Seeker News - Issue 3

SeekerNews FREE

ISSUE 3 – MAY 2012

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

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inside 03 features

Gail can’t keep mum about success...........6-7

The Phantom of the Opera meets the £6 million mum

Talking with the taxman about poetry.........16-18 NED start.................21

Steve Cook Editor Seeker News

regulars News .....................7-15 Leading Edge.............22 Neal Butterworth.......24 Charities...............26-28 Sport...................30-33 Arts.....................34-35 Social Diary ..........36-37 Events.......................38 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: little-pig.co.uk Seeker 01202 611163 www.seekernews.co.uk © 2012 Seeker. All rights reserved.

PO Box 4983, Poole BH15 3ZX Cover pic: Gina Barnard prepares to join the showbusiness merry-go-round.

See our feature on page 16

eeker News is already many things to us, some expected, some not so, but one of the most surprising and inspirational aspects of publishing this magazine is the way it teaches us new lessons every single day.

And the most wonderful thing we’ve learned is never to underestimate the power of doing things for ourselves. Nobody else was publishing a magazine like Seeker News so we went ahead and did it for ourselves.

We didn’t know how it would be received.

We didn’t know if anyone would read it or want to advertise in it. There were (and still are!) plenty of sound reasons not to do it, but we had a sincere belief that it could work, so we made the move.

In this issue we meet Gail Reynolds, the Six Million Pound Mum. A two-times single mother by the age of 25, living on benefits in a town she barely knew, she was lonely, fed-up and going nowhere. But driven by a desire to make new friends and earn her own living, she worked tirelessly to turn her life upside down and now helps others take control of their lives.

A similar passion for performance is what drives the stars of stage and screen, but more than ever they have to think about what happens when the curtain comes down and the cameras are off. We ask the Phantom of the Opera, a hitmaking trumpet maestro, a dance starlet and a CBeebies celebrity why there’s no business like showbusiness.

They’ve picked up valuable insights along the way and Seeker News helps them share their thoughts. Which is where we came in...

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

SeekerNews

Gail can’t keep mum about success

by Nick Churchill

From life on the dole to a millionaire’s lifestyle, meet the Weymouth woman who’s on top and loving it oday she’s the Six Million Pound Mum, but little more than a decade ago Gail Reynolds was a single mother living in a tiny flat in Weymouth with few prospects and about as many friends.

And it was her quest for new mates that set her on the road to success.

“I was lonely, that’s the truth of it, having become a single mum for the second time at the age of 25, living on Income Support and feeling like I couldn’t go anywhere,” says Gail, who had moved south from her native Midlands without a qualification to her name.

“I got a part-time job and managed to get a place at Weymouth College and got NVQ levels II, III and IV in accountancy, met some new people, including the man who is now my husband, and felt better about myself.

Then we moved to Hastings where I worked part-time doing the books for a housing developer, but I soon felt isolated again. That’s when I saw the advert that changed my life: ‘Join Avon Meet New People’ was all it said, but that was exactly what I wanted to see.”

Five months after joining Gail quit her job and started building the business.

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It shouldn’t surprise me, but it does, how many women I meet who have no selfconfidence and low self-esteem

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

Avon follows the multi level marketing business model – team members earn a commission from each sale made by the people they recruit.

“I had no idea what multi level marketing meant, I just worked on my instincts and built a business. My mum had done Avon, my nan had done Avon, I’d even had a go once before when I was 18 and pregnant, so I knew the product and knew the brand, had bags of enthusiasm and wanted to help others start their businesses as well. I recruited 12 ladies in the first three weeks and three of those still make sales for me.”

Gail now has 2,700 members in her team which is three generations deep.

She turns over more than £6 million a year and lives in a million-pound home at Preston, near Weymouth. Her book, Mum’s The Word was published last year and she has created a website, www.gailreynolds.co.uk, to inspire women to take the plunge and set up their own business.

“Sometimes I can’t believe the life I live now. We have a wonderful lifestyle, I drive a Mercedes now instead of a 25year-old banger. Of course it has been hard work, but then it’s not the same as working for someone else – I don’t

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MLM explained Multi-level marketing is a model of direct sales where representatives are not only paid for the sales they generate but also for the sales made by others they have recruited. This residual income is a major attraction.

All good businesses demand hard work and multi level marketing is no different, but with the creation of passive income comes the potential of greater financial reward.

Multi level marketing should not be confused with illegal, nonsustainable pyramid selling models which can only benefit the first few people to join. Reputable multi level marketing operations, such as Avon, will have a clearly visible product range and see that everyone enters at the same level. have to ask my boss if I can have the afternoon off to take the girls swimming or walk on the beach. That’s really what drove me in this business.

“I’d been doing this for five years before I found out what MLM stood for.

I just think I was naive enough to make a success of it. I constantly ask myself how would I want to be treated and then apply that to how I treat others, I think it’s my mothering instincts, that’s all. It means I have been able to nurture other ladies in their businesses.”

There are no secrets to Gail’s success – she doesn’t believe in them!

“I do a lot of one-on-one coaching and training, often with people who aren’t even in my network or have any association with Avon and if I come up with a new tip or insight I share it immediately which goes against the grain with some aspects of multi level marketing. Avon was the right opportunity for me and if anyone’s interested in replicating any success I’ve had I’d say they need to identify the right opportunity at the right time and be in the right place, both emotionally and geographically.”

Gail is active in social media and is building her profile as a guest speaker, mentor and business expert.

“I don’t believe you can sell anything, I think you need to like and understand the product or else you can’t expect to have any enthusiasm for it. I didn’t have a plan, I just followed my instincts, but I wouldn’t change a thing. It shouldn’t surprise me, but it does, how many women I meet who have no selfconfidence and low self-esteem and think they couldn’t possibly set up their own business, but if I can do it then anyone can.

“If I could say anything to my 25year-old self it would be to believe in yourself a bit more, all it takes is hard work and determination. When people meet me I might arrive in a posh car and a swanky suit, but underneath I’m the same person I always was and I hope that doesn’t change.”

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Directors welcome planning changes D orset business directors have broadly welcomed the government’s final version of the National Planning Policy Framework.

The document reduced more than 1,000 pages of planning guidance to just 50, but was drastically revised after a row with conservation groups over last year’s draft.

The reworked framework will require council policies to encourage brownfield sites – those already built on in the past – to be brought back into use.

Announcing the new policy, planning minister Greg Clark told MPs the system in England “sorely needed” reform to enable more homes to be built and the presumption in favour of sustainable

development remains in the plans. “The construction industry is a significant employer in the Poole and Bournemouth conurbation and therefore in these economic times anything that stimulates this industry is welcome,” says Warren Munson, chairman of the Institute of Directors in Dorset. “Also, the brownfield sites that have lain idle for some time across Dorset should now be put to productive use.”

His views were echoed by the IoD’s director general, Simon Walker who adds: “Being able to develop new shops, houses and factories is crucial to delivering economic growth – and too often planning regulations have prevented that.

Warren Munson

“Britain needs to get building again.”

Intec forms new alliance with global IT giant Enterprise minister Mark Prisk has praised Poole-based print company Intec for securing a new business partner in India after it signed a contract with multi-billion dollar global IT services company, Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL).

“It’s great to learn of Intec’s success,” says Mr Prisk.

“Increasing exports is good for the economy, but also for individual firms, as it is often linked to increasing innovation and company competitiveness.”

Intec’s international sales director Kerry Button has visited India twice in the past month to train 20 in Delhi.

“India imports millions of dollars of products every month and this represents huge potential for British exporters,” he says.

Founded in 1976, HCL comprises HCL Technology and HCL Info Systems. It employs 90,000 staff across 31 countries.

Only a conservatory adds real value to house prices Adding a conservatory is the only home improvement to add more value to property prices than a year ago, according to the annual home improvement survey by HSBC. As house prices stall, converting the loft or fitting a new kitchen adds significantly less than 12 months ago, but a new conservatory could boost a property’s value by 14 per cent more than a year ago.

“A new conservatory can add twice the value as a similarly priced kitchen,” says Allan Tofield of Dorset-

based Richmond Home Improvement Co. “While a new bathroom would cost less than a conservatory it adds a lot less to the value of a home.”

The survey also shows added value from DIY improvements such as decorating or recarpeting a home is less than it was a year ago, even though the cost of carrying out such work is likely to have increased.

“Homeowners need to think carefully about the type and extent of home improvements,” says Allan.

For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 07

SeekerNews

Broadband in Dorset set for £38m boost ore than £38million is to be invested in Dorset to deliver super-fast broadband for almost all the county.

Plans to bring improved broadband for 90 per cent of Dorset by April 2015 have been approved by the government – with work on the ground expected to start as early as next year.

Shaped by the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership the local broadband plan – Connecting Dorset Fast – has gained almost £10m from the government, which has been match-funded locally by

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all Dorset councils – Christchurch, East Dorset, North Dorset, Purbeck, West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland, Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole. It will improve access to broadband for 172,670 premises, both business and residential.

“I am delighted with the approval of Dorset’s local broadband plan,” says Gordon Page, chair of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.

“Getting Dorset connected to fast broadband access in order to attract new business and support existing

Pressing ahead with investment Having landed ten major new clients in the first three months of 2012, Ferndown printers Pressplus are predicting a year of growth.

“The trade press may be full of the devastating impact of the recession on many printers, but our attitude is that if you stick to exceptional quality and the very best of service and delivery, there is plenty of work out there,” says director Phil Moulds who, with his business partner Mark Sweet, has been working with business coach David Foster of WinningBusiness on the High Growth Coaching Programme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

“Many printers focus so heavily on price that they compromise everywhere else, causing quality and delivery problems. We are finding an increasing number of customers who want to differentiate themselves from their competitors 08

enterprises, is a top priority for the Dorset LEP.” Speaking on behalf of the councils, Miles Butler, Dorset County Council’s director for environment, adds: “This is the biggest economic development project the councils have undertaken for many years.”

The recent approval for Dorset’s local broadband plan paves the way for the procurement of a communications supplier to put in the necessary infrastructure. Work on the ground is expected to start in early 2013.

Word on the street is good

David Foster (left) of WinningBusiness with Mark Sweet of Pressplus and are prepared to pay just a little extra to get the quality and delivery they need. After all, the quality of the brochure you put out should reflect the quality of your product.”

Pressplus has an aggressive investment plan for the coming year, as Mark Sweet explains: “If you want to be the best, you have to invest in the best, and we plan to expand our capacity significantly during the next six months.”

David Foster adds: “Remaining competitive without compromising on the things that matter is a difficult balancing act for many businesses.”

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

Poole’s Town Centre Street Wardens scheme has been hailed a success.

Providing help on day-to-day issues ranging from public order to theft, lost children or first aid, the Wardens are intended to help shoppers, support local businesses and deter crime.

Now in its third year, the Poole Town Centre Partnership (PTCP) initiative provided by Storewatch has helped to reduce the number of incidents, particularly public order offences which have more than halved since 2010.

“The friendly, highly visible wardens are there to help members of the public with information and have made a real impact on the feel of the town for locals and visitors alike,” says Safer Business Scheme coordinator Hannah Mayo.

Jonathan Sibbett, chairman of PTCP, adds: “With direct contact with retailers involved in the Safer Business Scheme as well as the Police, Poole’s street wardens are a deterrent for opportunistic shop lifters and a welcome presence for the thousands of people who visit Poole High Street every day.” Wardens have also been responsible for helping visitors with directions and assisting Police to deter cycling on the pedestrian sections of the High Street.

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Tax crackdown on home workers T

he taxman is planning a crackdown on home workers, particularly those in the direct selling sector.

HMRC is using new technology to identify areas of the economy likely to have a high number of missing tax returns and is also targeting eBay sellers, tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians and roofers, coaches and medics.

But it’s not necessarily bad news for home workers.

It could be the ideal time to take control of the business and Parkstonebased Worth Accountants is urging

home workers to get their finances in order before they get a call from the Revenue.

“We have had clients who are employed and self-employed at the same time,” says Steve Worth. “A loss on their self-employment can be off-set against their PAYE income resulting in a repayment of tax.

“By the time you claim for working from home, use of car, computer, phone and other tax deductible items, you may be able to turn a low income into a trading loss for tax purposes.”

But as the direct selling industry is flourishing, Steve warns it is likely that

many people new to this are unaware they need to file a tax return to declare their earnings.

HMRC is able to analyse returns covering a range of taxes and crossreference these with other information to build a picture of where they have taxpayers with missing returns.

Defaulters are being warned to get their tax affairs in order as penalties will be higher if the Revenue gets to them first.

“We would urge anyone in this position to take advantage of our free, no obligation discussion, before they find themselves talking to a HMRC Inspector,” adds Steve.

Air we go again!

Bournemouth Air Festival fans are already booking places at one of the town’s best view points.

During the four days of the Bournemouth Air Festival, which will mark the poignant return of the Red Arrows following last year’s tragedy when pilot Flt Lt Jon Egging’s plane crashed following a display, the BIC will be an enviable viewing platform from which to take in the air displays, including the RAF Tornado, pictured, and BH Live Hospitality will be providing catering throughout the day.

“The Purbeck Terrace and Lounge at the BIC is a cracking vantage point,” says hospitality manager Alex Robertson.

Picture: UK MOD/Crown Copyright 2012

“We are confident our customers will have one of the best views in town.”

Tickets are £45 per person, with each customer being served morning coffee and Danish pastries on arrival. There will also be buffet dishes made using locally sourced ingredients.

Local charities including YMCA, BCHA, Wessex Autistic Society, and the AmeliaGrace Rainbow Fund Charity will share £7.50 from each ticket.

For more information visit www.bhlivetickets.co.uk or call 0844 576 3000.

The skies over Bournemouth will once again reverberate with the roar from the RAF’s Tornado and the Red Arrows For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 09

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If you run an entrepreneurial, owner-managed company which needs more support from your accountants, whether it’s on special projects or ongoing financial reporting and tax advice, we would love to talk to you.

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Fine tuning can cut fuel consumption s drivers panic at the petrol pumps a Dorset company is promising to achieve a 10-15 per cent saving on fuel consumption for most vehicles.

Prestige Driving Enhancements (PDE) specialises in engine remapping, reprogramming the manufacturer’s settings on the vehicle’s engine control unit computer. PDE’s technology tweaks the factory settings to improve the engine’s torque and boost its power so that it performs more efficiently and uses less fuel.

“It sounds like magic, but the technology has been round for at least ten years and has a proven track record,” says PDE’s coowner Scott Burgoine.

“When a vehicle is made the manufacturer has no idea where

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Drivers report improved torque, or pulling power, as well as better bhp

in the world it is going to be sold so it has to set its engines up to deal with the worst case scenario taking account of factors like fuel quality, ambient temperatures and altitude which all affect performance.

“Our technology doesn’t replace the manufacturer’s settings with new files it modifies them to make them more suitable for driving in this environment. Drivers report improved torque, or pulling power, as well as better bhp so if they continue driving as they were before they will usually save 10-15 per cent in fuel consumption.”

Prices for the modification start at £299 and most vehicles can be modified for less than £350.

PDE deals with private and commercial vehicles up to and including 44 tonne trucks and claims even greater savings on commercial vehicles that are subject to speed limitations.

Carol’s five-star gift Free legal fees if England win!

Local business author, Carol Bentley is giving away free digital copies of her latest book to celebrate 21 years in business.

She started her first business, supplying computer training, in 1991 and has since published three books – on copywriting and marketing – which are all rated five-star on Amazon.

“Like many people today, I didn’t really have any choice after being made redundant – there were no jobs and I needed to earn a living,” she says. “It was scary and exciting at the same time. I learned about marketing very quickly and discovered I had a flair for copywriting.”

In 2003, after helping business

colleagues get great results with their sales letters, Carol decided to become a full time copywriter and launched Promote Your Business. Last year, Carol co-founded another company, Apps4SME, to supply budget-friendly social marketing apps for businesses.

“Having an effective sales message is crucial for any business owner so to celebrate my 21 years in business, I’m giving away free digital copies of my latest book, Pocket Guide To Writing Profit-Boosting Sales Letters, and a 50 per cent discount voucher off my services for anyone who doesn’t want to – or can’t – write their own marketing material.”

For more information log on to www.carolbentley.com/pg21.

If you’re buying or selling your home in the next few months, England’s footballers could do you a huge favour. For west country solicitors Bonallack & Bishop, who have offices in Salisbury, Andover and Amesbury, are offering free conveyancing if England win the 2012 European Championships this summer.

“We are backing England to win Euro 2012 and, if they win, we will pay home movers’ conveyancing legal fees, saving up to £1,000 – or maybe more,” says Tim Bishop, senior partner.

“England last won a major trophy 46 years ago. This year could be the year.

“So if you are moving home, get in touch with our specialist conveyancing lawyers. You have nothing to lose!”

For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 11

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An inspirational choice for top accountants aving been named the best independent firm in the south west at the 2011 British Accountancy Awards, business advisers and accountancy firm Inspire has appointed Mike Bevis as a non-executive director.

After many years as a senior partner with a leading international accountancy firm Mike’s remit at Inspire is to work closely with the senior management team in an advisory capacity and assist in the continued development of the rapidly expanding local firm.

“I greatly enjoyed the last 25 years of my career and so just when I was thinking that all good things must come to an end I was presented with this very exciting opportunity,” says Mike.

“Inspire has already achieved so much and within a few days of meeting their dynamic team I could see why. I hope that I can use my experience to provide them with guidance along the successful path they are already on but I suspect I will be working hard to make sure I work at the very high standards they have already set.”

Warren Munson, director and founder of Inspire adds: “We have gone through

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Mike Bevis (left) with Inspire’s Andrew Singleton, Ian Govier and Warren Munson

We have gone through considerable growth and Mike’s experience will be invaluable

Music to the town’s ears Bournemouth’s Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) is the town’s newest sixth form option with 40 fully funded places for local 16-18 year olds.

Working for ACM Regional, planning consultants Tanner & Tilley have announced a scheme to increase the teaching space at the former Music Factory shop in Wimborne Road, Kinson.

The facility will now provide two large teaching rooms on the ground floor, as well as a smaller music shop, and 11 individual teaching rooms and sound recording room on the first floor.

“The facility will be a fantastic asset to the town and will open up opportunities for young people interested in progressing their musical talent,” says Rob Birchall, managing director of ACM Regional.

“Tanner & Tilley’s help and advice was invaluable, which means that we can provide for more students.”

considerable growth and Mike’s experience will be invaluable in assisting in managing the business, its communications and also in developing the firm’s relationships with its clients and other external stakeholders.”

Market learns of Teachers’ profits Dorset building society, Teachers has announced a 29 per cent increase in profits.

Its annual results for 2011 reveal profits up to £686,000, with £19m in reserve and a 31 per cent increase in gross mortgage lending on 2010.

The Wimborne-based mutual also increased its workforce by 16 per cent in 2011.

“While 2011 was another tough year for the global economy, Teachers Building Society remains financially strong and committed to serving its core markets of teachers and the Dorset community,” says James Bawa, chief executive.

“We set out a new strategy last year to ensure our continued strength; investing in a new brand identity and

website and re-entering the broker market. So it’s particularly pleasing that we still returned such a positive result and, in fact, the final few months of the year saw a significant increase in our mortgage lending.

“The property market continues to challenge but we helped many firsttime buyers into their own homes through the equity loan scheme First Buy and remain one of the only lenders supporting the scheme with a no deposit option.”

Also in 2011, Teachers Building Society won two prestigious industry awards – Best Local Building Society at the 2011 What Mortgage Awards and Excellence in Treating Customers Fairly at the Mortgage Finance Gazette Awards 2012.

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Awards show business is good for Britain ompanies are being urged to enter one of the nation’s leading Awards and back the Business Is Good for Britain campaign run by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

By taking part in the Chamber Awards 2012 firms can showcase their achievements to be in with a chance of landing a £25,000 cash prize.

Open to all businesses, the competition is designed to recognise the best businesses in Britain through a series of regional heats followed by the

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national final held in London on November 29.

There are nine categories to choose from, covering international business, people development, excellence in innovation, marketing, new business, customer service, sustainability, entrepreneur of the year and business of the year.

“This year we want everyone to understand the contribution business makes to the economy and to society as a whole,” says BCC president Martyn Pellew. “Businesses will be at the forefront of the recovery, providing

jobs, and creating wealth. Every day we hear amazing stories from businesses that are innovative and successful in international markets.

“It is stories like these that we are looking to find and recognise through the Chamber Awards. Last year, more than 600 firms took part and 2012 promises to be even bigger.”

To enter online go to www.chamber awards.co.uk or contact the Chamber Awards team on 02476 472593, email awards@chamberawards.co.uk or follow @chamberawards. Closing date for entries is June 29.

Three rules for effective Facebook networking In a blog posted on SeekerNews.co.uk, Linda Parkinson-Hardman of Internet Mentor says that although most businesses have a Facebook presence, many still rely on referral marketing for growth.

She has created three simple rules to help businesses network more effectively on Facebook.

1. You meet people. On Facebook this is the equivalent of people coming along and either becoming your friend (not good for a business as this is against the Facebook terms of service) or preferably, encouraging them to like your page.

2. You follow up with those people. This is where you respond to the things they say to you by commenting, liking and sharing with others rather than ignoring them, which is what a lot of Facebook pages seem to want to do.

3. You build a relationship. In the real world this would happen naturally if you met up with people regularly, they would start to feel comfortable that you know what you are talking about and that your values and ethics match theirs. On Facebook the equivalent would be to start liking other pages in return and perhaps begin commenting on, liking and sharing their content too.

To have your business blog featured on SeekerNews.co.uk simply email your RSS feed to steve@seeker.uk.com

Food, glorious food Cookery demonstrations by celebrity chef James Martin and patron Lesley Waters are the highlights of this year’s Christchurch Food and Wine Festival.

New for this year, a marquee on the Quomps will be transformed into a vintage tea room for the Great Christchurch Bake Day and Fete in which aspiring bakers will be invited to submit their finest cakes, pies, preserves and tarts for judging by Jo Wheatley, winner of the Great British Bake Off. Young cooks are being encouraged to feel the heat in the Kids Kitchen at Priory School on May 12 and 13 and there is a series of demonstrations and classes being held at the Cook School in the Kings Hotel from May 15-18.

The Best of the Best Awards on May

14 will celebrate some of the best places to eat and drink in Christchurch.

The Festival is presented in association with media partner Wave 105.

“The relationship gives us a chance to reach food lovers over a wide geographical area,” says Vicki Hallam, chairman of the Christchurch Food and Wine Festival committee.

“It will let them know about the festival and entice them to come to Christchurch to find out all the gastronomic delights it has to offer.”

Jon Brooks, Wave 105 sales, marketing and operations director, adds: “The Festival epitomises everything about the supply and consumption of local produce as well as many great events and tasting sessions that celebrate food.”

For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 15

SeekerShowbusiness

Talking with the taxman about *

poetry

Earl Carpenter as the Phantom

Art and Commerce have always been unlikely bedfellows, but Seeker News finds out why their marriage of convenience has to be good for business * (with apologies to Vladimir Mayakovsky)

by Nick Churchill

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here’s no business like showbusiness according to Irving Berlin’s 1946 showstopper and while it’s no longer true that entertainment is recession-proof as audiences seek an escape from their financial woes, some sectors of the market are proving incredibly robust.

Last year West End tickets sales were up more than three per cent on 2010 and British cinemas took £1.04 billion, a year-on-year rise of five per cent.

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However, PRS for Music, which represents the top songwriters, composers and music publishers reported a one per cent fall in royalties last year, blaming digital piracy and falling CD sales.

Elsewhere, arts funding cuts have hit provincial theatres and put actors and technicians out of work; while television and radio companies are rationalising their operations by making fewer programmes.

“Performers cannot expect to be

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wrapped up and taken care of by the industry, it just isn’t going to happen,” says West End star Earl Carpenter, who grew up in Poole and Bournemouth and cut his teeth at the Jellicoe Theatre in Poole before founding the Big Little Theatre Company in Bournemouth more than 20 years ago.

“The best thing a young performer can do is talk to the taxman and they’ll soon realise how little part greed and ego and all those things associated with the desire for fame have to play.”

SeekerShowbusiness

Dancer Gina Barnard

In recent years Earl’s name has become synonymous with arguably the most iconic role in modern musical theatre – the lead in The Phantom of the Opera. But even performers at the top of their professional tree have to branch out and Earl is taking a six-month break – the longest he’s had for 20 years – before joining the new touring production of Phantom.

“Between now and then I have time to concentrate on my other businesses. I have a production company called Ginger Boy Productions and I’m creative founder of an online entertainment hub called reelkandi.tv which streams content to nearly 60 million users a month.

“I was looking at alternative revenue streams as a way of prolonging the life of a theatre show because once

you’ve sold your physical bums on seats your income source has effectively dried up.”

Earl, who nearly went bankrupt five years ago owing more than £100,000, recognises the problems faced by young performers in a notoriously unpredictable industry, but says they can do much to help themselves.

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Minding their own business Generally speaking, performing artists don’t do business very well. Most are self-employed in that their business as a performer and their status as an individual tax payer are the same, but the artistic temperament isn’t always suited to dealing with the rule-ridden world of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and many tend to avoid the whole matter, leaving themselves vulnerable to bad advice.

The secret to avoiding this pitfall is to get some basic

Editor’s comment

idea of how tax works, how to approach self assessment and what to look for in a financial advisor – you don’t need to know how to fix a car to appreciate how it works and what to look for in a mechanic.

It’s tough enough finding work in the creative industries, but if they are to ride out the recession performers are going to have to think more like small business owners – look for alternative income streams, diversify, attract new customers and work hard to keep existing ones.

For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 17

SeekerShowbusiness “It really comes down to understanding the business you’re in, no matter what that business is. I was taught years ago at the Jellicoe Theatre that it’s not just about me, the star is only part of it. You have to understand exactly how a show comes to be staged, but I think too often people come out of theatre school with stars in their eyes and think it’s about them. It isn’t.”

Dorset-based singer and dancer Gina Barnard, who has just started a summer season in Rhodes, is all too aware of the pressures on young performers.

“To work in this industry you have to be incredibly realistic about what’s available,” she says. “I’ve just finished three-and-a-half years with Warner Hotels and I was doing meeting and greeting, compering shows, hosting events, even bingo calling and casino work as well as the singing and dancing role I auditioned for. I love it, but it’s not all glamour.

“After the summer season it’s back to square one, looking for another job. It’ll be panto season by then so I’m hoping to pick up some auditions.

I had some very good advice when I first started and I qualified as a dance teacher so I can pick up freelance work in local dance schools between contracts.”

The importance of heeding advice early on in a career is echoed by Bournemouth-based children’s television presenter Chris Jarvis whose partnership with Pui Fan Lee in Show Me Show Me has given the CBeebies channel one of its greatest hits in recent years.

“I’m not a businessman, but I count myself lucky to have had responsible parents who instilled in me the idea that it’s important to save money,” he says.

“You go from one short term contract to another short term contract so in that sense there is very little job security in this business. We are all responsible for our own tax returns so because your income leaps about all over the place you have to be very careful.”

Although Chris has diversified and now plays more than 80 theatres a year with The Chris and Pui Roadshow, he believes his expertise 18

You go from one short term contract to another short term contract so in that sense there is very little job security in this business

CBeebies star Chris Jarvis.

Below left, Nigel Hopkins has stood him in good stead.

“For years children’s TV used to have to entertain grown ups as well so people would get hired because they looked right or could make a clever double entendre. Now though, experts are in short supply and we get hired because we are good at what we do,” he says.

As much as they love their craft, performers have always wanted to be paid. A director’s notes are important, but so are the pound notes.

“In the old days though you had a record company to take care of business, or at least a manager or agent – all you had to do was trust them, maybe that was where the problem lay!” laughs Portland-based jazz musician and producer Nigel Hopkins.

As a teenage trumpet player Nigel played with Count Basie and scored a hit single in 1968 with High on a Hill.

He toured the world and appeared in three Royal Command Performances before building a successful career as a composer and producer of music for film and TV. In 2007 he produced The Journey, the final album by former Shadows bassist, the late Jet Harris.

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“I’ve learned things at every stage of my career, but particularly when I was making that record. It wasn’t easy because Jet wasn’t well so as well as playing nearly all the instruments except the guitars, I did most of the writing and arrangements, I produced it, mastered it and did all the artwork.

Then I found I couldn’t get a record deal so I set up my own record label to release it.

“I’m glad I did because Jet was very proud of that record and it was an honour to work with him.”

As he works on a new album of chilled jazz, Nigel has formed an alliance with a new business partner and the pair work hard to understand each other’s world.

“The trouble is the business side can be all-consuming and sometimes I have to stop for a while, settle down and get the creative stuff happening again, then I can deal with the commercial aspect again. It works because we both care.

“He is coming to understand the artistic process and I’m getting a handle on how to take care of business.”

SeekerNews

NED start

Does your company need a non-executive director?

hareholders, owner managers and directors will come and go, but the enduring culture and commercial viability of companies large and small will remain vested in that collective known as The Board.

It is the enduring basis for succession, shaping a company’s organisation and its long-term stewardship.

Within the context of family businesses and SMEs in general, the board will almost certainly be fashioned by the founders of that business and the ethos they have projected on the company so the culture, values and vision of

by Leslie the business will determine the way the board is formed and where it heads into the future.

To successfully shift control of a business from the dominant individual (or coalition) to a board of equals it is necessary to instill them with the culture of the business that will steer the infant board. This happens largely by default as the founders will, inevitably, sit round the board table and their influence and values will loom large for some time to come and shape the nature and dynamics of that board.

Whilst there are some benefits to a personality-based leadership, there are dangers for the long-term sustainability of the enterprise.

Personality leadership is problematic, especially in the family and private arena. If the value of the business is wrapped too tightly to an individual then that value is mitigated and reduced. Quite simply, a leader who is indistinguishable from the business represents a significant risk to sustainability.

If every critical decision is vested in the leader and he or she becomes incapacitated, then the entity takes on significant risk at an operational and a strategic level. Who signs the cheques?

Who can place orders? Who makes key commercial choices?

Therefore, the move towards a collegiate boardroom culture begins the process of creating a broader decision-making body headed by a chief executive officer or managing director. They are the principal representative of the company, they do not embody the company itself. They will have their own traits, but they do not define the company.

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By bringing in independent non-executive directors (NEDs) and by allowing them to understand the culture, values and vision of the business, a board will begin to put in place a sense of longevity and endurance through times of stability, times of uncertainty and change.

A company with either one or several NEDs, who have significant experience as directors and a track record to boot, should secure competitive advantage as the NEDs’ deep understanding of business, its culture, values and how to achieve success is transmitted to the company.

Spiers NEDs will frequently act as chair of the board to ensure power is not overly concentrated on one individual and will adopt the role of critical friend to the executive directors. The NEDs will also act as mentors, guides, sounding boards and ambassadors and in some cases as independent sources of appeal in matters of discipline and grievance.

When changes of shareholders, directors and owner managers occur, independent directors have a critical role in the stewardship of the business. Change is now the norm and when change occurs, either driven internally or impacted by external events, that change can be better handled from a perspective of experience and understanding of the business, even after the founders/owners have moved on.

It is the board with its independent directors that is best placed to ensure the optimal succession platform that is enduring, accountable, sets the culture and values for the business and drives the strategic direction.

NEDs should be familiar with best practice in governance and not only the compliance aspects, but with matters of strategy and with wider responsibilities such as corporate social responsibility, innovation and growth to ensure the business is sustainable and moving towards its vision.

Leslie Spiers is MD of Boardroom Dynamics, an international director and board development company. He is also non-executive chairman of the Board of Mercator Media, Eastbury Hotel and Nebula Systems (UK) and has completed term assignments as chairman of companies in the agricultural, construction, recruitment and automotive sectors.

Non starter I was first exposed to Non Executive Directors about 15 years ago and firmly hold the belief that a business’s value is increased significantly if it engages at least one good Non Exec who can offer, almost any business, outstanding value for money, relevant advice, tangible support and a sounding board in advance of big change.

When I sold a business I engaged the services of someone who had “been there and done that” and they held my hand throughout the process right through from identifying target acquirers to negotiation to completing and liaising with the legal teams.

Even if a business isn’t planning on selling or acquiring then having someone there, not engaged in the day-today, whom you can bounce ideas off, chair your Board Meetings, head up off-the-wall projects etc is a god send and I have one, with 30 years industry experience, at Rubicon People.

About five years ago I agreed to act as a Non Exec myself and now do so with three businesses that are completely unrelated to my core business activity of recruitment. These activities provide me with invaluable experience that I can then apply to my core business whilst also enabling me to provide help and support, for which I’m remunerated, that appeals to my altruistic side.

Lloyd Banks, Rubicon People

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

SeekerNews

We’ve got the edge eading Edge members strive for excellence as like-minded 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.

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Worth Accountants are there for you throughout the year and not just at the year-end.

We help clients to achieve their goals in the most tax efficient and cost effective way.

Call us now and find out how we can help you increase your profit and decrease your tax liability.

Trust & Confidentiality

Relationships & Interactions

Leading Edge is founded on the principles of open, honest communication, trust and confidentiality.

Leading Edge is built on long-term relationships and value-based interactions and it is not a place to sell products and services.

Attendance & Participation

Positive & Fun

Active participation is the vital ingredient that gives Leading Edge real value and its members the opportunity to personally develop and their business to grow.

Our environment is positive and supportive and created to encourage sociable networking and fun activities.

Respect & Professionalism

Leading Edge is the place to look outside of your own business into the wider community and to work for the greater good of other organisations and charities.

All interactions within the group and with outside agencies are always conducted with integrity, respect and professionalism.

The Greater Good

Members list WORTH ACCOUNTANTS Steve Worth 01202 516888 steve@worthaccountants.co.uk FORTRESS MORTGAGES John Richardson 01202 386053 john@fortressmortgages.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 22

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 MEH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT LTD Magnus Harding 01202 766732 magnus.harding@ meh-construction.co.uk

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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@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 MSP BUSINESS SERVICES Malcolm Pitcher 08456 808304 malcolm@mspbusiness services.co.uk

THE KEY TO SUCCESS You now have your strategic plan. You have agreed your goals and your initial actions.

Now you must:z Implement – success is 70% belief, 20% vision and 10% action but without that 10% of action all that has gone before is wasted time and money. z Review your plan – things change, often things beyond your control but you need to respond by adapting your plan where necessary.

Next month: measuring your success.

Value for money and good old-fashioned customer service are helping Dorsetbased Richmond Home Improvement Co through the economic downturn.

The company is celebrating its 13th birthday this year and owner Allan Tofield is pleased his team’s hard work and time spent taking care of customers is paying off.

“There’s been a lot of hard work building this business, but with a blend of resilience, great value for money and quality products we expect to look after our customers for another 13 years and well beyond,” says Allan.

SeekerNews

Business advice with WSX appeal ffering practical help and advice, WSX Enterprise helps new and established businesses across Dorset to start and grow in lasting and sustainable ways.

The not-for-profit company is filling the gap left after Business Link services were closed as part of government spending cuts.

“There was a great deal of concern in the Dorset business community when the Dorset Business Link service closed as it was particularly highly thought of and extremely useful,” says Ian Girling, enterprise director for Dorset.

“We’re all about getting businesses started and improving their bottom line by delivering a range of business support services.”

WSX Enterprise is working closely with Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, a panel of private and public sector business leaders, in delivering support for businesses in Dorset.

“Our range of services has the simple aim of helping businesses be successful.

We’re active across the whole county,

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with excellent rural reach provided by Rural-Net, a group of six rural business networks.”

The New In Business training programme is a two-day seminar aimed at providing a comprehensive, nuts and bolts introduction to running a business.

“It goes into everything from cashflow to employing people, legislation, marketing and planning,” says Ian. “Running your own business can be incredibly rewarding, but it is vital that people have the skills that are essential in any business.”

BusinessXchange is a structured learning network for owners of smaller businesses to share ideas and knowledge, while Rural-Net offers similar support for businesses based outside Dorset’s major conurbations.

“Our networks are there to help business owners improve their business skills and meet other business owners in a supportive environment.

“Being in business can be quite isolating so to know you’re not alone makes a huge difference,” adds Ian.

Ian Girling

New Business Top Tip! When you have a business idea, it's important to test the market. You may have found a gap in the market BUT is there a market in the gap?

Many people do secondary research which tends to confirm what they already know or assume.

However, it's primary research with people who have no vested interest in your idea (or your ego) that will give you the ultimate pros and cons of your idea and the price you want to charge.

Contact WSX Enterprise, via www.wsxenterprise.co.uk, for advice on how to facilitate testing your business idea.

For details of forthcoming BusinessXchange and Rural-Net events see page 38

What does ‘About Us’ really say about you?

Ideas worth sharing from Andrew Knowles and BusinessXchange ‘The ‘About Us’ page is often the most undervalued on a company’s website and yet it is the third most visited page on top searched websites. After you’ve snared your customer with your marketing hook the chances are your customer will want to find out who is going to deliver the solutions to his or her problem. Does your ‘About Us’ page offer your customer the credibility they are seeking. Does it show off the personalities in your business?

1. People buy people The basic information in an About Us page should offer enough detail to add credibility your business proposition. Providing basic information about your history, who you serve and your mission

statement may seem corporate but it lacks personality and can be pretty boring. People tend to buy the people who deliver services rather than the services people deliver, so building personality into your ‘About Us’ page may well be essential.

2. Style, position and personality The way your ‘About Us’ page looks can spell out a lot about how you work and what you might deliver.

Do you want to show off your personality? How creative are you in your business – does your profile reflect this? We Brits find it difficult to boast about ourselves, but your ‘About Us’ page is the one place where you should be doing just that.

For small or new companies, this is especially important, because if

readers have found you on the Internet you have just a short time to impress them before they move onto the next website.

3. Is it about you or about us?

Do you wish to look like a company that is bigger than it is and therefore can deliver bigger and more lucrative projects OR do you portray yourselves as the ultimate expert with whom your client will engage with if they employ your services?

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of promoting yourself across multiple platforms. Your ‘About Us’ page could link to your YouTube videos, your Blog, your Twitter and your Facebook Page, each give an insight into you and your business.

For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 23

Michael looks to the future This year senior partner Michael Stocken will enter his 30th year with Letchers and is full of enthusiasm for the future.

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“Letchers is naturally a very different place than it was in 1983 when I joined,â€? he says. “There have been many changes in the legal arena as a whole as well as in the way legal services are offered at Letchers. “A major positive change has been the re-opening of our Verwood ofďŹ ce after 19 years so that we are once again in a position to offer a full range of legal services to the community.â€?

In 1998 Michael trained as a mediator and completed the Mediation LSC Recognition, qualifying as a recognised mediator in 2001. Letchers has now trained another family law solicitor, Hannah Dominey, to work alongside Ianthe Slinger who heads the ďŹ rm’s family team. “Both Ianthe and I are also trained collaborative lawyers which has proved to be a very

successful move for the ďŹ rm,â€? adds Michael. “Letchers has become a vibrant place to be in recent years and our on-going strategy is to provide high quality legal services at affordable prices. Our recruitment drive over the last two years has attracted solicitors who are experts in their chosen ďŹ elds. “It will be interesting to see what the next decade will bring to the ďŹ rm to which I have been committed to for so many years.â€?

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#

Understand the breadth of your local media

hink you know how wide – and deep – your local media reaches?

Think again.

My research into a client’s genre of music for a festival proved to be a staggering eye-opener, with dozens upon dozens of valid and worthwhile outlets for my press releases.

Granted, the mighty Newsquest triumvirate of Echos along the coast in Weymouth, Dorset and Southampton and their high-distribution frees and business monthlies are the main target.

But the business magazines, including Seeker News, and the increasing influence of business networking websites are widening your reach.

There’s a wealth of monthly lifestyle and entertainment glossies in the region now, as well as community magazines, weekly and monthly, who may well be interested in your ‘story’.

And while the bigger commercial radio stations may seem to have an

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SeekerNews

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 first of his regular Seeker columns highlighting both the rules and taking a sideways look at the media. editorial force field, the smaller community stations often have outlets for more localised news.

And drill deeper to find the community websites offering a warm welcome to local events and news, business or otherwise.

And let’s not forget the growing influence of social media via Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin for business promotion.

The market may be more fragmented than ever, but for once a scattershot

approach – albeit it one with a degree of focus and research – can work for you.

Neal’s next seminar, Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Your Local Media (But The Editor Never Returned Your Calls), takes place on Friday, May 4 from 9.30am-12.30pm at the Haven Hotel Business Centre in Sandbanks. Full details on the website at www.nealbutterworth.co.uk

How to get your mail noticed! ending a gift in the post improves the odds of your letter getting to the person it’s intended for.

Marketing expert Richard Mack of Wimborne-based RT Promotions says a well-chosen promotional gift packaged in the right way is the key to keeping your letter out of the recycling bin.

“Nobody’s got time to read every piece of mail that comes their way so we try to filter it,” says Richard.

“Most businesses have a gatekeeper to sort the post so if you want to communicate your message you have to think of a way around the gatekeeper. And that’s where gifts come in – the gate-keeper is less likely to discard an envelope with something inside it.”

Richard has a handy three-step guide to stand out from the junk mail.

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1. Delivery A better quality, well-labelled, different coloured envelope will get noticed. You put a lot of effort into writing the letter, so think about the packaging as well.

2. Size Check the Royal Mail Letter Guide.

If you get this wrong and send out your mailshot without paying enough postage your target is going to end up paying the penalty charge and you’ve lost the chance to make a good impression.

3. Content Pens and Post-it packets are too big for letter mail so think carefully about what you’re going to send people. Coasters are brilliant because they won’t break, they’re big enough to make mail lumpy and slim enough to go by letter rate.

“As ever, seek advice and ask an

expert because there are all sorts of things we can do,” says Richard.

“Even if your letter is ignored if you get the promo gift right it will be kept and your company name and message is sat on your target’s desk just waiting for its moment to shine.”

For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 25

SeekerCharities

John Andrews and Jonathan Holyhead

A flash way to listen Listeners to the Shaftesbury Area Talking Newspaper are now receiving the audio newspaper on a flash drive which plugs into a specially provided receiver.

The drive plays back a selection of stories from the local weekly newspapers, The Blackmore Vale Magazine, Western Gazette and Salisbury Journal.

For more than 20 years the Talking Newspaper’s team of editors, readers and distributors have provided blind and visually impaired people with a 90-minute audio version of the local news.

Grants from organisations such as POPP and Waitrose Gillingham have enabled the Talking Newspaper to go digital and recordings are now made onto flash drives which listeners have learned how to use.

“The new system is simple to use and you can repeat the last article or move forward to the next very easily,” says listener Ellen Brine, from Shaftesbury.

“It was a wonderful boost to my morale as I realised I could continue to access the news of my area.”

Anyone who is registered blind or visually impaired can qualify for free postage to receive the talking newspaper.

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Charity is taking care of business fter several years of managed overspend, Dorset Blind Association is about to report a third successive year of generating a surplus. Chief executive officer Jonathan Holyhead, who has held the post for six years, is delighted with the charity’s progress.

“We can only do good if we continue to do good in a business sense,” he says.

“So we apply the best principles of running a charity to the best principles of running a business.

“I’m not sure we were doing our best for the people in Dorset living with sight impairment so having quite deliberately overspent while we were prudently able to, it is very pleasing to have backed ourselves with confidence to create the funding base on which to take the Association forwards.”

A local independent charity which has been helping Dorset people live with sight loss since 1918, Dorset Blind Association receives no funding from central or local government and relies heavily on donations and membership fees, with some income coming from its transcription service.

“It’s very satisfying to find more income starting to come from our new

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

services as well as from legacies and regular fundraising events,” adds Jonathan.

“We are constantly working to actively advance the organisation. It’s like in football where the aim is to score a goal so why pass back to the goalie and avoid responsibility? We go for the goal and take the responsibility for pushing it forward.”

Some 5,600 people in Dorset are registered blind while another 20,000 live with significant sight loss. Dorset Blind Association has 400 volunteers, seven part-time and five full-time staff.

Its president is Wilfred Weld whose family bought Lulworth Castle in 1641 and has lived there ever since.

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The New Penny Serenaders bring the music of the 1950s to Ferndown on June 26 in aid of Dorset Blind Association. Tickets for the 2pm concert at the Barrington Theatre are £5, £3 for members and free for carers.

For those who need a little jazz to get in the swing of things, Christchurch Swing Band Unlimited stage a show at Highcliffe Castle on July 8 from 1pm.

For more information about both concerts call 01202 712869.

SeekerCharities

Still collecting after 40 years The spirit of giving is as strong as ever… it’s just that people can’t afford to give quite so much. That’s according to James Gordon and he should know – for the 92-year-old from Ringwood has raised more than £225,000 for Cancer Research UK over the last 40 years.

“People like to give what they can, they always have,” says James. “But I’ve noticed the difference over the last year or so – not so many pound pieces and more coppers.”

James started collecting money for the British Empire Cancer Research Campaign in 1972 after seeing what cancer did to a friend of his. But despite the recession James still has people stop him and give him money for Cancer Research UK. “The pubs and clubs are very supportive and I have a couple who sell plants for me. People know what I do so they offer me donations.”

To find out more log on to www.cancer researchuk.org.

Grand effort at centre A day of fundraising events at the Dolphin Centre, Poole has raised more than £1,000 for Sport Relief.

Staff and shoppers took part in live Zumba and step classes and also contribute to the Million Metre Challenge set by Everyone Active Leisure Centre, with participants cycling, rowing and box stepping to 500,000 metres.

“I was proud to see the Dolphin Centre team getting involved in the Sport Relief event,” says centre manager John Grinnell.

“They went out of their way to participate in the activities, collect money and rally customers to get involved which generated £1,000 for a fantastic cause.”

School has its i on vital funds for equipment he digital revolution is helping youngsters with learning difficulties overcome some of their barriers to communication. Apple’s iPad and iPod Touch devices offer interactive learning spaces that require very little motor control and can be used in every subject.

“They are a communication aid that is socially acceptable and boost self esteem – this is so important for children like my daughter who spend their lives being different,” says Martine Morrison, chair of the PTA at Winchelsea Special School in Alderney, Poole.

“There are thousands of apps for teaching across a range of subjects and can also be used for visual schedules and feelings boards – again, a useful tool for children who struggle to communicate in a conventional way.”

The school is seeking corporate partners to boost the PTA’s campaign to raise funds to buy 50 iPads and 50 iPod Touches to be used across the school.

To find out more contact Wichelsea PTA on 01202 889524 or via their Facebook page.

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For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 27

SeekerCharities

Trust opens up to businesses ith a National Trust Corporate Information Day businesses can support one of the country’s most important conservation agencies and reward their staff at the same time.

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The National Trust has two mobile units, each manned by full time staff who are knowledgeable and passionate about the Trust and its work. Both units are free to book and will provide either a fully branded vehicle with an awning and/or gazebo, or an indoor display/stand for your staff restaurant/rest areas.

The services offered include: information about local National Trust properties such as opening days and times, prices, facilities and features; advice and guidance on National Trust

Doing something worthwhile is the best stimulus for any employee

Picture: National Trust/ Will Wilkinson 28

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

membership; and ways of volunteering with the Trust, or joining a supporter group.

The unit can also dispense anything the recipient organisation wishes to promote for itself; details of other local attractions, clubs or societies; and advice on walks, cycle rides, gardens, parks, car parks, buses, trains, ferries, tides and weather.

“Our physical surroundings are one of our most precious resources,” says the Trust’s business development manager in Dorset, Elaine Arnold.

“Doing something worthwhile is the best stimulus for any employee and here in Dorset we want to share our beautiful coastline, countryside and properties with local employers and their staff.”

FREE Wi-Fi Great news!

Dolphin now offers fast, easy-to-use Wi-Fi through Briteyellow and best of all, it’s absolutely free.

1. Switch on your smart phone

Just follow these simple steps to get online.

3. Open your internet browser

or laptop and check that Wi-Fi is enabled

2. Select ‘Dolphin Shopping Centre’ from the available list

- the Briteyellow landing page will appear

Scan the QR code to visit Dolphin online

/DolphinShopping /DolphinShoppingCentre

If it’s your first time using the Dolphin Wi-Fi network, you will need to register.

You only need to do this once, and after you have typed in a few details, that’s it!

You can now enjoy fast, free Wi-Fi every time you visit Dolphin.

dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk

DOLPHIN the centre for shopping in POOLE

Next Ev ent

25th M ay at Sewa rd

Sta 8am - 1 dium 0am

Only £1 * 0 per p

Your team’s business club... erson in c vat

AFC Business will facilitate and help accelerate the development of informal, fun and potentially rewarding business relationships, infused by like-minded people that have an emotional connection to AFC Bournemouth.

Join our FREE Business Club: Complete the simple application form to join found by clicking on the commercial tab at www.afcb.co.uk.

The Club will email you to confirm your membership.

You will receive an invitation to the next AFC Business event.

PAR PAR ARTNERS TNERS OFFICIAL PARTNERS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS & BUSINESS ADVISERS

Next Event: 25th May, 8am-10am. to book visit: www.eventelephant.com/afcbusinessaprilbreakfastevent

For more information contact the commercial team on 01202 726313 or email commercial@afcb.co.uk @afcbusiness

afc business

hill-osborne.co.uk 01202 678555

OFFICIAL CHARITY PARTNER

Supported by by the Bournemouth Bournemouth Supported Chamber of TTrade rade and Commerce Commerce Chamber

SeekerSport

Grab a slice of the Cherries’ future A

FC Bournemouth is looking for a sponsor for its Kings Park training base, which could prove to be an integral part of the club's ambitious plans for the future.

The Cherries were granted permission to start work on a new training facility with two full size natural grass pitches and two five-a-side pitches in January, and the club is looking to complete the project in time for pre-season preparations this summer.

The Cherries' squad currently trains at Canford School, but the Kings Park site will allow them to work close to their Seward Stadium home.

The training ground will also help the club’s youth team train alongside the first team, in turn aiding the development of local talent.

“Every top team has a high quality training facility, that’s what we are building at the moment and it says a lot about our intentions," says chairman Eddie Mitchell. We put a great deal of effort into scouting and signing players, so it is only right we provide them with the right facilities to help them reach their potential.

“It’s a big investment and I feel it will prove to be one of the most important we will ever make. It gives us a good environment to work with and improve players, and help attract them to the club.”

The new sponsors will join a long list of reputable companies who have strong ties with the club including Focal Point and JD Sports.

The sponsor will benefit from official naming rights, advertising at the training ground and Seward Stadium, as well as corporate hospitality and access to the facilities.

AFC Bournemouth commercial director Rob Mitchell says: “The training ground is a really important project and shows the progress the club is making.

“We value our relationships with sponsors incredibly highly and this is a terrific opportunity for a firm to be associated with a key part of our progress.

“The club has a proud tradition of bringing through young local players and the training ground will help us maintain that, and it would be fantastic if a local company who is excited about our future could show its support.”

For more information, call Rob Mitchell on 01202 726322 or e-mail rob.mitchell@afcb.co.uk.

Team ride on the money The AFC Business Cycle Team is looking to top £10,000 on this summer’s Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride.

The team, made up of local business people, raised more than £8,000 in 2011 and has set its sights on beating last year’s total. “The AFC Business Cycle Team made an amazing contribution to the 2011 Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride which helped us reach our £100,000 target in Macmillan’s centenary year,” says volunteer ride organiser Peter Smith-Nicholls. “It would be fantastic if AFC Business could raise £10,000 in 2012 and perhaps we will exceed last year’s record amount for local people with cancer.”

The Bike Ride was launched in 1989 and has is hoping to pass the £1 million mark with this summer’s event which will be held on July 1.

You can donate online at www.justgiving.com/AFCBusiness-Bike

For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 31

SeekerSport

Sevens s the largest rugby, netball and music festival in the world Bournemouth Sevens promises an action packed weekend of sport, music and entertainment.

Having firmly cemented its place on the sporting and music calendars with its mould-breaking mix of Dubai Rugby Sevens and Glastonbury, the Bournemouth Sevens Festival will bring some 20,000 revellers to Bournemouth Sports Club for the Jubilee weekend, June 1-3.

With a staggering 300 teams playing at this year’s festival, organisers Diamond Sporting Group say the event is already impacting on the world rugby scene, overtaking renowned tournaments in Dubai and Hong Kong for team entries.

Bournemouth Sevens boasts six arenas from 9am to 1am with live music all weekend in both the beer tent and on the Nintendo festival stage while the Animal Bike Tour, Black Knights Parachute Display Team and Wave 105 Family Zone will keep the whole family entertained.

“There’s so much going on with live music, a parachute display, fancy dress, pitchside jacuzzi, beer tents and camping for 3,000 people which is why so many people keep coming back,” says festival director Roger Woodall.

Many of England’s international rugby stars will be attending the

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FREE TICKETS!

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up

They seek us here...

Seeker News is pleased to announce its media partnership with the 2012 Bournemouth Sevens Festival.

The world’s largest rugby, netball and music festival will bring some 20,000 revellers to Bournemouth Sports Club over Jubilee weekend, June 1-3.

And the area’s fastest-growing media organisation, Seeker News will be there to see the action unfold.

With 300 teams taking part in this year’s festival, the Bournemouth Sevens Festival has made a real impact on world rugby, surpassing longer established events in Dubai and Hong Kong for team entries.

“Seeker News and Bournemouth Sevens make the perfect partnership,” says Seeker MD Steve Cook. “Both of us are quite new players in our respective markets and both organisations are passionate about raising the profile of this beautiful part of the world.”

Sophie Christy, commercial director of Diamond Sporting Group, which organises the Bournemouth Sevens Festival, adds: “We’re delighted to be working with Seeker News as our a media partner and look forward to covering one of the highlights of the summer in Bournemouth.”

For more information visit Bournemouth Sevens.com or call 01202 545630.

Festival in the exclusive V.VIP Celebrity Lounge. Located in a bespoke, pitchside marquee overlooking the National Invitation Cup, guests will see some of the world’s best sevens teams with England World Cup winners playing alongside stars from Fiji, Samoa and New Zealand, as well as some of the country’s finest Premiership players.

The Festival will feature 12 rugby competitions for 172 teams, two touch competitions for 32 teams and six netball competitions for 144 teams.

The National Netball tournament is the largest netball competition in Europe with the prestigious Champagne Cup playing host to England international stars as well as players from the UK’s showcase competition, the Netball Superleague.

The Kopparberg campsite holds some 3,000 people with facilities including 24 hour security, catering and coffee units, hot Posh Wash showers, luxury changing facilities, power points for hairdryers and straighteners, licensed bar for the opening party, plenty of toilets and an exclusive women-only camping area.

The Kopparberg Friday Night Party is open exclusively to festival campers with live bands, special drinks offers and banter.

For more information visit BournemouthSevens.com or call 01202 545630.

We’ve got four family tickets – that’s free entry for two adults and two children – to give away to Seeker News readers. All you have to do to enter is visit www.seekernews.co.uk/ sevenscomp and leave your details. Closing date is Wednesday, May 25 and the four lucky winners will be drawn at random after that.

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

SeekerArts

Museum puts on fashion parade In honour of Dorset’s part in this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, Blandford Fashion Museum’s new exhibition Our Sporting Life compares the sports clothing of a century ago and the sportswear of today.

Items include a 1905 tennis dress, as well as fencing and rowing gear from 1948, a cycling outfit from 1900 and swimwear from 1916 (pictured).

Women At Work exhibition rounds up work outfits including those of a teacher, a musician, a charlady and a wartime mechanic from as far back as 1897 up until the 1970s.

Dressed To Impress, the Museum’s existing exhibition of special occasion dresses from the 1820s to the 1960s, also continues until December, but The Diamond Jubilee display of a Coronation Robe and Coronet ends in November.

Until November (The Diamond Jubilee), December (Dressed To Impress, Our Sporting Life, Women At Work) Blandford Fashion Museum 01258 453006 www.theblandfordfashionmuseum.co.uk

Elvis in a spin at BIC Songwriting legend Elvis Costello brings the Spectacular Spinning Songbook to the BIC this month.

An overture of five uninterrupted rock ’n’ roll tunes announces Elvis Costello and the Imposters, after which members of the audience are invited to spin a gigantic Vaudevillian contraption and select the next song.

Fortune may deliver such hits such as Oliver’s Army, Everyday I Write The Book and Watching The Detectives or land on a Jackpot selection such as Time or Girl, demanding a sequence of songs, each containing these words.

Such career highlights as Shipbuilding or God Give Me Strength can spin into view alongside hidden gems from the Costello songbook like Town Cryer or tunes by The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan.

May 20 Windsor Hall, BIC 0844 576 3000 www.bic.co.uk

Dazzling showcase for Dorset arts Nearly a thousand artists and designers from all over Dorset will be opening their studios and workshops to the public during this year’s Dorset Art Weeks.

The county’s flagship biennial arts spectacular, which will run from May 26 to June 10, is one of the largest events of its kind in the country with around 25,000 visitors expected to flock to Dorset. Artists will be displaying their work and skills at more than 300 venues across the county.

DAW, organised by Dorset Visual Arts, began in 1992, and has become the longest running and most geographically widespread cultural event in the county.

The main focus of the event is open studios where artists, designers and creative talents throw open their homes and workplaces, or stage collective exhibitions in venues as diverse as village halls, galleries, barns, pubs and even a theatre.

The beneficiaries from DAW extend far beyond those taking part or visiting. It is estimated that the 16-day event benefits Dorset’s economy to the tune of £2 million.

May 26-June 10 Various venues 01305 853100 www.dorsetvisualarts.org 34

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

The Artist’s House – a narrative print of separate linocuts by Dorset Art Weeks exhibitor Hugh Dunford Wood, of Lyme Regis

Dance

SeekerArts

fever at Lighthouse irmingham Royal Ballet returns to Poole with a breathtaking programme of world-famous classics with which the company has made its name.

Take Five is set to the iconic music of the legendary Dave Brubeck and is a lighthearted, elegant ballet; while Bitesized Ballet captures the White Swan pas de deux in which a lovestruck Odette and Prince Siegfried dance the night away.

An excerpt from the most romantic of Frederick Ashton’s works, The Two Pigeons, the tale of a frustrated fiancé’s flight from the nest is followed

by The Grand Tour, an eccentric take on the celebrities that populated England’s stages, screens and newspapers in the 1920s, accompanied by unique orchestral renditions of Noël Coward songs.

B

May 8 & 9 Lighthouse, Poole 0844 406 8666 www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

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

SeekerSocialDiary

Great Dorset Bake Sale Great Dorset Bake Sale in aid of Diverse Abilities Plus at Julia's Kitchen, Poole on March 29

Julia Pearce, Jenny Pearce, Rose Nott

Angela Fletcher, Mark Powell

Hayley Deane, Carrie Watkins

Dawn Cook, Chris Jarvis

Sam Birkett, Helen Alexander, Sadie Smith, Chris Jarvis, Sam Randle, Julia Cotton, Fiona Smith

Liddle Lunch Liddle Lunch at Italian Villa, Compton Acres on March 23

Joy Aubin, Rosemary Darby-Jenkins

Gary Nevill, Sue Ferguson, David Munk

Prudence Wolfeld, Lisa King, Dr Dave Richards, Jo Cross

Diners at a packed Liddle Lunch business club heard Julian Frankish, head of the business and economics research team at Barclays, provide a series of fascinating insights on the UK’s economic prospects.

Mark Liddle, Eric Lee

Sue Reeves, David Foster 36

Chris Twaits, Julian Frankish

John Caithness, Steve Cook

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

Sara Irons, Dave Brown, Jo Deeks

SeekerSocialDiary

Inspire Business Forum Inspire Business Forum at The Hallmark Hotel, Bournemouth on March 27

Ian Govier, Mark Liddle

Mike Bevis, Andrew Curtis

Robin Witt, Natalie Kay, Claire Cain

Andrew Singleton, Eric Lee

Martyn Hudson, Katharine Cleall

Chris Darlow, Lee Taylor

Don Cowan, Mark Lambert, Howard Pearce

David Willis, Paul Kimber

Geoff Paterson, Steve Jones, Peter Scott, Steve Cook

IoD at the Captains Club IoD at the Captains Club, Christchurch on March 14

Mark Cooper, Nigel Leonard

Paula Warburton, Nicole Thompson

Warren Munson, Leslie Spiers

Lorenzo Jones, Martin Edwards

Lesley Dixon, Kristy Davies-Sumpter

Steve Cook, Sarah Penny, Marc Ryan

Ed Bates, Tony Field

Caroline Swatton, Robyn Bozeat, Tracey Cooper

Nigel Soloman, Nick Davies

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

SeekerSocialDiary

events listings MAY 2 6pm MAY 17 12pm-3pm Marshwood Rural-Net – Limiting Your Risk in Tough IOD – Economy Review with Graeme Leach, Harbour Times, Hall & Woodhouse Brewery Centre, Heights Hotel, Poole Bournemouth Road, Blandford St Mary, Kate Chastey, kate@thepassionatepa.co.uk, Dorset DT11 9LS 01202 802863 Chris Darlow, chris.darlow@wsxenterprise.co.uk, MAY 17 6pm 01202 607541 DJC – Meet & Drink, Banana Wharf, Poole MAY 3 12pm Nicola Janes, nicola@djc.org.uk The Diners Club, Chewton Glen MAY 17 6pm Julia Fildes, julia.fildes@letchers.co.uk, Abbey Rural-Net – Manage and Improve your Cashflow, 01425 471424 The Eastbury Hotel, Long Street, MAY 3 6pm Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BY DJC – Meet & Drink, Hot Rocks, Chris Darlow, chris.darlow@wsx To get your event listed in Seeker Bournemouth enterprise.co.uk, 01202 607541 News visit www.seekernews.co.uk/ Nicola Janes, nicola@djc.org.uk MAY 18 7.45am listings BusinessXchange – Invest in MAY 8 6pm DJC – Working with Exhibiting with Elizabeth Assertiveness, The CottonRowden, Ocean View Hotel, wood Boutique Hotel, Bournemouth To receive Seeker News hot off the press Bournemouth Laura McHarrie, laura.mcharrie@ each month sign up online now at wsxenterprise.co.uk, Nicola Janes, nicola@djc.org.uk www.seekernews. co.uk/subscribe 01305 837063 MAY 8 6pm Hardy Rural-Net – Managing MAY 23 6pm Marshwood Rural-Net – Limiting Debtors and Creditors, The Your Risk in Tough Times Engine Room, Peverell Avenue, Highlands End, Eype, Bridport, Poundbury, Dorchester, If you’d like to receive extra copies of Dorset DT6 6AR Dorset DT1 3RT Seeker News to distribute from your Chris Darlow, chris.darlow@ Chris Darlow, chris.darlow@wsx business then please get in touch via the wsxenterprise.co.uk, enterprise.co.uk, website at www.seekernews.

01202 607541 01202 607541 co.uk/distribute MAY 24 7.45am MAY 9 7.45am BusinessXchange – Perfect BusinessXchange – Fan-worthy Landing Pages with Carol Facebook Pages with Alison Bentley, Kingston Maurward Boyle Hall & Woodhouse Brewery College, Dorchester DT2 8PY Visitors Centre, Bournemouth Stay up to date with the Laura McHarrie, laura.mcharrie@ Road, Blandford St Mary, Dorset Seeker News iPhone wsxenterprise.co.uk, DT11 9LS app – www.seekernews Laura McHarrie, laura.mcharrie@ 01305 837063 .co.uk/iphone wsxenterprise.co.uk, MAY 24 7pm 01305 837063 DCCI – International Dinner, The MAY 10 6pm Chine Hotel, Boscombe, East Dorset Rural-Net – Manage Bournemouth Business is all about connections and and Improve your Cashflow, Sylvie Wilson, sylvie.wilson@dcci. our new online business directory on co.uk, www.dcci.co.uk/events, Crane Valley Golf Club, The SeekerNews.co.uk allow others to find 01202 714805 Clubhouse, Verwood, Dorset your business, this is a great, low-cost BH31 7LH MAY 29 5pm way to get your business found by Chris Darlow, chris.darlow@ Inspire Business Forum, The potential clients from as little as wsxenterprise.co.uk, Hallmark Hotel & Spa, £3.75/month!

01202 607541 Bournemouth To find out more visit www.seekernews Joanna Brown, joanna@inspire.uk MAY 15 3pm-8.30pm .co.uk/business-directory .net, 01202 717867 IOD – Summer Garden Party and Business Showcase, Minterne House, MAY 29 6pm KEY Minterne Magna, Dorchester, North Dorset Rural-Net – Managing Debtors DJC Dorset Dorset DT2 7AU and Creditors The Royal Chase Hotel, Junior Chamber Kate Chastey, kate@thepassionatepa.co.uk, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8DB 01202 802863 DCCI Dorset Chris Darlow, chris.darlow@wsxenterprise.co.uk Chamber of 01202 607541 MAY 16 12pm Commerce and DCCI – May Networking Lunch, Shell Bay JUNE 12 9am Industry Restaurant, Studland Dorset Women in Business, Kingston Lacy, Sylvie Wilson, sylvie.wilson@dcci.co.uk, IoD Institute of Wimborne Minster BH21 4EA www.dcci.co.uk/events, Directors Sam Birkett, rsvp@dwib.co.uk, 01202 656762 01202 714805

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