Seeker News - Issue 6

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ISSUE 06 – AUGUST 2012

KATIE PRICE GOODWOOD

Marketing genius?

The need for speed

Inside the head of

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Fun and Games behind the scenes steve Cook Editor Seeker News

T

he Olympics... there’s a lot I could say about the arrival of the greatest non-football sporting spectacular on these shores.

The Olympics and the Olympians can be a great source of inspiration for business owners.

There are lessons for all of us in the way gold medal winners like Dame Kelly Holmes and Ben HuntDavis (see p19) use analysis and systems to improve their performance and ultimately achieve their goals.

To become a top athlete you need to have single-minded focus and dedication to the cause. There’s a quote going around Facebook that says: “Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.”

This statement could apply equally to top business people and sporting figures.

It’s a pity the business of the Olympics can’t do the same.

Plagued with mismanagement, farce and bullying the organisation of the Games has consistently delivered sub-standard service at over-inflated prices.

The revelations about the inability of G4S to deliver on its contract join a catalogue of own goals for the organisers - the ticketing fiasco, the question of the legacy use of the stadium, the trademark police, the Olympic Zil lanes around London, the awarding of the official souvenirs contract to China... and the list goes on.

Seeker News is published by Seeker Editor: Steve Cook – steve@seeker.uk.com

One result of G4S’ mismanagement is that there will be more British troops involved in the Olympics than on duty in Afghanistan. The £284m G4S contract would pay for four Typhoon fighters, or a small frigate.

Remember the hype after the announcement of the Games when the government encouraged us all Me with Kelly Holmes. Above, to go to endless workshops and seminars to find out how any small, local business could bid for Steve Cliffen of Christchurch Olympic contracts? Those that had the tenacity to carries the wade through the endless paperwork involved were torch through rewarded with... absolutely nothing.

Sandford Good luck to all of our Olympians, you are an inspiration to us all - it’s just a pity that you and the country have been let down by bureaucrats and incompetents.

Writers: Steve Cook, Nick Churchill

Deputy editor: Nick Churchill – nick@seeker.uk.com

Photography: Steve Cook Siân Court – sian@seeker.uk.com

Associate editor: Dawn Cook – dawn@seeker.uk.com

Design: Seeker

Seeker PO Box 4983, Poole, BH15 3ZX 01202 611163 www.seekernews.co.uk Join us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/ seekernews © 2012 Seeker. All rights reserved. seekernews.co.uk 3

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Ready and

Cable

words: NICK CHURCHILL picture: STEVE COOK

T

he government will do more to ease the burden on embattled business owners in Dorset.

That was the message business secretary Vince Cable delivered to company owners at a recent questionand-answer session.

“We are all very aware that micro businesses are the future and one of the things I’ve done is I’ve set up a group of people, an entrepreneurs’ group, people who have done it such as James Caan from Dragons’ Den.

“We are going through a very difficult economic time,” said Dr Cable at the event organised by Poole-based business support specialists WSX Enterprise.

“We are trying to exempt companies with under 10 employees from a lot of regulations that are coming through from Europe. It’s tricky because micro companies also have to have basic standards, you can’t exempt them from everything, but we are trying to make sure the regulatory burden is reduced as much as possible for those companies.”

“Over my lifetime we’ve had little booms and busts, but what we’ve had in the last few years is something quite different.”

In a speech that tempered optimism with a realistic appraisal of the current economic climate, the minister repeated the government mantra that small business will drive the economic recovery before admitting he had to “plead ignorance” of the plight of small businesses in general and micro business in particular.

“It’s not the culture I am familiar with and I plead ignorance so I certainly won’t be able to tell you how to do it,” he said.

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Business owners joined Mid-Dorset and Poole North MP Annette Brooke at Hamworthy Sports and Social Club to hear the business secretary outline ideas to speed up recovery based on “basic financial discipline” even though that was proving unpopular.

“I like to get out of London and talk to small business groups because it’s small companies that will drive the recovery of the economy. If you succeed, the country will succeed; if you don’t succeed we will go down.”

He also reiterated the government line that drastic action was needed to tackle the budget deficit.

“Raising taxes and cutting down spending is never popular – it’s a dirty job and you don’t get much credit for it, but it has to be done,” he said.

“It is as if the country had a massive heart attack four years ago and the financial system seized up. It actually died, but the economy kept going with all kinds of emergency action taken at that time and extraordinary things are still being done.

“The heart attack patient is still alive, we’re recovering – we had emergency treatment but we are still not in great shape.”

Earlier this year Dr Cable criticised the coalition government’s lack of “compelling vision” and dismissed its initiatives as “piecemeal”, but Dorset business owners again heard assurances that red tape would be cut and banks encouraged to make credit more available to business.

“I know it’s frustrating and everywhere I go I meet business

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people who’ve got superb companies who’ve got all these overseas orders but the bank will say ‘Sorry we can’t give you the credit for your export facilities’.

“And that kind of nonsense is actually crippling our recovery,” he said.

“One of the big long-term aims of government is trying to deal with regulation in a sensible way. Now, in many ways you need to have regulation to have a proper economy – we have to protect consumers, we have to protect the environment and you’ve got to protect workers.

“That said, I know for a lot of you regulation is superfluous, silly, excessively complicated and one of my jobs is gradually to sort the rubbish out.”

Last month Dr Cable announced a £120 million boost for the British aerospace industry to protect its status as the largest in Europe. But the investment came too late to save 320 jobs – a third of the workforce – at Cobham, the aero electrics company based at Bournemouth Airport, lost when the AirTanker consortium moved

work on the conversion of Voyager aircraft to Spain.

“The industry as a whole has got a fantastic future, but the problems there are lack of skills actually. If you go to an aerospace factory in the UK you find most of the work force is over 50 – highly qualified engineers – and they don’t have the skilled people to succeed them.

“One of the things I am trying to do is to reverse decades of decline in proper training. So we are reintroducing apprenticeships on a large scale, trying to create an environment where business will have a properly trained labour force to work with.”

Interesting as it was, there wasn’t a great deal of new thought in Vince Cable’s message, which may ultimately be his undoing. As ever though, only time will tell. seekernews.co.uk 5

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to your good health – new pharmacy arrives W ith services including health checks, free blood sugar testing to those eligible and a repeat prescription collection service for patients of all surgeries in the west of Bournemouth and the east of Poole, West Cliff Pharmacy aims to play a vital role in caring for the health of the local community.

The new pharmacy, which opened on July 30 and is attached to Poole Road Medical Centre, will dispense NHS prescriptions and pharmacist Dee Loughman has ensured there’s a comprehensive stock of medicines so that all prescriptions can be made up quickly and efficiently; while a same-day home delivery service will make it even easier for patients to get their medicine.

“When the surgery is open so is the pharmacy which means patients can get their medicine as soon as they need it,” says Dee. “There’s a free car park and Kiddies’ Zone inside.”

Dee and her trained assistants Karen and Donna can provide advice and medication for a wide range of complaints and minor ailments; and if there are problems patients may not want to discuss openly there is a confidential consultation room available.

“We are all really excited about bringing

Pharmacist Dee (left) and assistant Donna at West Cliff Pharmacy

an outstanding, fresh and friendly customer experience to West Cliff and can’t wait to meet the people of the local community,” says Dee. An online Medication Request Service and suggestions box can be found at www.westcliffpharmacy.co.uk.

Powers that be

As part of its drive to crack down on antisocial behaviour in Boscombe, Bournemouth Council is to apply for its officers to have police powers.

It wants council officers to be able to issue fines for offences such as drinking on the streets and illegal cycling.

The proposal is part of a new report from the Boscombe Regeneration Partnership, but would need approval from Dorset Police before it could be implemented. Officers would also have to undergo training before they could issue fixed penalty notices.

Bottom out

The Highways Agency has reported just 14 complaints about the restructured Canford Bottom traffic management system.

The £5.7 million makeover opened in time for the expected increase in traffic for the Olympic sailing events at Weymouth. Final touches included the installation of ghost islands and extending lane markings to improve lane discipline.

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Having expanded its staff by almost 30 per cent this year, Poole-based business advisors and accountants Inspire has embarked on a deliberate growth strategy.

The policy was instigated by director Warren Munson who founded the company in 2004 and has seen five new members of staff join since January with six more appointments confirmed in the next two months.

“I am so proud of how far we have come at Inspire,” says Warren.

“Our team now encompasses a broad range of experience and specialisms.”

Inspire now boasts 35 staff and more than 125 full service clients

amongst the medium-sized ownermanaged and entrepreneurial business sector it focuses on.

To top it off, Inspire was also crowned Best Independent Firm in the South West at the British Accountancy Awards.

“The drive and energy of our team and the focus on our core market have meant we have grown significantly year on year. What has been great in recent months is that as well as that growth, the investment we have made in the team, offices, IT and infrastructure means that we have a firm foundation to continue to support our clients and the local business community in the years ahead.”

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Winds of change G

Court out?

Bosses who prevent employees rearranging holiday if they fall ill are being urged to review their procedures after a landmark court hearing. The EU’s top court has ruled that staff who fall sick during their annual leave are entitled to take corresponding paid leave at a later date.

Kate Brooks, pictured, an employment solicitor with Dorset and New Forest law firm Ellis Jones, says the ruling could have a major impact.

“This judgement answers one of the key questions left open by the Stringer case – when somebody falls sick while on annual leave will they be able to reschedule their annual leave?” she says.

reen campaigners and wind farm supporters are celebrating a surprise decision overturning Purbeck District Council’s rejection of plans to build four wind turbines at Masters Pit, near East Stoke.

Although the council threw out the proposal last year, a planning inspector has allowed an appeal by Wimborne-based Purbeck Wind Farm LLP, which trades as Infinergy.

“This is brilliant news; it means Purbeck is taking a small step to becoming sustainable,” says Derek Moss from the Yes to Wind pressure group, which points out the majority of those who wrote to the council about the plans supported the idea, with objections coming largely from those living closest to the site.

The development can proceed, but with a series of constraints such as new actions to reduce noise levels.

“We’re very pleased because we’ve been working on this project for well over eight years, so it’s been a very

long process and as a local company that works all over the country we’re pleased to have a wind farm in our own backyard,” said Infinergy MD Esbjorn Wilmar.

But Geoff Edwardes, of Dorset Against Rural Turbines, added: “It’s obviously very disappointing for us and for thousands of people in Purbeck and visitors, because it’s not just the landscape, it’s the noise and the efficiency of them.”

Purbeck District Council planning board chairman, Cllr Peter Wharf said the decision was made in favour of the development for economic and environmental reasons.

That could lead to disputes and Ellis Jones is advising employers to seek medical evidence if in doubt.

A gas, gas, gas

Poole commercial vehicle maintenance company ETS Trucks is hoping its recent trial of a gas fuelled bus will provide the route for a clean revolution in public transport.

The MAN service dealer ran the rule over the groundbreaking EcoCity bus in a six-week trial throughout the Poole and Bournemouth area.

One of only two buses in the country fuelled by Compressed Natural Gas, the trial was intended to show how greener, quieter buses could work.

“The CNG buses run much more quietly, with less vibration and no smell of fuel,” says ETS Trucks MD, Colin Gale. “Supplying the new bus is a learning experience for us all in terms of a cleaner option for public transport.”

MAN has already supplied more than 7,000 CNG buses worldwide.

What do you think about wind farms? Would you welcome wind turbines where you live; or do you think they are an intrusion on the landscape? How would you go about generating renewable energy?

We want to hear what the readers of Seeker News think. Write to info@seeker.uk.com and we’ll launch our letters page next month. seekernews.co.uk 7

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Apprentice awards

The search to find Dorset’s best apprenticeship employer has begun.

Sponsored by Superior, the Apprenticeship Training Award has been added to the 2012 Dorset Business Awards and aims to recognise the company with the most outstanding apprenticeship programmes in the county.

“We know there are many inspirational employers and impressive apprentices out there and we urge employers to enter their company,” says Jim O’Neil of Superior, which makes precision moulded seals.

To enter the award, businesses must be based in Dorset and be delivering apprenticeship training.

The entry must be endorsed by the training provider.

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner at Lighthouse, Poole on November 29.

Neighbourly moves

Moving between Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch will be easier after the announcement that £12.1 million is being allocated to improve the main east-west transport links between the towns.

The three neighbouring authorities joined together in submitting a business case which includes a host of projects designed to encourage more sustainable travel in the so-called Three Towns Corridor.

The cash injection comes from a £600 million fund designed to help local transport authorities support the local economy and reduce carbon emissions from transport.

Eurozone problems took a back seat to Euro 2012 issues recently as business folk from across the area converged on Sandbanks for a night of networking… and nail-biting.

Coors and Beach Life Wines, while one lucky guest walked away with a pair of VIP tickets to the recent beach polo championships at Sandbanks.

And two aviation charities were given a welcome boost as around £700 flew in to their coffers.

The Haven Hotel hosted the evening, organised by Neal Butterworth Media and AFC Bournemouth’s Guy Neale, with guests enjoying English food and an England victory against Ukraine.

The evening’s four sponsors – NatWest Bank, accountancy specialists Inspire, Poole Audi and Enhanced IT solutions – were supported by Molson

Bang & Olufsen specialists Dawsons of Westbourne provided the screens, while boss Kevin Dawson chipped in with a successful £500 bid for a limited edition print of the 2011 Red Arrows team.

The money raised will go to the Jon Egging Trust, while £150 was also raised for the Vulcan To The Sky Trust.

“It was a really relaxed and enjoyable evening and we were very grateful for the support of the sponsors,” says Neal Butterworth.

Jobs flying high with business park plans A planned £60 million business park at Bournemouth Airport could create more than 1,000 new jobs.

The ten-year vision was announced by MAG Developments just a week after Cobham, also based at Bournemouth Airport, revealed 320 jobs would go by the end of the year.

The scheme will include offices, industrial units, warehousing and distribution facilities as well as hangars and will be delivered in phases over the next ten years.

The new jobs would come from start up businesses, expanding companies and building labour.

“Aviation Business Park has maintained a high level of resilience through the economic downturn and has shown robustness in meeting demand for smaller industrial units and relocating larger units with occupancy levels now at 97 per cent,” says Stephanie Mullenger, general manager for property at MAG. “This project will continue to build upon those successes, generate more

economic activity in the area and support the growth of businesses already based at Aviation Business Park.”

Christchurch Borough Council granted planning permission for the 35-acre development within the 200acre business park and a £1.1million contribution made to Dorset County Council will improve road access to the site.

There will also be improvements to the internal road system to cope with the extra traffic. seekernews.co.uk 9

SeekerNews A pioneering Dorset charity dedicated to saving children’s lives is giving local business owners a monthly insight into its fascinating world.

LV=Streetwise, the award-winning indoor safety centre in Bournemouth, hopes its monthly networking evenings will offer the chance to connect with other businesses as well as support the centre’s work.

Thousands of local schoolchildren have learned vital safety advice at the life-sized interactive village inside the Elliot Road centre and profits from the new networking sessions will help continue the life-saving work.

“We know LV=Streetwise saves lives, but we want to continue to spread the word,” says manager Alison Shelton.

“The networking meetings provide local business owners with a unique environment and a built-in opportunity to make connections and both see and directly support a local children’s charity as all profits go to Streetwise.”

The LV=Streetwise Business meetings take place on the second Monday of the month, from 6-8pm. Details from Chris Odell on 01202 805011, chris.odell@ streetwisebusiness.co.uk.

Buzan buzz

Mind Mapping creator Tony Buzan joins eight-time world memory champion Dominic O’Brien at Mind Over Business Matters, a oneday conference chaired by former BBC presenter Valerie Singleton at Kingston Maurward College on August 12.

Organised by WSX Enterprise, the conference will focus on the essential thinking skills necessary for success in business.

As well as a key note speech from Tony Buzan, who created Mind Maps in the 1970s as a visual way of representing the thought process, delegates will also hear Leontxo Garcia discuss his research into how chess can help strategic thinking; and Professor Michael Crawford on the nutrients the brain needs.

Excuses exercise

The latest Dorset Police No Excuse day of action netted more than 100 drivers caught flouting the law.

Safer Neighbourhood officers in Bridport, Sherborne, Weymouth, Blandford, Wareham, Christchurch, Poole and Bournemouth were joined by their No Excuse colleagues in marked and unmarked cars to watch for drivers speeding, using mobile phones, not wearing seat belts and other such offences.

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Hospitable conditions for catering industry

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ob seekers in the hotel and catering industry are in optimistic mood with the vast majority saying the employment market is better or no worse than it was a year ago.

That’s the key finding of the second annual recruitment survey carried out by Towngate Personnel, the Bournemouth-based hospitality industry recruiters.

Towngate, which specialises in supplying experienced staff to the hospitality industry surveyed 300 candidates between May 30 and June 20 to discover their main reasons for looking for a new job and to find out if they thought securing a new job was easier, the same or more difficult than a year ago.

Despite the continuing economic uncertainty, more than 80 per cent of candidates said the jobs market was better or the same as 12 months ago compared to just under 80 per cent last year. Although the 40 per cent that thought it had improved was down

from 42 per cent last year, some 41 per cent said it was the same – up from 37.6 per cent last year.

The amount of candidates surveyed who were currently out of work had risen to over 22 per cent, however even amongst this group only 27 per cent thought that the jobs market was worse than in 2011, down from nearly 31 per cent last year.

Once again the main reason for seeking a new job was to find better prospects with 29.7 per cent giving it as their only reason for a move. This compared to only 3.7 per cent whose sole reason was to get a job paying more money.

“Despite the well-documented tough economic conditions and the seemingly ever present Euro crisis it seems that behind the headlines in many cases business is carrying on as normal,” says Towngate MD Richard Goles.

“Many candidates still have the confidence to move jobs to further their careers, rather than sit tight and keep their heads down.”

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brolly lolly guarantees guests a holiday

S

ummer sun – or your money back! That’s the promise of a Bournemouth hotelier who is offering a moneyback guarantee of a great holiday unspoiled by wet weather in August.

Sara Uzzell, who owns the Whitehall and Arlington hotels, is so sure of Bournemouth’s credentials as the south coast’s premier resort she will pay guests back £10 a day if it rains in August.

“I want to make guests’ holidays completely weatherproof,” says Sara.

“Everyone knows Bournemouth is great when the sun’s out with seven miles of golden sands and

some of the country’s warmest sea temperatures, but there is plenty to do when it rains as well.

“Guests could use their rainy day tenners to visit the Oceanarium or the Russell-Cotes Museum, or go on a chocolate tasting tour. Mums and daughters could have their nails painted, while dad tries the real ales at the Goat & Tricycle.

The family could go to the cinema, ten pin bowling or play the slot machines at the arcade then have fish and chips at Harry Ramsden.”

Bournemouth recorded just eight dry days in the 32 days before July 1, but it enjoys about 25 per cent less annual rainfall than the national average.

editor’s comment Many readers of Seeker News will already be familiar with our story about the Bournemouth hotelier who is offering guests £10 cashback for every day it rains on their holiday.

That’s because the story, created and distributed by Seeker’s PR operation with the tagline ‘Summer sun – or your money back’, appeared in The Sun (appropriately enough), The Mirror, The Times, The Independent and Daily Echo, as well as on a host of websites including BBC News, Travel Weekly and the Independent’s home page.

It was also broadcast in two versions on BBC South Today at Breakfast.

Our client, Sara Uzzell, who owns the Whitehall and Arlington Hotels in Bournemouth, was interviewed by BBC Radio Solent, Heart FM, Hope FM and several news agencies who were desperate to distribute her story to a range of print, digital and broadcast media.

Sara was keen to highlight Bournemouth’s strength as an allweather resort as well as to generate some publicity for her hotels. She came to Seeker because she likes the way we actively encourage bold, creative thinking and deliver compelling content that gets results by emphasising the story rather than the client.

To find out how we can help you contact me at steve@seeker.uk.com Steve Cook seekernews.co.uk 11

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Dragon boat racers dressed as penguins, tigers, brides and cowboys fought it out for the fastest times, best team spirit and top fundraisers in Poole Park.

The charity dragon boat race made for a colourful spectacle in aid of Diverse Abilities Plus and Poole Hospital Charity as some 480 racers took part in teams from the Royal Bournemouth and Poole hospitals and a host of Dorset companies.

More than 1,000 family, friends and supporters turned out to cheer the boats.

Dr Anthony Cronin, from the medical paediatric team in the Child Development Centre at Poole Hospital, also provides medical cover for Langside School, one of the Diverse Abilities Plus services providing support for children and adults in Dorset with disabilities.

Jango puts the boot in B ournemouth-based fat loss expert Jango promises all his boot campers they’ll feel better about themselves, but those who came to his recent boot camp taster session felt twice as good.

That’s because Jango launched the Double D Project to raise money for good causes and help newcomers get used to healthy living.

“Double D stands for Detox and Donate so people had fun as they were introduced to healthy living at the same time as giving to charity,” says the lively fitness coach.

“Some of my regular campers were on hand, but it was open to as many people as possible to come and try some exercises – some stayed for as little as 15 minutes but others were there for three hours, all for a fiver.”

Jango is now planning to run two Double D taster session boot camps a month.

“Gyms can be very intimidating places, so can my boot camps because they are so intense,” says Jango.

“The Double D Project is there for people who want to have a healthier lifestyle but are unsure about how to get started.

“To fire up the body’s metabolism to burn fat we do some light body weights and a few body exercises with just a little jogging. We have tasty, healthy treats and snacks available and plenty of educational material for first timers to go away with.

“Above all though it’s great fun and all for a good cause!”

More information at www.facebook.com/ events/297804433646223/ Jango puts Double D Project participants through their paces

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the Price is right words: NICK CHURCHILL picture: STEVE COOK

K

atie Price, the celebrity formerly known as Jordan, brought Poole’s Dolphin Centre to a standstill recently at a book signing for her latest novel, In the Name of Love.

Any doubts about the lingering popularity of the glamour model turned author were dispelled by the bank of cameraphones that greeted her arrival – an hour late – outside Boots for the signing organised by WH Smith.

Accompanied by seven bodyguards and her children Junior and Princess, she signed books for fans and posed briefly for photos before being whisked off to Weymouth for another signing session.

It was a brief appearance, but one that perfectly proved the power of celebrity in the public imagination – the kind of power that brands and events work hard and pay well to tap into.

Celebrities appear in about 20 per cent of all adverts and event organisers know they stand a far better chance of securing valuable publicity if there are famous names on the guest list.

“I think people like to be in the

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proximity of someone famous, it makes them feel good about themselves, creates a buzz and where there’s a buzz there’s a sales opportunity,” says Liz Willingham, MD of Liz Lean PR, the Sandbanks-based public relations and event management agency.

“Matching the right celebrity to the brand or the event is actually a very difficult thing to do. For instance, someone like Katie Price tends to divide people – for every one person she attracts she would send another running.

“On the other hand, Phil Spencer was great at the Dorset Property Awards last year – he’s a very neutral name, I don’t think he could possibly offend anyone.

“Debra Stephenson is a relatively fresh face locally but she has done a lot over the last couple of years.

She’s a really genuine, bright, down to earth lady who is very committed to this area. She does a lot for Julia’s House and was wonderful at the Beales charity fashion show.”

Sometimes the match-making process throws up a happy accident such as

when Karren Brady was booked for an intimate lecture and Q&A session as part of the launch of Bournemouth University’s Executive Business Centre the week it was announced she would replace Margaret Mountford as Alan Sugar’s assistant on The Apprentice.

“That worked out incredibly well for all concerned,” says Liz. “We had to work hard to find the right person for the job and got Karren just as her star started to rise. Karren’s career has a bit of an edge to it, but the University totally bought into it and members of the audience are still talking about it two years later!”

However, fame can be fickle – for some it is a few fleeting moments, for others a fortune-making rocket ride to the stars. Today’s celebrity could be a superstar tomorrow, or a nobody – and the transition can be as stark and instant as that.

“Celebrity works because it instantly creates a link between someone the

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public knows and whatever brand or business has paid to be associated with it,” says Steven Foster, MD of GTI, the Bournemouth digital agency that has worked with the likes of Harry Hill, Scott Mills, Duncan Bannatyne and James Caan.

“But there can be a very fast turnaround. The year before last Lloyd Daniels the former X Factor contestant closed Post Office Road in Bournemouth with a personal appearance at ShakeAway, but where is he now? He was on the same series as Olly Murs who’s a massive star and yet they both started at the same point with the same guidance and handlers.

“Some of them are able to harness the power of television and other media to make them stronger attractors until, as with someone like Katie Price, or the Beckhams, they become a brand in themselves.”

But what is it about famous people that makes them so

fascinating to the rest of us that we want to buy products or go to events to be like them?

“These people have something in common – they are attractors,” says Steven. “In other words, they attract success and in turn people are attracted to that, thereby attracting customers to the brands they are promoting. It’s hypnotic and illustrates just how powerful a medium television is – TV is essential in creating the kind of instant celebrity we see today.”

Away from the bright lights and flashguns though, it’s worth remembering that celebrities are not that different from the rest of us.

“Harry Redknapp is a lovely neighbour,” says Liz. “He stops at the shop every morning for his paper and always has the time of day, remembers who you are, that kind of thing. Celebrities are just people – you get good and bad ones, just like with everyone else.” seekernews.co.uk 15

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eading Edge members strive for excellence as likeminded business people who believe that networking is about developing business relationships, sharing knowledge and experience, and building trust.

We understand that networking is not selling, and that over time, building long-term relationships will develop us, our businesses and those around us.

Members list Worth ACCountAntS Steve Worth 01202 516888 steve@worthaccountants.co.uk FortreSS mortGAGeS John Richardson 01202 386053 john@fortress- mortgages.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 mArk LIDDLe LLP Mark Liddle 01202 551193 mark@markliddle.com 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 16 seekernews.co.uk

Seeker Steve Cook 01202 779604 steve@seeker.uk.com the BuSIneSS exPLorer Ian Thurgood 07785 222054 ian@thebusinessexplorer.com rIChmonD home ImProVement Co Allan Tofield 0800 614102 enquiries@richmondco.co.uk meh ConStruCtIon management LtD Magnus Harding 01202 766732 magnus.harding@ meh-construction.co.uk SmB netWork SoLutIonS John Harrison 01202 601776 john@smbnet.com eLLIS JoneS SoLICItorS Sarah Hopcroft 01202 414003 sarah.hopcroft@ellisjones.co.uk WInnInG BuSIneSS David Foster 01202 427464 david@winningbusiness.co.uk APPLIeD SAFety SoLutIonS Mark Baxter 01202 716100 mark@appliedsafetysolutions.com AFC Bournemouth Rob Mitchell 01202 726322 rob.mitchell@afcb.co.uk mSP BuSIneSS SerVICeS Malcolm Pitcher 08456 808304 malcolm@mspbusiness services.co.uk

SeekerNews

Call this a stuffy staff conference? words and pictures: STEVE COOK

O

ranges, as they say, are not the only fruit.

Likewise businessmen like Robert Maxwell, are not the only model for entrepreneurs, just compare him to Richard Branson.

There are your standard, stereotypical pinstriped businessmen and then there are people like Mark Constantine, co-founder of Poole-based cosmetics company Lush.

Large multinationals might hold a global staff conference at ExCeL London or the NEC, Apple might even hold it in their own Town Hall in Cupertino, California, but that’s still very corporate.

Lush prefer to do their own thing – they call it Lushfest! z Some 3,000 visitors including staff, friends and family from more than 50 countries. z New product presentations including the new Emotional Brilliance range launched worldwide on July 21.

z Product making demonstrations and staff training. z A festival site including a main stage, variety tents and a Ferris wheel. z Spa rooms and a pamper tent. z Pre-built camping village including solar powered lights. z Full music line up starring Turin Breaks, The Futureheads and Cerys Matthews.

In the words of Lush co-founder Mark Constantine: “in order to be different from someone else you have to experiment, you have to try ideas out, you have to dream.”

To get a feel for Lushfest visit www. seekernews.co.uk/lushfest2012 Lush is bucking the trend and looking to recruit 400 new staff to cope with the expected Christmas rush for orders.

It held two presentation days and interviews at Bournemouth and Poole College on July 16 and 17 with more than 1,000 people signing up. seekernews.co.uk 17

Supplying Dorset’s businesses with talented people since 1982 has resulted in the database of local candidates.

Just imagine how our birthday party will be!

Get involved here 18 seekernews.co.uk

SeekerNews

goals

words: STEVE COOK

A

ppearing at the Olympic Games would be the highlight of any athlete’s career, it’s where the world’s elite come to prove their worth.

To compete in the Games and to represent your nation in the opening ceremony must surely rank among the highest honours an athlete can receive.

So why would a group of also rans who’d managed to work their way up to representing Great Britain at rowing refuse to appear in the opening ceremony?

Simple, because it wouldn’t make the boat go faster!

Ben Hunt-Davis now makes his living as a performance consultant, inspirational speaker and author, but in 2000 he won gold at the Sydney Olympics.

In his refreshingly honest and open way he explains how the British Olympic rowing squad consisted of a very mixed bag of abilities, the best four rowers were placed in the four man team, the next best two in the pairs and everyone else that wasn’t picked first made up the eight man crew.

Whilst the fours (Redgrave, Cracknell, Pinsent and Foster) were expected to win gold, the eights seemed to be there just to make up the numbers. In the previous 10 years Ben had only won two international regattas and come sixth and eighth at the previous two Olympics.

So how did this team of misfits, some of whom actively disliked each other, manage to bring home the gold medal?

They had goals. A big goal.

Ben and the rest of the team had one simple but extraordinary goal – to win the Olympic gold medal.

To that end they applied a simple, no-nonsense philosophy – whenever there was a decision to be made, an action to be taken or a performance to be reviewed they asked themselves: will it make the boat go faster?

Would it make the boat go faster if they were all best friends? No. As long as they would appreciate each others’ strengths and work together, being mates is unnecessary.

Would it make the boat go faster if they joined in the opening ceremony? No. They wouldn’t spend four hours standing around in a stadium before a normal race so why would they do it before the biggest race of their lives.

Just as they successfully applied this rationale to their quest for gold, it should be a process that you apply to your business.

Decide what your extreme, extraordinary goal is and pursue it with every decision you make and every action you take.

Will this action help land that big client?

Will it help me to feel more fulfilled?

Will it make the business more profitable?

Will it move me closer to owning an Aston Martin?

(OK, so that’s my own personal one).

So next time you’re sat there doing something unproductive remember Ben Hunt-Davis and his Olympic gold medal and ask yourself: will it make the boat go faster?

Will it make the boat go faster? by Ben Hunt-Davis and Harriet Beveridge is published by Matador and is available from www.hunt-davis.co.uk. seekernews.co.uk 19

SeekerMotoring

Me

The new A from the o bound to s competing

words and pictures: STEVE COOK

T

he Goodwood Festival of Speed has established a unique place in the summer calendar. Held a week before the British Formula 1 Grand Prix fans are treated to the sight of top F1 drivers pushing their cars on the hillclimb.

As well as the glamour of the racing cars the public gets the rare opportunity to test drive some of the latest models on the track as part of the Moving Motor Show, a one-day event which attracted 20 manufacturers this year and featured a number of models making their UK debut.

But although the new Porsche 916 Spyder was there, as were the F1 cars, they weren’t the coolest thing about the Festival of Speed. No, that honour has to go to the special edition I-Spy book!

Nostalgia aside, here are a few of the festival highlights.

Mini

Porsche

Wow! The 918 Spyder made its UK debut at Goodwood and at last Porsche can compete with Ferrari.

This 200mph hybrid will go into production on September 18, 2013 and will be a limited production run of 918 (see what they did there? 918 918s being made from 9/18). With a petrol engine and two electric motors, one for each axle, the power unit will produce more than 770hp and give an electriconly top speed of 94mph. Downside?

Left hand drive only... and the half million pound price tag.

The fastest Mini ever built, the new Cooper GP posted a very impressive 8 minute 23 sec lap of the Nurburgring – 19 seconds quicker than its predecessor. With upgraded, race spec everything – and it’s the right size (that is, not the SUV size of the new Minis) – this has got to be one of the most desirable Minis in years and the limited production run of 2,000 vehicles worldwide is bound to be snapped up about as quickly as it goes around the ‘Ring.

20 seekernews.co.uk

SeekerMotoring

Renault

ercedes

You could describe the electric Twizy as a rollerskate or bumper car, but it reminds me more of a pushchair.

With two tandem seats and only about an inch of leg room in the back it would appear to be the perfect yummy mummy school-run vehicle, but only until child number two comes along.

A Class is a radical departure original, looks great and is sell in vast numbers despite g directly against the Audi A3.

Goodwood Festival of Speed

Bentley Porsche (again!)

The return of the EXP 9 F concept car which made its debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. This 600bhp W12 engined SUV is similar in size to the Audi Q7 and is expected to go on sale in 2015 for around ÂŁ150,000.

The Panamera Hybrid teams a supercharged V6 petrol engine with a 47bhp electric motor to give a respectable 30.4mpg and 0-62 in just six seconds – quite amazing for a car that must weigh as much as a battleship!

seekernews.co.uk 21

SeekerNews

spotting talent

Get up and go!

by LLOyD BANKS

by ANN SyMES

Rubicon People

It’s only since I’ve been directly involved with the recruitment industry, coming up for 10 years, that I’ve fully appreciated how rare it is to find truly talented, externally sourced, people to move businesses forwards.

There are ways to attract talent, working with the right Agency is one, but this will count as nothing if, as the employer/manager, you can’t actually spot those talented individuals who do cross your path from time to time.

Here’s a starter guide: z Seek complimentary skill sets, qualifications, experience rather than a “Mini Me”. z Take on decision makers and positive thinkers even if they’re not the brightest.

High IQ can be very appealing and disarming but can disguise character flaws. z Challenging unexpected situations requiring quick thinking and problem solving provide an insight into a candidate’s latent “talent” better than any responses to face-toface interview check-sheet questionnaires. z The best candidate interviews contain just two or three questions. It’s the clarification and exploration into the answers that establish talent – not pat answers.

I’m scratching the surface here. It’s a fascinating subject and one that any business, of whatever size, really looking to lead in their field needs to master or else seek help with. Good luck.

Quay Development Coaching

Why is it that some days you get out of bed raring to go, but other days you fight yourself just to get out of bed?

It’s not that you feel ill or particularly tired, but you just can’t get any enthusiasm going.

Why is that?

It’s probably because you are lacking motivation.

Understanding what motivates you and your staff will help you to increase performance without employing more people, moving to bigger premises or spending any more money.

Increased motivation results in performance being more efficient and effective, not to mention having a happy workforce.

gives its advertisers more...

Dorset's only monthly glossy business and lifestyle magazine Countywide distribution Great content that people actually read, giving greater visibilty for our advertisers Banner ads on www.seekernews.co.uk Social media promotion for our advertisers The NEW Seeker Business Club, real world networking with free or discounted places for advertisers

22 seekernews.co.uk

Think how Olympic athletes reach the top of the podium. An athlete can fill their body with enough food to make sure that they are not hungry, but unless it’s the correct food they will not be able to perform at their best.

It’s the same in the workplace in relation to being motivated.

If you don’t understand and feed your motivations and those of your team you will go through all the motions, but will not be delivering a gold medal performance.

A few simple changes and a basic understanding of what motivates you and the people you work with can make a huge difference to performance.

Now, find your get up and go... and get going!

SeekerNews

Contact the people who can help your business

I

n the space of the first month after I was appointed editor of the Daily Echo in 1998, I was invited to 36 different lunches.

Back then, it was the way to get the head honcho in front of you. Call his PA, explain how important it was for the editor to spend up to three hours of his life drinking fizzy water and the relationship was sealed for life (or at least your respective lives in that role).

I had to make a decision; find a different way to engage or grow fat enough to have my own postcode.

It’s a different world now, in all our businesses. The ‘lunch, lunch, lunch’ mentality has been replaced by a need to maximise time for the maximum effect.

That’s why a strategy is vital and, as I highlighted last month, you have to choose your targets carefully.

Neal Butterworth, Editor-in-Chief of the Bournemouth Daily Echo for 13 years, now runs Neal Butterworth Media and his seminars centre on his 12 Golden Rules for working with the local media. This is the fourth of his Seeker News columns highlighting the rules and taking a sideways look at the media So you’ve found the journalist who’ll best deal with your enquiry. What next? Send an email. If it’s a press release, I prefer to see it attached with relevant hi-res photos and an introductory covering message, although it can all be embedded in the email.

If you have regular contact with the individual, don’t worry about a quick call to say you’ve sent it. Do not call randomly and start a conversation with the words: “I sent a press release last week and wanted to know when it’s going to be used...”

You might consider copying it to the generic business or news email address. Quite often, I’d be copied in by close contacts, which was fine, as I simply passed it over to the person you’ve already sent it to (but the editor pinging it over doesn’t do any harm).

Visit www.nealbutterworth.co.uk for details of Neal Butterworth Media’s services.

Next month, the correct approach...

off to market

essential protection

by SAMUEL ADAMS

by DEBBIE COHEN

Direct2Digital

It always surprises how many people view having a website or a Facebook page as an expectation rather than a requirement.

Likewise, I’m astonished at the number of companies delivering such services with little or no regard to the marketing equation of product, service, target market and budget.

Let’s take marketing back to basics.

Recently, a seed business came to us interested in a website. Reviewing their marketing equation we advised that the budget should be used for direct marketing such as leaflets together with brand awareness activity using Twitter and Facebook. This model enabled the company

to grow quickly and create a more fluent cash flow.

At the other end of the scale, we were approached by a London-based e-learning company with a turnover of £60 million. We were able to demonstrate that even if they invested £12,000 a month on an existing pay-per-click campaign they would never make profit. Instead, we proposed a new campaign that would generate profits from day one, with no increase to the budget.

A successful marketing campaign is one grounded on intelligent, analytical and customer-focused research.

That’s the requirement.

Follow expectation and your marketing will be less effective on your bottom line.

Streetwise HR

There’s an old saying that a contract isn’t worth the paper it’s written on – what nonsense!

Many clients tell us they have never issued a contract of employment and no employee has ever complained. Lucky them!

That’s fine as long as employees never challenge them, but not only is it a legal requirement to issue a contract, it is essential for protecting a business.

Whenever we take on a case the first question we ask is: What does the contract of employment say? It is the first point of reference.

Without a contract a business owner has no way of proving what was agreed, or have any recourse to

challenge an employee if something goes wrong.

By law, employers must issue a contract of employment within the first eight weeks of employment. It is also essential to issue an employee handbook and have staff members sign to be able to prove they have read and understood the company rules.

A contract and handbook are fundamental to any business. Not only are they legal requirements but they can be written to suit the company so the employer can retain the flexibility they need.

It’s obvious really, but if the basics are taken care of in a professional manner at the start of a person’s employment then everyone knows where they stand. seekernews.co.uk 23

SeekerNews

inspire C h a r t e r e d Ta x A d v i s e r s & C h a r t e r e d Certified Accountants

rt a e x e “ To ting la stimu necial e and b t” effec

inspire

Here at Inspire, we strive to exert a “stimulating and beneficial effect” on our clients’ businesses; after all, that’s what inspire means.

C h a r t e r e d Ta x A d v i s e r s & C h a r t e r e d to exert C Here e r t i f i at e d Inspire, A c c o u nwe t a nstrive ts

a “stimulating and

We do this effect” by providing services after such all, as beneficial on ourinnovative clients’ businesses; fixed-fee compliance, financial director on demand, that’s what inspire means. proactive tax advice and outsourced finance functions.

We do this by providing innovative services such as

financialowner-managed director on demand, Iffixed-fee you run compliance, an entrepreneurial, proactive tax advice and outsourced finance company which needs more support from functions. your accountants, whether it’s on special projects or If you runfian entrepreneurial, ongoing nancial reportingowner-managed and tax advice, company we which love needs moreto support from your accountants, would to talk you. whether it’s on special projects or ongoing financial

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Inspire can help your business.

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T: 0800 077Poole 6410 F: 0800 BH14 077 6411 37 Commercial Road Dorset 0HU t. 0800 077 6410E:f.info@inspire.uk.net 0800 077 6411 W: www.inspire.uk.net e. info@inspire.uk.net

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Make your website work Most websites under-perform. Our website M.O.T. will help you ensure yours isn’t one of them.

• Signage • Web Development • Design & Hosting • Search Optimisation • E-commerce

24 seekernews.co.uk

Contact Ann Hobden to discuss how we can make a difference to your business.

01202 700443 ideas@bluewaterweb.co.uk www.bluewaterweb.co.uk

SeekerCharity

Nothingthese rides can throw at us willevercompare to the challenges that our daughter and many other children like her experience

A

iming to raise £25,000 for the Piam Brown Ward, the Wessex Pediatric Oncology Centre at Southampton General Hospital, Ferndown mountain biker Steve Collins sets off on his latest challenge next month.

The 270-mile off road Scotland Coast To Coast trek is the latest effort of his Ride Against Cancer charity that has so far seen them tackle the notorious Sam Helen Trail – 270 miles in eight days over the Welsh mountains – as well as a 230-mile English Coast To Coast challenge from St Bees Head, Cumbria, across the Lake District, Pennines, Yorkshire Dales and Moors to Robin Hood’s Bay. Steve’s fundraising has been inspired by his teenage daughter Emily’s fight against bone cancer.

“Watching my teenage daughter fight an epic battle against bone cancer, suffer the pain of major orthopaedic surgery, learn to walk again and overcome multiple organ failure and a serious heart condition has truly humbled me to a degree that I never thought possible,” says Steve.

“Her courage, tenacity and determination have been an inspiration to me, our family and friends and nothing these rides can throw at us will ever compare to the challenges that our daughter and many other children like her experience every day in Piam Brown.”

The Scottish ride sets off from Kyleakin on September 17 and Steve is looking for sponsors and donations to spur him, his son Andrew and other self-funding riders on in their challenge to ride to Montrose on the east coast.

“Having already completed the toughest trails in England and Wales, we have turned our sights to one of the most difficult in Scotland. The Highlands of Scotland are dramatic and in mountain biking parlance – terrifying!

every day Wouldn’t the world be a great place if no-one was ever ill, there was no disease, war or want?

Unfortunately, attractive as the dream is, it is just a dream.

Charity is a massive part of how society helps those in need, especially in these days when government is increasingly unable or unwilling to offer support to those that need it.

We have set up a system whereby whenever we have a blank space on an ad page in Seeker News we will randomly select an advert sent to us by a charity – just like the Cancer Research ad on page 34 of this issue.

Obviously this will be on an occasional space allowing basis and if charities need to have something in the magazine at a specific time we can offer a 25 per cent discount off our usual prices.

If charities would like to get in touch with me at steve@seeker.uk.com we will gladly send them the specs for sending their artwork.

Steve Cook Editor – Seeker News

Steve Collins’ next fundraising ride sees him tackle Scotland

“Awesome climbs and absolutely fearful descents, coupled of course with the inevitable challenging weather conditions!”

To find out more visit www. rideagainstcancer.co.uk, email steve@ rideagainstcancer.co.uk or call 01202 577408. seekernews.co.uk 25

SeekerCharity

Hot-footing it

Walking on fire will seem like a stroll in the park for Fiona MacEwen and Phil Kightley as they raise money for two causes dear to their hearts.

Fiona, who is recovering after having a life-threatening tumour removed from under her jaw, and full-time carer Phil, who is supporting his wife Carole in her daily struggle with an inoperable tumour, are going to walk through embers burning at 800 degrees to raise money for About Face in Poole and the Radiotherapy team at Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Fiona has organised the Great Dorset Firewalk at Virgin Active Racquets and Health Club in Poole on September 7 for up to 50 people to take part and hopes to be first through the fire; while Phil has given up his job in order to care for Carole.

To find out more or to take part in the Great Dorset Fire Walk contact Fiona at f.macewen@btinternet.com.

BCHA honoured

BCHA, which runs vital homelessness and housing projects in Bournemouth and Poole, has been honoured at the UK Housing Awards.

The charity helped more than 1,100 people off the streets last year and won the Large Schemes, Development of the Year Award for George House, which opened in Plymouth to provide temporary accommodation to vulnerable people.

Jolly good Yellow

Big Yellow Self Storage is supporting Forest Holme Hospice in Poole by donating free storage space.

The Friends of Forest Holme plan to open a retail outlet, The Secret Wardrobe, selling vintage clothes and jewellery, but until the shop is ready they need to store donations so will use 125sq ft storage space on Nuffield Road until the stock hits the shelves.

Battens ball

Driving wind and rain failed to dampen the spirits of teams taking part in the annual Battens charity beach volleyball tournament on Weymouth beach.

The 22 teams raised more than £1,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

In a hard-fought final the five strong Agincare Demons beat a rival team from the Dorset-based care provider – the Agincare Angels – by 17 points to 15 to be crowned 2012 champions.

26 seekernews.co.uk

Melanie (left) with Olivia and Abigail and Jonathan Holyhead, chief executive officer of Dorset Blind Association

Sight for sore eyes Abigail, 7, is reading thanks to CCTV

G

etting a seven-year-old girl to read to her little sister can be up uphill struggle for many parents, but for Melanie Anderson-Pike it was a moment she thought she might never see.

For her daughter Abigail lives with Peter’s Anomaly, a rare form of eye dysfunction that means she has next to no useful vision in her right eye and very limited vision in her left. She has no peripheral vision, she can’t see in 3D and has no depth of vision. She has cataracts and glaucoma and optical nerve damage. The cornea in her right eye is susceptible to damage and could detach, as could her retinas.

“It’s as if her eyes are working against her,” says Melanie, from Parkstone. “She has had ten operations in her little life – the first was when she was 14 days old. She’s a very brave, determined little girl, incredibly resilient.”

As a result of an appeal, Dorset Blind Association – which helps people with sight loss of all ages across Dorset – has been able to give Abigail a CCTV reader which magnifies type, making reading much easier.

And one of the first things she did was read a story to little sister Olivia.

“It was so lovely to see her sit down with her book and the reader and just get on with it,” Melanie says. “It was one of those moments I had to go away and have a little cry.”

Abigail is the only partially sighted

pupil at her school and although she is well supported academically her mum says she struggles socially at times.

“The visually impaired frequently misread social situations because they miss visual cues and can’t read facial expressions so it can be very difficult for Abigail. As a society we are not very good at talking about things like this and I think people see her as a risk when she’s not, she misses out on party invites and playdates.

“That’s why we got in touch with Dorset Blind Association quite early on so that she knows there’s a social support network for her when she’s a bit older, somewhere she can go as a teenager and mix with other visually impaired youngsters.”

But for all the trials Abigail has faced, Melanie and the rest of the family remain generally upbeat.

“What choice do we have?” she asks.

“We focus on the positive and there are so many lovely moments in the things people say and do.

“Everyone says Abigail is amazing and she is.”

Dorset Blind Association helps up to 1,000 blind or partially sighted people each month but receives no state funding and relies heavily on donations. To help it continue assisting people like Abigail please call 01202 712869 or visit www.dorsetblind. org.uk or send a donation to 17 Bournemouth Road, Lower Parkstone, Poole, BH14 0EF.

FaRceEPaEinutging F

th A Sat 4 -2pm 10am

15ton

Seaside Fun at Dolphin Thurs 2nd – Sat 4th Aug 10am-5pm Sand artists will be creating a spectacular 15ton, sea themed sculpture. Come and see the sculpture come to life outside Next.

FREE

Sand Castle Workshops Sat 4th & Sun 5th Aug 12pm-2pm Make your own sand art with our sand castle making workshops.

All ages welcome!

!

N I W

r of you o t o h sap could Send u tle and you !* as es sand c ntastic priz a win f

@DolphinShopping /DolphinShoppingCentre

*Send your sand castle photographs to competition@dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk Terms and conditions apply, see website for full details.

Images for illustrative purposes only.

Sand castles may vary on the day of event.

dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk

DOLPHIN the centre for shoppingseekernews.co.uk in POOLE 27

SeekerArts

Singer-songwriter KT Tunstall tops the bill of folk, roots and world music acts confirmed for the biggest-ever Purbeck Folk Festival.

The Scottish Ivor Novello and Brit awards winner will close Saturday night of the August Bank Holiday three-day event which is fast becoming one of the country’s top family-friendly music festivals.

from £5 for youngsters to £45, are now on sale.

Dorset bands will join UK and international favourites at the Langton Matravers site near Swanage and the festival’s fourth year promises to be the biggest yet, with Shooglenifty and The Destroyers headlining the Friday and Sunday line-ups respectively.

Day tickets, ranging in price

August 24-25 Wilkswood Farm, Langton Matravers www.purbeckfolk.co.uk

Ever since she watched a storm roll in across a Cornish cliff-top as a young art student, Kathryn Thomas has been captivated by the impact of changing light on land, sea and sky.

For her latest collection, Shining Lights 2012, Kathryn has focused on one location for the first time in her career.

“Since moving from Bristol to Poole, I’ve become fascinated by the stunning surroundings of my new environment and I’m excited about the challenge of translating these sometimes majestic sometimes quiet sights through my art,” she says.

From an autumn dawn, through the glow of a midday winter sun to a long summer evening, Shining Lights 2012 features more than 50 interpretations of a variety of natural light shows across the local area.

But although inspired by the Dorset coastline, the settings are not easily recognisable as the works are not intended to be exact copies of nature.

“On a universal level, through painting I hope to encourage people to be aware of the power of nature and to realise our fleeting relationship with this planet,” says Kathryn.

The Studio, Poole www.kathryn-thomas.co.uk

28 seekernews.co.uk

SeekerArts

It shouldn’t be a stretch for all the family to enjoy themselves at Colourfest, a four-day bank holiday yoga and arts festival at Holton Lee. With three marquees and an eclectic programme of performers and workshops, the weekend promises a mix of yoga, music, art, dance, storytelling, poetry and theatre.

“Our background is yoga, but Colourfest opens itself to other ways to experience beauty and depth in life,” say organisers Rowan Cobelli and Robbie Newman.

There’s a dedicated kids’ tent and Café Shanti with a stage in the evening that features storytellers, poets, and acoustic artists.

The yoga programme sees some top International and UK teachers offering a diverse range of workshops and classes for both novices and experienced students.

The music line up includes world musicians, acoustic artists and a collection of respected devotional music artists from around the UK. August 24-27 Holton Lee, Poole www.colourfest.co.uk

Internationally acclaimed circus show, ShangHi plays Bournemouth this month.

Created by Cirque du Ciel, with more than 30 multi-talented performers and 500 dazzling costumes, the two-hour feast for the eyes combines acrobatics, modern dance, martial arts, original music and a host of traditional and contemporary Chinese elements in an enthralling fantasy adventure.

August 21-25 Windsor Hall, BIC www.bic.co.uk

seekernews.co.uk 29

SeekerSport

Weston booked for stadium dinner event Falklands War veteran Simon Weston OBE is to share his inspirational story with senior figures from the local business community at the AFC Business Directors’ Dinner on October 18 at the Goldsands Stadium.

Familiar to millions for his charity work since being injured in the Falklands some 30 years ago, Simon will be guest speaker at the dinner Directors_v4_back_v4.pdf

1

09/07/2012

11:40

event for directors and senior managers in the Champions Top Floor Restaurant.

The evening will close with a raffle, where proceeds will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.

To book a place contact Emma Wall at AFC Bournemouth on 01202 726306 or email emma. wall@afcb.co.uk.

Directors' Dinner Invitation

"The only obstacles to achieving one's targets and successes are those you create for yourself."

Fine Dining Event Menu: Amuse bouche

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Roast pumpkin veloute (v)

In 1982 the Sir Galahad was destroyed in Bluff Cove on the Falkland Islands. On board was Simon Weston, Welsh Guardsman, a name and face that was going to become well known for his struggle to overcome his injuries and redefine his role in life.

C

Beef carpaccio, salsa verde, aged parmesan and dorset leaves Or “Imam Bayildi” salad, coriander flat bread and tzatziki (v)

TABLE OF 10 INC VAT

INC VAT

Your ticket includes: a welcome drink, three course dinner, wine and coffee.

Dress code is lounge suits.

Main course Organic roast chicken stuffed with morels and tarragon and fondant potato Or Jerusalem artichoke risotto, new forest mushrooms and gremolata (v)

Simon's message is one of single-minded determination, to not only accept what is, but to turn that to your advantage. Simon's own career clearly Simon Weston OBE demonstrates how a positive mental attitude can achieve Special Guest speaker great business goals.

TICKETS

PER PERSON

£55 £500

Starter

Event Partner

Dessert

“Chocolate and blueberries” Coffee

OFFICIAL CHARITY PARTNER

YOUR TEAM’S BUSINESS CLUB

Directors_v4_front_v3.pdf

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05/07/2012

OFFICIAL AFC BUSINESS PARTNERS

Supported by the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce

13:31

Directors' Dinner Invitation Thursday 18th October 2012

7pm - 11pm - with special guest speaker

C

Simon Weston OBE

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Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

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TICKETS

£55

AFC Bournemouth

Dean Court, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF

PER PERSON INC VAT

TABLE OF 10

£500 INC VAT

YOUR TEAM’S BUSINESS CLUB

30 seekernews.co.uk

SeekerSport Picture courtesy of Daily Echo, Bournemouth

Not even soggy summer downpours could dampen spirits at AFC Bournemouth’s inaugural beach football event.

Sandbanks beach played host to one of the Cherries’ landmark events this summer – and the rain clouds subsided just as the action kicked off.

With a turnout of more than 70 local football enthusiasts with ages ranging from seven to 14, the beach was a hive of activity.

AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust sent coaches to help

transfer the beautiful game from grass to sand, while Sandbanks Hotel allowed parents to stay and enjoy the fun.

“We couldn’t have hoped for a more enthusiastic group of youngsters to attend the event,” said AFC Bournemouth commercial consultant Guy Neale, who organised the event.

“Families braved what looked like a torrential rainstorm to attend our first beach football event and fortunately they were rewarded by the sun coming out from behind the clouds. Now

hopefully we’ll get a real summer so we can do it all again!”

Steve Cuss, head of the Community Sports Trust added: “It was a pleasure to be involved in such a unique event. As residents of Bournemouth and Poole – home to the UK’s finest sand beaches – to take football onto the shoreline is a logical step, and it proved to be a real winner.

“I’ve already received emails of thanks and queries as to when we will be putting on the second beach football event, and the answer is very soon.”

Cherries strike gold

F

ollowing a major new sponsorship deal, Cherries’ home ground Dean Court will be known as the Goldsands Stadium from this month.

The newly-formed London-based private concierge service Goldsands Management has secure the naming rights for two years, with an option to extend for a third in a five-figure yearly deal.

“We are absolutely thrilled to secure this deal with one of the most up and coming professional football teams in the country,” says Goldsands MD John O’Neill.

“As a company that offers bespoke life tailoring for premium members – sportsmen and woman in particular – this is the perfect club, and perfect location for us to invest.

“We are very excited about the seasons ahead and anticipate with

vigour the prospect of working with an ambitious outfit who are looking for success.”

opportunity for some national exposure and great publicity by linking with the Cherries.

AFC Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell adds: “We are very pleased to be able to announce this positive step for the club. Goldsands Management are a fledgling business with big ambitions and they have grasped the

“We are a club on the up, and Goldsands Management want to be associated with that. That is a ringing endorsement for this club, and we look forward to working closely with them for the next two seasons and beyond.” seekernews.co.uk 31

SeekerSport

Magpies swoop on shiny FA Cup ties W

imborne Town kick off their FA Cup campaign on home soil with a Preliminary Round tie against Hayling United or Fareham Town on August 25.

But the Magpies have to travel for their FA Trophy Preliminary Round clash with fellow EVOSTIK League Division One S&W side Clevedon Town on September 15.

Both competitions represent potential money-spinners, with victory in the FA Cup offering £1,750 in prize money and £2,300 for the FA Trophy.

“I’m pleased we’ve been drawn at home in the FA Cup,” says manager Steve Cuss. “Whoever we play, Hayling or Fareham, you can be sure they’ll provide tough opposition.”

“The FA Trophy draw has given us a tricky tie at a side which plays at the same level as us.” z Harry Redknapp was guest of honour at the club’s recent Patron’s Draw which saw Champion Forklifts named as official shirt sponsors for the season.

The Bournemouth company wins a sponsorship package worth £10,000 and will see its logo on the first team shirts this term.

Ferndown boxer Iain Weaver has signed promotional terms with Matchroom Sport and is set to make his professional debut at Alexandra Palace on September 8.

Weymouth Basketball Club is already in training for the new season which starts next month.

Super-featherweight Iain, who decided to turn pro after narrowly missing out on the Olympics, will fight on the undercard of Darren Barker’s comeback. The Matchroom stable also includes former amateur stars Scott Cardle and Kalid Yafai, as well as Carl Froch and Iain’s GB boxing teammate Martin Ward.

The 2011-12 term saw three players called up to the south west regional team as the club developed its eight teams, attracting more players from across south Dorset.

“I will always have great memories of representing Great Britain, but this is a new chapter in my life and I cannot wait to get going,” says Iain. “To make my debut on the undercard of a big show topped by Darren Barker, a guy who has fought one of the top three fighters in the world, is a dream come true.”

The men’s teams – Weymouth Tandoori Bandits, GH Podiatry Cowboys and Raiders – all showed a competitive spirit in their respective leagues with mixed results.

Iain won silver at the 2010 European Amateur Championships in Moscow, but was controversially overlooked for the final Olympic qualifying event in Turkey in April.

For details of current training and the new season, visit www.weymouthbasketball.co.uk

32 seekernews.co.uk

The under-12s and under-16s both came within a single game of taking their respective titles in the Solent Area Basketball Association Central Venue Leagues.

The Weymouth Huskies ladies’ side showed promise after switching to the more competitive Solent League.

SeekerSport

Reins in the rain T

he fifth annual Asahi British Beach Polo Championships, held at Sandbanks, was hailed a success despite the weather’s attempt to dampen the two-day event.

dramatic night polo exhibition was staged on Friday and on both afternoons the popular pony versus Audi Q7 race took place in the arena in aid of Help for Heroes, raising £2,500.

The action kicked off with Wales securing a narrow 12-11 victory over England, before Ireland saw off Scotland, also by a single goal.

As well as international polo, other attractions included Oakley UK’s beach volleyball competition and Illusion, a charity fashion show by Crystal Adonis opened by current face of Rimmel London, Katia Elizarova, while celebrity chef Mark Hix designed the menu for the hospitality guests.

Scotland went on to beat England 10-7 in Saturday’s sub-final, leaving the best to last as Niall Donnelly scored the Irish winner over Wales in the very last second of the last chukka with the ball hitting the goal post as the buzzer sounded, leaving Colm Purcell, Niall Donnelly and Guy Higginson from Team Ireland to walk away with the coveted Championship.

In addition to the championships, a

Amika London hosted the entertainment on both nights commencing with Swing the Polo on Friday and Beach Party: The Polo on Saturday with live music followed by international DJ Colin ‘StarRocker’ Pereira.

seekernews.co.uk 33

SeekerNews

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SeekerSocialDiary

Frettens Solicitors Summer Party June 28, The Captains Club Hotel, Christchurch

Susan Spooner, Martin Spooner, Michelle Hayter and Avril Owton

Heidi Cardoza, Joanne Harris, Lee Young and Lee Van Hoyland

John Dorricott, Lucy Filer and Steve Ellson

Julie Ann Harris, Martin Spooner and Ian Thurgood

Oonagh McKinney, Carole Evans and Carl Geary

Heather Varley, Brian Wilton, Kelly Taylor and Julie Frampton

Ray McIntyre, Tammy Bishop, Mike Bristow and David Fairbairn

Matt Fretten and Mark Godfrey

Julian Errington, Wesley Sanderson and David Walton

Nick Free, Emma Tilt

Fran & Andy Castle, Andy Knight, Nick Osborne, Helen Mackenzie

Melanie Hedges, Neil Chapman, Alex Eaton

Abi Parker, Dean Reeves

Neal Butterworth, Kerri Young

Roy Hayden, Russell Brown

Rob Gilbert, Ian Govier

Rob Cousins, Andy SIngleton, Roy Richmond

Guy Neale, Nigel Price

Back of the Net June 19, Haven Hotel, Poole

seekernews.co.uk 35

SeekerSocialDiary

Liddle Lunch

June 15, Italian Villa, Compton Acres

David Monk, Gary Neville

Dave Brown, Lia Martin, Chris Varney

Steve Clarke, Ivka Goivanni, Dan Carey

Anne-Marie Samuel, Steve Collins

Jenny Ager, Paula Warburton

Carl Geary, David Foster

Andrew Curtis, Howard Pearce, John Bulpit

Steve Worth, Samantha Acton

Matt Desmier, Mark Liddle

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D Club

July 5, Chewton Glen Hotel

Martin Brunt, Martin Spooner

Justin King, Natasha Langlois, Jane Hemmings

Rupert Dixon, Jane Swift, Emma Collett

Lesley Walford, Matthew Barker

Paul Gowing, Chris & Tom Doyle

Natasha Langlois, Karen Rhys, Justin King

Lisa Muzzelle, Joanna Cook, Bea Gallimore

Andrew Alder, Michael Stocken, Steve Cook

Lizzie McManus, Sophie Cort

36 seekernews.co.uk

SeekerSocialDiary

WIBN Sunflower Ball June 30, Bournemouth Pavillion

Jenny & Carly Brown

Vincent Rochard, Maria and Tony Tidy

Paul Wickham, Cheryl Hadland

Matt Lawrence, Diane Bantten

Sarah McLellan, Pru Beck

Ina Halsor, Nicky Appleby

Katie Jones, Karen Boulton

Hazel Hatch, Maria Tidy, Craig Colton, Jacqui Frampton

Dawn & Steve Cook

Inspire Business Forum June 26, Hallmark Hotel, Bournemouth

Tom Williams, Tracey Elms, Steve Neal

Nigel Vaughan, Michael Mann

Sheridan Lake, Zoe Hiljemark

Diane Norman, Ian Govier

Mark Liddle, Natalie Burman

Stewart Baynham, Emma Swaffer, Ian Siddall, Chris Twaits

Andy Singleton, Susan Reeves

Warren Munson, Steve Cook

Peter Hastrop, Mike Bevis

seekernews.co.uk 37

SeekerSocialDiary

events listings AUGUST 2 6pm DJC – Meet & Drink, Hot Rocks, Bournemouth Nikki Janes, nicola@djc.org. uk AUGUST 9 12 noon DCCI – Networking Lunch, Remedy Oak Golf Club, Woodlands, Dorset Sylvie Wilson, sylvie. wilson@dcci.co.uk, 01202 714805 AUGUST 9 3pm Wessex Cancer Trust – Ladies Summer Networking Afternoon, £10 with afternoon tea and mini makeovers, Grove Hotel, Bournemouth Karen Rhys, karen@ wessexcancer.org, 07545 145776 AUGUST 12 10.30am Businesses are Built on Brain Power, £95, Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester info@phoenixlegacy.org.uk, 01305 261540 AUGUST 16 6pm DJC – Meet & Drink, free wine tasting followed by fireworks, Banana Wharf, Poole Nikki Janes, nicola@djc.org.uk

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AUGUST 31 11.30am DCCI – Chamber Air Festival Event, East Cliff Court Hotel, East Cliff, Bournemouth Sylvie Wilson, sylvie. wilson@dcci.co.uk, 01202 714805 AUGUST 31 12 noon DJC – Air Show BBQ, £35 members, £40 non-members, The Cottonwood Boutique Hotel, Bournemouth Nikki Janes, nicola@ djc.org.uk

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This allows your business to have a presence in Dorset’s only monthly glossy business and lifestyle magazine from as little as £35/month!

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AUGUST 22 8am Business Exchange – All Dorset Creative Cooperation Event, Hamworthy Sports & Social Club Laura McHarrie, laura.mcharrie@ wsxenterprise.co.uk, 01305 837063

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DJC Dorset Junior Chamber DCCI Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry IoD Institute of Directors

Coming soon, the Seeker Business Club offers sociable networking with like-minded businesses across the region.

Alternating between breakfast and lunch, the monthly club will meet on rotation in Christchurch, Bournemouth, Poole and further afield.

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AUGUST 22 12 noon DCCI – Meet the Neighbours Lunch with Hampshire Chamber, Rhinefield House, New Forest, Hampshire Sylvie Wilson, sylvie.wilson@ dcci.co.uk, 01202 714805

SEPTEMBER 10 6pm LV=Streetwise – £10, LV=Streetwise, Unit 1 Roundways, Elliot Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH11 8JJ Chris Odell, chris.odell@ streetwisebusiness.co.uk, 01202 805011

EVERy FRIDAy IN AUGUST 5pm Shake down Friday- Cocktails from £5, Hotel du Vin & Bistro, Poole events.poole@hotelduvin.com, 01202 785570

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