Business Brief Autumn 2012

Tamworth & Lichfield

15th Quarterly Issue

Business E-Brief Find us on ThinkLocal4Business.co.uk

Welcome Welcome to the first electronic version of the Business Brief but the last Welcome message from me as Chair of the Business and Economic Partnership.

As you may recall from the last edition we have decided to move to an electronic version following a review of the funds available to produce the hard copy. In making this decision the circulation size has reduced so if there is anybody you feel would benefit from reading the Business Brief please forward it on to them. Or encourage them to register their business on www.thinklocal4business.co.uk and they will automatically receive future issues of the E-Brief.

My decision to step down from the BEP was a combination of a number of factors but I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody involved in the

Partnership for their support over the last 3 years of my chairmanship. We have during this time been responsible for several notable achievements including the development and subsequent agreement of the Economic Strategy for Tamworth and Lichfield, the recent free business support package and a website for the BEP which will be launched before the next edition.

The success of the BEP and indeed the Business Brief is not just down to a few individuals but is a consequence of you the small and medium sized businesses being involved. With your support we have created a voice for business that otherwise would not have been heard and this issue is full of more news stories than ever from local businesses.

I wish you all and your new Chair Deb Baker every success for the future, thank you again.

Peter Farmer (Chair of the Business and Economic Partnership)

Pop up a stand or just pop in!

Due to the popularity and success of the last Pop Up Show held in April, the Business and Economic Partnership (BEP) is putting on another no frills business to business exhibition aimed at locally based businesses on 26th September 10am - 3pm, this time at the prestigious Tower Suite at Drayton Manor Park.

"We picked up a number of valuable leads potentially worth over ÂŁ40,000 from visitors and other exhibitors at the April show."

Chris Blunt, MD - The Bus Stop Group, Lichfield

Building on a winning formula and this time adding a mix of free seminars, the Pop Up Show aims to helps businesses raise their profile locally, grow and develop their networks and most importantly win business, all for a small charge of £70 + VAT. All you need to exhibit is a pop up banner, some business cards and two members of staff! If exhibiting isn’t for you, why not come along as a visitor for free, learn something new at our seminars and network with over 40 local businesses!

For more details about the show or to book a stand contact Matt Fletcher on 01827 709 382 or email matthew-fletcher@tamworth.gov.uk. View the pop up show web page on www.thinklocal4business.co.uk

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Business news in brief Design firm takes on planning expert Rugeley-based GMP Design, one of the leading UK pub, club and restaurant designers, has taken on Ben Rayner to join the company’s project team and act as an in-house planning consultant to help clients with local authority planning issues. Ben, aged 24, has a Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Birmingham and brings a broad knowledge of planning requirements, national planning policies and building compliance issues. Ben is a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute. Originally from Suffolk but now living in Longdon, Staffordshire, Ben said, “Planning can often be a difficult and complicated process, particularly when working within the UK licensed leisure, bar and nightclub sector. I was appointed as part of GMP Design’s commitment to clients to ensure that the whole process goes smoothly right from the start.”

GMP planning expert Ben Rayner

www.gmp-international.com

GMP was established 20 years ago by Rugeley businessman Neil Morten and has major contracts throughout the UK, Europe and the Far East. Neil Morten said, “Ben is able to assist our clients by providing comprehensive planning advice and consultation as well as undertaking full planning applications. He is also able to complete the necessary, and often complex, reports and planning submissions and is able to attend planning committees on behalf of our clients. He is a real asset to our business and to that of our clients.”

BoxMart’s Britbox® set to revolutionise the gift box market!

The BritBox® developed in Lichfield

Lichfield based BoxMart is about to shake-up the gift box industry with the launch of its BritBox®! After two years of development the company has developed a premium gift box which has the appearance of a luxury rigid box but the convenience of a flat pack. And, as its name suggests, the BoxMart BritBox® is designed and manufactured in the UK with the potential for substantial cost and time savings compared to Far East alternatives. Joanne Offord, Managing Director of BoxMart, explains: “Whilst ‘fold flat’ rigid boxes provide obvious benefits such as reducing transport and storage space they are traditionally manufactured in the Far East. We are now able to offer a British alternative that dramatically cuts lead times, reduces transport costs and considerably limits environmental impact. The very first customer we presented the concept to has committed to using the BritBox® for a pan-European Christmas launch in 2012.” For more information visit www.boxmart.co.uk

Care home number 2 for ISC A leading West Midlands care home has appointed Lichfieldbased Ian Strachan Communications Ltd to handle its press relations. Beech Hill Grange in Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield has brought Ian Strachan Communications on board to raise its profile as it prepares for the opening of a major new extension. Beech Hill Grange is registered as a care home with nursing for the over-65s. The extension will make it one of the largest in the area. This is the second care home organisation in the Ian Strachan Communications portfolio. The consultancy also handles PR for Homecroft Limited which runs Wyndley Grange nursing home on the edge of Sutton Park. Ian Strachan said, “Beech Hill Grange is a forwardlooking care home with big plans for the future and I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to help the home raise its profile.” www.ianstrachancommunications. co.uk

Disclaimer: The Business and Economic Partnership has taken all reasonable precautions to ensure that information contained in this document is accurate but stresses that the content is not intended to be legally comprehensive. It is recommended that no action be taken on matters covered in this document without taking full advice.) If you do not wish to receive the Business Brief please contact Matt Fletcher on 01827 709 382 or email matthew-fletcher@tamworth.gov.uk

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Business news in brief

Business Bites

Inspired new fuel card and new appointment as accountants shift into top gear Inspired Accountants has formed an alliance with Forecourt Fuels and appointed Steven Payton as a director as the Midlands based practice looks to continue its growth within the region. Their fuel card solution is a service to help stop high petrol and diesel costs eating into the profits of their clients with savings on average of 3 pence per litre. Steven Payton joined Inspired Accountants as a tax consultant in January and has been able to make a significant contribution towards the practice’s growth strategy. Paul Bulzacchelli managing director at Inspired Accountants said: “Steven has past experience of working for HM Revenue & Customs and some of the leading accountancy firms within the UK. So to attract someone of Steven’s calibre was a great step forward for the practice.”

Left to right new director Steven Payton and Paul Bullzacchelli – MD, Inspired Accountants

www.inspiredaccountants.com

Unusu-Wool firm opens in Lichfield Knitting its way to a UK first, new independent store, Faroe Born, has opened its doors at the Heart Of The Country in Lichfield. Bringing a full range of distinct knitwear and woollen yarns to the city, the family-owned company will be importing exclusive Sirri Wool products from the Faroe Islands to this flagship store and also online at www.faroeborn.com. Part of the appeal is that no two products are alike. Each item is made using traditional Faroese techniques and organic, dye-free wool. The sheep are sheered in their natural habitat, not indoors or in pens and, as local law states that only 70,000 sheep are allowed on the Faroe Islands at any one time, production numbers are limited.

Since opening the shop has had enquiries from all over the UK after hearing that it stocked jumpers which used the same yarns made famous by the cult BBC drama The Killing starring Sarah Lund. The Foroese Prime Minister will be at Faroe Born’s VIP launch in September. www.faroeborn.com

Faroe Born knitwear no two items are the same

Five lady accountants from Lichfield and Leicester based Inspired Accountants have raised £755 for St Giles Hospice by taking part in this year’s Lichfield Solstice Walk. www.inspiredaccountants.com PowaStation, a Lichfield dealer in electric bikes, has added a new range of folding bikes to their range. The GreenZebra brand of e-bike is highly thought of and are able to travel at 15 mph with a range of 35 miles per charge and fold into a object half the size of the original bike. www.powastation.co.uk A unique investigative business service to help companies and business individuals to bring reckless company directors to book, establish accurate valuations or clarify financial circumstances has been launched by leading local accountancy and business adviser firm Adams Moore, based in Tamworth. www.adamsmoore.com South Staffordshire College is celebrating the publication of Government statistics which show it is the most successful college in the region for the second year running.

The College, which has campuses at Cannock, Lichfield, Tamworth and Rodbaston (Penkridge) has outperformed others by achieving an overall success rate of 84%, a full ten points above some of its neighbouring colleges. www.southstaffs.ac.uk

Silver Gilt medal success for G-Scapes garden G-Scapes of Lichfield were awarded a Silver Gilt medal for their “Inside-Out” show garden at Gardeners World Live at the NEC in June. It is their first venture into constructing a show garden and the G-Scapes team were chuffed to win a Silver Gilt RHS medal. The garden, designed by Daniel Gee, comprised of a social space with fire pit, sandstone paving, a huge terracotta pot water feature, seating and an outdoor kitchen area

with BBQ. The garden also featured bespoke walling that combined wood and stone and screening, which has prompted many enquiries and new business for the family run firm. The garden was featured on the BBC2 Gardeners World programme which was recorded at the show and presenter Joe Swift chose the featured ‘charcoal maker’ as his favourite product of the show. TV and radio interviews are available on G-Scapes facebook page. G-Scapes, which began in 1973 received sponsorship from another local family firm, Tippers and the paving company Marshalls. Malcolm Gee of GScapes said "It's great to work with another local business with whom we have built a relationship with over many years." www.g-scapes.co.uk

Left to Right: Amy Tipper, Marketing Director - Tippers Builders Merchants, Malcolm Gee, MD – G-Scapes, Joe Swift, TV presenter on BBC2 Gardeners World, Daniel Gee, Director and Designer of the Inside Out garden - G-Scapes, Liz Gee, Finance Director – G-Scapes)

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Business news in brief New appointments and promotions at Ansons Ansons has announced the appointment of a new member of staff in the firm’s Commercial Property team. This appointment closely follows a number of promotions and appointments demonstrating the firm’s commitment to growth across all its chosen areas of law. Rebecca Whittaker joined the firm in August having moved from Lanyon Bowdler in Shrewsbury.

She is an expert in both Commercial and Agricultural Property. Jon Rowley also joins the firm as a new trainee and will be based in the Commercial Property team. The new appointments follow the appointment of a Adam Penn, Personal Injury Team, number of staff to Associate, having Ansons LLP successfully completed Ansons’ Development Programme. Congratulations go to Adam Penn from the Personal Injury Team, Julie Tomasik from the residential team and Shelly Wainwright from the Wills and Probate team. The appointments come on the back of a successful year for the firm which, in a difficult economic climate, has increased its client base in Staffordshire, particularly within Cannock and Lichfield, and been recognised in the Legal 500 directory of the top 500 UK law firms. www.ansonsllp.com

South Staffs College and Francesco Group partnership is a cut above!

South Staffordshire College has entered into a partnership with one of the largest, awardwinning hairdressing groups in the UK. The Francesco Group, with 35 branches across the Midlands, will provide training to Level 2 and Level 3 Hairdressing students based at the College’s Cannock and Tamworth Campuses and the Lichfield and Burntwood Vocational Centre. Francesco is also establishing commercial salons in High Green in Students practice hairdressing skills Cannock and Aldergate in Tamworth, where the South Staffordshire College hairdressing students will be taught to the highest Francesco standards. The graduate salons will be run by College lecturers, already trained by Francesco’s staff.

Alongside their hairdressing activities, the students will enjoy working in a realistic working environment, managing the reception desk and other duties involved in running a salon. In addition they are also expected to complete hairdressing theory, tutorial and develop practical skills at the required level. South Staffordshire College and Francesco’s are confident that this new partnership will provide the students with an exciting opportunity to experience the world of work, creating vital hands-on experience, for professional hairdressers of the future. www.southstaffs.ac.uk

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Quiss growth creates job opportunities Tamworth based IT outsourcing specialist Quiss Technology is benefitting from the growing trend for organisations to outsource business processes in search of improved efficiency. Terry Faria is the latest to join the firm’s management team, with a remit to further develop the company's telecommunications offering. Terry brings with him, more than 25 years’ experience of innovation in network and communication solutions for businesses of all sizes. In March this year, Matt Rhodes was appointed Commercial Services Manager, to help expand the hosted solutions division of the business and to liaise with software vendors to help them develop their Software as a Service (SaaS) offering. Andy Michael, Managing Director of Quiss Technology commented “Our continuing growth has seen us employ six new technical staff and an apprentice since the start of 2012, with a junior currently doing an NVQ. I'm confident these latest appointments not only strengthen our service provision, but will increase opportunities to attract new clients seeking the efficiencies that outsourcing undoubtedly offers.”

Andy Michael, Managing Director - Quiss Technology

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Ask the experts – about electrical work Sponsored by: DK Electrical We asked David Kemp, owner of DK Electrical, to tell us what every business and homeowner needs to know about electrical work and solar energy installations.

Q

What is Part P and why do businesses and homeowners need to know about Part P?

A

Part P is part of The Building Regulations; it came into force in Jan 2001 and became a legal requirement in January 2005. It is concerned with domestic electrical installations. The aims of Part P is to create a legal benchmark for domestic electrical installation safety, include other aspects of The Building Regulations into electrical installations and create a scheme for installers who by demonstration and assessment meet the criteria to carry out electrical work within the bounds of Part P. As a homeowner, agent or trade working in homes you have a LEGAL obligation to notify your local authority Building Control of ANY electrical work considered ‘Notified Works’ including electrical work in kitchens, bathrooms, outside, in outbuildings, involving new circuits, replacement fuse boards, re-wires and central heating control wiring and so on; the list is quite extensive.

Q

How do I notify my local authority Building Control of ‘Notified Work’ I’ve had carried out?

A

You can employ any ‘competent person’ and submit Building Control Plans for approval prior to carrying out the work and pay your Building Control to inspect and test the work on completion at a cost of £80-200*. Or use a Part P Registered Installer (like DK Electrical) who is

able to report on your behalf and have a Building Control Completion Certificate issued direct to you.

Q

What is Solar PV and is it suitable for businesses?

A

Solar PV is any installation, usually solar panels, utilising the sun’s energy to produce electricity.

Depending on the size of installation, quality of panels, quality of inverter site geography and our weather they produce varying amounts of electricity which can be used within a home or business to reduce electricity bills or sell back to the grid as a residual income. Use an approved installer to ensure a safe and effective system is installed and to take advantage of government schemes you must use a Micro-Generation Scheme Certified Installer. Most installations are completed within a week and the installer arranges all aspects of the work from design to connection and commissioning, applies for grants and communicates with your energy provider to ensure your energy is fed into the grid and saves you money! Over the 20 year guaranteed lifetime of a typical installation a typical return on investment should be no less than 8%! Ask your financial advisor where you can get that kind of GUARANTEED return! *taken as an average of the various local building control departments.

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Spotlight on business networking group – Business B4 Work This issue we put the spotlight on one of the newest business networking groups in the area. We asked them to tell us about their group and this is what they said.

"We are a uniquely low cost, high worth networking group covering Tamworth, Lichfield and Brownhills, we meet every Tuesday from 7am to 8:30am at the Grill Inn at Drayton Manor Park. We enable business owners to meet and forge on-going relationships with other business owners in a relaxed, informal yet professional environment. We are always on the lookout for new members and have vacancies at present for forward thinking businesses. We offer visitors the opportunity to come to three meetings without commitment, try before you join.

The meetings are always lively and productive, some examples of business generated are; a £4000 per year contract for property inspection reports, a new top ten client for our accountant, a maintenance contractor who is a member working as the exclusive maintenance contractor with our letting agent, our web designer has made complete overhauls to several members websites and referrals that followed from that, our office supplies member now supplies the majority of our members, our design and print member has picked up regular clients since joining.

If you would like to know how you can get more business without stuffiness then come along and give us a try, a great breakfast to boot."

Contact: Chairman, Dave Harper 07914 048915

www.businessb4work.co.uk

If you would like us to put a spotlight on your local business networking group please contact Matt Fletcher as soon as possible.

Business networking is an effective and low-cost way to market your business and generate sales, and we have a thriving community of business networking groups in the Tamworth and Lichfield Area. If you have not tried business networking before, why not give it a try? Here’s a list of our local business networking groups.

4 Counties Networking Group www.fcng.co.uk B2B Tamworth www.b2bclubnetworking.co.uk Best Of Lichfield www.thebestof.co.uk/lichfield Business AM www.businessam.net Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group www.lichfield-tamworth-chamber.com Connect www.connectingwomen.co.uk Professionals At Cathedral House Business Breakfast Club www.cathedral-house.co.uk Women In Rural Enterprise Network www.wireuk.org BNI – www.bni-europe.com/uk Business 1st – www.business-1st.org Tamworth Breakfast Group – www.tamworthbusinessbreakfastclub.org.uk The Women’s Business Clubs – www.thewomensbusinessclubs.com Business B4 Work - www.businessb4work.co.uk

If you know of any other local business networking groups please send your details to Matt Fletcher at Tamworth Borough Council, see contact details on back page

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Why not attend the official opening of the Think Local 4 Business Show, where you will be able to network with some of the regions best businesses.

Now in its 9th consecutive year, the TL4B Show is becoming an increasingly successful event providing the ideal opportunity for local companies to come together and do business. Through the inventive mix of informative seminars, networking opportunities, the Meet the Buyers event and exhibition both visitors and exhibitors are provided with valuable information, time and business growth prospects all in one day.

This year the event will be held at the brand new prestigious venue St George’s Park located adjacent to the newly built National Football Centre, this unique venue is the perfect place to capture your winning spirit.

An inspirational location to think local, score some valuable business and smash your corporate goals!

For more information contact Kim.newton@btob.co.uk, Tel: 02476 236290 or visit www.thinklocal4business.co.uk/show @tl4business

be pre pa red

BNF update Be prepared for your new workplace pension obligations

Starting from October 2012, every employer will have to enrol into a workplace pension if you have workers who:

l l l l

are not already in a qualifying workplace pension are aged 22 or over are under state pension age earn more than a minimum amount a year (currently ÂŁ8,105 - figure may change each April)

l work or usually work in the UK The actual date your organisation will begin automatic enrolment depends on the size of your company. Employers will have to automatically enrol and contribute to a worker's workplace pension if the worker earns over the minimum amount (currently ÂŁ8,105 a year). There is a minimum percentage that has to be contributed by the employer. You will receive a letter from The Pensions Regulator giving you the date when the law applies to you (also known as your 'staging date'). This letter will be sent 12 months before your staging date. For more information visit http://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/employers or http://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/workplacepensions.html

The Business Networks Forum is run by local businesses for local businesses with assistance from the local councils' Business Development Team. It gives businesses a voice on local and national business issues.

Ambassadors from local networking groups and individual businesses and organisations such as the Federation of Small Businesses attend. At the meeting in June the main topic was Access to Finance which is a subject often raised as businesses strive to invest for growth. An enlightening presentation was delivered by a guest speaker from Handelsbanken.

The main topic for the forthcoming meeting on October 10th is to address an issue identified by many businesses regarding parking, road signage and traffic flow in Lichfield and Tamworth. All local businesses are welcome to attend BNF meetings. Please contact Matt Fletcher. Contact details on page 8.

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Business news in brief

Business Bites

Electrifying growth and new recruits at DK Electrical David Kemp of DK Electrical, Tamworth is certainly not letting doom and gloom in the economy affect his successful electrical business. David’s reputation for outstanding service and quality has lead to the rapid Left to right Stephen Fox, growth of the business and the appointment of two Lead Electrician, David Kemp, additional electricians. A highly qualified and Owner and David Edgington, experienced electrician David has been trading as Electrician – DK Electrical DK Electrical for almost two years. David says “I put our success down to the fact that I am a professional businessman. Our goal is to put professionalism back into the trade and we break the mould of the stereotypical tradesman. We put the customer first, we arrive on time, we ensure that we are fully prepared and have the materials required for the job.” DK Electrical’s business is built on recommendations from satisfied customers, attendance at local networking events and through strong connections in the trade who provide reciprocal business. www.dk-electrical.com

Remember Radion? Lichfield design firm brings back the brand Radion was one of the UK’s leading washing brands in the 1990’s but fell into obscurity until Essex based Heley International spotted a gap in the market, bought the New look for Radion brand and tasked their long term design company PHd brand from PHd design in Lichfield to come up with Radion for today… but without losing past loyalties. PHd design set about creating a fresh take on the old brand and packs ready for the relaunch. David Tobin from Heley International said that PHd had met the challenge with its visual eagerness and interest and been enthusiastic all the way along from concept to completion. To see the new Radion log onto www.phddesign.co.uk

Interiors For Kids showcase their work on new website Tamworth based, Interiors for kids supplies large scale art work, vinyl graphics and bespoke signs to businesses and schools throughout the West Midlands area. They were so thrilled with their recent projects that they’ve invested in a brand new website to showcase them. “We have been fortunate to be involved in Large scale artwork several high profile arts projects in Sandwell as part of the

by Interiors For Kids government’s Building Schools for the Future programme.We have expanded our services with vinyl graphics and bespoke signs to complement our artwork. We have also been involved with Wolverhampton City Council, in the promotion of healthy eating environments in school dining rooms, with creative artwork.” says Interiors For Kids, Deb Whittaker. www.interiorsforkids.co.uk

Local business networking group B2B Tamworth measure the amount of invoiced business generated for their members by their members, and at the end of August had achieved invoiced business of over £270,000 in the last eight months.

This is equivalent to their target for the whole of 2011. The group is on course to achieve their overall target for 2012 of £300,000 of invoiced business and are on their way to reaching £1 million since the group was formed in 2009. www.b2bclubnetworking.co.uk Jon Cartwright worked in the maintenance department of Birmingham Prison for seven years until the threat of redundancy forced him to rethink his future and find the key to a new career. Jon is now the owner of a Lockrite franchise as a self employed locksmith covering the Lichfield, Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield areas. Instead of providing assistance to those locked up he’s helping those who find themselves locked out! 07801 733 788 Chartered Accountancy Practice Haines Watts are celebrating after being crowned Auditor of the Year for Small and Medium Sized Enterprise at the recent Finance Director’s Excellence Awards. Steve Butler, Senior Partner in Haines Watts Tamworth office comments, “What makes this award particularly important to us is that the award was voted for by more than 1,000 Finance Directors and key finance decision makers in our preferred marketplace of owner managed businesses. It’s this type of award that matters because it’s voted for by real business people not an academic panel of experts.” www.hwca.com

Contact us

or email matthew-fletcher@tamworth.gov.uk

Tamworth marketing consultancy, Roar Marketing Limited works in partnership with the Business & Economic Partnership to produce the Tamworth and Lichfield Business Brief.

Contact Karen Nicholls at Roar Marketing, karen@roarmarketing.co.uk, www.roarmarketing.co.uk.

For sponsorship and advertising opportunities please contact Karen Nicholls or Matt Fletcher and please send your news stories for the Business E-Brief (with picture or logo) to Matt Fletcher at Tamworth Borough Council.

Matt Fletcher’s department is the central link between the public sector and local businesses, so if you have any queries about any of the articles in this issue or just don't know who to speak to on business issues please contact Matt on 01827 709 382

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The Business Brief is collated, written and designed in Tamworth and Lichfield

Matt Fletcher, Senior Economic Development Officer, Shared Service Tamworth Borough Council and Lichfield District Council

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