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Issue 1 - March 2012
Back from the brink How facing his own mortality caused James Sale to re-evaluate his business Did the media talk us into the recession? Cold War lessons from Steve Cook
For the latest news visit our website at www.seekernews.co.uk
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Contents
001
James Sale: Back from the brink
Seeker News Did the media talk us into a recession?
What I learnt in the Cold War
04-07
05-23 24-25
28-30
Charities 39 Sport 41 Arts 42-43 Social Diary 44-47 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, Richard Button Photography: Steve Cook Siân Court - sian@seeker.uk.com Accounts: Debbie Applegate - debbie@seeker.uk.com Designer: Ross Saunders - The Roman Group Printed by: The Roman Group, Bournemouth Seeker 01202 611163 www.seekernews.co.uk © 2012 Seeker. All rights reserved.
Seeker Work/Life Seeker News stands as a testament to the power of just getting on with it and not procrastinating. A month ago it didn’t exist, except in some dark corner of my imagination, but now you’re holding it in your hands. All too often we lose time and inspiration by prevaricating, putting off the things we’d love to do in favour of the things we feel we should do. But sometimes the only real course of action is to get up and get on with it. The first issue of Seeker News is a natural progression from the success of the news website we set up in early 2010, reflecting what’s going on at work as well as what we do in our own time. The best magazines are made of great words, great photos and great design. Seeker News won’t settle for anything less in its mix of informative, well-researched news, profiles and features from the region’s business community.
It’s nearly 20 years since I wrote, produced and distributed a motorcycling fanzine from an air base in the Saudi Arabian desert. It was made with a sand-filled camera, a typewriter, scissors, glue and blind enthusiasm. What it lacked in finesse it more than made up for in energy, and by the time I bought my first computer two years later and went full colour it was attracting international advertising. Seeker News is driven by the same commitment to delivering a publication that people are excited to see and advertisers want to be associated with.
Steve Cook
This magazine is dedicated to Bill Moody (1922-2011). Thank you for the thirst for knowledge.
For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 03
James Sale
Back from By Nick Churchill
the brink
There’s nothing like confronting your own mortality to focus the mind on the things that are really important. James Sale knows this more than most. In fact, he’s positively thankful for the bowel cancer that saw him confined to hospital for the best part of three months last year during which time he underwent two five-hour operations to save his life.
W
hen lifestyle and management guru James Sale collapsed and was admitted to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital last July doctors had no idea what was wrong with him. The pain was excruciating, but despite numerous tests, scans, x-rays and biopsies, there was no definitive diagnosis. Only after an operation in which seven metres of his lower intestine were removed did James learn he had been carrying two tumours – one the size of a grapefruit, the other an avocado – in his bowel.
“Love is amazingly powerful and profound. It’s the main factor that enables any of us to survive and I experienced such love while I was in hospital” 04 March 2012
Just 24 hours later he was standing and a day after that he was walking, soon he was digesting food as well, but a few days later he collapsed again. His digestive system had broken down. What followed was a harrowing prolonged stay in hospital during which James lost four stone in weight and was forced to seriously consider the prospect of spending the rest of his life attached to a drip – if he lived at all. “There was a real terror that even if they stabilised my condition I would be connected to these drips,” he says. “But what it did was refocus my mind on my job in life, the thing I believe I was born to do, which is training, coaching and mentoring people. I
found myself rigorously returning to the things I taught others, motivationally, to keep my spirits up. I was meditating again, hypnotising myself, practicing emotional freedom or tapping techniques and I was in a constant state of positivity. For me, it was like getting back to basics again.”
“There was a real terror that even if they stabilised my condition I would be connected to these drips” As the creator of Motivational Maps and other people and management diagnostic tools, for the previous six years James had been increasingly focussed on the strategy for growing his business. “You get time to take stock of your life when you’re in hospital and I saw that running Motivational Maps meant I was spending too much time sat at a computer which had actually taken me away from what I loved most about my work, which is the people stuff – running personal development courses. I’m running a course in February which is the first one I’ve ➤
Cancer has reminded James of his own teaching – people come before profit
For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 05
done for eight years and I can’t wait to get back to it,” he enthuses. “Love is amazingly powerful and profound. It’s the main factor that enables any of us to survive and I experienced such love while I was
“Obviously, not being able to work for nearly five months is a nightmare for anyone who’s in business, but I’ve come through this with the love and support of the people around me, the people that matter most” in hospital. There was the most incredible love of my wife Linda and my family and the love of my friends as well, but also the love of the nurses and doctors that went way beyond service provision. I felt a real commitment to me from them and now I have that commitment to them as well – I formed genuine friendships with them.” 06 March 2012
James was able to continue his recovery at home in Bournemouth over Christmas and returned to work in January determined to concentrate on what matters most. “Obviously, not being able to work for nearly five months is a nightmare for anyone who’s in business, but I’ve come through this with the love and support of the people around me, the people that matter most. In business you’re always looking for residual incomes and we’ve decided that Motivational Maps, while still important to me, can take care of itself by and large. I’ve been working in the training field for 17 years now and I need to re-establish myself as a mentor because it’s what I love. “It’s a bit like the chef who is persuaded to create a range of sauces and then finds he is spending so much time promoting and marketing those sauces that he has no time left for cooking which is what he loved in the first place.” Cancer has reminded James of his own teaching – people come before profit. To worry about the people and allow the money to take care of itself is not so much a recipe for
Love, purpose and strategy
“I want to help people find the joy in life, discover their mission and realise what they’ve been put here to do” financial recklessness as a formula for getting by in the kindest way possible. But even the most self aware and energetic explorer of their inner being can become distanced from the things they love. “We’ve resolved to make changes to the way we live – I’ve sworn off alcohol and red meat for at least a year. One of the things I teach people is to live life as if it is a book and to put titles to chapters in that book. You see then that life is a narrative one thing leads to another. “I want to help people find the joy in life, discover their mission and realise what they’ve been put here to do. Our relationships with people are the most important things in life, not money. Money’s only there to help us get from A to B. We should focus on the things that bring joy, that make a positive contribution.”
James’ experience is a lesson for us all. Success in life and business is better measured by love than money. Does everyone involved bake love into the bread we serve our customers? Do we serve with love? Do customers feel our love, and love our bread? If so, we’ll make the other kind of bread (money). True love is rooted in purpose, the heart of strategy. James on the brink saw that in pursuing ‘success’ strategies, he had drifted from purpose. Love brought him back, gently reminding him of the true measure of success. Dr Dave Richards Dr Dave is a globally recognized thought leader on strategic innovation leadership.
Editor’s opinion It’s all too easy for business owners to lose sight of why they are in business. Their head is down, concentrating on the day to day production tasks that are required to service their clients. It’s only by stepping back and gaining perspective on your business that you can truly see where you are going.
“It’s only by stepping back and gaining perspective on your business that you can truly see where you are going” Hopefully you won’t need to be in a hospital bed to do it, take a break, go away for the weekend, even have a holiday. You will come back, rested, reinvigorated and with a clearer idea of your purpose. Steve Cook For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 07
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Dorset’s star turn And the Oscar for thinking big goes to... Dorset Cereals.
company can expect to expand on its niche status in the USA.
For the little company from Poundbury will be rubbing shoulders with the heavy hitters of the corporate world at this year’s Oscars. When the biggest names in Hollywood open their goody bags at the ceremony on February 24 they’ll find Dorset Cereals’ awardwinning mueslis, complete with bowl and spoon, alongside the iPods, Macbook Airs, jewellery, clothes and even diamonds.
“There’s all these big stars and major brands and little old us, it’s amazing,” says Mandy Cooper, head of communications at Dorset Cereals.
With Oscar nominees from George Clooney to Meryl Streep in line to find out why Dorset Cereals was recently voted Britain’s favourite cereal, the
“We got in touch with GBK, the events company that works with the Academy on the Oscars, and sent them some muesli, without any hope of hearing back from them, but then they asked if we could get 100 boxes to them because they wanted them for the goody bag. It’s a huge privilege to be in there.” The acting glitterati will find their muesli comes with a special bowl and spoon.
“We also think we should put a card in that says ‘Greetings from Dorset, England’ as most of them won’t have a clue where Dorset is,” adds Mandy.
Guru to make Connections Ever thought you should be paid more…? Marketing specialist Robert Craven will explain Why You’re Not Paid What You’re Worth to networkers at South Coast Connections this month. The entrepreneurship guru is guest speaker for the Dorset event organised by Business Scene, the online business community and events directory, and claims his hard-hitting talk will help business people run a more profitable, go-to service. Among his many admirers, Sir Richard Branson says Craven will “turn your business into a powerhouse by recovering some of the passion and nimbleness.”
And to mark the launch of our first issue, Seeker News is among the panel of event partners.
South Coast Connections is run by Debbie Tarrier and this event is sponsored by Fire Radio at the Menzies Carlton Hotel in Bournemouth on February 22 from 5.30pm.
“Seeker News is offering a fresh and exciting take on the local business community and has already been extremely well received by it,” says Seeker MD Steve Cook. “We’re extremely proud to be part of the South Coast Connections network and are looking forward to sharing our magazine with it.”
“It’s a very well attended event and always has a good mix of new faces and old friends, which helps make it a friendly, relaxed atmosphere for business networking,” says Debbie.
With more than 2,000 members in Dorset, benefits have been enhanced by the news that with new investment Business Scene is to redevelop the website with members in mind.
“Since I first started attending South Coast Connections I have not only enjoyed each and every one, but seen SCC grow enormously into a vibrant, expanding and hugely useful networking event,” says Peter Hastrop of Networks/Isis Business Centre. “This is right up there with the very best, and a networking event that one cannot afford not to be part of.” Advance tickets for South Coast Connections cost £10 + VAT from www.southcoastconnections.com. To find out about exhibiting, or for other enquiries, contact Debbie Tarrier on 07956 161779, or debbie@ dtbusiness.co.uk For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 09
New business advisory service launched Following the recent closure of the regional Business Link service and in particular the withdrawal of one to one business advice, two local accredited advisers have set up a new business advisory service called Develop My Plan based in Bournemouth. David Pitfield and Robin McGowan have more than 10 years experience between them as Business Link advisers and will be providing independent business advisory and consultancy services to business owners who would like to develop and grow their business.
David says: “I am delighted to be working alongside Robin to help the business community in Dorset by offering a bespoke service tailored to each individual business owner and their needs. “We have very much enjoyed our roles as Business Link advisers and building on that experience are looking forward to helping business owners across Dorset develop their plans.” For further information visit: www.developmyplan.co.uk
Making the world a better place Driven by her passion for healthier living, Michelle Bartlett is hoping the Positive Change event to be held in Bournemouth in July will educate people and inspire them towards a better way of life. “I just want people to wake up to how poisonous our world is – there are chemicals in so many everyday household products, not to mention the food we eat, as well as cosmetics, packaging and cleaning products,” she says. “I’m 46 now and reasonably healthy, but I wish I had learned what I know now ten years ago. I want to stay healthy and live the next 40 years without regrets about what I have put in my body – or those of my family.” Michelle founded the company Our Organic World a year ago with friends Claire Langan and Fiona White.
Cherries use power of football to help prisoners AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust is using the power of football to help inmates at Guys Marsh Prison in Shaftesbury gain new qualifications. The Trust and the staff at Guys Marsh have designed a six week programme to give inmates at the category C facility the necessary skills to be able to do positive work in their local communities upon release. Steve Cuss, head of the Community Sports Trust, is looking forward to returning to Guys Marsh after opening a partnership with the prison in late 2011. “We are hoping it will give the participants the opportunity to
engage in something really positive after they’re released. It could open the door for them to become involved in some voluntary work, or look for some paid employment at a local sports centre,” says Steve.
“The more I learned about this the more I wanted to change to adopt a healthier lifestyle for me and my family. A couple of friends were interested and we started talking to other friends about it and it all just snowballed from there.” The company held its first event last May and repeated the success in November, bringing stallholders and speakers together. Positive Change goes ahead on July 1 at the Carrington Hotel in Bournemouth, from 10am to 6pm.
“The participants pick up a certificate at the end of the scheme and it can boost their chances of employment, but football has such a wide message. It teaches us about discipline, teamwork, leadership, communication and organisation which are all important life skills.”
“We don’t just want to reach people who already know about this, we want to interest new people as well. You don’t have to make big changes to start being healthier and greener – anyone can clean their house with lemon juice and vinegar – and organic doesn’t have to be expensive,” says Michelle.
Simon Broderick, at Guys Marsh Prison, adds, “The course gives the participants some really valuable skills, and we hope it will help them gain qualifications and find a job after they’re released.”
Tickets are available now from www. ourorganicworld.co.uk priced £10 to include a goody bag, programme, guest speakers, mini talks and 40 exhibitors, all professionals in the field of Positive Change. For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 11
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AECC Corporate Rate Scheme We offer a corporate rate scheme which is free to all businesses. The scheme allows you and your employees a 20% discount on examinations, treatments and rehabilitation. This includes on-the-job injuries and problems unrelated to work, including sports injuries, road traffic accidents and back pain associated with pregnancy. If you would like to receive more information on how you and your company could benefit from our corporate rate scheme please call 01202 436222. We would be happy to visit your place of employment to provide information on preventing work related injuries.
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Reduce your tax bill the Tony Blair way Recent reports that Tony Blair paid only £315,000 tax on his £12 million income have highlighted some of the advantages of incorporation for small businesses according to Parkstone accountant Steve Worth. “While many local businesses are not quite in Tony Blair’s league, they should still consider the most tax efficient way to set up and run their businesses,” says Steve. “Work-related expenses are taxdeductible and therefore the main advantage of setting up your own company or declaring yourself selfemployed.” Tax-deductible expenses include the cost of premises, stock, marketing, travel expenses and staff costs, including the owner’s salary if trading as a limited company. However, there are some important distinctions
between being self-employed and trading as a limited company. • The self-employed pay income tax and National Insurance contributions on their profits. The standard personal tax-free allowance is £7,475 a year before income tax is incurred in bands at 20%, 40% and 50%. Self-employed people pay Class 4 National Insurance at 9% on profits between £7,225 and £42,475, plus 2% on profits over £42,475. The self employed also pay Class 2 National Insurance at £2.50 per week. • Trading as a limited company means profits are subject to corporation tax – 20% if less than £300,000. By taking a small salary from the company – less than £7,070 • The owner will avoid having to pay income tax or National Insurance.
“A good accountant will identify every opportunity to minimise your tax bill and company profits, after corporation tax, can be distributed to the shareholders (usually the owner), free of any further tax, as long as total income does not exceed the high rate tax band in the year, currently £35,000.” Other benefits to trading as a limited company include making pension contributions as a taxdeductible expense and because corporation tax payments are not made on account, as with income tax if you are self-employed, incorporation can help a company’s cash-flow. “However, incorporation is not for everyone and nobody should proceed without taking professional advice from an accountant or tax adviser.”
Collaboration the key for new Chamber President Recently elected as President of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Michael Regenhardt of the FJB Hotels Group is keen to broaden the chamber’s offerings and appeal. Working much more closely with neighbouring chambers on policy issues (such as skills, employment law and infrastructure development), he will also be looking at opportunities for consolidations of initiatives.
Previously the General Manager of the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel, Michael recently joined the FJB Hotels Group as Group Operations Director. As President of the DCCI he hopes to bring new impetus to the chamber, by focusing on driving and retaining membership to increase the critical mass of the business community the Dorset Chamber represents and thereby adding even more weight to what the chamber stands for.
YOUhome acquires Berkeleys YOUhome have expanded their residential property sales and letting business through the acquisition of Berkeleys, an independent estate agency based in Canford Cliffs, Poole.
“Berkeleys will retain its existing trading name but will also benefit from YOUhome’s information-rich marketing, web presence, technology systems and London links.”
“This acquisition of an established and well-respected local business will enable YOUhome to build our presence across the south coast,” says joint managing director, Adrian Black.
“Our vision for YOUhome is to continue to grow the business and to make strategic acquisitions, enabling us to leverage our unique positioning across the residential
property market,” commented Jeremy Priestley, a fellow of the RICS and a former managing director of Hamptons International. Since opening in Bournemouth in late 2007, YOUhome has built a strong presence across the local area and was recognised in 2010 when they were presented with a Highly Commended estate and letting agent award from the Dorset Property and Architectural Awards. For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 13
At Emotion Energy we believe as many people as possible should benefit from the sun, after all it belongs to all of us!
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What are Solar Photovoltaics? Solar panels placed on South facing roofs produce electricity during the day, helping you to possibly your electricity bill.
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Why consider Solar Photovoltaics? Oil, gas, electric and food prices will continue to rise as we have been living unsustainably for many years. Installing Solar PV gives you free electricity for 25 years, a feed in tariff for 25 years, and an export tariff for 25 years (each of these 3 revenues are linked to inflation).
What do you get from Emotion? A 25 year warranty on your system. Estimated payback of 7 years or less. Local specialist team providing support. Our customers to provide references. Please contact your local Bournemouth team on 01202 201711 to get advice or arrange a free no-obligation survey! Thank you for taking the time to consider our service, the Emotion Energy team.
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Fit for business Physiotherapists at Bournemouthbased sports injury clinic Body In Motion have produced a four-point plan to keep business professionals fit for work. “Every day many of us are sat down for long periods,” says Anne-Marie Samuel of Body In Motion. “This places a lot of pressure on the back and neck and this is exacerbated because not many of us sit correctly which leads to back pain.”
work comfortably in an upright posture with your head and spine aligned. 2. Take regular breaks to stand up and stretch. Change your position every hour, even if you just stand up for 30 seconds move your neck, arms and back then sit down again in the correct posture. This encourages normal circulation in the muscles, rehydrates your spinal discs and keeps the joints mobile.
“Prevention is better than cure and there are a few simple things you can do each day,” says Anne-Marie.
3. Improve your general fitness. Strong muscles in your spine and core will enable you to sit upright with good posture without slouching. Do exercises that work your back like rowing, reverse flies or lat pulldowns. A good core workout on the stability ball, yoga and Pilates help correct and maintain good posture.
1. Get the ergonomics correct. Feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. Use a chair with lumbar support that can be pushed all the way in under your desk. Your computer screen should be at eye level and the keyboard and mouse within easy reach. You must be able to
4. Get treatment early. Pain is a sign of damage in the body and it is easier to treat if it has not yet become serious. If you ignore the pain for months, other muscles and joints start to compensate and the problem can become much more serious.
Statistics reveal back pain cost the economy about £7.6 billion a year and caused a fifth of all sickness absences in small to medium-sized businesses.
Macmillan patients entertained Experienced thanks to The Identity Group addition to Christchurch-based design, trades and construction company, The Identity Group is passionate about supporting local causes and the community it works in.
Liddle’s team Ben Gould is the latest addition to the team at insolvency advisers, Mark Liddle llp. Ben has spent the last 10 years specialising in helping individuals facing financial problems and will fit in well with the positive, can-do attitude at Mark Liddle llp.
The Group has chosen to work with the Macmillan palliative care unit at Christchurch Hospital to raise fund to help improve the quality of life for those living with cancer. “Part of Identity’s first project was to donate 20 iPod/games consoles to Macmillan for the patients’ rooms and communal areas” says Steve Summers, of The Identity Group. “The consoles will hopefully provide some light entertainment for patients and their families while in care at the unit.” “After visiting the facilities and meeting members of staff the directors saw how much effort and work that
is involved caring for these patients,” says Steve. Macmillan Trust secretary at Christchurch Hospital, Neal Williams adds: “We are so grateful to Identity for donating iPod docks for all our televisions in the Macmillan Unit. Many of our patients’ visitors have smartphones so now they will be able to share their photos and videos on the bedside televisions, which is a real benefit.”
“We are delighted Ben is joining us, we have known and respected him for many years and he will strengthen and enhance the support we give to owners and directors of businesses facing difficulty,” commented senior partner Mark Liddle. Ben understands the stresses of running a business as he once ran his own car dealership turning over £45million. For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 15
National award winners move to Poole
E
nhanced one of the South’s fastest growing and successful IT companies are delighted to announce two very exciting pieces of news! Firstly, they have won the coveted Software Satisfaction Award for 2011. Enhanced was acclaimed for the second year as “Reseller of the Year”, one of the Business Software Industry’s highest accolades at the award ceremony held in London. Secondly, they are excited to announce that they have acquired new premises in Poole. They have purchased a 5,000 sq. ft. self contained office on the New Fields Business Park. Over the past few months they have totally redesigned and refurbished this bright, modern office space which will offer their team and customers state of the art accommodation. This has been an amazing year for Enhanced despite difficult trading conditions facing businesses. It is thanks to their dedicated team
For more information contact us on t: 01202 308000 | w: enhanced.co.uk
and loyal customers, that they have once again been recognised as a leading provider of business solutions. They have had many successful years working from Ferndown, but now it is time to move on to enable them to achieve their planned growth.
“It is thanks to their dedicated team and loyal customers, that they have once again been acclaimed leading provider of business solutions.” Rest assured their commitment to provide outstanding solutions and service will only be enhanced by the move to New Fields. Enhanced fully recognise that their customers deserve only the best service that can be offered and to achieve this will remain one of their primary goals.
Main image: Enhanced celebrate their win at London’s Marriott Hotel. Left to right Simon White, Lena James, Chris Orr, Kerrie Young and Paul Warwick Above: Simon White, Managing Director plans his new office at New Fields Business Park, Poole
“Our investment in the new premises is a sign of our total commitment to the future growth of Enhanced” says Simon White “we look forward to many years of continued service and support to our customers both old and new”.
Lucky 13 for Richmond clients Towngate Personnel chief hails tourism cash injection Bournemouth-based hospitality industry recruitment specialists Towngate Personnel are welcoming the recent government announcement that it is to spend an extra £27 million promoting British tourism.
Value for money and good oldfashioned customer service are helping Richmond Home Improvement Co weather the current economic downturn. The Poole-based double glazing company is celebrating its 13th birthday this month and the message from owner Allan Tofield is: “Lucky for our customers and not so lucky for those whose suppliers are no longer around.”
He’s pleased that his team’s hard work and time spent taking care of their customers is paying off for the business. “Good news travels fast but bad news has a habit of overtaking it. There’s been a lot of hard work building this business, but with a blend of resilience, great value for money and quality, locally-sourced products we expect to look after our customers for another 13 years and well beyond,” says Allan.
Home help service is heaven sent Domestic Angels is celebrating ten years in business this year with a promise to keep doing what it does best - caring. “This is not just about cleaning, this is about people and their homes, it always has been,” says founder Samantha Acton. “When you go into people’s private homes it’s a very personal service and our Angels are frequently viewed as a special branch of our clients’ families.” Domestic Angels provides a range of services from weekly cleaning to spring cleans, ironing, heating simple meals, even shopping for essentials. “We like to get to know our clients and their community. Our Angels
often know clients’ families, their neighbours, personal care workers, even regular delivery people. We become an important part of their lives and for some our Angel might be the one person they can rely on seeing every day. It also means family can visit their loved ones and just enjoy the visit rather than feeling obliged to do chores.” The caring ethos at Domestic Angels has been in place since it started in Southbourne in 2002 and is continuing into its second decade. “I love this business. It’s dynamic, diverse and loads of fun. I’m a great believer in what goes around comes around and if there’s an opportunity to be kind or help someone then why wouldn’t you?”
The cash injection will assist the national tourism agency VisitBritain in its bid to attract 4.6 million visitors to these shores and create almost 60,000 new jobs over the next four years. Hailing Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s announcement, Towngate Personnel managing director Richard Goles said: “This is great news for the whole industry, but especially those businesses operating in the hospitality sector which will be ready to accommodate, feed and entertain the extra tourists.” The government announcement comes on the eve of a potential huge boost for British tourism. 2012 will see a mass influx of visitors, not only for the Olympic Games in London, but also the Paralympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Goles insists that Britain’s hospitality industry must be well prepared for not only 2012 , but also the ensuing years. “The UK’s hospitality providers must plan staffing levels early and carefully if they are to maximise the benefits 2012 can bring,” he said. “We will be the focus of the world’s eye and have the opportunity to not only create the extra 60,000 new jobs forecast within the hospitality sectors but also to sustain the long term economic growth through increasing inbound tourism for a number of years to come. This kind of opportunity does not come very often.” For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 17
Bournemouth hotel to go as part of regeneration Plans have been submitted to redevelop the Bournemouth International Hotel and Ocean Palace restaurant on Priory Hill and replace them with a new larger restaurant, 57 self-contained flats and nine holiday apartments with underground parking. The site is prominent within the tourism area of Bournemouth and its redevelopment will contribute towards the Council’s wider objectives for the regeneration of this part of the town centre.
years and this development will be at the forefront of the regeneration of the area.” James Roberts from Anders Roberts adds “This project will bring a vibrancy to a tired yet important corner of Bournemouth, the design is contemporary and simple whilst respecting the historic
character of the conservation area.”
neighbouring
James Bradley of Landmark Estates says “The feedback we have received so far has been very positive and we look are looking forward after many months of hard work coming to fruition and delivering a top quality scheme for Bournemouth.”
The existing hotel is no longer profitable, whilst the restaurant owners are excited about the prospect of a new venue. The redevelopment will create new jobs and tourist accommodation fit for the 21st century. John Montgomery, director of Tanner & Tilley Town Planning Consultants, comments “The West Cliff part of the town centre will see significant change in the next few Question: As one half of a separating cohabiting couple, am I afforded the same level of protection as a divorcing couple?
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Tel: 01425 471424 www.letchers.co.uk 24 Market Place, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 1BS 3 The Old Pottery, Manor Way, Verwood, Dorset BH31 6HF
18 March 2012
Answer: Over the last 20 years, cohabitation has become a popular alternative to marriage. Despite being so, many people remain unaware of the crucial distinction in law between marriage and cohabitation, it is still assumed that there is such a thing as “common law” marriage giving cohabitees the same rights as married couples. It often comes as a shock to be advised that cohabitee rights differ enormously from those of a husband or wife. Under the present legal regime, cohabitees who separate are not afforded the same level of protection as divorcing couples, in some cases following the end of a relationship, one person may find themselves in a vulnerable financial position and sadly we often have to explain that cohabiting couples have fewer legal remedies available to them. One of the key differences between cohabitation and marriage is the financial provision available on the breakdown of a relationship. A husband or wife can apply to the court for financial support from their spouse, which may include a transfer of property or ongoing payments of spousal maintenance. They can also receive a share of their spouse’s pension. At the end of a cohabiting relationship, the division of assets will largely depend on how the assets are held. It is often the case that each party will retain their own assets and joint assets will be divided between them. A cohabitee cannot claim a share of their partner’s pension or claim maintenance for themselves, albeit they will be able to do for a child of the relationship. When a cohabiting couple live in a house in the sole name of one of them, only the owner will have the right to remain in the property. The non owner may be able to claim an interest if they can show financial contributions to the property. The downfall is that such a claim can be lengthy and expensive and therefore places cohabitees in a weaker position than spouses who have a legal right to remain in the matrimonial home. Making a Will takes on crucial importance if you are not married as without a Will, your partner will not automatically get any of your assets. Your partner may be left with no option but to go to court to claim a share of your assets. If you are planning to live with your partner or already cohabiting, you may wish to consider entering into a Cohabitation Agreement which sets out how property and assets are to be divided in the event of a relationship breakdown. This can save a great deal of conflict and unnecessary cost. If you are affected these issues please call Ianthe Slinger on 01425 471424 or email Ianthe.slinger@ letchers.co.uk for a without obligation discussion.
Entrepreneur champions the cause of local traders Dorset entrepreneur Matt Murray has been quick to act in support of celebrity retail expert Mary Portas who has warned that Britain’s high streets are in crisis and could disappear forever. The stark message from the selfstyled Queen of Shops echoes the idea that has seen Matt Murray launch a unique online discount coupon scheme in a bid to save local traders. Vouchers4 invites businesses to list offers on a localised website. Customers share vouchers by social media, print the coupons to claim the discounts and then rate businesses. “It’s a local service dedicated to promoting local businesses to local people,” says Matt whose father ran a butcher’s shop until it closed in the face of competition from a supermarket opposite. “I grew up in that environment and it breaks my heart to see all the expertise and knowledge that exists in local traders going to waste because people have forgotten how to shop locally.
“I know how good local shops can be and how hard it is for them without the added pressure of the recession.” Prime Minister David Cameron commissioned Mary Portas’ report last year after an increasing number of shops were forced to close following a drop in trade. She has set out 30 recommendations to halt the decline of our town centres, blaming years of “erosion, neglect and
mismanagement” that have left high streets on the brink of extinction. Matt Murray has welcomed the report and is now calling on local businesses to assert their independence and character by appealing to their natural customer-base – local people. He also wants to re-educate communities to make the most of their local traders and retailers.
The Dorset LEP - making Dorset a beautiful place to do business A new organisation called the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, or LEP, is being launched in April to boost jobs and attract new industry right across Dorset. It will be driven by the private sector but will work in partnership with local authorities in the county. The LEP’s aim is to create an environment through improved connectivity and business infrastructure in which existing businesses can flourish and which is attractive for new start-ups and investment from the UK and abroad. This will deliver higher paid and better skilled jobs throughout Dorset.
One top priority for the LEP is getting Dorset connected to fast broadband access, in order to attract new business and support existing enterprises, particularly in rural areas. The government has allocated £530m to deliver the best superfast broadband across the country in the lifetime of the current parliament, with potential for a further £300m up to 2017. The LEP also supports Rural-Net, the network for enterprising rural businesses, built on the legacy of the Rural Business Clubs. LEP Chairman Gordon Page comments: “There’s no doubt that
these are challenging economic times both nationally and globally, but as a board we strongly believe that the new Dorset LEP will position the county in a far better position to attract vital new investment, to create more and better skilled jobs whilst harnessing the potential of our fabulous natural environment. “We firmly believe that with steering from the private-sector, we can bring Dorset to the forefront of government thinking to achieve much-needed investment. We know this is a great place to do business, but we need to get that message out not just to the UK but to the rest of the globe!” For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 19
Frettens Open Brockenhurst Office Frettens Solicitors are delighted to announce the merger of Frettens Solicitors with Brockenhurst firm, Martins Solicitors. The office will initially be known as Frettens Solicitors inc Martins Solicitors. Sue Martin, owner of Martins Solicitors, has become a Partner of Frettens and will continue to work from the Brockenhurst office with her existing team. Commenting on the acquisition, Sue says “I have admired the Frettens brand and reputation for a number of years and I am thrilled to join their team. I believe their ethos, technology and approach to client care complements the quality of work that we have always offered at Martins Solicitors.” Frettens Partner Lee Young will work alongside Sue in Brockenhurst. He says “We are delighted to join forces with such a well-respected firm to continue to build on their outstanding reputation in the Forest.”
Lee Young, Matthew Fretten, Sue Martin
Meet the Brockenhurst Team Frettens Solicitors inc Martins Solicitors 3 Courtyard Mews, Brookley Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7RB 01590 623252
Sue Martin
Kaitlin Stone
Lee Young
Julie-Ann Harris
Conveyancing Partner
Conveyancing Executive
Wills & Tax Partner
Family Associate
20 March 2012
Residential property Divorce & family law Wills, tax & probate Personal injury
Mergers & acquisitions Employment law Commercial property Dispute resolution
www.frettens.co.uk
Red lorry, yellow lorry... now it’s green lorry
October 2006 have to be fitted with a filter to reduce their emissions or pay the daily charge.
vehicle emissions don’t meet the new standard,” says U-Drive director Mark Hamblin.
Dorset businesses will have to pay a daily charge of up to £200 a day or have filters fitted to the exhausts of their vehicles.
To meet the new demand for LEZcompliant vehicles, hire company U-Drive has invested more than £1 million in a fleet of 25 brand new 7.5 tonne lorries.
The LEZ was introduced in 2008 to clean up the most polluting vehicles on London’s roads in an effort to improve the lives of people visiting, living or working in the capital.
All lorries, buses, coaches and heavy specialist vehicles must now meet the Euro IV standard for exhaust emissions to operate in the Low Emission Zone which covers most of Greater London. Commercial vehicles registered before
“Our customers need to operate their businesses in the LEZ but replacing a lorry at short notice is a massive expense for a small company. Our new lorries mean they won’t have to turn business away because their
The new fleet of 7.5 tonne lorries has a been launched alongside U-Drive’s xert e o T new executive car hire service in “which ating timul ecial customers can take delivery of shighen end vehicles including Range Rover, and b Mercedes SLK and BMW 7-series. ffect”
As tougher green legislation comes into effect, commercial vehicles registered before October 2006 are no longer allowed to drive in London.
e
Inspire crowned best independent firm in the south west Poole - based accountants and tax advisers, Inspire, were celebrating after being named the best independent firm in the south west at this year’s British Accountancy Awards. In awarding the title to Inspire the judges said: “This was an easy choice. They impressed their clients, were innovative and showed good involvement in the community. They caught our attention with their international focus and expert focus.” Speaking of the achievement Warren Munson, MD of Inspire, said: “This is another great achievement for Inspire and our team. We pride ourselves on being different to other firms in the area by focusing on real business needs and offering true value added services to our clients in addition to standard compliance.” Inspire has previously won the Accountancy Age Small Firm of the Year award in 2009. For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 21
2011’s top stories on the Seeker News website Although this is the first issue of Seeker News as a magazine our website has been around since early 2010. Seeker News.co.uk continued to attract more visitors during 2011 with the audience and content growing all the time.
As we launch the magazine here’s the top stories of 2011: 1. Roger Daltrey & His Band, O2 Academy Bournemouth A meticulous performance of controlled power and measured musicianship saw Roger Daltrey roll back the years, all 42 of them, as he lead a crack band through The Who’s 1969 opus, Tommy, at the Academy. 2. Fish Pedicures have come to Poole The Garra Rufa Fish and their health benefits were discovered in the early 1800s and are now in Poole. They live in the hottest new spa Silki Soles Foot Spa & Nail Salon. 3. Tributes paid to one of a kind networking legend Jonathan Rose The news of the death of local networking legend Jonathan Rose was released in a statement today on the Carrington Club website by Malcolm Scott Walby. 4. Cinderella cleans up at Lighthouse Like a modern day hopeful dreaming of success and an appearance on The X Factor, Cinderella lived her life of housework and domestic abuse, all the while dreaming of dancing her way out of poverty with a new love, Prince Charming. 5. Zumba Smash dances for Charity The BIC was rocking to the Latin beats, the room was packed with participants dancing their way to fitness, but unfortunately not a Guinness World Record.
6. Jesus Christ Superstar Flashmobs Dolphin Centre Saturday morning shoppers had an extra treat at the Dolphin Centre this week when the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar staged a flashmob performance in the centre. 7. Glittering Opening for Seven’s Boatshed Poole’s latest restaurant held a launch event on Friday evening. The restaurant, formerly Mezza Luna, offers spectacular views of Poole Park together with the great food that we’ve become used to at Black Label’s Champions and Legends at AFC Bournemouth. 8. Exciting and tense evening at Seeker Young Enterprise Company of the Year In an exciting, tense and professional event on Thursday May 5 the Young Enterprise company Estupendo from Corfe Hills School were named as Dorset company of the year and will go on to represent the county at the regional final.
9. What I learnt in the Cold War As featured in this issue. 10. Excitement on and off the field at Sandbanks Beach Polo The fourth British Beach Polo Championships were held at Sandbanks this weekend (July 8 and 9 2011) with its usual mix of excitement both on and off the Polo field. To check out all of these stories visit
seekernews.co.uk/2011
©Steve Cook - Seeker
For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 23
By Nick Churchill
Has the media talked
us into recession?
Economic doom and gloom is nothing new, but do headlines about potential double dip recession, share prices falling, job losses and rising unemployment only drive us deeper into the slump? Whether it’s called the credit crunch, economic downturn or financial squeezing, it all amounts to the same thing - recession “When times are hard it’s easy to blame the media and look for a scapegoat, but I’m not sure it’s as simple as that,” says Warren Munson, of Inspire Professional Services and chairman of the Institute of Directors’ Dorset branch. “When I talk to business owners they tell me the media coverage doesn’t do much to help confidence. There are many contributing factors that have lead us into recession, although I will say that as MD of an accountancy and business advisory firm I see clients are generally more downbeat after a few days of bad economic news.” The argument goes that widespread talk about recession raises expectations of a downturn, making it more likely to occur – a self-fulfilling prophecy. Less spending means less investment in growth and, coupled 24 March 2012
with the much-heralded budget deficit and government cutbacks, the economy contracts.
sports results,” says Nigel Hedges, president Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce.
The roots of the current slow down can be traced back to 2008 when media anxiety was widely blamed for a recession that, despite the headlines, took months to really bite. Now the talk is of a double dip recession – a short recovery followed by another downturn as job losses and spending cutbacks are reflected in deteriorating business confidence surveys and a drop in consumer spending.
“Editors seem to think bad news sells papers and will keep us watching TV news and the same is true locally. The local media rightly covers a story like Argos closing at Boscombe Crescent, but does it give equal prominence to a new business opening in the TJ Hughes site on Christchurch Road? Equally, we can read that M&S is struggling, but could we read that Primark has brought a 44% increase in footfall on Commercial Road in Bournemouth that could benefit poor old M&S opposite?”
There’s a growing belief in the local business community that constant media speculation only increases the likelihood of there being a new slump. “The media certainly talked us into recession with its accent on the negatives, but the rest of us have done a pretty good job of it as well – being British we focus on the negatives in everything from bad weather to poor
Peter Scott, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce, hopes more positive messages spread through new media will boost consumer confidence. “There has been generally well balanced coverage in the quality broadsheets and Sundays, but there’s no doubt in my mind the scheduling,
Nigel Hedges, president BCTC
content, balance and style of the TV news, particularly Robert Peston on the BBC, has been wholly inappropriate,” he says. “So, has the media talked us into recession? Absolutely. What can we do about it? It is very difficult to create a feel-good factor, but there is good news out there and as we’ve seen videos spread across digital media, so too might positive economic stories be shared. What it highlights is the need for authoritative quality
Warren Munson, chairman IoD Dorset
Peter Scott, chief executive DCCI
Warren Munson also believes the media could play a vital role in driving the recovery.
“But I think the regional media is far more sympathetic than it’s given credit for, it likes to show the local community in a good light and we’re starting to see the beginnings of a concerted effort to accentuate good news stories.
“The media has to do its job, but we don’t just hear bad news a few times a day any more, it’s 24-7 and that is where the problem lies. We hear doom and gloom so often it becomes fixed in our minds.
When the economy took a downturn in 2000-2001 we rallied together and decided we weren’t prepared to go down that route. I believe the media has a role to play in galvanising that spirit again.”
content in the less traditional media to boost confidence and counter the more general, negative, media noise.”
Editor’s comment The media plays a vital role in our society that is often overlooked. It stands as a free, independent voice, the mirror in which events are reflected for all to see. Often that reflection requires interpretation, but what happens when that explanation is driven harder by the need to sell papers or attract viewers than the need to enlighten?
All too often stories are characterised by extremes, but just because it’s easier to report crisis than the mundane it doesn’t mean we should. As media professionals we have a responsibility to be measured in our reporting and watchful of exaggeration because, like it or not, the media exerts enormous influence over the actions of others.
Seeker News does not subscribe to the view that scaremongering attracts readers, but neither do we believe in misplaced positivism. To the best of our ability we will present the stories as they are not as we want them to be and if you think we are failing in that aim, we want you to tell us. Steve Cook
The founder of the BBC, Lord John Reith said its mission was to educate, inform and entertain – and that has been the lofty aspiration of media organisations ever since. More recently though the quest to build market-share has overridden all other considerations and the media prefers to present easily digestible sound bites rather than rich analysis. For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 25
Formed in April 2010 by a group of likeminded entrepreneurs, Leading Edge is a different kind of business group. “We have a very select membership drawn from a range of trades and professions and underpinned by two guiding principles – relationships and collaboration,” says chairman and co-founder Steve Worth, of Worth Accountants. We only have one representative of each trade or profession in the group and members have to be invited to join, although we do occassionally ask guest to our meetings.” Leading Edge meets monthly and alternates between breakfast, lunch and dinner at Seven’s Boatshed in Poole Park. An annual charity dinner in June is open to the wider community. “It’s all about building strong relationships within the group,” says
Relationships the key for Leading Edge
Steve. “It’s not a networking club where people are looking to pick up business, it’s about supporting and helping one another grow our
respective businesses, secure in the knowledge we can refer business to each other as trusted professional partners.”
A fresh approach from Leading Edge Allan Tofield Richmond Home Improvement Co 0800 614102 www.doubleglazingdorset.com AVOID COMPETITION, EMBRACE COLLABORATION One of the best ways to grow your business is through collaboration. Working with another local company that you trust allows you to maximise opportunities and pitch for projects that may require different resources and skills to the ones that you have in house. Ian Thurgood FCA The Business Explorer Ltd 07785 222054
member, local business owners can tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience. Many of our clients are referred within the group, assured of quality service, reliability and good value. The Leading Edge Group is all about relationships and as a founder member of that group we value the relationships that we have with our clients at Worth Accountants.
growth and the banks continuing to be seemingly unsupportive of small businesses now is a good time to look at alternative funding solutions.
Rebecca Allen REAL Support 0845 0946242 www.realsupport.co.uk
Replacement or increased funding of between £25,000 and £250,000 being the most popular amounts requested.
The Key to Success • Never forget you are in business primarily to make money, not to indulge a skill or hobby. • To succeed you need a well prepared written plan. • To succeed, you also need:Belief, Vision, Action • But without taking action, the rest is irrelevant. Success will elude you.
Free Employers Audit Thanks to the introductions made to us through Leading Edge we are currently defending an unfair dismissal case in the Employment Tribunal; hearing the grievance of an employee who feels she’s been bullied since announcing her pregnancy, and writing contracts of employment to keep our clients on the right side of employment legislation. We’re offering readers of Seeker News a free audit of their employment documentation, to ensure they’re prepared for 2012’s changes.
Steve Worth Worth Accountants 01202 516888 www.worthaccountants.co.uk
Ian Wedge Gener8 Finance 07983 474533 www.gener8finance.com
Relationships matter We all need friends in business and by using the services of a Leading Edge
Alternative funding sources aid growth With the UK economy back in negative
26 March 2012
Gener8 Finance has provided funding to a number of businesses in the South during the past year where banks have simply removed their overdraft or refused to increase limits.
Kate Chastey The Passionate PA 01202 802 863 www.thepassionatepa.co.uk Let’s get your ‘to do’ list done Are you, or your business, at bursting point? Do you know you could do with an extra pair of hands, a bit of marketing expertise or simply a great PA that makes things happen? Are you reluctant to employ? The Passionate PA is the answer. They offer freelance executive personal assistance with admin, organisation, concierge, marketing, press releases and event management. It’s time to get that ‘to do’ list under control, it’s time to get yourself a Passionate PA. Mention Seeker to receive discount! (T&C Apply).
Members list Worth Accountants Steve Worth 01202 516888 steve@worth accountants.co.uk Fortress Mortgages John Richardson 01202 386053 john@fortressmortgages.co.uk
The Business Explorer Ian Thurgood 07785 222054 ian@thebusiness explorer.com
Real Rebecca Allen 0845 094 6242 rebecca@realsupport.co.uk
Richmond Home Improvement Co Allan Tofield 0800 614102 enquiries@richmondco.co.uk
RT Promotions Richard Mack 01202 882 893 richard@rtpromotions.co.uk Gener8 Finance Ian Wedge 0845 812 8808 icw@gener8finance.com Positive Solutions Arthur White 01202 605 064 arthurwhite@think positive.co.uk Ellis Jones Solicitors Sarah Hopcroft 01202 414003 sarah.hopcroft@ ellisjones.co.uk Mark Liddle LLP Mark Liddle 01202 551193 mark@markliddle.com The Passionate PA Kate Chastey 01202 802 863 kate@thepassionatepa.co.uk Mail Boxes Etc. Howard Woodward 01202 299 151 info@mbebh1.co.uk ChemDry Kalliste John Minton 01202 309414 johnminton@hotmail.co.uk Studio-fd Brian Freelander 01202 681461 brian@studio-fd.com Radikls Tony Raybould 01202 259187 tony@radikls.com Seeker Steve Cook 01202 779604 steve@seeker.uk.com
SMB Network Solutions John Harrison 01202 601776 john@smbnet.com Winning Business David Foster 01202 427 464 david@winning business.co.uk Applied Safety Solutions Mark Baxter 01202 716 100 mark@ appliedsafetysolutions.com AFC Bournemouth Rob Mitchell 01202 726322 rob.mitchell@afcb.co.uk Tempest Cosgrave Jon Sanctuary 01202 741 888 j.sanctuary@ tempestcosgrave.co.uk MEH Construction Management LTD Magnus Harding 01202 766 732 magnus.harding@ meh-construction.co.uk MSP Business Services Malcolm Pitcher 08456 808304 malcolm@ mspbusinessservices.co.uk Bennington Green Nigel Soloman 01202 766584 nigelsoloman@ benningtongreen.co.uk Inspire Hair & Beauty Jacquee Elvin 01202 677633 jacqueeelvin7@hotmail.co.uk
For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 27
What I learnt By Steve Cook
in the
ŠUK MOD/Crown Copyright 2012
Cold War 28 March 2012
For those of you that were born in the 80s there was a time before Russian oligarchs owned Premiership football clubs. A time when the East and the West were involved in an ideological nuclear standoff, and a 16 year old from Southbourne joined the Royal Air Force to work on Tornado bombers.
The lessons that I learnt locked in a bomb shelter, wearing a gas mask maintaining the readiness of a nuclear armed bomber have stood me in great stead for the rest of my life and business. Be prepared, “In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace.” - as Sun Tzu says in the Art of War
In the same way that a Formula 1 team will endlessly practice pit stops, we would spend days fine tuning the refuelling and re-arming of our aircraft to make the operation as smooth and quick as possible. Throughout the Cold War we constantly prepared for a war that never came, although we did for some reason practice dropping bombs on deserts, funny how things work out!
Plan to succeed, but don’t overplan! “A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.” – George S. Patton
Some people won’t put a plan into action until every single detail has been examined, refined and re-examined. Preparation and planning are good, but if you overdo it you may well miss the opportunity. One of the key factors of Alan Sugar’s success was in getting innovative, new products to market quicker than his competitors. A month ago this magazine didn’t exist, we had a plan even if it was very basic. We could have spent weeks or months prefecting the plan and exploring every possible
eventiality. If we’d done this we’d have lost the power and energy of momentum. Our plan was executed immediately and with vigour, you are holding the result
Where’s your head at? “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.” - Sun Tzu
You have to have your motivation right, if you are demoralised and demotivated it comes across and people will notice. You must believe in yourself and your service or product in order to sell it to others!
Teamwork/Community In the RAF we were a very close knit team, we knew that we could rely on the other team members. When I started my own business I had no team, and no support network, networking gave me the friends that have become my team and support. Networking is not just about selling, use it to build a network!
Skills You never stop learning. Be the best you can at what you do but be prepared to ask for help. Go to seminars, read books, practice your core skills but don’t be scared to call in a specialist to help with skills gaps.
Honesty and integrity When you’re servicing a £20 million bomber (1980s prices!), honesty and integrity are essential. Everyone makes mistakes, the key is to spot them, rectify them, and be honest – better to lose face and fix the problem than to risk the lives of the crew by covering the mistake up. If you are honest and conduct yourself with integrity you will earn the trust of others, this adds to your credibility and people will be more likely to do business with you.
The enemy is not always the enemy I spent years manning bombers, loaded up with nuclear weapons protecting us from the Russians, I’ve now got a Russian for a dentist. The IRA attacked my base in Germany and now we’re at peace. Competitors aren’t always the enemy (although of course sometimes they are), sometimes they can be suppliers or collaborators.
The importance of common sense Over the years I’ve known a few members of Mensa, with IQs off the board, but most of them had no common sense at all, I place a great deal in common sense. You may know every single last piece of data about your profession, you For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 29
may hold numerous qualifications and accreditations – but do you approach your business with common sense? Data is great but also use your feelings to guide you as to the right direction.
Compassion & empathy Travelling the world with the RAF I saw many different ways of life, indigenous Eskimos in Canada, Romany beggars on the streets of Sardinia, the Bedouin muslims of Saudi Arabia. Be open to others, respect them for their differences and incorporate ethical values into your business – fulfill your corporate social responsibility.
The importance of systems & procedures Servicing aircraft is all about procedures, they are the safety net that ensures vital steps don’t get missed. By creating procedures you can increase consistency and efficiency. Create the procedure, refine it, see where there are redundant or wasteful steps in the procedure and work to eradicate them.
Flexibility and lateral thinking for problem solving Once you’ve got your procedures you will be free to think laterally to solve problems. Your procedures are the safety net that allows you to innovate, safe in the knowledge that everything is covered.
Use the best – be wary of false economies Use the best equipment and resources (you can afford) – in the days before government cut backs it seemed like money was no object. Sometimes our choices are limited by budget, but it can a be false economy to chose a cheap and nasty 30 March 2012
A very young Steve Cook in the cockpit of a Tornado of 27 Squadron, RAF Marham, 1985
website over a funkier expensive one, doing your own accounts rather than paying an accountant or getting a client to take your photo with their camera phone rather than using a professional.
Commitment and opportunities Commit to what you’re doing completely but keep your eyes open for other opportunities. Opportunities may only present themselves once so grasp them with both hands, regret at actions you didn’t take can last a long time. All of the work I’ve done with Peter Doherty, leading to photographing Oasis, Kasabian, etc – all sprang from two very small moments. I was asked if I wanted to photograph Pete at a press conference, this clashed with a football match which had been cancelled five minutes earlier.
At a subsequent gig I photographed Babyshambles’ drummer Adam – at midnight, in an alley, for 60 seconds. This set of photos led to me working with Babyshambles and in turn to photographing all of the other bands.
What’s the mission? Know what your mission is and be prepared to execute it vigorously, but be flexible and aware enough to change it if and when necessary. Decide what you’re doing, the objectives and how you will implement them, if you don’t know what you’re doing how will potential clients? But be prepared to modify your mission if circumstances change. Changes in clients’ needs, the market or your skills can all be reasons to adjust your mission.
Above all don’t have a mission statement full of fuzzy, buzz words that mean nothing!
When an opportunity presents itself be aware that it may only come once!
Coles Miller Solicitors LLP
Delivering solutions for all your legal needs m m m m m m m m m m m m
Wills and Probate Residential Conveyancing Lease Extensions and Freehold Purchase Family and Divorce Personal Injury Clinical Negligence Employment Law Legal Disputes Litigation, Arbitration and Mediation Business Disputes Debt Recovery Commercial Property
Whether you have personal or business legal requirements, we are committed to providing you with accurate advice and guidance. Dedicated teams of specialists, based in our four local offices, offer a full range of services to help you with a legal problem no matter how large or small. From arranging a Will, to handling a complex commercial problem, we are here to help. Call us now.
Poole 01202 673011
Broadstone 01202 694891
Bournemouth 01202 293226
www.coles-miller.co.uk
Charminster 01202 511512
Where there’s a quill... So, you want to market your business? How about giving away a pen decorated with your company logo? Great idea, but it’s not quite as straightforward as that. You need to consider the likely return from that pen. Ask yourself some simple but important questions...
By Richard Mack, RT Promotions Who... do you want to give your pen to? Nobody wants their free pen to be the Argos pen - unless you give away as many pens as Argos of course. On the other hand, we all know what the Argos pen is, so it’s done the job.
Where... are you distributing your pen? If you’re doing a mailshot you’ll want a different type of pen to the pen you put in people’s hands at a trade fair or the pen people help themselves to from a counter.
What... do you want your pen to say about you? We’ve supplied clients with pens that light up, pens that glow, pens in the shape of a syringe, even a pen shaped like a lipstick tube - an incredibly powerful promotional tool if your target audience is female.
How... does it feel to be given your pen? Potential customers and contacts who are surprised, grateful, relieved or amused to receive your free pen will keep it, use it and talk about it. Is it just another freebie to them, or something they really want or need?
course. For any kind of marketing activity to work it has to provide a cost-effective return to your business, so what you spend on pens, or coasters, or advertising, or any other form of marketing has to generate an appropriate level of new business and brand awareness.
You want to be noticed so your pen needs to be the one people remember and talk about.
Why... are you giving a pen away? None of this is really about pens of
Don’t let your pen (or business) be the one that’s thrown away, make sure it’s a ‘keeper’!
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
a t r e x “ To e ting la stimu necial e and b t” c e f f e
inspire
Here at Inspire, we strive to exert a “stimulating and beneficial effect” on our clients’ businesses; after all, that’s what inspire means.
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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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32 March 2012
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By Ali Carter, Entrepreneurs’ Circle
The Secrets of
Delivering Happiness Why you need to understand the Power of the Unnecessary and the GAS Factor in order to be super-successful this year.
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hen did you last do something extraordinary for your customers? Not something good - not great customer service, or delivering early - something that truly made them stop and say “Wow that was brilliant” - and then run off and tell their friends? The problem is, as a business owner, it’s hard enough getting through the day, let alone… building relationships, improving your business, spending time - a luxury you really can’t afford, on getting and keeping customers. You know that this is what you should be doing, and yet it’s always last on the list. You can do it! Take Linda - she ran her own hair extension business from home and used to ‘faff around, waste time, read stuff, but never do anything about it.’ Her mantra was “Well, what I’m going to do is…” but nothing ever got done. Attending an Entrepreneurs’ Circle seminar last September was a huge turning point for Linda, giving her the confidence and clarity to crack on – 3 months later, in December 2011, she opened her own beauty salon. “Denial was such a comfortable place, but attending the seminar flicked a switch in my head. Now I have a clear view of how to drive my business forward.” Linda Hamilton-Ross, Perfect and Complete Salon, Ringwood Wouldn’t you like to know what the magic GAS factor is and how it can be massive for your success in 2012…?
flying start Entrepreneurs’ Circle taster seminar March 22, 10am - 1pm at AFC Bournemouth Come and get a flavour of what you’re missing • • • •
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“The best 2 hours I’ve ever spent – this has changed everything” Fiona McArthur, Quality Solicitors D’Angibau, Canford Cliffs
Book immediately to secure your place. If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner in Dorset looking for support, ideas, inspiration, understanding or just a good old kick up the backside call 01202 722261 to book your free place (numbers are limited though!) Attend this free seminar to find out what successful business owners know and do, but don’t really want to share with you. Be like Linda. Stop dabbling, escape mediocrity and live the life you dreamt of when you first set out in business.
“Previously, I’d only considered networking to get more customers, but then I discovered EC (It’s better for my waistline than all those breakfasts, too!) Malcolm Teagle, MT Bottle, Christchurch
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flyingstartdorset.eventbrite.co.uk For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 33
Investing in Dorset’s green energy We all live under the same sun so why not harness its energy to produce free power?
By Nick Churchill
Emotion Energy has installed free solar panel systems at 14 indoor bowling centres across the UK that will see each site benefit from free electricity during daylight hours With an estimated annual saving of £5,000 on energy bills, Emotion Energy’s Solar Photovoltaics systems are paid for by investors who will claim the Feed In Tariff (FIT) earned by directing the excess energy into the National Grid. The systems were paid for by investors who will claim the FIT earned by directing the excess energy into the National Grid. “The whole process is Index-linked for 25 years which makes this an extremely attractive proposition for investors and host sites alike,” says Craig New of Emotion Energy in Bournemouth.
“The whole process is Index-linked for 25 years which makes this an extremely attractive proposition for investors and host sites alike” 34 March 2012
After the initial surge of interest in home solar panel systems, domestic take up has waned in the wake of the government’s decision to half the FIT from April.
a large scale ground-mounted system in Lytchett Matravers that will potentially be five times bigger than any other site in Dorset at 2.5 MW (Mega Watts).”
But Craig says Emotion is establishing a new business model focused on commercial clients.
Solar Photovoltaics systems can be mounted on large areas of strong roof space facing between south east and south-west, or a secure area of unshaded ground.
“We’re looking at large scale installations like the bowling centres which were 50kW on each site, that’s 210 panels. The scale of these installations makes them more worthwhile for investors. We’re currently in the final stages of securing
If you have any questions on products or any opportunities for potential sites please contact the Emotion Energy Bournemouth team on 01202 201711
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Fox Tailoring – the high end London tailoring service that comes to you
Fox Tailoring provides the complete tailoring service, wherever you are. We have now added the Bournemouth branch to our London and Essex showrooms and can offer this special tailoring consultancy from our new office in Compton Acres. We completely understand that not everyone has the time, the inclination or even the availability to shop for what they need whilst juggling with important business and lifestyle commitments.
Fox Tailoring – t high end Londo tailoring service that comes to y Our unique service will enable every customer to benefit from our extensive knowledge to achieve well fitting clothes backed with quality tailoring details. This standard of our tailoring is usually sought in Savile Row and now this high end quality can be delivered directly to your location. We can provide full wardrobe advice to match seasonal requirements with materials, weights, styles, formal or informal. Our new range of Italian fabrics in lightweight wools, linens and silks in bright colours are ideal for the summer season. Just call John Parrett on 01202 289090 to arrange an appointment. The Fox Visiting Tailor, will visit your office, home or any suitable location to provide the professional advice you need. We will fit in with your busy schedule.
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The emerging demand for ‘individuality’ in shirts is on the increase, not just in fabrics but in style and fit. The shirt market and the availability of shirts is huge – but this is still not enough. The demand for something different is continual, but is not always available – until now.
Rob Mitchell – Brand Ambassador for Fox Tailoring wearing a blue blazer – 70% linen and 30% wool with open weave
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Rob Mitchell our Brand Ambassador is launched at the Italian Villa
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Rob Mitchell and John Parrett
Rob Mitchell, Commercial Director of AFC Bournemouth, is excited about being the first Brand Ambassador for Fox Tailoring and representing the company in the local area. His busy life gives him plenty of opportunity to wear Fox Tailoring’s range of business and social wear. Rob has commented saying “The tailored suits, shirts and leisure wear jackets supplied by Fox Tailoring have really helped improve my confidence and enhance my image, which is important in the role I play at AFC Bournemouth and in the community.”
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38 March 2012
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SeekerCharities Run at the Olympic Stadium
Get on your bike in 2012 for Air Ambulance
Local charity, Diverse Abilities Plus, is giving the Dorset community the chance to run 100m on London’s Olympic Park track on Sunday April 1, as part of the Gold Challenge – one of the official London 2012 legacy projects that is raising money for charity.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance are encouraging their supporters to sign up early for its annual Coast to Coast (C2C) Cycle Challenge which takes place in May this year. The event, which is not designed as a race and involves cycling through some of Dorset and Somerset’s most beautiful countryside, takes place on May 20 and on-line registration is now open via the charity’s website: www.dsairambulance.org.uk To be in with a chance of winning this opportunity of a lifetime, Diverse Abilities Plus is asking local people, including schools, businesses and community groups, to sign up and take part in the Gold Challenge’s 2012km Challenge. This involves teams collectively covering a distance of 2012km by undertaking various sports, including running, swimming, rowing, walking and canoeing and for the less ambitious teams have the option to undertake 201.2km. Teams have until the end of 2012 to complete the challenge, but to
60 in 60 at 60 Veteran Bournemouth marathon runner Barry Light has set himself an incredible task for Olympic year. He is running 60 marathons in 60 weeks at 60 years of age in an effort to raise £60,000 for six charities! The 60in60at60 Challenge got underway on December 22 – Barry’s 60th birthday – with his first marathon following a route that took in Bournemouth seafront, Mudeford, Sandbanks and Poole.
win the prize the two teams that have raised the most sponsorship by Friday February 24 will go on to run the 100m track in front of friends, family and a cheering crowd of 20,000. Team GB legends, celebrity ambassadors and over 150 charities will also be in attendance and the winning teams will take part in a Gold Challenge parade. To sign up for the 2012km Challenge and to be in with a chance of winning please contact Ashley Weedon directly on 01202 718266 or email ashley.weedon@ diverseabilitiesplus.co.uk Barry, who has been chosen as one of the Olympic Torch bearers for the Bournemouth leg, also wants to run five international marathons in an effort to raise money for Dorset-based bereavement charity Mosaic, Wessex Autistic Society, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, prostrate cancer and breast cancer charity Team PB, WaterAid and Virgin Money Giving. Barry is currently seeking corporate sponsorship to help fund his quest and can be contacted at barry@60in60at 60.com
There are two different cycling routes and distances available. For those who like a challenge, the brilliant 54 mile cycle which starts in the Somerset port of Watchet and finishes at West Bay near Bridport will not disappoint. For those that don’t want to cycle that far, there is a shorter 11 mile route which begins at Drimpton in Dorset and also finishes at West Bay. Last year, hundreds of cyclists took part and rode the equivalent of half way around the world to raise funds for the life-saving charity. With a mixture of quiet back roads, interspersed with some very demanding climbs and equally hairy descents, the event has something to offer for everyone! Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance needs to raise £1.4 million a year to keep saving lives. With no direct government or National Lottery funding, they rely on the generosity of the public and events like Coast to Coast for support.
For all the latest charity news visit our website
seekernews.co.uk For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 39
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SeekerSport Support the Cherries’ push for the play-offs Forthcoming matches at the Seward Stadium:
Saturday February 25 AFC Bournemouth v MK Dons 3pm KO
Saturday March 3 AFC Bournemouth v Charlton Athletic 3pm KO
Saturday March 17 AFC Bournemouth v Carlisle United 3pm KO
Tuesday March 20 AFC Bournemouth v Brentford 7.45pm KO
Saturday March 31 AFC Bournemouth v Yeovil Town 3pm KO
To book tickets, call 0844 576 1910 (Option 1) To book matchday hospitality, call 0844 576 1910 (Option 2)
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afcb.co.uk
Bournemouth’s premier e v e n t s d e s t i n at i o n Black Label Events at AFC Bournemouth’s
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For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 41
SeekerArts The Russians are coming Moscow City Ballet perform two of the world’s most popular traditional ballets - Swan Lake and The Nutcracker - at Lighthouse this month. Swan Lake, featured recently in the hit movie The Black Swan, is performed by technically refined dancers and includes lavish sets, beautiful costumes and innovative choreography.
This enchanting ballet tells the story of Clara’s magical adventure with her Nutcracker Prince, including a visit to the delicious Land of Sweets and the delightful Sugar Plum Fairy.
Moscow City Ballet makes a welcome return to Lighthouse following a sensational 2010-2011 season which included sell-out performances and rave reviews. The company is brimming with some of Russia’s best young dancers, outstanding principals, stunning soloists and a sublime corps de ballet, all underpinned by the dynamic vitality of a live orchestra.
The epic story is completed by Tchaikovsky’s thrilling score and tells of Prince Siegfried and his love for the beautiful Odette. Timeless classic The Nutcracker incorporates stunning costumes, sumptuous sets and Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece score.
February 21-26, Lighthouse, Poole 0844 406 8666 www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Catch Herring in Wimborne Comedy to make you laugh, think, rant and rage, Richard Herring brings his new show to Wimborne. Revelling in the title of What is Love, Anyway? Does Anybody Love Anyone Anyway?, the show aims to answer the questions posed by grass-loving pop poppet Howard Jones (who famously asked for fresh cut grass to be left 42 March 2012
in his dressing room before every show) in 1983. Having sorted out religion with his Christ On a Bike show and politics in Hitler’s Moustache, Richard is hoping to define and destroy love before it destroys him. March 15, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne 01202 885566 www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk
SeekerArts The Beatles come to Poole’s Lighthouse An exhibition of rare and previously unpublished photographs of The Beatles in Bournemouth and Poole is on show at Lighthouse until March 10.
Sandbanks Ferry in Poole with his Aunt Mimi and four-year-old son Julian.
The exhibition features photographs, posters and stories from author Nick Churchill’s recent publication Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Beatles & Bournemouth, the definitive account of the connections between the group and the town. For instance, did you know The Beatles played more shows at Bournemouth Gaumont than any other UK theatre outside London? More than 40 photographs of the Fab Four in Bournemouth can be seen, including Robert Freeman’s iconic half-shadow picture that adorned the With The Beatles album sleeve which was taken in the restaurant at the Palace Court Hotel in Westover Road (now a Premier Inn) during the Beatles’ week-long summer residency at the Gaumont in August 1963.
Nick would love to hear new stories from anyone who saw The Beatles in Bournemouth and especially from people who met them.
Other exhibition highlights include posters from Beatles shows at the Bournemouth Gaumont and Winter Gardens, plus a remarkable colour photograph of John Lennon by the
“The links between this area and The Beatles are made even stronger by people’s memories of seeing the Fab Four or meeting them,” he says. “I’m sure there are lots more stories to be told by hotel and venue staff, fans or even passers-by who may have encountered John Lennon on a trip to Sandbanks to visit his Aunt Mimi.” Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Beatles & Bournemouth is available from Lighthouse ticket office or www.beatlesandbournemouth.com Until March 10, Lighthouse, Poole 0844 406 8666 www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Rural arts feast Dorset’s rural arts organisation Artsreach is taking professional performances out into village halls and community venues across the county. Music highlights include The Heartstrong Sessions in which two Irish duos - Arty McGlynn & Nollaig Casey and Chris Newman & Maire ni Chathasaigh - combine to form an exhilarating quartet. In addition to these high profile performances, the Buffalo Gals, Tim Laycock & Colin Thompson, Bonny Sartin, Nick
Florence + the Machine at the BIC
Wyke & Becki Driscoll, and Clive Carroll all return to the Artsreach circuit, while witty poet Matt Harvey also performs. Theatrical highlights this season come in the shape of Rogue Theatre’s sensual cabaret The Dancer and The Devil and Dorset-based Angel Exit’s stage adaptation of The Secret Garden. Various Venues 01305 269512 www.artsreach.co.uk
Having thoroughly converted the rock and pop mainstream over the last two years, Florence + the Machine have returned with their second album, Ceremonials, shipping more than a million copies in the first two weeks of release and topping the UK album charts. Now back on the road for their first UK tour since the Cosmic Love outing in May 2010, the band played New York’s Time Square on New Year’s Eve to cap a busy year for them Stateside in which they opened for U2 on tour and singer Florence Welch performed at the Oscars. Main support comes from Essex garage goths The Horrors, whose third album Skying made the UK top ten last year, with newcomers Spector opening the show. March 4, Windsor Hall, BIC 0844 576 3000 www.bic.co.uk
For all the latest events visit our website
seekernews.co.uk
For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 43
SeekerSocial Diary Basepoint Networking Hub
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Basepoint Networking Hub at Basepoint on January 25 1. Karen Candy, Mike DeMarco, Charlotte Harris 2. Margaret Mackenzie, Kevin Bartlett 3. Dennis Lewendon, Mark Masters, Avni Tailor, Peter Montgomery-Jones 4. Sally Goodenough, Robert McCarthy 5. Tim Noakes, Steve Cook, Allan Tofield 6. Emma Taylor, Louise Seager 7. Lucy Kitcher, Jayne Harding 8. Carly Thompson, Darren Northeast, Chris Varney, Rosemary Jones
Inspire Business Forum
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Inspire Business Forum at The Hallmark Hotel on January 31 1. Bev King, Caroline Bayne 2. Dr Dave Richards, Philip Warr 3. Mark Parris, Warren Munson 4. Joanna Brown, Alan Adair, Kathryn Sutcliffe 5. Peter Hastrop, Martin Spooner, Lee Taylor 6. Steve Cook, Dee Woodcock, Chris Varney 7. Helen Stacey, Geoff Paterson, Kristy Davies-Sumpter 8. Michelle Hayter, Laura Martin, Paula Warburton
SeekerSocial Diary Liddle Lunch hears from LinkedIn expert
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Business analyst and consultant James Potter shared his ideas on how to get the most out of the LinkedIn social network at the first Liddle Lunch of the year in the beautiful Italian Villa at Compton Acres. “LinkedIn is growing at a phenomenal rate – a million new users a week,” said James. “It’s amazing where it can get you, I get enquiries from all over the world. “To get the most out of LinkedIn you need to know the people you’re connected to, otherwise it’s purely vanity – you need to go where your clients go and not where other people like you go. “There’s no point upgrading your account until you can make the free stuff work and people generally aren’t getting the most out of that. For instance, you are seven times more likely to get your profile clicked on if
you have a photograph – people don’t trust people if they can’t see you.” “It is the largest live database of business professionals out there, mapping out the relationships that you’ve got through the people you know that you could get referred to. Relationships are the key to the world and LinkedIn gave me a way to remind people what I do. “We live in a very connected world, so you should make it work for you, I did.” Nigel Hopkins Liddle Lunch networkers also heard from musician Nigel Hopkins who first appeared on stage at the age of eight playing the trumpet in a Royal Variety Performance and went on tour the world playing with jazz legend Count Basie among others. He spoke about his career, its highs – success at a young age, major writing
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and recording contracts – as well as its lows – financial mismanagement, rehab and the loss of his father. “I’ve learned a lot of things from all this, but the one main thing is that money isn’t everything – although it’s far better to cry in the back of a Mercedes than on a bike!” Liddle Lunch at the Italian Villa on January 20 1. Harvey Taylor, Steve Cook, Steve Worth 2. Angela Fletcher, Louise Scott 3. Alex Eaton, Hayley Grigor 4. Mike Clarke, Paul Mitchell, David Foster 5. Ann Symes, Sam Acton 6. Diane Bantten, David Webb 7. Nigel Hopkins, Sue Collins 8. James Potter, Mark Liddle, Nigel Hopkins 9. Mark Liddle
For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 45
SeekerSocial Diary IoD at AFC Bournemouth
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IoD at AFC Bournemouth on January 24 1. Leslie Spiers, Kate Brackenbury, Javan Smith 2. Kate Chastey, Steve Cook 3. Liz Paul, Paula Thompson 4. Chris Bradley, Peter Clapperton, Guy Osmond, Dr Dave Richards 5. Graham Stuart, Warren Munson 6. David Davidson, Nigel Barfoot, David Pitfield 7. Paul Marston, Kate Brackenbury, Warren Munson 8. Malcolm Scott Walby, Ali Carter
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Andrew Alder, Ianthe Slinger Paul Gowing, Martin Brunt, Malcolm Baker Rob Douthwaite, Sharon Canning Jeremy Priestley, Natasha Langlois, Carlie O’Neill Kate Chastey, Karen Rhys, Alison Lee Ian Siddall, Martin Brunt Tim Stone, Paul Gowing John Anderson, Ianthe Slinger
SeekerSocial Diary Events Listings
Feb 21 - 12pm Women In Business Network Poole - The Italian Villa, Compton Acres Jacqui Frampton jacqui.frampton@wibn.co.uk 0845 5212324 Feb 21 - 12pm Women In Business Network Bridport - The Bull Hotel & Restaurant Jacqui Frampton jacqui.frampton@wibn.co.uk 0845 5212324 Feb 22 - 7.45am IoD - Business growth with ethics with Mark Bagwell and Gill Hesketh from Clipper Teas - Kings Arms Hotel, Dorchester Kate Chastey kate@thepassionatepa.co.uk 01202 802 863
Get your event or business listed To get your business or event listed in the magazine visit www.seekernews.co.uk/listings
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Feb 23 - 12pm Women In Business Network Christchurch - The Captains Club Hotel Jacqui Frampton jacqui.frampton@wibn.co.uk 0845 5212324
Mar 7 - 9am Dorset Women In Business Langtry Manor Sam Birkett rsvp@dwib.co.uk 01202 656762 Mar 8 - 12pm Poole Business Women’s Lunch Club Storm Fish Restaurant Tracey Wood mail@businesswomenslunchclub.co.uk 01202 674488 Mar 8 - 12pm Women In Business Network Ringwood & Ferndown Dudsbury Golf Club Hotel & Spa Jacqui Frampton jacqui.frampton@wibn.co.uk 0845 5212324 Mar 14 - 7.45am IoD - Boardroom Excellence and how to achieve it with Leslie Spiers of Boardroom Dynamics The Captain’s Club, Christchurch Kate Chastey kate@thepassionatepa.co.uk 01202 802 863 Mar 20 - 12pm Women In Business Network Poole - The Italian Villa, Compton Acres Jacqui Frampton jacqui.frampton@wibn.co.uk, 0845 5212324
Mar 1 - 12pm The Diners Club - Chewton Glen Julia Fildes julia.fildes@letchers.co.uk 01425 471424 Mar 2-4 Porsche Weekend at Poole Accident Repair Sam Grimes sam@pooleaccidentrepair.co.uk, 01202 731536
Mar 20 - 12pm Women In Business Network Bridport - The Bull Hotel & Restaurant Jacqui Frampton jacqui.frampton@wibn.co.uk 0845 5212324
Mar 6 - 12pm Women In Business Network Bournemouth The Menzies East Cliff Court Hotel Jacqui Frampton jacqui.frampton@wibn.co.uk 0845 5212324
Mar 22 - 12pm Women In Business Network - Christchurch - The Captains Club Hotel Jacqui Frampton jacqui.frampton@wibn.co.uk 0845 5212324
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Issue 1 - March 2012
Back from the brink How facing his own mortality caused James Sale to re-evaluate his business Did the media talk us into the recession? Cold War lessons from Steve Cook
For the latest news v isit our website at ww w.seekernews.co.u
k
For the latest news visit our website seekernews.co.uk 47