Poole By Steve Cook

Here’s a thing - Simon Townshend has been a member of The Who for longer than Keith Moon! I first saw him with older brother Pete, singer Roger Daltrey and bassist John Entwistle on The Who’s Quadrophenia tour in 1996 and 16 years later he’s still an integral part of the family business. Moonie, bless him, only managed 14 years before checking out forever in 1978. The last time Simon played these parts he was backing Roger’s superbly faithful recreation of Tommy at the O2 Academy last year. In the crowd that night was Bournemouth drummer Greg Pringle who had played in the house band for the touring Quadrophenia stage show. He left a note for Simon and now he’s in the band. Simon’s latest solo album, Secret Weapon, is loaded with potent, powerful tunes and, of course, that trademark Townshend guitar. From the rolling rootsy romp of She Asked Me to out and out rockers like Electric Friend, Simon’s playing echoes but never apes that of his illustrious sibling while his singing voice reveals a heavier new wave blues influence. As well as tracks from earlier solo albums, he finds time for a stripped back version of I’m the Face, The Who’s prefame single released as The High Numbers in 1964, Going Mobile from Who’s Next and Quadrophenia’s The Dirty Jobs. Clearly quite happy in the intimate embrace of a Mr Kyps’ audience, Simon Townshend and his excellent band provide a rare chance to witness a performance of big venue generosity in our own back yard. Class.

Dolphin Shopping Centre goes Elektro! Elektro Kif, who are on their first ever UK visit took their breathtaking mix of streetdance to the Dolphin Shopping Centre recently. The dance company, who were performing across the road at Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, have taken urban streetdancing and mixed it up with theatre and contemporary dance. Using an amazing soundtrack mixing techno with electro house, afrobeat, and even classical music their show delivered humour, grace and a lot of funk! 30 April 2012

SeekerArts

Exhibition brings home the Bacon

Stars catch the crest of a Wave Some of the biggest stars in British pop are to turn out in Bournemouth for Wave 105 Live! The Saturdays, Will Young, Caro Emerald and Beverley Knight will headline the event, a partnership between Wave 105 and Beales, the Bournemouth-based department store group, at the BIC on March 31. “The feedback after the first Wave 105 Live! was fantastic, so we’re delighted to launch our second show with such quality acts and to be working with such a recognised name in the area

as Beales says Keith Penny, Wave 105 Live! event director.” Tony Brown, CEO of Beales, adds: “We offer a variety of fashion collections and concessions throughout Beales stores which appeal to a young and style-conscious customer. Therefore sponsoring an event which features the cream of British pop, in the location where our head office is based is a great thing for us.” For tickets and further details visit www.wave105.com

Poole-based artist Derek Bacon’s first solo exhibition of work goes on show at the Art Works gallery on Poole Quay. Selected from his extensive portfolio, the exhibition showcases Derek’s vibrant illustration work, as well as more traditional painting, drawing and photography.

Wilko & out! Wilko Johnson, the legendary former guitarist of Dr Feelgood, who has influenced everyone from Joe Strummer to Steve Albini, completes a 15-date UK tour next month in Dorset. The shows coincide with the publication of Looking Back At Me, described by Wilko as a “fractured autobiography”, and the release of a boxed set of three CDs and a DVD rounding up the first four Dr Feelgood albums and previously unreleased material.

In addition to pioneering the Feelgoods’ distinctive mid-70s, pre-punk British R&B sound, in 1980 Wilko played guitar for Ian Dury and the Blockheads. His current live band features Blockheads’ bassist Norman Watt-Roy and Dylan Howe on drums. Support comes from very special guests Virgil and the Accelerators. April 29 Electric Palace, Bridport 01308 426336 www.electricpalace.org.uk

Entirely self-taught, Derek is an accomplished illustrator whose work has been featured several times on the cover The Economist magazine, as well as in UK publications such as The Times, The Guardian, Maxim and Wired. The exhibition presents an opportunity to see his highly detailed work in close-up and across a range of disciplines, from traditional pen-andink work, to digital paintings made in Photoshop. Also on show will be a series of acrylic-based portraits painted last summer. Born in Staines, Derek has lived in Madrid and Jakarta, and for the longest, in Poole. He likes Carry-On films, fish and chips, Giles cartoons, The Beatles, and is a collector of foundsound. You have been warned. See more at www.derekbacon.com March 16-30 The Artworks, Enefco House, Ball Lane, Poole Quay www.theartworksstudio.com

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seekernews.co.uk

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SeekerSport Driven by the right ideas

The world’s most glamorous sport, Formula 1 is under starter’s orders for the first race of the new season in Melbourne - and a Wimborne company is in pole position. RT Promotions has been working with global computer anti-virus brand Kaspersky whose developing relationship with Ferrari will see the company’s logo appear on the nose cones of the Italian giant’s cars.

“Kaspersky is becoming a major name in anti-virus technology and their Formula 1 sponsorship is obviously a significant brand building activity to position itself in front of PC owners,” says RT Promotions’ MD Richard Mack. “The company also does a lot of work aimed at the reseller market people who repair PCs and corporate IT managers who decide which

anti-virus technology sits on their company’s systems. That means Kaspersky needs a range of high-quality, big-impact promotional products it can distribute to clients and potential customers.” RT produced a number of branded items for Kaspersky including leather folders, polo shirts, golf balls, pens and even water-filled stress balls. “They were using a pen that nobody wanted to keep, but for very little extra cost we found them a far more powerful pen that people are now asking them for - if people ask for a pen they are likely to keep it and if they keep the pen the company’s logo is seen by more people.” So, the next time Felipe Massa or Fernando Alonso sign an autograph, could they be using a pen supplied by RT Promotions? “There’s absolutely no reason why not!” laughs Richard.

F1 season openers 2012: • Australian GP, March 18 • Malaysian GP, March 25 • Chinese GP, April 15 • Bahrain GP, April 22

32 April 2012

SeekerSport Poole’s plundering Pirates By Gordon Day The roar of high powered racing engines returns to Poole’s Wimborne Road Stadium this month signalling the start of the 2012 speedway season with the Poole Coastal Aluminium Pirates looking to successfully defend the Elite League and Knockout Cup championships they walked off with at the end of last year.

Matt Ford

levels and will be a hard pairing to beat both at home or away.

“I think we have an exciting and competitive side”, he says. “Our fans tend to like watching the young guys coming through and will really appreciate their efforts.

“I am really happy at the side we have put together. The young guys never know when they are beaten and are sure to be exciting to watch. It looks like we are in for another great year of speedway racing”.

“Holder and Ward already have a lot of experience from racing at the highest

You can keep up with the Pirates at www.poolespeedway.net

Poole owner Matt Ford is confident that age will be of no concern as his side bids to hit the heights once again and believes his 2012 team has the potential to provide both excitement

and success for the Pirates’ faithful following last season’s double-winning campaign.

Led by 24-year-old Australian champion Chris Holder, the reigning champions will go to the tapes with an average age of less than 22 – with two teenagers included in their one-to-seven. One of these, Darcy Ward, is currently rated as the hottest prospect in world speedway, with many tipping him to become a future world champion, while Poland’s Adrian Miedzinski, at 26, is the oldest rider in the Pirates’ squad.

©Mick Hinves

Having won four Elite League championship titles since 2003, the Pirates will need to be at their very best if they are to add more silverware to their already crowded trophy cabinet. And the pressure will be on from the start of the very first race, with the club tracking their youngest ever side at this level of competition.

For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 33

SeekerSocial Diary

Magazine launch night Seeker News was launched in grand style last month with VIPs breaking the bubbly on the magazine’s metaphorical hull in the stylish surroundings of Sevens Boatshed on the shores of Poole Park lake.

opies were kept under wraps until business mentor – and our first cover star – James Sale had delivered a speech in which he paid tribute to the magazine’s rapid generation. “Speed stuns and create a magazine in just three weeks to printed page you the presence of powerful,” he said.

“I’m quite embarrassed my how well this has gone,” he said. “We had to double the number of pages to accommodate everyone that wanted to be in the magazine – and that was just the contacts in my network. The support has been incredible.”

when you can of this quality from initial idea know you are in something very

Responses to the first issue were lead by business rescue expert Mark Liddle, who said: “Very classy, I love the way it’s done. It’s brilliant.”

“I’m so excited by Seeker News. What Steve and Dawn have done has been truly tremendous – they’re heroes!”

Nigel Hedges, president of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, added: “What quality, well done.”

Seeker MD Steve Cook paid tribute to the backing of the local business community.

Many picked up on how quickly the magazine was created from the first idea to the finished article.

34 April 2012

“Congratulations to Steve and Dawn for taking their idea and turning it into a reality. It’s a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and their love of their own business,” said inspirational speaker Dr Dave Richards. “I’m so thrilled to see this magazine and I know it will make a big difference with its fresh approach to business reporting – let’s talk about the good things being done in business,” suggested Samantha Acton of Domestic Angels. Noting the magazine’s high production values and stunning design, Paul Tucker, communications officer at Poole’s Lighthouse, added: “This is absolutely gorgeous, it’s a very impressive first issue and now I can’t wait to see the second one.”

SeekerSocial Diary

Seeker News Magazine Launch February 20

1. Noel Cook, Steve Cook, John Grinnell, Dr Dave Richards 2. Linda Sale, Tracey Wood 3. Mark Liddle, Peter Kearns 4. Doug Saunders, Ross Saunders, Nick Churchill 5. Dawn, Sadie, Steve and Noel Cook 6. Nigel Leonard, Mike Stokes 7. Arthur White, Richard Cossey 8. Kate Chastey, Sadie Cook 9. Richard Mack, Laura McHarrie, James Sale 10. Ali Paramo, Jenny Carter 11. Geoff Lawrence, Sarah Penny, Simon Steele-Williams 12. Cath Morford, Steve Cook, Sam Acton 13. Nick Churchill, Paul Tucker 14. Allan Tofield, Chrissy Jeandren, Laura McHarrie, Perry Jeandren 15. Nigel Hedges, Sue Franklin, Jon Wood, Sophie Morris, Bill Perkins 16. Si창n Court, Dawn Cook, Steve Cook, Debbie Applegate

For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 35

SeekerSocial Diary AFC Business Directorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Dinner

9 AFCB Directors Dinner at Champions Restaurant AFC Bournemouth on February 8

1. Steve Cook, Ann Hobden, John Parrett 2. Ann Hedges, Jim Osborne, Gill Beaumont, Richard Osborne 3. Matthew Fretten, Michelle Hayter, Ian Wedge, Rob Mitchell 4. Katie Wilson, Caron Khan, Helen Stacey 5. Peter Fitzmaurice, Grant Harrison, Nigel Soloman 6. Sylvie Wilson, Peter Scott, Lesley Reynolds 7. Karen Holmer, Tom Jeffes, Holly Maxwell 8. Rob Mitchell, Danny Crates, Tom Jeffes 9. Lee Young, Steve Cook, Matthew Fretten 10. Ted Clayton, John Corderoy 11. Naomi Brown, Matthew Noyce, John Reynolds, Jane Jones

IoD Breakfast at Kings Arms, Dorchester

IoD Breakfast at Kings Arms Hotel, Dorchester on February 22 1. Jonathan White, Andrew Skipsey, Kate Chastey, Gary Seneviratne 2. Susan Bourne, Rupert Best 3. Pamela White, David Ashplant, Ian Govier 4. Simon Face, Ross Thornley

5. Mark Bagwell, Warren Munson, Gill Hesketh, Malcolm Scott-Walby

For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 37

SeekerSocial Diary BCF Lunch at Cafe Shore

BCF Lunch Club at Cafe Shore on February 24 1. Steve Cook, Dave Brown 2. Mark Liddle, Eric Lee, Ben Gould 3. John Bulpitt, John Caithness, Allan Tofield 4. David Foster, Ian Wedge 5. Debbie Tarrier, Bea Gallimore, Stephanie Davidson 6. Steve Chapman, Sophie Cort 7. Chris Tullett, David Davidson 8. Chris Kane, Jacqueline Entwistle

Diners Club at Chewton Glen

Diners Club at Chewton Glen on March 1 1. Martin Spooner, Martin Brunt, Mark Everington 2. Phil Cubitt, Bea Gallimore, Steve Cook 3. Kristy Davies-Sumpter, Kevyn Doolan 4. Ianthe Slinger, Becky Houlston, Liz Davies 5. Michael Stocken, Karen Candy 6. Bea Gallimore, David Davidson 7. Jeremy Priestley, Carlie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill 8. Mike Clark, Colin Chastey 7

38 April 2012

SeekerSocial Diary Events Listings

Get your event listed To get your business or event listed in the magazine visit www.seekernews.co.uk/listings

Mar 29 - 12pm Women In Business Network Christchurch The Captains Club Hotel Jacqui Frampton jacqui.frampton@wibn.co.uk 0845 5212324

April 17 - 12pm Women In Business Network Bridport The Bull Hotel & Restaurant Jacqui Frampton jacqui.frampton@wibn.co.uk 0845 5212324

April 3 - 12pm Women In Business Network Bournemouth The Menzies East Cliff Court Hotel Jacqui Frampton jacqui.frampton@wibn.co.uk 0845 5212324

April 19 - 12pm IoD - Meet with Simon Walker IoD Director General Rhinefield House Hotel, Brockenhurst Kate Chastey kate@thepassionatepa.co.uk 01202 802 863

April 12 - 12pm Women In Business Network Ringwood & Ferndown Dudsbury Golf Club Hotel & Spa Jacqui Frampton jacqui.frampton@wibn.co.uk 0845 5212324

April 26 - 12pm Women In Business Network Christchurch The Captains Club Hotel Jacqui Frampton jacqui.frampton@wibn.co.uk 0845 5212324

April 19 - 12pm Poole Business Women’s Lunch Club Storm Fish Restaurant Tracey Wood mail@businesswomens lunchclub.co.uk 01202 674488

April 27 - 12pm BCF Lunch Club Cafe Shore - Poole Ann Lampitt ann@bizzcomm.biz 01202 656100

April 17- 12pm Women In Business Network Poole The Italian Villa, Compton Acres Jacqui Frampton jacqui.frampton@wibn.co.uk 0845 5212324

SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE To receive Seeker News hot off the press each month sign up online now at www.seekernews. co.uk/subscribe

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May 3 - 12pm The Diners Club Chewton Glen Julia Fildes julia.fildes@letchers.co.uk 01425 471424

ADVERTISE WITH THE COUNTY’S BIGGEST BUSINESS MAGAZINE To find out how Seeker News can help promote your business - get in touch via the website at www.seekernews.co.uk/ advertise or call us now on 01202 611164

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Looking to the future

Issue 2 - April 2012

Eddie Mitchell and the financial revival of AFC Bournemouth Is a degree worth the money? Neal Butterworth on getting the best from the local media

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For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 39