BUSINESS NETWORX
THE PROTECTOR GROUP ACQUIRES VALLEYWATCH NEW INVESTMENT planned for MONITORING OPERATION
W W W . T E A M V ALL E Y P U B L I C A T I O N S . C O . U K ISSUE #28 • AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017
Increase your website returns with one simple change How SSL certificates will help increase sales
Flame Heating spares EXPANSION RECORD SALES FOR NORTH EAST FIRM
WIN A CHAMPAGNE MEAL FOR 2 AT ROSA TWELVE SEE PAGE 7 FOR DETAILS
In a ss o c i at i o n w i th :
T H E T E A M V A L L E Y T R A D I N G E S TAT E ’ S N U M B E R O N E B U S I N E S S F O C U S M A G A Z I N E
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Business Networx Magazine | 3
BUSINESS NETWORX
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ISSUE 29 October / November
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6th Oct
Distribution As well as delivering the publication into every business, approx 800, on the Team Valley the magazine is now delivered / distributed in the following places making the total print run 1500 copies.
UK Land Estates
Owner’s Business Centre Newburn
Westray Recruitment
Blaydon Business Centre
Biz Space Business Centre, Earlsway Team Valley
Metropolitan House
The Bank Bar Bistro Low Fell
Team Valley Cafe
Business Networks (Metro Centre)
Team Valley News
Northern Design Gateshead
Dentist (centre of Team Valley)
MPH Gateshead
Regus Main Gate Team Valley
Greenfield Business Centre
FX Leisure
Gateshead International Business Centre
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Team Valley Publications 3 Octavian Way, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0HZ Tel: 0191 487 1834 E-mail: info@teamvalleypublications.co.uk Web: www.teamvalleypublications.co.uk Team Valley Publications is part of the Team Valley Group, All contents copyright Š 2012 Team Valley Printers Ltd. All rights reserved. All artwork remains the property of Team Valley Printers Ltd and cannot be copied or reproduced without permission of Team Valley Printers Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for illustrations, photography, artwork or advertising materials or the services provided by the advertising companies. All information is correct at time of going to print.
Business Networx Magazine | 5
News
Go North East makes £1.6m contactless ticketing investment Homes and businesses across England set to benefit from better broadband. Homes and businesses across England are set to benefit from better broadband thanks to new laws introduced by the government last month. The Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill is paving the way for a gold standard of full-fibre broadband and future 5G communications. By enabling 100% business rates relief for operators who install new fibre on their networks, the Bill will incentivise operators to invest in the broadband network. By seeking to improve the speed, service quality, security and reliability of broadband services, the Bill has the potential to transform the way in which modern businesses work together, reach their consumers and target their export markets. The benefits of better broadband will be felt wider than businesses. It will also increase internet speeds for households and enable households with multiple devices and users to download and upload huge amounts of data. For example, simultaneously streaming high definition TV and films, playing online games, and working from home quicker and more reliably than ever before. These measures will provide important support for a more productive economy and boost the prospects f or economic growth. Minister for Local Government Marcus Jones said, “Regardless of where you live or work, we want everyone to benefit from access to the fast, affordable and reliable broadband they need to thrive. “From making it easier to work from home to allowing digital businesses to flourish, our measures are creating the right conditions for more high-skilled, high-paid jobs of the future.”
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Bus operator Go North East is hoping to drive up passenger numbers across its Tyne and Wear, Northumberland, County Durham and Tees Valley services after investing over £1.6m in contactless ticketing. The company revealed contactless payments can be made for single, return and day tickets on Visa and Mastercard, or via mobile using Apple Pay or Android Pay. The investment is part of an ongoing programme of works by Go North East. In February, it spent £1.6m on 10 new Wright Streetlite micro-hybrid buses for its Durham Diamond 16 and 16A services and £1.8m on 11 new buses for its no. 49 bus services which operates between Gateshead, Dunston, Metrocentre, Winlaton and Blaydon. In June, it also announced a further £650,000 invested on refurbishing 36 vehicles, which included the introduction of five newly branded Blaydon Racer buses onto the roads of Newcastle, to mark the legendary fun run. Kevin Carr, managing director of Go North East, said: “Studies released on bus travel show it is a third less stressful to commute by
bus than car, is good for the local economy and encourages more daily exercise. “And, we believe, by offering contactless payment options, non-bus users who were previously worried about having incorrect change or who were put off by the ticketbuying process, may be more inclined to just pop on the bus now. “Contactless has already been trialed for a few weeks on our popular Q3 Quaylink service in Newcastle, to great local acclaim and now we’re excited to launch it across all our services, during the popular awareness week. “This new fast, simple and secure way to pay means our passengers can travel hassle-free, without the worry of having change for the bus.” are, while others might find their situation less favourable but it’s obviously best to have the information, regardless.” Source: bdaily.co.uk
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TfN consults North East business leaders before addressing government Transport for the North (TfN), the body aiming to boost North economic growth through improved transport and connectivity, was in the North East of late to share its Strategic Transport Plans.
“Our Strategic Transport Plan which is due for draft release in the autumn, will include prioritised proposals to improve connectivity of these strategic corridors and by taking a pan-Northern view, it will be able to identify opportunities that previously were not considered.
In an event organised by NE1 Ltd and Muckle LLP, business leaders from across the region were privy to TfN’s infrastructural and investment plans before the organisation presents proposals to government later this year.
Sean Bullick, Chief Executive, NE1 Ltd, added: “NE1 Ltd is uniquely placed to provide links with our 1,400 city centre business members, as well as access to the wider regional business community so they can hear about the TfN plans and offer their views and insight.
The Plan is being developed to transform the North’s economy through investment in the region’s transport infrastructure, a scheme hoping to help create close to a million new jobs and add almost £100bn to the UK’s economy. Before publishing the plan and presenting it to Government TfN is keen to engage with businesses to discuss the plan and to seek feedback that could shape the final recommendations David Brown, Chief Executive of Transport for the North addressed an invited audience of 40 business leaders including representatives from Greggs and UK Land Estates.
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David Brown, TfN’s Chief Executive Officer, explained: “TfN has a clear mission to transform the North’s economy by intelligently developing our transport infrastructure. “Working closely with our civic and business partners from across the North East and the rest of the North, we have been identifying the strategic corridors where infrastructure investment is needed to connect areas, enabling people and goods to move rapidly and reliably around the North. “Events like the NE1/Muckle session allow us to brief business and to hear their views, which will help influence the overall Plan. “The evidence base presents a compelling case for change, underlining the economic and strategic benefits of improving freight and passenger transport across the whole of the North to drive economic growth.
“Ensuring that the voice of business and industry is accurately represented when shaping and finalising transport plans for the North will be crucial and will ensure that we unlock the region’s full economic potential. “Looking at transport from an economic growth perspective and in context is fundamental and we are confident that TfN will act on what we and North East businesses have to say.” Sourced from www.bdaily.co.uk. Receive the Bdaily business news bulletin by registering at www.bdaily.co.uk/register
Business Networx Magazine | 9
Development
New plans to create ‘entire community’ submitted for £44m Gateshead tower development Plans have been submitted for Hawks Mill, a new mixed-use residential development situated in Gateshead with an estimated GDV of £44m. Primesite Developments’ proposed 17-storey tower will neighbour The Sage and the Millennium Bridge.
The development will feature a mixture of studio, one, two and three bed apartments, totalling 386 units.
The property developer acquired the site, which was formerly a wine warehouse and disused office space, in May 2017.
The proposed plans also include a cycle café, convenience store and games room at the lower levels, as well as a library, gym, spa, private roof terraces, and a double height bar on the upper levels, providing expansive views of the Tyne and the Newcastle skyline.
A new planning application has now been submitted to the council to expand on the existing approved plans, almost doubling the development’s current proposed size from 80,000 ft2 to over 142,000 ft2. Planning permission is currently in place at the site for a purpose-built student accommodation block containing 326 beds. Primesite Developments has submitted subsequent plans for a mixed-use residential development comprising 530 beds, under a suis generis application which will allow the site to accommodate both university students and private residents. The additional units will be provided through the incorporation of an adjoining warehouse to the rear of the building.
Image Source: Nick Hill
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Construction will commence in January 2018, with an expected completion date of August 2019. Bobbie Johnson, director at Primesite Developments, commented: “The aim with Hawks Mill is to create not just accommodation, but an entire community, and a development from which you can run your whole lifestyle. “We feel that the new planning application really reflects this, featuring lots of communal facilities. The transition to a mixed-use residential tower will welcome key workers and young professionals as well
as students, acting as a microcosm of wider society. “We feel confident that Hawks Mill will add to the vibrancy and dynamism of Gateshead, as well as offering one of the best views of the quayside.” The site is located for both students and workers, being a fifteen minute walk away from Newcastle city centre, and twenty minutes away from the campus buildings of Newcastle University and Northumbria. The Millennium Bridge, the Sage, and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art are all in the immediate vicinity, and the quayside is just a five minute walk from the site.
Sourced from www.bdaily.co.uk. Receive the Bdaily business news bulletin by registering at www.bdaily.co.uk/register
Business Networx Magazine | 11
News
New figures show UK attracts more investment than ever Figures published by the Department for International Trade have revealed that the UK attracted more foreign direct investment (FDI) projects than ever before for the year 2016 to 2017. With more than 2,200 projects recorded, the post-referendum figures show an increase of 2% on the previous year. The data also shows that 75,226 new jobs were created, and 32,672 safeguarded, amounting to over 2,000 jobs per week across the country. Overall, the UK is the number one destination for inward investment in Europe, with the technology, renewable energy, life sciences and creative industries all seeing an increase in the number of projects. International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, said, “Almost one year on since the EU referendum, the UK continues to attract record levels of inward investment and remains extremely attractive to foreign investors. “As an international economic department, we continue to promote the strengths of the UK as a great inward investment destination, with an open, liberal economy, world-class talent and business-friendly taxation.”
Five reasons why the UK is a great place for overseas businesses to invest: 1. Opportunities: More than 420,000 new businesses set up in 2015 in the UK [Source: BankSearch]. 2. Ease of doing business: UK is seventh in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking (2017). 3. FDI confidence: the UK comes fourth in A.T. Kearney’s FDI Confidence Index in 2016, up one place on 2015. 4. Competitive tax environment: Tax system ranked in the top 10 most business friendly in the world according to the October 2016 World Bank: Ease of Doing Business report. 5. World-class talent and skills: In 2015 to 2016, the UK was the toprated major European economy for growing, retaining and attracting global talent [Source: Insead, Human Capital Leadership Institute: The Global Talent Competitive Index 2015-16].
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Why organisations should have an Employee Handbook The Employee Handbook is a must have for businesses to ensure that staff are both aware of and follow company rules and regulations. It is not a legal requirement, but is a valuable source of reference for new and existing employees, so while it is non-contractual, it is a good supplement alongside terms and conditions of employment. It is also an effective way for the organisation to communicate rules and employment information effectively. Employers can then refer staff to the handbook for clarification if there is a query on a particular matter. In the event of any dispute, the handbook will provide a clear reference point, and makes it easier for employees to comply with what is expected of them. It’s not a good idea to take a handbook from another organisation and try to adapt it – it is easier to start from scratch than trying to filter through what fits and does not fit with your organisation, and work out what is up to date or out of date. A staff handbook needs to be unique to your organisation and reflect it well.
Some companies also include their policies and procedures within the handbook, but if this makes it too lengthy these can be provide separately, placed in accessible locations such as reception or the kitchen, or they could be placed on an employee intranet system for ease of access. Problems can arise when the employee is not made aware of an employee handbook from the point of induction, or existing employees are not informed of an amended version, so it is vitally important to get written confirmation from each employee that they have received the handbook and any updated versions. We recommend that Employee Handbooks and policies and procedures are reviewed once a year to check that they are up to date. Fingertip offers a unique service called Handbook Creator from which we draft fully up to date and personalised Employee Handbooks.
Business Networx Magazine | 13
Security
Valleywatch acquired by North East’s Protector FAST-growing North East business The Protector Group has moved into new markets with its purchase of Valleywatch - the firm created 20 years ago to secure one of the country’s largest industrial estates. Lord John Stevens, chairman of Protector, says the acquisition is a crucial cog in the development of the Gateshead business which last year posted record sales of £11.4m These revenues were over 20% up on 2015 and the purchase of Valleywatch - which manually and electronically protects the Team Valley Trading Estate - opens up the potential to boost revenues further by penetrating the national industrial estate security market, says Lord Stevens. Protector’s recent progress has been boosted by the acquisition of Hartlepool business QW Security in 2015 - and staff numbers across the group have risen from 230 to 370 in the last two years. The growth of the company, which is also based on Team Valley, saw it secure a spot in The Journal and Ward Hadaway Fastest 50 in 2016. Lord Stevens, who opened Valleywatch in 1996 when he was Chief Constable of Northumbria Police, said: “We are very pleased to have completed the purchase of this vital and well-respected business. “Our aim is to develop new services and introduce new investment to build upon its long-established monitoring and response operation. “Police cuts are supporting the growth of the private security industry and the purchase of Valleywatch means The Protector Group now possesses two control rooms supported by the region’s largest mobile response fleet.” Bill Naylor, chairman of Valleywatch and founder of successful commercial property agency Naylors, says it is ‘delighted’ to have secured such a wellrespected suitor. He said: “The Protector Group has great reputation with the backing of wellrespected and high-profile individuals. “They understand our business and have an ethical approach to business. We like that they are a local company and we feel they are the perfect fit for the business.”
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Lord Stevens (left) with Bill Naylor
Mr Naylor recalled how Valleywatch came into being with the hundreds of businesses on the estate being subject to a spate of burglaries leading to its nickname ‘Crime Valley’. A not-for-profit organisation, it was funded by over 100 of the estate’s businesses and over the years its manned control room, complete with dozens of security cameras, has secured contracts as far south as Birmingham, and Scotland to the north. Mr Naylor also recalls Lord Stevens attending the opening ceremony in 1996.
Mr Fletcher’s son Alan, co-founder of enterprising Newcastle law firm Square One Law, sits on the board as does Lord Stevens who took a controlling stake in 2013. Former Newcastle United finance director Ken Slater, was promoted internally to Chief Executive Officer last year. Mr Slater said: “Our strategy is to continue to grow the business in a structured way, with the industrial estate protection market providing huge opportunities for The Protector Group. We will also be looking out for further acquisitions if suitable opportunities arise.”
Lord Stevens added: “It’s fantastic to return 20 years later as the owner of Valleywatch. Bill and the team have done a great job in delivering security and peace of mind for businesses over the last two decades and our aim is to maintain and improve upon that excellent service.”
In order to support its growth Protector signed new banking facilities with Barclays last year. With the purchase of QW Security Protector also picked up QW Mutliclean allowing it to provide a comprehensive, facilities management package.
The Protector Group was founded by ex-Royal Marine John Harvey, and later secured backing from former Newcastle United Chief Executive the late Freddie Fletcher.
Mr Slater added: “We are further diversifying into combined security and construction cleaning services which is an ideal solution for Construction companies and housebuilders across the UK.”
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Construction
Plans pushing ahead for £200m Gateshead Quays entertainment and conference centre Gateshead Council is pushing forward with plans to develop a £200m entertainment arena and conference centre which could support an estimated 1,140 jobs to the area. In partnership with property developers Ask Real Estate, investment and development manager PATRIZIA UK and venue managers SMG Europe, the council plans to erect a 12,500 seat arena which could see Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena relocated to Gateshead Quay. The 10-acre site, positioned between Sage Gateshead and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, will also feature a conference and exhibition centre as well as hotel, bars and restaurants with the ultimate aim of rejuvenating the waterfront as a vibrant city hotspot. Martin Gannon, Gateshead Council Leader, revealed: “We’ve wanted to regenerate and revitalise this key site on Gateshead Quays for a long time and internationally recognisable facilities of this scale has always been our long term aspiration. “Not only will they bring new life to the area but they will bring new jobs and significantly boost the local and regional economy.” Mr Gannon continued: “An arena and conference and exhibition facility will also play an important role in complementing and strengthening demand for national and international conferences, exhibitions and events at Sage Gateshead and BALTIC, as well as acting as a catalyst for wider investment across Gateshead and further stimulating economic growth. “We’re now more confident than ever that we can finally push forward with our exciting plans for this £200m development site. Working closely with our development
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partners, SMG Europe, local partners and the private sector, it really is time to give the North East another landmark destination and complete the picture of this truly unique, riverside site.” The new facilities on Gateshead Quays, which will be capable of holding major music and cultural events, as well as conferences and exhibitions, is anticipated to support over 1,140 jobs with well over half being newly created. Attracting an extra 296,000 visitors to the region it’s estimated to boost the regional economy by over £29.5m annually in future years. Executive Vice President European Operations of SMG, John Sharkey said: “We’ve for some time been looking at increasing our presence in the North East. The Gateshead Quays development site is truly a unique location which will offer visitors a whole new experience. “Our new entertainment, conferencing and exhibition facilities, standing shoulder to shoulder with Sage Gateshead and BALTIC, will we firmly believe, further cement Gateshead Quays as a popular and stunning world class cultural destination, whilst bringing significant
benefits for the whole region as well as Newcastle and Gateshead.” Gateshead Council has been working with Ask Real Estate Limited and PATRIZIA UK Limited on this development site since June 2015 when they were selected as preferred developers. Managing Director of Ask Real Estate, John Hughes said: “This is a very exciting and iconic development site, not just in the North East, but in the UK. We’ve done a lot of work to get to this stage but now’s the time to push ahead and help make this development site a reality.” Daniel Williams, Head of Development at PATRIZIA UK, commented: “We believe that this campus style development holds the potential to unlock a great deal of value and income for the local area. “We look forward to bringing our significant experience working with mixed-use developments in the UK, as well as drawing on our pan-European investment management capabilities, to what is set to become a modern icon for the North East.” Sourced from www.bdaily.co.uk. Receive the Bdaily business news bulletin by registering at www.bdaily.co.uk/register
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Manufacturing
Future looks ‘very bright’ for North East as American firm strikes £150m deal to buy Sevcon Team Valley electric vehicle business Sevcon is set to be acquired by American automotive leader BorgWarner for £153m ($200m). Sevcon has grown from its Gateshead base to rising as a global supplier of control and power solutions for zeroemission, electric and hybrid vehicles.
Matt Boyle, Sevcon president and CEO
The company’s products control onand off-road vehicle speed and movement, integrate specialized functions, optimize energy consumption and help reduce air pollution. Despite the overseas nature of the deal, Sevcon President and CEO Matt Boyle remains resolute that the arrangement will only benefit the firm’s native North East. Mr Boyle explained: “BorgWarner has made it abundantly clear that it is our electrification pedigree and skills they are interested in. It will continue to invest in the North East and pursue the strategic ambitions of the business. “Both businesses are focused on supporting the global electrification transition and the future looks very bright for our North East workforce and homegrown technologies.” The Sevcon Board of Directors, who unanimously approved the agreement, revealed that the deal is likely to be completed by the end of the year. Entering a definitive merger agreement, BorgWarner will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Sevcon’s common stock for $22.00 per share. James Verrier, President and CEO of BorgWarner, said that the deal was struck due to Sevcon complementing BorgWarner’s power electronics capabilities, utilised to provide electrified propulsion solutions. He commented: “This acquisition supports our existing strategy to supply leading technology for all types of propulsion systems; combustion, hybrid and electric. We look forward to welcoming Sevcon’s talented employees to BorgWarner.” Source: bdaily.co.uk
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Policy leaders hail North East employment growth The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures have indicated that North East employment is continuing to move in a upward trajectory, building on positive figures released last month. Employment in the region stands at 1,225,000 or 72.4% - an increase of 22,000 over the quarter and 24,000 over the year. This compares to a rate of 74.9% nationally. Meanwhile, North East unemployment stands at 78,000 or 6.0% - a fall of 5,000 over the quarter and 19,000 over the year. This compares to a rate of 4.5% nationally. Jonathan Walker, head of policy and campaigns, North East England Chamber of Commerce said: “Today’s figures show the regional
labour market continues to move in the right direction. “Compared to this time last year, significant numbers of people have found work and moved out of unemployment, which can only be a good thing for our region’s economic health. We anticipated this improvement, as many firms tell us that they have been recruiting heavily in recent months and have further plans for expansion. “Our most recent economic survey results back this up and suggest that positive trends could continue, as long as the right support is available for employers to invest in addressing skills gaps” Source: bdaily.co.uk
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Industrials
Trio of businesses on board at Team Valley trade park New build industrial scheme Earlsway Trade Park, based in Gateshead’s Team Valley, has attracted three new occupiers. The Park, built by Northumberland Estates, lies three miles south of Newcastle city centre and is one of the region’s busiest commercial estate. New tenants, Camden Windows, telecommunications specialist Ward Air and Buy Smart cladding specialists have taken units at the estate ranging in size from 1,200 sq ft to 3,270 sq ft. Cushman & Wakefield acted on behalf of Northumberland Estates jointly with Naylor’s Surveyors to agree the lettings.
Emma Stainsby of Cushman & Wakefield’s Industrial agency team in Newcastle, said: “Northumberland Estates have achieved a modern commercial development in an attractive landscape setting. “Demand for units in Team Valley remains strong and following its completion last year, we received significant occupier interest in the units at Earlsway.” Michael O’Driscoll, Asset Manager at Northumberland Estates said: “We are delighted with the completed scheme and how it complements the existing units on the estate.
“Demand for units in Team Valley remains strong and following its completion last year, we received significant occupier interest in the units at Earlsway.” 20 | www.teamvalleypublications.co.uk
“From the outset we were keen to enhance the northern end of Earlsway and further establish it as a prime trade park location. “The proximity to Maingate and the surrounding amenities have proven to be a major advantage as has the recent A1 improvements. He added: “Current interest levels suggest that the scheme will be fully let before the end of the year which is quicker than we anticipated and has given us further appetite for speculative development within the region.”
Sourced from www.bdaily.co.uk. Receive the Bdaily business news bulletin by registering at www.bdaily.co.uk/register
Business Networx Magazine | 21
Development
Flame Heating Spares pursues national targets following scorching sales year North East heating and plumbing merchant Flame Heating Spares has recorded a successful year in business after more than doubling its turnover. The business reported sales of £14.5m up from £6.4m in 2016, meaning it has recorded year-on-year growth since it was founded by entrepreneur John Savage in 2011. From beginning with a single branch in Team Valley, Flame now operates seven trade counters across the region, having launched outlets in Ashington and Newcastle over the last 12 months. The company, which is also planning to launch further branches in the North East this year, also invested £200k to launch three branches in Scotland this summer. John Savage, Managing Director of Flame Heating Spares, said: “It has been another strong year for Flame, buoyed by investments in new branches and our staff to meet increased demand for our services.
Image Source: Nick Hill
“Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Brexit vote and uncertain General Election result, we are still continuing to push on with our expansion plans to create even more job opportunities that will support the long-term future of the company. “We are now in the process of expanding into Scotland and this is an exciting development for everyone associated with Flame, as these will be our first branches outside of the company’s traditional North East roots. This is another large stride forward to helping us realise our national ambitions and the future is looking bright.” It has also been a positive year for John himself, who has been shortlisted in a number of business awards, including the 2017 Institute of Directors (IoD)
Yorkshire and North East Director of the Year Awards and the English SME Business Awards 2017. John is also the current IoD North East Young Director of the Year. He added: “I have enjoyed a very successful period both in business and on a personal level, which has been a humbling experience and something I am incredibly proud of. Hopefully the company will celebrate further success in the future as we continue to expand.”
Sourced from www.bdaily.co.uk. Receive the Bdaily business news bulletin by registering at www.bdaily.co.uk/register
Web Design
One simple change you can make to your website to increase returns How having a SSL certificate for your website will help increase your sales and return on investment.
SSL Certificates - which allow websites have the “HTTPS” padlock address - are the simplest way to increase returns from any website with the least amount of investment. No coding is required, nor changes to a site’s structure or content You could spend fortunes with a SEO company or on Google Adwords - or you could install a SSL. It’s a straightforward operation to take your site from being on a http:// address to a https:// address - and here are 2 major impacts from doing so:
Major Impact #1 Search Engine Placements (SEO and SERPs) It’s been proven by many case studies and analytical tests that having a website encrypted on a HTTPS web address increases your ranking on Google, and thus increases the amount of traffic your website will receive. This is because Google uses a formula to rank websites, and one of the key factors it uses is “Trustworthiness”. It’s not in Google’s interest to send its users to “bad” websites. Those websites who have taken the time and care to incorporate a SSL certificate into their site are showing Google that the owners care about the online safety of their users. Google will then use that as a positive factor when ranking sites above non-secured HTTP sites.
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Major Impact #2 Conversion More and more website users are become savvy about Internet Security. They are made aware through both online and offline media about the importance of data security with buzzwords such as “phishing”, “sniffing” and “hacking” becoming everyday terms. As a result, users are now on the lookout for sites which are using HTTPS - and thus are encrypted and show care for their users. Previously an important factor for e-commerce websites, now any website which interacts with the user for example via a log in, filling in a form or adding personal data - should have a SSL certificate. Users are now warned if they enter sensitive information into an unsecured site by many modern browsers.
We are absolutely certain that not having a SSL for any interactive site will result in less sales - either directly where your website is a trading platform, or indirectly if it prevents them filling in a contact form or logging in to make a sales enquiry.
In Conclusion All of the above sounds very good, but where’s the evidence? Well it’s simple - we are our own case study. Since installing a SSL certificate on the Team Valley Web website, we’ve seen a dramatic increase on our search engine rankings. From middling around the page 2 to 3 level for our key phrases, we now rank on Page 1 for our core keywords and phrases. All we did was simply “doing what we say” and installed a SSL to make https://www.teamvalleyweb.co.uk come alive. No other changes were made - no cheating we promise.
So to discuss adding a SSL to your website, plus any other queries about Search Engine Rankings, why not get in touch? Call Team Valley Web on:
0191 487 5180
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