The Edge - Business Magazine - Issue 18 by Let's Go!

for business in wirral

In Association with:

International Festival of Business Funding Events Diary eighteen

theedge

issue

Opportunity Knocks

eighteen

News

Wirral Chamber

Wirral Business Awards 2014

Liverpool Tennis

Apprentice Funding Reform

The Last Workplace Taboo

Charity - Kids in the Middle

Fire Safety in Residential Care Homes 21 Interview - Carol Bolland

Walk to Work Week

Meeting New Clients

The IFB 2014

Customer Conference 2014

New Businesses

Networking and Events Diary

A Let’s Go! Publication Issue Eighteen Editor Barry Bragg Publisher Melissa Bragg Design & Production Alex Ramsay Account Manager Claire Langrell Published by Let’s Go! Publishing Limited. With kind thanks to our contributors. To advertise in future issues email claire@theedgewirral.co.uk or telephone (0151) 203 2115. To contribute email editor@theedgewirral.co.uk. © Copyright Let’s Go! Publishing Limited 2014 No part of this publication may be reproduced, either in part or as a whole, including artwork, without prior written consent. All details are correct at time of publication. The editor of The Edge has consulted sources believed to be reliable in their efforts to provide information that is accurate and true at the time of publication. The views expressed in this publication are those of their authors and do not necessarily reﬂect the opinion or policy of Let’s Go! Publishing Ltd.

As the International Festival for Business looms large on the horizon for the Liverpool City Region the importance and scale of the event becomes apparent. A quick scan through the catalogue of official IFB events is evidence enough of the Global nature of the Festival. The eyes of the international business community will be focused on the City Region and we have the unique opportunity to showcase ourselves to the world. It is difficult to quantify the impact the festival will have on the region as a whole but the economic boost to the visitor economy alone should have substantial benefits before we factor any subsequent trade benefits. It is difficult to imagine a scenario whereby every local business isn’t affected positively by the legacy of IFB, whether directly, as a result of being involved in the festival or indirectly as the economic benefits filter through the system. The success of any global event like this is judged by attendances; by the efficiency of its organisation and the level of local support. Thousands of companies, organisations and individuals are working incredibly hard to make this event a huge success. As I write, there are currently 250 high value business events arranged throughout the festival. These events cater for all manner of businesses, across all industries and are as relevant to sole traders as they are to the multinationals. As hosts to the event and those most likely to benefit from it, all local businesses have a duty to show our support, get involved. Whether that means hosting your own event, attending existing events or just promoting the festival to others in a positive manner, we need to do everything in our collective power to guarantee the success of the IFB while creating the best advert for regional tourism and trade. This promises to be the biggest thing for the region since Capital of Culture. These opportunities don’t come along very often but we have shown in the past that when they do, we grab them with both hands.

Barry Bragg EDITOR

News

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SPONSORED BY

Walk to Entries now open for Work Week returns May 12th – 16th

Walk to Work Week is a national walking challenge with the aim of getting people walking more to and from work, during work and at lunchtimes during the Week and beyond. The idea is to generate healthy competition between work colleagues to improve ﬁtness levels for the beneﬁt of the business and employees alike. Walk to Work Week takes place during Living Streets’ National Walking Month running throughout May 2014 and coincides with the Wirral Walking Festival. Signing up is as easy as visiting the website at www.walktoworkweek.org.uk and getting your workplace group set up. Then employers and staff can compete against yourselves or other companies and raise money for charity whilst getting active.

Fruitcake Friday Popular networking event Fruitcake Friday at Portal Business Centre is welcoming an overhaul to its regular format from Friday 16th May. It will take place over lunchtime, from 12noon until 2pm, with a guest speaker scheduled to speak at 12.30pm. Guests will be treated to a light buffet lunch and some open networking before listening to speaker Ian Fennelly who is a renowned local artist and teacher. Ian will be giving a brief insight into his profession, and the diverse world in which his business operates and the challenges that this involves. This is a talk that promises to be both informative and inspiring. As always, Fruitcake Friday will attract some key local networkers, and those interested in attending are invited to come along and support the event. Space is limited, so it is advisable to contact the centre to conﬁrm attendance. 4 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

he search for Wirral’s “ﬁnest, brightest and most exciting” businesses has begun again – with the ofﬁcial launch of the 2014 Wirral Business Awards. Hosted by Wirral Chamber of Commerce, this annual celebration is open to businesses of all sizes. Entrants range from new businesses, sole traders, charities and individuals to SMEs and larger organisations. The awards are FREE to enter and there are 11 categories to choose from: - Business of the Year (1-25 employees); Business of the Year (26-99 employees); Business of the Year (100+ employees); Business Person of the Year; International Trade Award; Low Carbon Award; Investment of the Year;

Sustainability Award; Community Business of the Year; People Development Award; Newcomer of the Year and the Wirral Council Think Big Award. Our 2014 sponsors include: Event Sponsors – Wirral Radio, Park Group plc and The Contact Company. Award Sponsors – Faiveley Transport, Stiebel Eltron, Wirral Met College, Scantec, Unilever, Progress to Excellence, McEwan Wallace, Magenta Living, Cabﬁnd, Cammell Laird and Wirral Council. Other Sponsors – Typhoo (drinks reception) and CF Graphics (print) This year’s event will be held in the walled garden pavilion at Thornton Manor. Closing date for entries is midnight on Friday 30th May 2014. More information on page 9 -10

Bar late payers from Government contracts, say small businesses mall and medium businesses have experienced late payments more often over the past year than any other according to research from the Forum of Private Businesses (FPB). Almost a quarter of its members reported an increase in late paying clients, while just 3 per cent said the problem had declined over the last year. 29 per cent reported an increase in the average length of time past the payment deadline. FPB chief Phil Orford MBE said: “Upwards of £30 billion remains tied up in late payments, costing a typical small business 130 hours a year to chase and meaning that a third are forced to seek external ﬁnance to cover the gaps in cashﬂow.” Small businesses are keen to see more action to tackle the problem, with more than a third

backing the idea of barring persistent late payers from Government contracts. The Government has been consulting on methods to tackle late payments. Its response on where to go next is expected to be released soon. Orford added: “Government is mulling over responses to a recent late payment discussion paper, which revealed ample ideas for tackling the issue in a more robust manner including the reintroduction of compulsory reporting of company payment terms and practices, and annual checks for Prompt Payment Code signatories. It is essential that government uses the recommendations to introduce effective measures and accepts that it not only has a responsibility to get involved in this area but also that its increased action can act as an important catalyst for better payment practices.”

DOES YOUR BUSINESS NEED FINANCE? We have already supported more than 250 businesses with over £80 million of funding and we’re looking for more businesses like yours. So whether you are just starting up or seeking funding to help take your company to the next level, investment of between £25,000 and £2 million from The North West Fund could be what you need to help your business flourish.

Interested? Find out more at: www.thenorthwestfund.co.uk

Could you be our next investment? T: 01925 418 232 E: enquiries@thenorthwestfund.co.uk The North West Fund is a £155m investment fund, established to provide debt and equity funding from £25,000 to £2m to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) based in, or relocating to, the North West of England. All of our Fund Managers are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are unable to invest in retail businesses. Please check the website for a full breakdown of eligibility.

News

Innovative Team Building at the School Select Learning+ Expo The School Select Learning Plus Expo is organised by The Edge magazine’s parent company Let’s Go! Publishing and the event is kicking off the ‘All our Futures’ week-long education conference part of IFB 2014. Exhibitors have been signing up to come down and meet the heads, teachers and governors from schools throughout Merseyside, Cheshire and West Lancashire who have registered to attend in order to research and book curriculum enrichment activities for their schools. As well as school workshops, School Select’s exhibitors also offer innovative and engaging team building activities. As management theory has evolved, the development of cooperative work environments are now favoured over competitive ones, and businesses, especially small businesses, are increasingly reaping the beneﬁts of introducing team building activities to teach essential collaborative skills and help employees develop trust in each other and each other's abilities. At the learning Plus Expo you’ll ﬁnd a range of lively activities providers offering services ranging from Architecture Workshops to Forest School, Reptile Handling to Yoga, Drumming to Roman Gladiator Training!

You’ll can meet the providers; hear more about their services and the majority are participating in the School Select Expo Discount Scheme. The event is being held in the Cunard Building, Water Street, Liverpool on Monday Monday 16th June between 1pm and 7pm and there’s even a bowl of scouse waiting for you if you’re coming straight from work! So go online and register for your FREE ticket now by clicking here or for more information email melissa@school-select.com 6 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

Calling small business owners – could you be one of ten Ingenious Britons? As part of preparations for Ingenious Britain Live! (the Festival of Small Business, in September) small business network Ingenious Britain has announced its search to ﬁnd ten Ingenious Britons. These will be small business owners who can demonstrate a tangible impact on their business as a result of being ingenious. Ingenuity can be demonstrated through the business idea itself; through the company’s use of money or funding; through its use of marketing or through the use of ingenious business processes or models or in some other way in which being ingenious has led to growth or success for the company. The 10 Ingenious Britons will feature heavily across the network’s social feeds;

be subject of PR activity to their local andvertical sector media as appropriate; will receive two tickets, travel and accommodation to attend Ingenious Britain Live! and will be invited to take part in a panel session at Ingenious Britain Live! showcasing their business and their ingenuity. They will also be able to use the Ingenious Britain Ingenious Britons logo on their company web site and collateral. Business owners can self-nominate or can nominate somebody else by completing the nomination form at www.ingeniousbritain.biz/ingenious-britons A shortlist will be drawn up and shortlisted companies will be interviewed by telephone. Deadline for submissions is Friday May 30th 2014

STL Heating win regional award

DST Announces Exciting New Staff Additions

A Merseyside heating and energy renewables company has just scooped a prestigious prize in the National Green Deal & ECO Awards.

DST have undertaken an exciting project with the addition of a dedicated PR team. Leah Davies and Stefanie Chew have joined the online telecoms business to increase its online proﬁle and generate additional exposure across print and social media platforms. DST is a Bromborough based company specialising in domestic and business communication systems and is a leader in its ﬁeld.

STL Heating and Engineering was named Regional Boiler & Renewables Installer of the Year in the National Green Deal & ECO Awards. The award recognises the company’s achievements in tackling fuel poverty among the most vulnerable members of the community via the Green Deal initiative and the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO). The company has installed grant-aided eco-efﬁcient heating into nearly 2,000 low-income homes across Merseyside since February 2013. STL now go forward to the national Green Deal & ECO Awards, which take place in London on the 29th May 2014.

This is a change of direction for the company and aims to enhance contact and communication with its existing customer base while also reaching out to a wider digital audience. It is hoped that operating effectively online can help to attract additional business by increasing the company’s digital presence and broadcasting product updates and specials offers. Leah will be in control of business to business and Stefanie looking after the domestic market. The pair have really hit the ground running with impressive results promoting headsets and small business phone systems and also a new festival kit of phone essentials. www.dstele.com

CHAMBER NEWS

News from the Chamber Facilities Management experts, Selwyn Building Services (SBS) Limited, is continuing to expand its business. Located in Moreton, the company has recently won a lucrative contract with Greene King, a pub retailer and brewer which runs around 2,300 managed, tenanted, leased and franchised pubs, restaurants and hotels and has been brewing award-winning ales for more than 200 years. This contract, together with further revenue growth from existing clients, Mitchells and Butler and The Stonegate Pub Company, enables SBS to implement a challenging but achievable expansion programme.

JM Education & Sports Coaching is expanding opportunities for young people to join their team. In partnership with Wirral Met College, JM Education has provided 40 full-time apprenticeships in local schools and also a further 60 study programme opportunities, with many students moving to apprenticeships in the next academic year. JM Education is now offering a further 50 young people (18–24 years) a SWIPES traineeship. The Supporting Work in Primary Education Settings scheme includes full-time placement in a local primary school for a half term – ideal preparation to ready individuals for a full-time apprenticeship.

Dantec, a world leader in composite hose technology and delivering solutions to a global distribution and support network spread across more than 50 countries., has recently formed a new partnership with South Korea distributor, Jinflex. The Korean company is a perfect match for Dantec as it specialises in supplying composite hoses for hydrocarbons and chemicals. Jinflex is also renowned for its logistics procedures and outstanding customer service. Dantec sees Jinflex as an extremely valuable resource to its global distributor list covering all continents.

www.jmeducation.co.uk

www.dantec.com

Bromborough based Cybrand, a market leading manufacturer and distributor of automotive exhaust products, industrial silencers and emission control technologies, has formed a new business collaboration with HJS Gmbh, Europe’s premier innovator and manufacturer of emission control technologies. HJS has decades of experience in the field of exhaust gas after treatment, and its alliance with Cybrand enables the complete range of HJS technologies to be brought to the UK, combining the renowned quality of the German company’s products with Cybrand’s customer orientated approach, retro-fit capabilities and extensive market experience.

Wirral Autistic Society has won a prestigious national award for helping clients prepare for the world of work the Independent Specialist Care Award, 2014 (Autism Spectrum Services Category). Funded by the National Lottery, the 24-week scheme included numerous workshops and field trips, where students get the chance to practice social skills. It not only helps people with Asperger Syndrome get ready for work, but also employers to recognise that they can be capable, dependable members of staff. A quarter of students have placements, and to date, six remain as volunteers. Eleven have accepted permanent paid roles.

Horner Downey is celebrating two national quality marks after being awarded Investors in People Standard, demonstrating commitment to realising the potential of its people, and also the only company in Wirral to reach ACCA Accredited Employer Platinum status. Horner Downey provides accountancy services to Wirral based SMEs and a full accountancy package for contractors working in a range of industries, including includes payroll, VAT, compliance accounts and phone support. Employing 19 staff, its people development plan is best demonstrated by Director, Mark Williams, who started in 1994 as a trainee accountant with Horner Downey.

www.cybrand.co.uk

www.autistic.org

www.hornerdowney.com

Jim Doherty, SBS

www.selwyn-sbs.co.uk

www.theedgewirral.co.uk | 7

CHAMBER NEWS

For more news, events and information about the Wirral Chamber of Commerce visit www.wirralchamber.co.uk

Smylie Ltd, one of the UK’s leading exporters of British food products to supermarkets, distributors, embassies, and food service companies, has been awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise, the highest honour that can be bestowed on a UK company. It has also joined forces with fellow Wirral Chamber member, the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, which has been chosen by Smylie as its charity of the year. Clatterbridge Cancer Charity provides outstanding cancer care in the region of 27,000 patients each year at its centre in Wirral, satellite radiotherapy centre in Aintree and its network of chemotherapy units in local hospitals across the region. www.smylies.com www.clatterbridgecc.org.uk

Lees Solicitors has launched a new service to provide companies with Terms and Conditions they can use for their business. Ian McGregor of the Birkenhead based law firm identified that many companies may have T&C’s but these may not be in order and can let them down when needed. Business T&C’s are designed to protect rights, limit liabilities and provide some security when selling goods or services. Through the new service, Lees Solicitors experience in drafting all varieties of Terms and Conditions is helping clients to avoid disputes that can arise when trading is carried out on an informal, verbal basis. www.lees.co.uk 8 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

Apprenticeships are playing a key role in the growth of Brimark Sgns. Brimark which designs, manufactures, installs and maintains a range of external and internal signs is celebrating the success of apprentice Alex Jones, who has completed three years training and achieved NVQ level 3, and will start NVQ level 4 in business management later this year. Mark Ashcroft, Managing Director of Brimark said, “We feel privileged to be able to offer young people the opportunity to acquire qualifications that lead to full time employment and will continue to assist them in furthering their career with Brimark.” www.brimark-signs.com

YMCA Wirral has achieved the prestigious Investors in People - Gold Award. Following a rigorous assessment included lengthy interviews with staff from right across the organisation. YMCA Wirral now joins the top 2% of UK organisations achieving Gold standard, only given to organisations demonstrating excellence in developing and supporting staff. YMCA met more than 165 evidence requirements standards including commitment to core values, personal development and social responsibility. www.ymcawirral.org.uk

Ian Mcgregor, Lees Solicitors

Wirral Chamber of Commerce has become an official Delivery Partner of the Start Up Loans Company, to support the creation of new businesses and employment in Wirral. This partnership will enable the Chamber to deliver proactive support for potential entrepreneurs to help them develop ideas into sustainable start up projects. This includes help in building feasible business plans, and for those taking a Start Up Loan, ongoing mentoring and business support for up to five years after start up to ensure the success of the new enterprise, not just at the beginning, but also into the future. A business may have already started, but if it has been trading for less than twelve months it can still apply for a loan. Wirral Chamber of Commerce already provides business support to its growing list of member companies, however, the Delivery Partnership now enables it to support a wider range of new, upcoming enterprises which will create both employment and benefits to the economic prosperity of the area. The Start Up Loans Company is a government funded initiative chaired by James Caan, serial entrepreneur and former Dragon's Den investor, which provides entrepreneurs with start up support in the form of business advice, a fixed rate low interest repayable loan and business mentoring. Designed to help solve the problem of supporting people who have a feasible business idea but no access to finance, it has already appointed over 55 Delivery Partners covering all regions across the UK. For further information please email startup@wirralchamber.co.uk

The search is on for Wirral’s finest, brightest and most exciting businesses as the Wirral Business Awards 2014 has been launched. The event is hosted by Wirral Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by Wirral Radio, The Contact Company and Park Group plc. This annual competition is open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, sole traders, charities and individuals. Businesses can enter more than one category which covers the period 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2013 and the closing date for entries is Friday 30th May 2014. Entry forms can be completed online at:

www.wirralbusinessawards.com together with further information and full qualifying criteria. The awards are free to enter and open to all Wirral based companies (with a registered trading address in Wirral) and

Wirral Chamber members. The winners of each of the eleven categories will be announced at a black-tie gala dinner held at Thornton Manor on Friday 26th September 2014 when an audience of over 600 leading business people will gather to celebrate the achievements of the 2014 award winners. Tables for the ceremony are available to book but places are limited so reserve your table early to avoid disappointment. Paula Basnett, CEO of Wirral Chamber of Commerce said, “The diversity of the applications received usually demonstrates the vast range of businesses in Wirral. I am excited by the launch of the 2014 event and looking forward to seeing the entries for all the different award categories, and we are encouraging as many companies as possible to send in their applications which can be completed online. Wirral is a vibrant centre for business and it is our businesses, both large and small, new and established, which are driving our economy forward.”

Main Sponsors

Supported by

Other Sponsors Drinks Reception Sponsor

Design and Print Sponsor

Contact for more information: www.wirralbusinessawards.com or email info@wirralbusinessawards.com or call 0151 650 6940 The guests enjoying last year’s awards ceremony. www.theedgewirral.co.uk | 9

Award Categories and Sponsors Sponsor

Award Business of the Year (1 - 25)

Small businesses, including sole traders, who employ less than 26 employees. We are looking for companies who can demonstrate a track record of strong financial performance and growth together with investment for the future (less than 26 employees and is not part of a larger organisation).

Business of the Year (26 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 99)

A business showing impressive financial figures, strong and steady profit margins, signs of sustainability and potential future growth. An understanding of the market and mechanisms to respond to change and have strong growth potential (more than 25 but less than 100 employees and is not part of a larger organisation).

Business of the Year (100 +)

This category recognises an outstanding performance by a business or organisation. Judges will look for exceptional financial returns, strong growth and market leadership in its sector (more than 100 employees).

Business Person of the Year

The judges will be looking for an individual demonstrating initiative, drive and leadership in adding value to their business, bringing financial and non-financial gain to the organisation through their hard work. Someone who has developed and implemented successful business solutions, implemented plans to improve cost and energy efficiency, endeavoured to exceed customer expectations or raised their organisation's profile.

Newcomer of the Year

Realisation of business aims, finding a market niche, local job creation, management and leadership skills, community involvement, business plan or any other evidence where hard work and dedication resulted in a successful business start that began trading between 1st January and 31st December 2013.

International Trade Award

10 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

Click on the award for more info / to apply

This award is open to organisations who can demonstrate that they have generated significant and/or sustained increases in their import or export activity during 2013. Exporting refers to areas outside of the UK.

Community Enterprise Award

Open to Wirral based organisations (or Wirral Chamber members) whose objectives are primarily social, where profits are invested back into its services and who are passionate about providing true community and social benefit. Demonstrating initiatives used to develop employees, promote staff volunteering, community developments and access to facilities and able to act as a role model and inspiration to other organisations.

Investment of the Year Award

A significant and beneficial investment within Wirral. You will need to demonstrate to the judges how your investment attracted further investment from other parties, created jobs, continued investment and an investment that raised your profile as well as Wirrals.

People Development Award

This award is open to businesses demonstrating commitment to its workforce through specific training and development programmes (including apprenticeships) and that has made significant improvement to the performance of its organisation.

Sustainability Award

Commitment to the community that is outside the main business activity or purpose, excellence in looking after employees, giving time or money to charity or voluntary sector and any other activity supporting the local public or business community.

Low Carbon Award

Wirral based company (or a Wirral Chamber member) that has developed products and/or services in the Low Carbon sector and contributed to the take up of these products and/or services regionally, nationally and internationally.

Wirral Think Big Award

The judges will select an organisation from all entries who has demonstrated achievements above and beyond those of other organisations to receive the Wirral Think Big Award. The winner will be announced on the night of the gala dinner on Friday 26th September 2014 at Thornton Manor.

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Liverpool Tennis

Current Wimbledon champion brings Grand Slam class to Liverpool Hope University International Tennis Festival Reigning Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli has been announced as the latest player to join the legendary line-up at this year’s Liverpool Hope University International Tennis Tournament. The feisty Frenchwoman, who is as known off the court as she is on both for her fashion sense and wide ranging interests, will join Greg Rusedski and Virginia Wade to headline the tournament in June at the Liverpool Cricket Club. Bartoli, who is renowned for her unusual playing style, beat German Sabine Lisicki 6-1, 6-4 in the 2013 Wimbledon final – a victory that saw her rise to number seven in the world and become only the sixth player in the Open era to win a Wimbledon title without dropping a set. The 29-year-old’s relatively short career has also seen her reach the final at the 2011 French Open, and earn seven Women’s Tennis Association singles wins, defeating three reigning world number one players. Among the opponents she has defeated are Venus and Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport and Caroline Wozniacki. “I am extremely excited to be part of this year’s impressive line-up at the Liverpool Hope University International Tennis Festival,” said Marion. “I am a big football fan so I am excited about visiting Liverpool for the first time and meeting some true Liverpudlians – hopefully I will have time to visit Anfield! “The event has a great reputation and I am excited to be a part of it this year and to be back playing on grass.” The Liverpool Hope University International Tennis Festival has thrived since 2002 and is now Europe’s largest tennis exhibition. This year Bartoli and her rival competitors will compete in a purpose built centre court stadium at LCC in Aigburth. Tournament Director Anders Borg says: “We have been fortunate to boast some fantastic players in the past,but this year’s 12 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

line-up is the best yet. It is the ﬁrst time that a current Wimbledon champion has been involved with the tournament and we couldn’t be happier to have been able to bring Marion to this year’s event. “It is ﬁtting that this should happen this year, as our partnership with the International Festival for Business looks set to attract new and diverse audiences to the tournament. The standard of the players involved in the 2014 festival will really put us on the map with tennis fans.”

The tournament, sponsored by Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Hope University, is currently in its 13th year and has become one of the most popular sporting events in the North West. The 2014 festival is expected to attract a record-breaking number of spectators. Sponsorship and corporate hospitality packages are available for this year’s tournament. For more information on the event, ticket prices and sponsorship opportunities, please visit:

www.liverpooltennis.co.uk

Apprenticeships

Apprentice Funding Reform The Government has indicated that it intends to make significant changes to the way Apprentices are funded for training and assessment. The proposed changes remove much of the responsibility from the training provider and place this on the employer instead. The changes are intended to give greater purchasing power and control to the employer but along with that comes greater responsibility and accountability. From 2016 funding will be routed to the employer but funding rates and government contributions are not yet known, although employers will be expected to pay toward the costs. There is concern that this will affect the ability of employers to recruit and train apprentices, while also adding administrative burdens and may harm training providers and apprentices by causing confusion to the system. The Government’s financial contribution will be made via the existing PAYE process or an Apprenticeship Credit via an online account for the employer. Employer and Government will pay contributions and from these employers can buy training and assessment from approved providers. A contract between employer and training provider will be required to confirm what is being purchased, timeframes, payments etc. The online employer account will allow the Government to monitor payments from the employer to the training provider, check financial balances and learner progress. The employer will need to keep the online account up to date. Employers who outsource their payroll function may incur additional cost or extra administration in operating the system. Recognising that 16 and 17 year olds often require more supervision when new to a role, the employer will receive an additional “one off” payment or credit, once the apprentice has settled into their learning in the workplace. This needs to be balanced with the new requirement for employers to pay a mandatory % of the cost of training for 16 and 17 year olds. 14 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

What happens with the funding currently? Currently funding is paid directly to the approved training provider and employers are not involved in this process. It is also likely that employers are not currently contributing to the ﬁnancial cost of the training. The Government funding pays the training provider to assist in recruiting; assessments and suitability tests; registering and certiﬁcating apprentices; delivering apprenticeship training; delivering technical theory; maths and English and completing all of the required paperwork.

How will the proposed funding reform affect you and your business? Employers will have greater control over which training provider is selected and also the price paid for training. Employers will pay a mandatory % of the training costs (for all age groups) but the level is yet to be set. The Government will contribute the rest. The cost of training varies between £2k and £20k. Employers will contract an approved training provider or training providers to deliver the NVQ, technical certiﬁcate, maths and English and contract separately and pay for end assessment delivery which must be independent. Employers will also be responsible for some administration via a new Government website including: assessing eligibility, registering the apprentice and recording their start and assessment outcomes. They will also be responsible for making contract payments to the training provider and may pay out more than is received from the Government if the Apprentice does not complete their programme.

The results of a consultation between government, employers and training providers will be released later this year. The new proposals have raise concerns for many employers and training providers alike and it is hoped that the consultation will have addressed some of these issues raised so far including…. 1) Will the proposed changes increase or reduce the number of Apprentices that your business recruits? 2) Are the proposed changes including the proposed changes in funding an improvement on the existing arrangements? 3) Do you believe that the Government contribution to the cost of training an Apprentice should be the same regardless of age? 4) This is the last of a series of consultations on the future of Apprenticeships. Were you aware of and did you respond to the earlier consultations? 5) Does your business have the knowledge and skills to be able to negotiate the price and quality of training and assessment with a training provider?

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MANAGEMENT

TACKLING the Last Workplace

Taboo

As a busy manager with targets and deadlines it can be a daunting trying to support team members who are dealing with mental health issues, especially when you are not a doctor or a counsellor. But don’t worry; supporting staff with mental health issues is not as difﬁcult as you think. In fact, it is just about being a good manager.

Signs Of Mental Ill Health? So what are the particular early warning signs you should look out for? • An increase in unexplained absences or sick leave • Poor performance • Poor-time-keeping • Increased use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco or caffeine • Frequent headaches and back aches • Withdrawal from social contact • Poor judgement / indecision • Constant tiredness or low energy • Unusual displays of emotion e.g. frequent irritability or tearfulness Talking to staff really is the best way to spot early signs of stress or an emerging mental health problem. The more open communication there is, the more feedback you receive and the more quickly you'll be able to spot early signs of stress.

How Do I Support Someone With Mental Ill Health? It's not your job to provide counselling but rather think about how you respond to the situation. The most important thing you need to do is talk. It will have been hard for the person concerned to tell you what's going on for them. With the stigma that surrounds mental ill health they will probably have worried about how you'd react, whether it would damage their career prospects and whether they could trust you with something so personal. Yet good open and honest conversations are just what's needed. 16 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

Key Points to Remember During Conversations 1 Sit back: let the employee be in control of what they feel comfortable to share.

2 Use neutral language such as “you seem low”.

3 Patience: allow them time to answer your questions.

4 Put yourself in their shoes and try and understand things from their view.

5 Ask pen, non controlling questions like “I was wondering how you are doing?”

How Do I Know If Someone Has Mental Ill Health? If you think a member of staff has a mental health issue then the ﬁrst question to ask yourself is "why?" Are there work-based issues, worsening performance levels, changed behaviour or other evidence? Acting on clear evidence is important, but it's also important to use your common sense and your natural instincts to care for others. If you are thinking about discussing this with the employee it's really important to follow some guiding principles. Be clear that you wish to discuss a performance issue. Even if you think there may be a mental health issue. Start your discussions based on the evidence of the changes in performance just as you would normally. Consider asking someone else to get involved. A colleague, from HR or a team colleague they trust for example, a union rep or possibly a friend or family member could also help in some circumstances.

6 Remember, you’re not a doctor or a

Create a healthy workplace

7 Try not to push for information; it’s up to

There are certain things any employer can do to tackle stress at work

counsellor, don’t make diagnoses.

the employee how much they tell you.

8 It’s not important for you to know everything to be really helpful.

9 End by setting another time to talk and review how the situation is going.

For more information on dealing with mental health in the workplace visit: www.tacklementalhealth.org.uk

• Provide stress management courses for staff • Ensure there is time for staff to feedback how they are feeling. • Be willing to talk openly with employees • Provide information about your company EAP programme • Create a no-blame culture • Encourage clear, open and honest communication • Be positive about reasonable adjustments • Provide training on how to recognise mental health issues • Create a pleasant environment to work in with plants and pictures • Ensure staff take their lunch breaks and monitor working hours • Arrange occasional team building events

The Award winning Apollo Care provides domiciliary care to people living in their homes. ‘By finding the right people to join the business we always make a positive difference in vulnerable peoples lives through excellent, reliable home care, we are also dedicated to supporting new franchisees throughout the life of the franchise to ensure those standards never fall. We have an excellent support package in place: In addition to provided care software, QCQ registration and all paperwork including policies and procedures, we also provide an excellent manager training programme which covers all aspects of running a successful home care agency. We are dedicated to providing the support and knowledge needed to grow the franchises into a thriving business.’

Franchisee’s should • Ideally, have a social care or nursing background, although not essential as all training is provided. • Good communication and people skills. • A genuine passion to improve the quality of home care in your area.

Cheryl White, Director – Apollo Care.

CALL FOR A CHAT

0151 650 6996

www.apollocare.co.uk

www.theedgewirral.co.uk | 17

CHARITY

FEATURED

CHARITY

Kids in the Middle Kids in the Middle is a national charity that exists to raise awareness of children in separating families and to raise funds to support affected children and young people. It will create and finance national and local services that child-centred family lawyers and mediators can use in their work with separating families. At the heart of the charity will be an on-line peer support website, www.KidsintheMiddle.org.uk, where children who have experienced separation will tell their stories to others in the middle of it. They will deliver peer group discussion, mentoring and on-line professional counselling in partnership with www.Mindfull.org, a new service for children and young people in difficulty. Why is there a need for Kids in the Middle? The proportion of 16 years olds who have experienced the separation of their parents is heading for nearly one in two (250,000 each year). Three major on-line services to help children in separating families have recently closed making the demand for a replacement service even greater. Who supports Kids in the Middle? Family law and mediation firms are running campaigns all over UK, many with young people, to raise money for KidsintheMiddle.org.uk in 2014. During this same period we will build the website with the funds that are raised. What makes KITM different? Kids in the Middle will be hosted by young people who have been through separation. The site will contain videos of children and young people communicating key messages from their own perspective. The service will also be used by professionals working with separating families – lawyers, mediators & barristers. Who will Kids in the Middle support? Children experiencing the separation of their parents will use the site for valuable support. Separating parents will also use the service to help them see things from the child’s viewpoint. The vision is that at least one person in the life of every child experiencing family separation recommends they visit KidsintheMiddle.org.uk How is money being raised? The fundraising campaign started with two groups of teenagers in two schools who raised £15,000. In 2014 firms of Family Lawyers and Mediators across the country are taking the lead with 40 firms becoming Founding Partners and committing to raise at least £2000 each and 120 law firms have pledged their support. As business owners we can all help to give this worthwhile charity a healthy start to help our local ‘Kids in the Middle’. 18 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

How to donate? In Wirral, Family Solicitors and Mediators, 174 Law have signed up as Founding Partners and will be helping the charity to fundraise throughout the year. Let’s Go! publishing will be helping to publicise their campaign once it is established. In the short term, to donate to this worthy cause please visit www.justgiving.com/our-campaign How will my money be spent? The on-line peer support service will be launched during 2014 alongside information and presentation materials for schools so that family lawyers, mediators and others can engage easily with them to raise awareness of the problem and the help available.

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CATERERS, EVENT PLANNERS, HOTELIERS

GET IN TOUCH - 01244 360193 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE SAMPLES OF THE HIGH QUALITY RANGE WE OFFER , GET IN TOUCH & WE WILL COME TO YOU I can hire everything you need for your party including crockery, cutlery, glassware, tableware, tables, chairs, linens & more. Hand polished and delivered to your door ready to use and returned dirty, for us to clean as part of our comprehensive service. Private bookings and corporate clients also welcome.

Cherry on the Bakewell: Party Hire Proudly serving Wirral, Chester, North Wales & beyond ... Organising an event of any size is exciting but can also be a bit daunting. At Cherry on the Bakewell we have personally selected quality products that will enhance your event. Our personal service and attention to detail will ensure that your arrangements will be our priority. With a wide range of products to choose from, we’re sure to have what you want, if we don’t we’ll go and get it!

andrea@cherryonthebakewell.co.uk Cherry on the Bakewell, Unit 4, Woodside Farm Parkgate Road, Saughall, Chester CH1 6JS

www.cherryonthebakewell.co.uk

Personalised Computer Training ‘Teaching you what you want, at a time and place convenient to you, in a way that is easy for you to understand’

Do you need help with… • Using your iPad, for home or business • Understanding Windows 8, 7, Vista, XP, Apple OS operating systems • Making use of internet and email facilities • Making Skype or Facetime video calls to those near and far • Organising images/photos, edit and use to create cards, flyers and bookmarks • Using MS Office XP to 2013, Apple Pages, Numbers, Keynote or free software to express yourself, in words, figures or graphically

Contact Theresa

07586 251284 www.theresaslearningbytes.co.uk theresa@theresaslearningbytes.co.uk 20 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

Fire SAFETY

Fire Safety in Residential Care Homes –

The two critical factors

n December 2013, three North West care home owners were prosecuted for fire safety failings. Richard Dickinson, was found guilty of three breaches of Fire legislation following a blaze at the Rangemore Nursing Home in Knutsford. He received 12 months prison, suspended for two years, 200 hours of unpaid work and a fine of £68,362.05. Following a small fire at a Liverpool care home, the joint owners shared a £48,000 fine. When fire fighters arrived they found the night duty staff had evacuated leaving residents unsupervised. Rosepark Care Home in Scotland saw fourteen residents lose their lives needlessly in a fire due in part to the slow reactions of staff and their inability to locate the fire’s origin. It is clear that this high risk sector is plagued with issues other businesses don’t have. Waking and evacuating sleeping and mobility impaired residents during a night shift when the staff/resident ratios are at their lowest, is an onerous task. Government funding cuts mean owners must look at ways to save money. This may mean using less experienced or under qualified contractors for the maintenance of fire safety measures, or those who operate under the VAT threshold. So, from the restricted fire safety budget, which part of the package of fire protection measures must you focus on to ensure that you don’t end up on the wrong side of jury service? To understand this you need an

appreciation of the behaviour of fire and how it interacts with the buildings protective arrangements. Passive protection arrangements such as self closing fire doors and fire and smoke seals carry out an important role during fire conditions. However it is the performance of two more critical elements you are depending on first; the fire alarm system and the ‘competent’ staff member. Should these function appropriately you will have a window of opportunity not afforded to the staff in care homes such as Rosepark or the many others where fatalities have occurred. So my advice is simple: 1) Ensure your fire detection/alarm system is fit for purpose and maintained by fire alarm specialists (not electricians or security engineers) 2) Ensure your employees are appropriately fire trained and that ‘at all times’ there is one competent staff member on duty who can read the fire alarm panel and reach the actuating detector within a reasonable timescale.

Mike Pearson

Wirral Fire Protection

Are you prepared for a visit from the local fire authority? Fire Alarms Fire Extinguishers Fire Training Courses Fire Risk Assessments Pat Testing Emergency Lighting Dry Riser Testing

Gallagher House, Cashel Road, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 1DY

Residential Care Homes Health Care Premises Schools / Educational Premises Hotels & Guest Houses Flats - Block Management ises Offices, Shops & Commercial Prem Restaurants - Licensed Premises

0151 639 7745

OFFICE HOURS 9am-5pm OUT OF HOURS CALL OUT

0151 639 1183

www.wirralfire.co.uk www.theedgewirral.co.uk | 21

Women in business

Carol Bolland FW Capital, Investment Executive

What is your business background? I’ve spent 35 years in ﬁnancial services and the last 20 supporting and investing in start-ups and growing small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Merseyside. Prior to joining FW Capital I worked for NatWest for 25 years and then for a Merseyside-based provider of European funds for SMEs. What is your role at FW Capital? FW Capital is a fund management company which manages The North West Fund for Loans Plus, a £45 million ERDF-backed fund providing loans of between £50,000 and £750,000 to SMEs. Part of a small focused investment team, I provide loans to help Merseyside businesses achieve their growth plans. I am privileged to work with many interesting businesses and professionals from the business and corporate ﬁnance community all focused on backing SMEs to help build a strong economy in Merseyside. What motivates you? The ambition and drive of Merseyside’s business owners and managers is hugely motivating. They have a vision for their business and the passion to turn that into reality. It’s impossible to be unaffected when you witness that level of determination every day. I enjoy working with ambitious business owners and taking time to understand their plans. I always provide a pragmatic view of how they could strengthen these plans to secure the funding they need. What type of businesses do you work with? Businesses supplying other businesses mainly. Many are well-established, family run companies as well as a lot of manufacturing businesses. Having said this, though, I also work with younger, growing businesses looking for funding. 22 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

I enjoy working with enthusiastic business owners and taking time to understand their plans.” CAROL BOLLAND,

FW CAPITAL INVESTMENT EXECUTIVE

0151 600 5339 or 07881 958582 www.FWCAPITAL.Co.uk Thenorthwestfund@fwcapital.co.uk

/ MANAGERS OF

LOANS PLUS

FW Capital provides loans for a range of funding needs from The North West Fund for Loans Plus, including: • Costs of recruiting staff • Purchase of business trading premises • Acquiring new equipment and other assets • New contracts Variety is very much the order of the day but every business I work with has ambition and dedication in common! Has the recent economic climate made your job more difficult? When it was launched, The North West Fund injected an additional £155 million of investment capital into the economy specifically targeted at SMEs with 40% allocated for investment in Merseyside. The recent economic climate has markedly increased demand for our loans. We’ve been able to step in when banks have been unable to lend or lend alongside them to provide a complete funding package. Businesses find the Fund's flexible lending criteria attractive.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying? Don’t be put off if you’ve previously been unable to secure the funding you need. Talk to us if you have a robust business plan. Our aim is to ensure that businesses have the right funding package to suit their growth plans. I’m particularly keen to meet more female business owners and managers and I’ve been nominated for “Financial Professional of the Year” at the 2014 Merseyside Women in Business Awards. What has been your biggest success story to date? I think it would have to be a loan of £250,000 to Wirral-based MSoft eSolutions. I’ve watched them go from strength to strength. MSoft’s blood tracking product is being adopted by numerous NHS Trusts across the UK as well as overseas. They recently won North West Medical and Life Sciences Company of Year Award, beating stiff competition from much larger companies.

FW Capital is part of the Finance Wales Group and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

/ MANAGERS OF

LOANS PLUS

LOANS FROM

£50,000 to £750,000

TO BACK BUSINESSES ON THE WIRRAL

Three companies we have assisted are: MSoft eSolutions Limited Healthcare Technology Wirral, Merseyside Assets and additional staff

£250,000

300 Recycling Limited Plastics recycling specialist Wirral, Merseyside Machinery and stock

£250,000

Assist Hygiene Limited Hygiene products Wirral, Merseyside Growth Capital

FW Capital is delighted that demand for loans from The North West Fund for Loans Plus is increasing. The fund has lent over £20million to more than 120 businesses. We work with businesses and advisers to create the right growth funding package for businesses in a wide range of sectors including manufactoring, engineering, wholesale, construction and business services. If a £50,000 - £750,000 loan could help your business develop and grow, The North West Fund for Loans Plus could be your answer. Contact The North West Fund for Loans Plus at FW Capital Liverpool:

0151 600 5340 Thenorthwestfund@fwcapital.co.uk

£200,000

/ SUPPORTED BY The North West Fund for Loans Plus is managed by FW Capital. FW Capital is part of the Finance Wales Group. FW Capital is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Commute

Walk to Work Week is back May 12th – 16th

Walk to Work Week 2014 is a national walking challenge organised by the charity Living Streets. The aim is to get people walking more to and from work, during work and at lunchtimes during the Week and beyond. Get some healthy competition going in your workplace and feel the beneﬁts. Walk to Work Week takes place during Living Streets’ National Walking Month running throughout May 2014, which also includes Walk to School Week, 19-23 May. What's Walk to Work Week all about?

How to take part?

• Feel the beneﬁts with a free workplace walking challenge • Log your walks to see how they all add up to burn calories and save CO2 • View live totalisers and leaderboards to spur you on • Count all your walking, whether it's to work, at lunch or for a meeting • Get competitive with colleagues and take part in individual/team activities • Raise money for your favourite charity

It’s easy, just sign up on the website at www.walktoworkweek.org.uk and get your workplace group set up. Then during Walk to Work Week, you and your colleagues can:

How can it beneﬁt my business? Encouraging staff to walk more can contribute to health and wellbeing as well as your organisation’s sustainability objectives. Physical activity is known to improve productivity and reduce absences due to sick days. Walking is easy and accessible. Taking part in the challenge is also a great way to promote team spirit.

P SIGN U

NOW

24 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

• Log your walks to see how they all add up to burn calories and save CO2, • View live totalisers and leader boards to spur you on • Count all your walking, whether it’s to work, at lunch or for a meeting; • Get competitive with your colleagues and take part in individual and team activities to raise money for your favourite charity For more information visit www.walktoworkweek.org.uk

Fundraising opportunities Why is Walk to Work Week a good way to raise money for your favourite charity? • Walking gets you on the streets and closer to your local community • It improves morale and teamwork

• It’s easy, healthy and will make you feel ﬁt and healthy • It’s fun and free to do! Fundraising is easy. Just use one of the Walk to Work Week feats as a sponsorship opportunity, whether it’s a simple individual challenge or a more extravagant feat to achieve with colleagues.

Keep on Walking Walking is for life not just for Walk to Work Week! There are lots of free resources to keep encouraging walking throughout the year: National Walking Month runs until the end of May, so staff can continue recording walks and taking walking feats. Contact Living Streets for further advice and promotional materials. Speak to us to see how they can help you run bespoke walking challenges throughout the year Sign-up to the e-news to be kept up to date of other Living Streets activities For these and more ideas: Visit www.livingstreets.org.uk or Email walkingworks@livingstreets.org.uk Call 020 7377 4900.

Need support? weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to help... To grow as a business, sometimes you need access to the right type of support which will ensure that you have the opportunity to develop the potential and the aspirations of you and your business â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we will be happy to help with this. There are various types of assistance available from a wide range of business support partners,

but to make this easier if you contact Wirral Chamber of Commerce we will find out what your needs are and then see how we can bring in the right people with the expertise to help with business guidance, marketing and HR support, export documentation services, crime reduction, finding business properties and many other areas.

CONNECTING BUSINESSES ACROSS WIRRAL

0151 650 6940 www.wirralchamber.co.uk info@wirralchamber.co.uk

CLIENTS

10 things to remember when meeting a new client 1. Always research your client before your first meeting but not so much that you feel you know everything so don't ask any questions when face to face. It's easy to think having read their website that you know what they do and how you can help them. Websites are often out of date and vague or they may be launching a new venture that you don't know about. 2. Don’t feel you need to know everything about your potential client before the meeting. Remember it's not an interview where you are being tested on your research. You are there to listen to what they are looking to achieve and to see if your services can match this. 3. When you get to the client's offices or the meeting place, you may feel a little nervous, particularly if it's at a swanky address. Don't be. Your contact is probably just another busy person trying to do their job. An office is an office, no matter how much shiny glass it may have. Remember they have agreed to meet you so they must think you have something good to say, so relax. 4. To build rapport or not? You have to judge the situation and of course the client. Some people love a good natter before getting down to business but others just want to shake your hand and get started. There's a careful balancing act to play - being approachable to help open up conversations without coming across as overly keen or fake - If you've got a good product and you are speaking to the right person just be yourself and don't try too hard! 26 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

5. Talking about you and your offering:

Your client may ask for an overview of what you do. This can be intimidating and you may feel like it’s your only chance to impress. The best advice is to keep it brief, speak slowly and don't go into too much detail. Chances are before you have even ﬁnished your intro the client will have picked up on something you mentioned and start asking further questions - the conversation has started!

6. It's good to have a presentation and an

idea of what you are going to say, but don't rehearse it too much as what has worked in previous meetings may not fit others. You also run the risk of being scripted and not being responsive to the client’s needs. The first meeting is all about listening to their challenges and exploring ideas together. It's about the consultative sell of tailored products for specific needs.

7. Taking notes: It's good to remember

what was discussed in the meeting but you’re not there to keep the minutes. Far more important is good eye contact, open body language and showing the person you are meeting that you are digesting what they are saying. There will be things you need to note down but don't feel like you must be seen to be taking notes.

8. While it’s tempting to try and seal a deal there and then, particularly if you have been trying to meet a client for a while, don't feel pressured to sell something there and then. It can be better to go away and have a good think about what you can offer them and what is going to work best.

Demonstrating that you have taken time to put a bespoke response together that is tailored to their needs will bode well and shows it's not something you have rushed into. Being a pushy sales person who has an immediate proposal can come across the wrong way. Remember, you are there to provide solutions to satisfy your potential client’s needs and not just to ﬁll your order book.

9. Before you leave the meeting, agree a

course of action - another meeting, a proposal or a follow up call and if possible, try to get something in the diary - you may not have closed the deal but you want some sort of commitment, even if it is just the next steps.

10. Don't forget to follow up! Drop the client an email summarising what was discussed and thanking them for taking the time to meet you.

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TheOpen.com/hospitality

IFB2014

What is the IFB? The Festival’s genesis was the October 2011 Lord Heseltine / Terry Leahy independent Report “Rebalancing Britain: Policy or Slogan? Liverpool City Region Building on its strengths.”

INTERNATIONAL TRADE EXPO

Her Majesty’s Governmnent endorsed the proposal that Liverpool should host an International Expo on behalf of the nation and the UK Government should provide appropriate national support for such an event. Subsequently as a globaL part of the May 2012, Liverpool City Deal HMG gathering of committed £5million to the Festival.

the world’s

Heralded by Lord Green in 2013 as “the biggest most inspiring business event in the UK since the Festival of Britain businesses in 1951”, the aspiration for the festival is to be “a global gathering of the world’s most inspiring businesses; an arena where pivotal industries converge to trade ideas, products and contacts. An urban festival of commerce bringing together cities nationally and internationally in 50 days of events, exhibitions, showcases and celebrations.”

DATE:

10 - 11 JUNE 2014

VENUE: ACC

AUDIENCE:

INTERNATIONAL

THEME:

MANUFACTURING, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY International Trade Expo will offer deep insight and solutions that will enable Expo attendees to understand how they can start or grow their businesses internationally. International trade of any kind can be complex and daunting; the International Trade Expo is the place to get in depth knowledge and advice. Using case studies from successful organisations to explain what has worked and what hasn’t, the Expo will provide up to the minute advice on International Trade for; exporters, importers, investors and entrepreneurs.

The Festival was launched nationally by the PM in January 2013.

There are more than 200 high value business events of all shapes and sizes, spanning seven broad themes runnING throughout the 50 day festival and here we feature a selection of events:

Alongside this will run Fresh Business Thinking LIVE! – an event for business owners, directors and entrepreneurs. This part of the Expo will showcase companies looking to interact with entrepreneurs and business owners, and deliver a host of seminars and workshops by a selection of the country’s leading entrepreneurs. The International Trade Expo and Fresh Business Thinking LIVE! will attract 3,000 business decision makers with an appetite for information, advice and inspiration. For information, please contact Alex Shea on alex@freshbusinessthinking.com

28 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

IFB2014

ENTERPRISE EXCHANGE

DATE:

11 JUNE 2014

VENUE:

THE LEARNING EXCHANGE, LIVERPOOL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

AUDIENCE: The aim of Enterprise Exchange is to UK link/create opportunities for entrepreneurial individuals to meet with experts and business partners and form links to discuss potential opportunities.

School-Select Learning Plus Expo

This event aims to engage entrepreneurial HE and FE students and provide them with an insight into Business Start-up opportunities including mentoring and business support. Delegates are welcome to attend, offer advice, participate and support the event whilst linking in with potential entrepreneurs if relevant. For more information, please contact Lucy Edwards on 0151 252 3550 or email: lucy.edwards@liv-col.ac.uk

ALL OUR FUTURES

DATE:

16 JUNE 2014

VENUE:

THE CUNARD BUILDING

AUDIENCE:

UK, NORTHWEST

THEME:

HIGHER & FURTHER EDUCATION & RESEARCH

DATE:

16 - 20 JUNE 2014

VENUE:

THE CUNARD BUILDING

AUDIENCE:

INTERNATIONAL

THEME:

HIGHER & FURTHER EDUCATION & RESEARCH All Our Futures will provide head teachers and senior educators from all around the world with practical, intense, immersive experiences in regional schools which generate inspirational insights into teaching and learning. The conference is focused around the theme of the relationship between business and education. Delegates will learn, share, network and inspire and will be able to establish new educational and business links with colleagues from across the globe. The programme will explore the theme of ‘The Business of Education: the Education of Business’ and examine questions such as:

EXPO 2014

www.school-select.com

The Learning Plus Expo kicks off the All Our Futures Education Conference and will showcase a tremendous selection of quality education workshop and enrichment providers and assess the positive impact they have on pupil engagement and attainment levels. The exhibition takes place June 16th at the Cunard Building on the Waterfront in Liverpool and is free to attend as a delegate. With a lively and eclectic mix of educators exhibiting, the event has been with schools, children and youth services in mind to present innovative ways to narrow attainment and achievement gaps between pupils. The exhibition will provide delegates with the opportunity to meet experiential learning providers in person and discover the broad variety of innovative sessions available. Exhibitors will showcase their services against a backdrop of interactive demonstrations and presentations from relevant keynote speakers. Registered delegates will receive complimentary refreshments, entry into a discount voucher scheme against the cost of workshop provision and will also be entered into a prize draw for free workshop sessions. For further information and booking details click here to ﬁnd us on Eventbrite or email melissa@school-select.com

* What is the purpose of education? To provide the workforce of tomorrow? Or to prepare rounded individuals who seek to contribute to the world in other ways? * What role do businesses have in influencing schools curricula? * What is the nature of private sector activity in schools? And how can this be optimised for the benefit of the children and young people who are growing up in our schools across the world? Delegates will also have opportunities to visit schools across the North West and experience first hand the best the English education system has to offer its children, young people and families. For further information or to book your place at All Our Futures (IFB) please contact nick@aspire-trust.org - 0151 639 9231 - www.allourfutures.co.uk www.theedgewirral.co.uk | 29

IFB2014

ACCELERATE 2014 Following on from 2013’s successful networking event, Liverpool will again be hosting this fantastic one-day event on Friday 20th June 2014. ACCELERATE 2014 provides a unique accelerator for growth, motivation and an opportunity to connect businesses. For organisations that aim to become worldbeating and play their part in the UK’s economic fightback. Designed to help you think smarter, connect to a wider audience and grow your business, ACCELERATE 2014 brings together high profile, entrepreneurial keynote speakers from different business sectors to inspire delegates wanting to kickstart their own business or take their current business to the next level. With three core themes ‘Passion, Performance and Power’, featured are a collection of the brightest business minds and inspirational speakers: • Karren Brady CBE, Small Business Ambassador • Wayne Hemingway MBE, Founder HemingwayDesign • Adam Shaw, Founder The Ideas Company • Kresse Wesling MBE, Founder Elvis and Kresse • Andy Bounds, Communications consultant & Author • Bryan Adams, CEO & Founder of Ph. Creative • Steve Smith, Olympian and motivational speaker • Michelle Mone OBE, Founder of ‘Ultimo’ & MJM International. • Lara Morgan, Founder Pacific Direct

DATE:

20 JUNE 2014

VENUE: ACC

AUDIENCE:

INTERNATIONAL

THEME:

CITIES, ENTERPRISE & URBAN BUSINESS

For more details on ticket prices and news please go to www.accelerate2014.co.uk Twitter: @accelerate2014

CHAMPAGNE AFTERNOON ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS TEA & HISTORIC TOUR – A DRIVER FOR ECONOMIC B2B NETWORKING EVENT GROWTH DATE:

17 JUNE 2014

St George's Hall is widely regarded as one of the ﬁnest neo-classical buildings in the world and is a Grade I listed building. Built in the early 1800s as a space for music festivals and the Civil and Crown courts, the hall has always been at the heart of community life in the city. Over 25,000 people gathered outside the Hall when John Lennon was killed, and in excess of 65,000 witnessed Liverpool's spectacular European Capital of Culture People’s Opening in 2008.

VENUE:

THE WOMEN'S ORGANISATION, 54 ST JAMES STREET, LIVERPOOL, L1 0AB

DATE:

12 JUNE 2014

VENUE:

AUDIENCE:

ST GEORGES HALL

INTERNATIONAL

AUDIENCE:

INTERNATIONAL

THEME:

HIGHER & FURTHER EDUCATION & RESEARCH

The aim of this event is to bring together a number of delegates and employers for potential networking opportunities in a relaxed environment. This event is targeted at all delegates/employers whether local, national or international. Attendees will be given a tour round this iconic building whilst learning about the history. Classical music will be on during the event. For more information, please contact Lucy Edwards on 0151 252 3550 or email: lucy.edwards@liv-col.ac.uk

THEME:

The aim of this event is to enable CITIES, ENTERPRISE & participants to gain a better URBAN BUSINESS understanding of the concept of an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, and their importance for growth-orientated entrepreneurship. Delegates will be introduced to various well-performing examples and will learn how they work and their main drivers for success and failure. Delegates will gain an appreciation of the challenges associated with the implementation of a working Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. This is a free event. It is anticipated that the strategies and lessons learnt will enable participants to better support regional and local entrepreneurship and business growth. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/entrepreneurship-as-a-driver-foreconomic-growth-tickets-11332227999

MANAGEMENT SCHOOL

30 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

IFB2014

Africa Rising

WOMEN 1ST CONFERENCE – WOMEN INSPIRING THE ECONOMY DATE:

18 JUNE 2014

VENUE:

MARRIOTT HOTEL

AUDIENCE:

INTERNATIONAL

THEME:

KNOWLEDGE, PROFESSIONAL & FINANCIAL SERVICES

DATE:

10 - 12 JUNE 2014

VENUE:

CUNARD BUILDING

AUDIENCE:

INTERNATIONAL

THEME:

CITIES, ENTERPRISE & URBAN BUSINESS Africa Rising is a week dedicated to showcasing Africa as an emerging force in the global business arena. Home to seven of the world’s fastest growing economies, over 40% of the world’s arable land, a growing population with increasing disposable income, rapid urbanisation and opportunities in technology and telecommunications providing more access to the continent – Africa is undoubtedly a serious market to watch on the global business scene. Africa’s unprecedented conﬁdence in its own capabilities must be effectively promoted both within and outside the continent, reﬂecting the current phase of political stability, booming economies and a favourable investment climate. Africa Rising provides a unique platform to discuss African business and celebrate success: • Access to the continent’s movers and shakers drawn from policy makers and leading business minds • The most relevant opportunity for international dialogue and involvement in Africa’s future success Being held in the Cunard Building, there are is an egaging programme of Key Speakers, Workshop Sessions, Investment Showcase and much more. Find out more at www.africarising.co.uk

MERSEYSIDE WOMEN OF THE YEAR DATE:

27 JUNE 2014

VENUE:

CROWNE PLAZA

AUDIENCE: UK

THEME: It is the biggest event for Women on CITIES, ENTERPRISE & Merseyside, with 400+ Women and attracts URBAN BUSINESS amazing support from all sectors. The event is the most uplifting, rewarding and celebrated in the calendar and once someone attends they come back year after year. Find out more at www.womeninbusiness.co.uk

A day designed to inspire and encourage the next generation of female leaders. Women 1st is a not-for-proﬁt initiative that operates to transform the face of boards and support women who aspire to a leadership role. Women 1st offers training and mentoring programmes, networking events, “The Little Book of Diversity” – a practical guide to supporting women in the workplace, and an annual Conference and Shine Awards. This is an inspirational one-day conference at the Marriott Hotel featuring an action-packed programme of speakers, workshops and activities for women who want to climb the career ladder towards senior and leadership roles, or own their own business. Whether you work in government, corporate or not-for- proﬁt, this is an event that will challenge the way you view your career and inspire you to leap onto the next rung. As the number of career opportunities for women grows in the UK, this event will shine a light on the women and businesses that are leading the way. Attendees will be able to choose the most relevant talks, workshops and activities to best support their development. For more information on speakers and workshops please visit www.women1st.co.uk/IFB

INSIDER BREAKFAST - HOW EXPORTING TRANSFORMED OUR BUSINESS DATE: 1 JULY

This event considers what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur in a global world. This will be a rare opportunity for those in business to get an insight into some of the best practice in the country and hear from some of the most inspirational business leaders. www.insidermedia.com/events

VENUE:

CROWNE PLAZA

AUDIENCE: UK

THEME:

KNOWLEDGE, PROFESSIONAL & FINANCIAL SERVICES www.theedgewirral.co.uk | 31

IFB2014

NATIONAL BUSINESS AWARDS - THE DUKE OF YORK NEW ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD

DATE:

24 JUNE

VENUE:

ST GEORGES HALL

AUDIENCE: UK

THEME:

HIGHER & FURTHER EDUCATION & RESEARCH

The ten highest scoring semi-finalists will pitch to a panel of judges in front of a live audience. A panel of leading entrepreneurs, advisors and accelerators will select five finalists based on pre-supplied entry forms, their pitch on the day and responses to questions from judges and the audience. The overall winner will be determined by a combination of the judges’ scores and a public vote which will open after the event. The winner will be announced at the National Business Awards Gala Dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane on 11th November.

Judging of the National Business Awards’ inaugural Duke of York New Entrepreneur of the Year Award will take place at St George’s Hall, Liverpool on the 24th June, 9.30am to 6pm. Open to any ﬁrst business founder that has been trading for 18 months or less on 1st April 2014, this Award recognises those demonstrating the entrepreneurial aptitude, commercial acumen, vision, ambition and drive to build a successful enterprise.

This Award has been launched in partnership with HRH The Duke of York to support new entrepreneurs of all ages, from all industries and any type of business. Business leaders and entrepreneurs, investors, enablers, advisors, trainers, coaches and press are invited to come along and support ﬁnalists, network with peers and share insights and advice on growing a successful enterprise.

GROW YOUR OWN TALENT

FAMILY BUSINESS, SUCCESSFULLY SURVIVING THE GENERATIONS

DATE:

8 - 9 JULY

VENUE:

CUNARD BUILDING

AUDIENCE: UK

With the number of work opportunities and THEME: programmes increasing, this event will HIGHER & FURTHER deliver clear and practical advice in the EDUCATION & RESEARCH employment sector. The event will focus on both traditional methods of recruitment as well as offering an in depth look at the dynamic schemes designed to engage employers with employees, such as apprenticeships and traineeships. Attracting a national audience, the event will highlight to businesses the opportunities in the UK to support and promote employment and recruitment schemes. There will be opportunities for companies, large and small, to engage with the employment industry and to gain a clearer understanding of all the options open to them when it comes to recruiting new talent. In addition there will also be the opportunity to examine how to develop a high calibre talent pipeline, plan ahead and work towards retaining, and motivating employees. Every day the world of employment is constantly changing and with the cost of living rising faster than wages, employers face a ‘very real problem.’ We need to look further aﬁeld and change our recruitment practices to reﬂect the social diversity of the UK today. 32 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

This event will be a masterclass in family business, dealing with the unique challenges that family ﬁrms need to address due to the families and relationships associated with them. Speakers will provide practical insights into the way that they have developed over the years, transitioned from one generation to the next and developed a platform for ongoing, sustainable growth. The event is relevant to anyone in, or working with family owned businesses and will highlight the fact that irrespective of where in the world the business is based, family businesses face similar challenges. Challenges relating to ownership, governance, dealing with the next generation fairly, communication, responsible shareholders and much more.

DATE:

3 JULY

VENUE:

TATE LIVERPOOL

AUDIENCE:

INTERNATIONAL

THEME:

KNOWLEDGE, PROFESSIONAL & FINANCIAL SERVICES

Our speakers will share their thoughts on what is important, what needs to be addressed as the business moves through the generations and how their businesses have evolved too. Real families. Real business. Real family business.

IFB2014

INNOVATORS’ DAY 2014 – INNOVATE, PROTECT & PROSPER

LIKE MINDS

DATE: Have you or your business got the next big innovative idea? Do you know how to protect this idea? Do you know how to turn this light bulb moment into a successful business? Innovators’ Day 2014 – “Innovate, Protect and Prosper” will give you the answers to these questions and help you turn your innovation into a proﬁtable commercial reality.

3 JULY

VENUE:

TATE LIVERPOOL

AUDIENCE:

DATE:

INTERNATIONAL

1 JULY

THEME:

VENUE:

KNOWLEDGE, PROFESSIONAL & FINANCIAL SERVICES

Innovators’ Day 2014 has been organised by some of the regions leading experts in innovation and intellectual property rights. This day-long learning event will give you a fantastic opportunity to learn from industry-leading experts, to meet other innovative businesses and will give you the motivation and confidence to continue pursuing your innovative business ideas. The day will take the form of plenary sessions and question & answer panels based on the themes of innovation, intellectual property, patents and strategies for growing your business. Following the presentations, all delegates will be able to take advantage of one-to-one surgeries with the experts in attendance and ask questions specific to their own situation and needs. Expert speakers representing leading organisations including: the Intellectual Property Office, DWF, WP Thompson, Forresters, Bartle/Reid, Brabners, Mitchell Charlesworth, Bermans, MC Vanguard, Liverpool John Moores University, Brian Farrington and Liverpool Central Library will be in attendance to share their knowledge and expertise. Innovators’ Day 2014 will provide significant value to all businesses and entrepreneurs but will be particularly pertinent for SMEs, Owner-managed businesses, Hi-tech companies, Manufacturing firms, Innovative Start-ups and University students and researchers. This event will be free to attend for all delegates Contact: Jonathan Cannock on 0151 255 2300 or email jonathan.cannock@mitchellcharlesworth.co.uk

THE RUM WAREHOUSE

AUDIENCE:

WORLDWIDE

THEME:

Like Minds are thrilled to be part of the KNOWLEDGE, CREATIVE & International Festival for Business and DIGITAL have been busy curating a superstar line-up of the best business brains on the planet to help you innovate in your business. This will be a two-day event with a ﬂagship Like Minds on day one followed by a day of Immersive Workshops under the Like Minds U brand. Like Minds was voted one of the 10 best ideas festivals in the world by the national press. Through insights, workshops and lunches, an average 400 participants engage with each other, discussing new ideas and forging new connections to help make those ideas happen. It is a world class ideas event bringing people and businesses together to peer into our social and digital future, examine the shifting media landscape and discuss how our inter-connected culture is changing just about everything. “Like Minds is an intellectual playground where thinkers, strategists, agents provocateurs, innovators, challengers and mavericks can open up, share ideas and be inspired in a warm, welcoming and world-wide environment. If you haven’t been, go. You’ll see the future there; most likely, yours.” – Robert Bean, The Robert Bean Branding Company www.wearelikeminds.com

MADE IN THE UK Conference • Dinner • Exhibition The programme of 12 mini-conferences take place to give supply chain companies insight into the very latest initiatives their company and their sector as a whole is adopting. How they see it impacting on their company and what changes and developments are likely to impact on their supply chain going forward. An exhibition of the UK's leading manufacturers demonstrating the very best of British products, parts and innovative solutions.

DATE:

21 - 22 JULY

VENUE:

BT CONFERENCE CENTRE

AUDIENCE:

WORLDWIDE

THEME:

MANUFACTURING, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

And at the Made in the UK National Awards Dinner 700 manufacturers will attend representing companies that have already won an award at one of the regional "Made in" dinners. www.insdiemedia.com/made-in-the-uk www.theedgewirral.co.uk | 33

BUSINESS EVENT

“Customer Conference” May 14th includes top speakers for locally based businesses The second “Customer Conference” date has been announced, taking place at Thornton Hall, for Wirral, West Cheshire and Liverpool businesses. Following a pilot event in January, this next afternoon conference will take place on Wednesday May 14th, with another line up of top speakers and contributors coming from the South East, Dublin and local companies, all committed to the subject of excellence in customer and client delivery in an ever changing digital world.

Business owners, Directors, heads of department or sections and managers involved in customers, sales or marketing from Chester, Wirral and Liverpool. As younger professionals influence business to business budgets, how do they see buying and negotiations in the digital world? Dr Redmond said "The concept of a business event to debate, and hear about the significant changes in buying engagement is very relevant. Customer and client management is a more significant influence to retention and

winning new business than ever before" Other partners for this event include national mystery shopping company Shopper Anonymous, 100+ employer Bromborough based Mac Rooﬁng and Birkenhead printing and digital business GUD Design.

More details are on www.eventbrite.co.uk and under the tab Find Events, you search “customer conference” Or direct on www.sdmarketing-events.com/events

Blending fantastic customer experience at point of purchase and an easy and relevant online presence is a key contributor maintaining footfall to local high streets and shopping centres. Managing Director of Hoylake based Willson Grange Financial Management, Stuart Willson, will be interviewed about customer culture in business and adapting to technology along with changes within his sector and he made the following points. "As the economy begins to show consistent growth again, and the UK recovers from recession, we all want to ensure that productivity in business increases. The management and delivery of excellent customer and client relationships is an integral part of this, and this conference will focus on growth and digital strategies to optimise sales." One of the speakers is Dr Paul Redmond from Liverpool University. Paul is well known for his entertaining and incisive presentations. His analysis on generational consumers and their habits is extremely thought provoking for companies and organisations to consider, in their marketing and communications strategies. As younger demographics continually feed into main line consumerism, the event will explore what all businesses and online marketers have to consider, as daily access to the internet in the UK has grown from 20 million to 35 million adults in just 7 years! The event is absolutely ideal for 34 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

“The management and delivery of excellent customer and client relationships is an integral part of this, and the conference will focus on growth and digital strategies to optimise sales."

Stuart Willson

“The concept of a business event to debate, and hear about the signiﬁcant changes in buying engagement is very relevant.”

Dr Paul Redmond

1:45PM - 5:30PM

WEDNESDAY MAY 14TH THORNTON HALL - WIRRAL

The Customer Conference is a mixed style half day conference with excellent guest speakers and contributors, allowing debate, knowledge exchange, networking, ideas and actions to take back to the office.

TICKETS: £25 + VAT

For direct orders and PDF invoice for BACS or Cheque:info@sdmarketing-events.com

SAVE To receive The Edge discount rate, send email directly to

£5

info@sdmarketing-events.com quoting EDGE OFFER in the Subject bar. Standard ticket only on Eventbrite

1:45pm: Registration @ Coffee/Tea + networking and slective trade display area 2:25pm: Opening and Part One 3:45pm: Afternoon Tea/Refreshments/Customer Process 4:15pm: Part Two 5:20pm: Summary and close 5:30pm: Extra networking and cash bar

Information on previous Customer Conference:

www.sdmarketing-events.com/events

new businesses