The Edge - Issue 17 Women in Business DIGITAL

for business in wirral

In Association with:

Northwest Fund CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS

BUSINESS & NETWORKING EVENTS

seventeen

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issue

seventeen

News

4

“Plebgate”

7

Wirral Chamber

8

The Open

12

HR - Not just a BIG company thing

14

Dealing with depression at work

15

Women in Business

22

Ask the Expert: Lisa Evans

23

Fire Safety in Residential Care Homes 24 West Brom Mortgage

26

5 Tips for Effective Email Copy

27

International Tennis Tournament

28

The Baby / Career Conundrum

30

Networking and Events Diary

31

A Let’s Go! Publication Issue Seventeen 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.

Welcome to theedge

theedge

th

To have my own family and run my own business were my two main ambitions, so you could say I’m living the dream, but that’s not to say its all been plain sailing.

I’ve been running Let’s Go! Publishing for seven years and during that time have steadily grown a portfolio of products and been fortunate enough to have grown and retained a very healthy client base of regular advertisers who rely on us for their marketing needs.

Whenever I’m designing a marketing campaign for a woman starting a new business I love to hear the motivation behind why she is taking the leap. Whilst we’ve all got a different back story behind the inception of our business, there are really only a few objectives business women tell me they have in starting up: Achieve More Freedom at Work. Its a wonderful thing when you start up in the role you were doing for someone else, but you are no longer restricted by management. Without reports to write, KPI’s to analyse or monthly meetings to prepare for, you can dedicate your time to what you’re good at and really flourish in your work.

Get Paid More – I hear this more and more with pay freezes having been common for five years now. But it soon becomes apparent that running your own business is the ultimate meritocracy: you’ll earn more as you put in more, and you may not earn at all if you don’t make the effort. So really this goal should be phrased Get Paid What I’m Worth.

Work Less Hours is another objective that evolves as business grows.

It’s inevitable that you’ll end up working more hours than you did before, but because you’re in control, you can work Hours That Suit.

Job Satisfaction is the ultimate goal and by far the one I hear most often achieved – it makes up for the other objectives that miss!

Women entrepreneurship is on the increase. Females own just 24% of businesses started more than 20 years ago and 34% of businesses which are 10-20 years old, and more women than ever are now starting up in business. It’s women who have started just short of half of the businesses that have sprung up on the high street to replace the big names who fell during the recession. As well as the obvious benefits to the economy and job market these femaleled enterprises add a fresh dimension with often innovative working practises and a flexible and creative outlook.

And long may it continue!

Melissa Bragg PUBLISHER / GUEST EDITOR

Follow us on Twitter: @themag4business www.theedgewirral.co.uk | 3

News

theedge

news national minimum wage is to increase

The national minimum wage is to increase by 19p an hour to £6.50 later this year giving more than a million workers a pay rise. The rate for 18 to 20-year-olds will go up by 10p to £5.13 an hour, a two per cent increase, while for 16 and 17-year-olds the statutory rate will rise by 7p to £3.79.

The minimum wage for apprentices will go up by 5p to £2.73 an hour, with all the new rates coming into force in October.

The rise represents the first real value rise in the minimum wage in six years.

Government said it had accepted recommendations from the Low Pay Commission, including plans for bigger increases in future than in recent years.

The LPC has predicted that the new rate will increase the number of jobs covered by the national minimum wage by more than a third, to 1.25 million. A worker on the adult rate, working a 36-hour week, will receive an extra £355 a year from October.

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GDP to exceed pre recession peak early he UK GDP will exceed its pre-recession peak earlier than expected in 2014, says the British Chambers of Commerce.

The economy is gaining momentum, with GDP growth expected to reach 2.5 per cent this year and 2.5 per cent in 2015. The new figures, released by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), indicate that Britain is on the right track, with UK GDP expected to exceed its pre-recession peak in the second quarter this year. This is one quarter earlier than the BCC forecasted in December. Forecasts also predict the first increase in UK interest rates can be expected in Q3 2015, to 0.75 per cent

while wage growth will exceed inflation from mid-2014 John Longworth, BCC director general, says businesses across the UK have fought hard to grow and create jobs: “Our economic recovery is gaining momentum. Businesses across the UK are expanding and creating jobs, and our increasingly sunny predictions for growth are a testament to their drive and ambition. Our new forecast shows that the service sector is performing particularly well, and is likely to be a key driver of growth and the manufacturing sector, although small, is pulling its weight too, and will play an important role in sustaining our recovery."

Robinson & Neal join Brewers. wo historic family owned businesses with a combines history covering 225 years were united when Robinson & Neal became part of the Brewers group recently.

Robinson & Neal was founded as a decorators’ merchant in Liverpool in 1899

by Joseph Neal while Brewers was founded five years later in Eastbourne. The group

now boasts over 150 branches and Richard Neal, former Managing Director of Robinson & Neal who joins Brewers in a development role said; “We are excited about the future within the Brewers structure, a company that so clearly holds the same values towards its customers and staff. We look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead with the investment and stability the Brewers group brings.”

Fifth 'expect to work until 70'

One in five Britons think they will be working until they are 70 years Old, twice as many as have this expectation across Europe - according to a new global report. 20% of Britons predict they will work into their eighth decade, compared with an average of 12% of workers in Europe, after 30,000 people in 60 countries were questioned by market research company Nielsen.

44% of Britons expect to work beyond 65, which is almost double the global average. Painting an even gloomier picture, (35%) of Britons expects to be 4 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

on their savings to help them get by in their later years. Half (52%) feel they will be financially better equipped than their parents for retirement, although globally this figure was 70%.

Nielsen senior vice president for financial services in Europe Eleni Nicholas said: "Britons have a bleaker retirement outlook than people globally; they're almost twice as likely to expect to be working after 65, and a third less likely to believe they'll be financially better off than their parents.

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News

School Select Learning+ Expo A regional exhibition of educational providers has been announced as part of IFB2014.

The School Select Learning Plus Expo is organised by The Edge magazine’s parent company Let’s Go! Publishing and will bring in heads, teachers and governors from schools throughout Merseyside, Cheshire and Lancashire, where they’ll meet and network with over 100 local education practitioners and workshop providers. With talks from Ofsted and Healthy Schools, there’s plenty of useful information for heads as well as a bowl of Scouse to revive those coming straight from class! The event is being held in the newly renovated conference facilities attached to the Rum Warehouse in the Stanley Dock area of Liverpool which has just been renovated and turned into the magnificent new Titanic Hotel. Both the conference hall and the hotel have been created as a direct result of demand from IFB 2014.

For more information on the expo: www.School-Select.com

Chamber workshop offers solutions to bad debt irral Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Bennett Williams Solicitors, has been helping Chamber members find solutions to avoiding 'bad debt.' ‘Cash is King’, was their latest training workshop offering an overview on how effective credit control and debt recovery can ensure a business avoids 'bad debt.'

The free two hour interactive member workshop was attended by 20 Wirral companies. The session led by Gaynor Williams and Richard Bennett, Directors of Bennett Williams Solicitors, guided the delegates through topics such as understanding the credit cycle and the stages of credit control, how to deal with consumers, sole traders and companies by knowing the difference between them, dealing assertively with aggressive or evasive debtors, and late payment legislation and what compensation you can claim.

Richard Bennett was delighted to be working with the chamber and said, "It was excellent to have the opportunity to offer our services to the Wirral Chamber in delivering this workshop, by working in partnership we feel can make a positive and important contribution to our fellow businesses in Wirral. It was clear from the feedback that delegates at the workshop seemed to real benefit from our tips on debt recovery and credit control."

Throughout 2014 Wirral Chamber will be holding a number of key workshops and seminars. CEO, Paula Basnett, recognises the importance of working and communicating with its membership, saying "One of our main tasks is to keep our membership fully informed about business matters and to provide solutions about issues which could be problematic for them. We were delighted to work with Bennett Williams Solicitors, one of Wirral's many young and most promising enterprises, their knowledge and professional expertise was very welcome.”

The North West Fund exceeds 50% investment mark he North West Fund has completed two strong consecutive years, after investing £32 million in 2012 and £36 million in 2013. In total, The Fund has invested more than half of its allocated capital, supporting 235 businesses across the North West with more than £79 million. Private sector co-funding has contributed a further £46 million, bringing the total value of investments into North West businesses to £125 million.

Through this investment the Fund has created or safeguarded more than 2,000 jobs, helping to deliver employment, skills and prosperity to the region. This figure is expected to grow significantly, particularly as 20% of the investments made, have been into new start-ups.

With two years still to invest and a strong pipeline of investments the Fund is confident of achieving investment levels of £41 million during 2014, with investments set to reach the £100 million mark towards the end of the summer this year.

6 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

Cliff Maylor, chief executive of North West Business Finance, which manages The North West Fund, said: “We hope The Fund’s strong investment performance sends a positive message to entrepreneurs across the region. We believe that business confidence is building and the appetite for growth is impressive. We are extremely pleased to have invested over half our capital, but there is still a lot of work to do and we would encourage all business owners in the region to think about their growth plans and speak to their advisers or contact our fund managers directly”.

In the coming months The North West Fund will be launching a new sub-fund, specifically tailored to smaller investments. The North West Fund for Micro Loans will offer businesses in the region the option of finance of £25,000 up to £50,000.

Entrepreneurs and intermediaries will have the chance to speak directly to the new fund managers at a launch event. Any businesses hoping to apply will be able to complete an online application form soon.

The micro-finance will support growing businesses looking for smaller investments to drive their growth plans and is part of The North West Fund’s on-going recognition of the changing needs and demands of the region’s businesses.

"Plebgate"

strikes the Litigation world! ou may have been aware of the "Plebgate" scandal involving the MP, Andrew Mitchell who allegedly called a police officer a "pleb" at Downing Street.

What you may not be aware of is that the world of civil litigation has been greatly shaken up due to the libel action that Mr Mitchell subsequently issued against The Sun newspaper arising from this incident.

The 2 partner law firm acting for Mr Mitchell were stretched at the time as they had a shortage of staff and due to work pressures, overlooked filing at Court a required Costs Budget on time. The Court of Appeal decided that he should not be excused for their default .The ruling meant that even if the Conservative former chief whip wins his libel case, The Sun would not have to pay his legal fees.

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The case is seen as a definitive guide to the court’s new approach following the Jackson reforms which came into force last April.

This appears to be a somewhat harsh ruling and there is now a raft of new case law which supports this new hard line.

If the defaults are not "minor" or "trivial" (it is still unclear exactly what will be deemed as minor or trivial defaults) and there is no good reason for failing to comply with a court order or court rule then the defaulting party will be at risk of being unable to recover legal costs from the other side (even if it wins) or even worse having its case struck out which is akin to losing a case!

Compliance with the rules and court timetables is now paramount so if your legal advisor requests instructions from you, we suggest that you respond promptly as otherwise you will be at risk of not being able to recover your legal costs or losing your case if a court rule or order is not complied with on time.

Call for a no obligation consultation We act in claims from less than £1000 right up to several million pounds web: email: add: tel:

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Managing Director, THE KEITH JONES PARTNERSHIP

www.theedgewirral.co.uk | 7

News from the Chamber Auctioneers Smith and Sons has generated in excess of £1.6 million sales at the first auction of 2014. Thirty lots were available, 80% of which are now sold, with further sales expected. Smith and Sons welcomed both existing and new customers, from first time buyers to seasoned investors and developers, all keen to get involved in some healthy, competitive bidding. www.smithandsons.net

Conveyor manufacturer, Sovex, has won the ‘Manufacturing Innovation Award’ at the Made in the Northwest Business Awards 2014. Sovex is now eligible for the prestigious Made in the UK Awards held later this year at the International Festival for Business in July 2014.

Sovex, based in Prenton, which specialises in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of conveyor systems won the award for developing its Bendy Boom. www.sovex.com

Lifting and rigging specialists, Hoist UK, has announced that Louise Dickson has been appointed as its General Manager, a new position which is part of the Bromborough based company’s business growth plan. Paul Jordan, Hoist UK director, commented: “Louise has been with the company for over six years now. We recognised her potential almost immediately and we have guided her progress by gaining a thorough knowledge of the company through various roles which have now led up to this present position.” www.hoistuk.co.uk 8 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

During 2014, Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted is celebrating 25 years of service by planning events and a Silver Ball to be held on the 25th October at the Village Hotel in Bromborough. The charity functions independently supported by its own fund raising activities, grants and donations, offering help, support and advice to those with serious sight problems. Its Ashville Lodge Resource Centre has low vision daily living aids and is open five days per week for drop in information and advice. www.wirralsociety.org.uk

Cabfind.com has seen a 120 % uplift in business for its managed ground transport logistics services as extreme weather brought chaos to the country’s transport network. The business has been helping to keep the country moving by working closely with train companies hit by extreme weather. Over the past few weeks alone Cabfind.com has handled more than 36,000 calls, managed more than 21,000 bookings and moved approximately 30,000 passengers. www.cabfind.com

Wirral Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Bennett Williams Solicitors, has helped to identify and find solutions in avoiding 'bad debt’. A joint training workshop - #CashIsKing - gave an

overview to over twenty Chamber members on how effective credit control and debt recovery can ensure a business avoids 'bad debt'. It included topics such as understanding the credit cycle and credit control, dealing with consumers, sole traders and companies, dealing assertively with aggressive or evasive debtors, and late payment legislation and what compensation you can claim. www.bennettwilliamssolicitors.com

Birkenhead based Keith Jones Partnership has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Credit Today Awards 2014 for Litigation Team of the Year. The awards are taking place in May, and this prestigious nomination is recognition for KJP’s team excellence which includes exceptional technical legal expertise, outstanding client/customer care, innovative use of technology,and contribution to the field of debt recovery litigation. www.kjplaw.co.uk

B&M Waste Services has been awarded a new three-year street sweeping contract by North Kesteven District Council. The six-figure deal will see B&M – one of the UK’s largest independent waste, recycling and drainage specialists – providing road sweeping and cleaning services throughout mid-Lincolnshire.

B&M has been retained by North Kesteven District Council since 1996, a testament to its high quality and levels of customer service. www.bandmwasteservices.co.uk

CHAMBER NEWS

CPL Online is celebrating a major milestone having delivered 500,000 online training courses. Part of CPL Training Group, it was launched four years ago and has grown rapidly to become of one of the largest training providers of its type in the UK and counts brands, including Coca-Cola, Carlsberg and Heineken and almost all of the UK’s leading pub companies as key customers.

Finsa UK has opened a new trade counter in Birmingham, this follows the success of its DIY kitchens and flooring depot in Birkenhead. The new Midlands base employs three staff and Finsa has invested in the region of £110k in this project. Further expansion of its trade counter business is planned during 2015 through opening new depots in other parts of England all served from its main operational centre in Wirral.

David Dasher, Managing Director of CPL Online said: “This is an amazing milestone for us. Whilst we recognised there was a definite gap in the market for a dynamic and technology driven online training provider, we didn’t expect this level of demand.”

www.finsahome.co.uk

The former site of The Great Eastern public house in New Ferry has a new lease of life – it is now providing ten new family homes. Magenta Living, the largest social housing provider on Wirral, has built the two bedroomed homes with local company G & A Homes Ltd carrying out the work. The £1.2m development was funded through grants from the Homes and Communities Agency and a private loan facility held by Magenta Living. www.magentaliving.org.uk

www.cplonline.co.uk

During March, Rebecca Robinson, Solicitor at Morecrofts LLP began running a legal clinic at Age UK’s Meadowcroft site in Brombrough. Meadowcroft is a hub for older people in Wirral and also houses MeadowCare, a new ten bedroom respite centre for people with dementia. The legal clinic provides a drop-in for initial legal advice about a range of matters, in particular in relation to wills, probate and setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney. The clinics run on the second Monday of each month (from 1pm-4pm) and appointments are available as well as the drop-in. www.morecrofts.com

2014 is set to be its best and most successful trading year for Bromborough based SL Embroidery having announced that turnover has increased by 150%. Working to a business plan, Director’s, Lyndsey and Damian Howard, set themselves a number of key targets – maintaining the highest quality of work, customer care standards, and developing new product ranges complimenting its embroidered team clothing, workwear, and personal protection equipment. It recently supplied a range of team wear and merchandise for The Kennel Club, organisers of Crufts, the world's greatest international canine show. www.slembroidery.co.uk

MacFab Engineering has joined the growing membership of the Wirral Chamber of Commerce. The business has expertise in CNC and conventional machining, press tool manufacture and sheet metal services, including guillotining, CNC punching & folding, fabrication & assembly. It has acquired two engineering companies, which now complements and enhances its ability to offer a wider range of services - this included Davidson Williams Ltd, which now forms Machfab Structural Installations Ltd. A new website has been launched offering visitors a full breakdown of services and a photo gallery highlighting its precision manufacturing work.

www.machfabengineering.co.uk www.theedgewirral.co.uk | 9

0 1

...why you should be a member

S N O S A E R

The message is very clear from the Wirral Chamber – it will only succeed by working closely with its most powerful and its strongest resource – its members.

Throughout 2014, the Wirral Chamber support team will be working hard to see as many businesses as it can to find out what support is needed and to talk to them about joining Wirral Chamber on its exciting business journey.

So why would a business want to be a member of Wirral Chamber of Commerce?

There are many reasons but here are just 10 of the best business reasons to be cheerful about being a member of Wirral Chamber of Commerce...

REASON 1 - Wirral Chamber will ensure that your voice is heard. It is important that we know about your successes and your concerns, and we will speak on your behalf. With a growing membership of over 220 companies and a Chamber team genuinely committed to providing the best available service, we will see that you get the best opportunities to grow.

REASON 2 - Wirral Chamber organises a diverse calendar of business events, from training workshops to initiative updates, business dinners to company site visits, seminars to networking – if you would like to get involved just let us know, we would be delighted to hear your ideas.

10 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

In February 2014 the new look Wirral Chamber of Commerce was launched. Its objective is quite simple - to provide a true partnership that will create a business environment stimulating growth, employment, and economic prosperity for its members and Wirral alike.

REASON 3 - Wirral Chamber offers excellent export documentation services such as, European Certificates of Origin, EUR1 Movement Certificates, A.TR Certificates, and e-Cert – if you export then why not come and see our Export Team and find out how we can save you time and money – we offer members a 50% discount on services, so why go anywhere else?

REASON 4 - Wirral Chamber will promote your business, your products or services and encourage stronger supply chain links between members - if we can keep it local then we will keep it local.

REASON 5 - Wirral Chamber’s strength is you. Without our members we cannot succeed, therefore, we will offer your business a spotlight to be featured and promoted on our website, social media links and other media sources. It’s as simple as talking with us, we will come to your business and highlight what you do.

See how our members have benefitted at www.wirralchamber.co.uk REASON 6 - By being a Wirral Chamber member you will have plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded business people, key decision makers, fellow members, potential clients and suppliers. We organise many networking events including social and business events, training seminars and workshops, and business-to-business meetings.

REASON 7 - We have a local memberto-member discount scheme so that you can either promote your goods and services to other members or look for particular offers on our website.

REASON 8 - Wirral Chamber has an experienced support team who will work closely with you to understand your business, your aspirations and your needs. We will then bring in the business support you need to help you grow.

REASON 9 - Membership of the Wirral Chamber enables your company to raise its profile within our local business community. The Chamber of Commerce brand is one of the oldest, most respected and well recognised business brands in the world, adding strength and value to your company’s profile.

REASON 10 - Wirral Chamber is continually evolving, and there will be new initiatives, resources and services added throughout 2014 and beyond. We believe our businesses are the most innovative and enterprising, that’s why our vision is to be the best Chamber of Commerce and with an active and strong membership, together we can make a real difference.

If you would like to become a member of Wirral Chamber of Commerce then it is as easy as contacting 0151 650 6940 or emailing info@wirralchamber.co.uk and we’ll be in touch to tell you more.

Or visit www.wirralchamber.co.uk

Wirral Chamber of Commerce Start-Up Sessions are taking place on the following dates: 26th March 6pm to 9pm - The Lauries 3rd April 9.30am to 12.30pm - The Lauries 22nd April 6pm to 9pm - Egerton House 30th April 9.30am to 12.30pm - The Lauries 20th May 6pm to 9pm - Egerton House 21st May 9.30am to 12.30pm - The Lauries The Lauries Centre 142 Claughton Road Birkenhead CH41 6EY Egerton House 2 Tower Road Birkenhead CH41 1FN

www.theedgewirral.co.uk | 11

LOCAL BUSINESS

Sodexo staying local

for greatest outdoor event

s Wirral prepares to welcome back the Open to Hoylake, Catering specialists Sodexo are making plans to ensure the biggest outdoor event in Wirral’s history goes off without a hitch. Such is the growing popularity of the event, organisers are expecting 200,000 visitors, a 25% increase on last year’s tournament at Muirfield.

Sourcing locally produces excellent results and this applies to hiring up to 700 local staff.

The challenge for Sodexo is to provide a quality service to compliment the occasion and the excellence of the golf. In order to guarantee their own high standards are met they have been visiting local food producers well in advance to learn about the best seasonal produce. This will allow them to create menus to reflect that local flavour and source the freshest and best quality ingredients. This commitment to local suppliers, guarantees better quality, reduced food miles and environmental impact and maximum economic benefit to the local economy

12 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

Sodexo have been providing catering and hospitality for The Open Championship for the past 25 years and have been the sole provider for the past six. The company used the same ‘local focus’ when catering for the Muirhead event last year and received rave reviews in the process. Sourcing locally produces excellent results and this applies to hiring up to 700 local staff, many from catering colleges in the area who will gain their first experience of major event catering as a result.

In addition to their catering duties Sodexo are also the exclusive sales agent for the only official on-course hospitality –

www.theopen.com/hospitality For 2014 they are introducing an exciting new restaurant facility, perfect for individuals or businesses looking to entertain guests in an informal environment. The Champions Club is an ideal restaurant to use as a base throughout the day. Guests can enjoy all inclusive food and drinks while relaxing in a private garden with a putting green and large outdoor screen showing all the action. Demand for hospitality packages is already high and interested parties are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

The Liverpool Hope International Tennis Tournament announce Rusedski amidst a legendary line up ormer British No.1 and popular sports personality Greg Rusedski will christen the new home of Liverpool tennis in June, when he will grace the courts at the historic Liverpool Cricket Club for the 2014 Liverpool Hope International Tennis Tournament.

Tournament Director Anders Borg announced headline players at a press conference at the club today [26th March], which also includes seven-times singles and nineteen-times doubles champion, Aussie Peter McNamara; and Sweden’s Mikael Pernfors, who reached the Final of the French Open and won the Canada Masters in Montreal in 1993.

Also returning to Liverpool for the festival this year will be the highly celebrated Virginia Wade OBE, the only British woman in history to have won titles at all four Grand Slam tournaments.

Wimbledon winner in 1977, Ms Wade also held the record of being the last British tennis player to have won a Grand Slam singles tournament for some 35 years.

Wade, a firm favorite with tennis aficionados, has previously attracted record numbers of spectators, and it is anticipated that this year’s sensational pairing with Rusedski will see even more fans flocking to the festival.

LEGENDS Greg Rusedski Peter McNamara Virginia Wade Mikael Pernfors

28 | www.theedgewirral.co.uk

Liverpool Cricket Club will this year host the tournament, which will run from June 18-22 and is the largest tennis exhibition in Europe.

The last tennis tournament to be held at the club was in 1954, so this year’s tournament sees the sport returning to its original home in Liverpool after exactly 60 years.

The tournament, sponsored by Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Hope University, is one of the most popular sporting events in the North West. During the lead up to the event, school children and business representatives will be invited to be involved in a three-week Festival of Tennis to encourage wider participation in the sport.

Anders Borg, Director of the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament, said: “The Festival of Tennis will allow youngsters across the city to get involved in tennis and engage with the game for life.

"Over 2000 local school children signed up to our kids only day last year, and for many it was their first experience of the sport. Children who do sign up will have an opportunity to meet real life tennis legends and we hope that this might inspire a new generation to pursue a career in tennis.

“It is a fantastic fete to be able to include Greg Rusedski in the line up of players for this year’s tournament, and of course we’re delighted to be welcoming back Virginia Wade. We are really looking forward to welcoming all of the players to Liverpool and to watching some great live action.

“2014 is shaping up to be an incredible year for us, with support from world class players and still many more ATP and WTA players to be confirmed in May.” Ian McKenna, Director of Development at Liverpool Hope University, said: "We are thrilled to be sponsoring the Liverpool Hope University International Tennis Tournament for the second year running. It represents a fantastic opportunity for our students, especially those studying sport-related subjects and members of the tennis team, to be involved a world-class event and to work with sporting-industry professionals at a tournament so near to our campuses.

"This year's event will have a particularly exciting edge as it coincides with the International Festival for Business. We are looking forward to being involved again with the Festival of Tennis at Chavasse Park and welcoming members of the region's business community to the gala dinner to present the winners with the Corporate Doubles trophy."

Assistant Mayor and cabinet member responsible for sport and leisure, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: "The Liverpool Hope International Tennis Tournament has become one of the highlights of the sporting calendar in Liverpool for local people, the business community and visitors to our city and we look forward to being part of it again in 2014.

“The line up for this year’s tournament is phenomenal, what a privilege it is to welcome such legends of the sport to our city.”

“That we can also use this as an opportunity to promote better, healthier lifestyles to children, young people and members of our community through the Festival of Tennis is fantastic and we hope that we can help to encourage lots of people to be involved.”

The Liverpool Hope International Tennis Tournament is this year part of the UK’s inaugural International Festival for Business (IFB), which takes place in Liverpool and the city region for 50 days in June and July. Backed by the government IFB will be a global showcase for great British industry across multiple sectors, and will champion UK businesses to new markets, new products and new partners.

Comprising over 200 world-class events, the festival is a key part of the government’s ambition to promote economic growth, rebalance the economy and double UK exports by 2020.

Building on this partnership, the Liverpool Hope International Tennis team have launched a discount scheme for members of the IFB Business Club. www.ifb2014/register.aspx Director at Marketing Liverpool, Chris Brown said: “Sport is an important part of Liverpool life and the International Tennis tournament is one of the highlights of the city’s summer calendar. It being part of IFB is part of our recognition of the contribution that sport makes to our economy.

“We look forward to working with Anders and the team on what we are sure will be a fantastic festival this year and will be promoting it to our IFB Business Club members.”

For more information on the event, ticket prices and sponsorship and hospitality opportunities, please visit: www.liverpooltennis.co.uk

Get your perfect pairing now with the 2 for 1 offer for VIP weekend tickets during the largest tennis exhibition in Europe, Liverpool Hope International Tennis Tournament (21st and 22nd June).

The event offers fantastic entertainment mixing tennis legends with truly competitive rallies between the ATP/WTA players combined with interviews, charity auctions and fashion shows.

As one of the key warm up events to Wimbledon, The International is a must in the calendar for ATP and WTA players in addition to the business community in the North West.

All our VIP bookers will get a free entry in the corporate tournament during the Festival of Tennis at Chavasse Park, LiverpoolOne starting on 26th May. Partners and sponsors will challenge each other for the prize to play against a legends pairing during Liverpool Hope International taking place between 19th and 22nd June.

First class hospitality to enjoy the grass court tennis, strawberries and cream and the glorious setting of the Liverpool Cricket Club.

TO BOOK YOUR HOSPITALITY PLEASE CALL - 0151 227 5940 OR EMAIL: viktoriya@northern-vision.co.uk www.theedgewirral.co.uk | 29

networking

Events & Networking March Fri 21st 12.30pm - 2.30pm Wirral MP’s Question Time @ Holiday Inn Express, Hoylake www.wirralchamber.co.uk Wed 26th 5pm - 7pm #MakeAWill – Wirral Chamber event @ Egerton House. 5pm until 7pm (Free to members, £20 to non-members) www.wirralchamber.co.uk Wed 26th 10am - 2pm Seven Steps to Business Success in the USA

by UKTI North West. The USA is Britain’s largest single export market, so find out if the time is right for your business to consider the US at this free UKTI, Liverpool Innovation Park and Greater Richmond Partnership Inc supported workshop. events@uktinorthwest.co.uk Thurs 28th 10am - 1pm Harness the Power of Google Analytics.

Designated Associates will show you how to practically utilise the freely available in-depth data reports on traffic and content to improve your website’s effectiveness, usability and conversion rates. Vale House, Magazine Lane, Wirral, CH45 1LZ www.designatedassociates.co.uk Fri 28th 5.30pm - 7.30pm Inspire 2014 - Celebrating Female Entrepreneurs. A free, collaborative event from a new networking group to inspire women to get involved with IFB 2014.

Sefton & Liverpool Women in Business CIC. Hanover Training, The Bling Bling Building, Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1

April Tues 1st 12.00 to 12.45pm Don't be an April Fool - Free Legal Seminar on Intellectual Property, by Bruntwood at The Old Hall, Cotton Exchange, Bixteth Street, Liverpool, L3 9LQ

Weds 2nd 6pm Wirral Tourism Awards A chance to celebrate a fantastic range of quality businesses and staff in the tourism industry in Wirral. £30 a ticket.

Floral Pavilion Theatre, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral, CH45 2JS www.visitwirral.com/whats-on/wirraltourism-awards-2014 Fri 4th April Crabbie’s Grand National Corporate Hospitality day with Wirral Chamber – 9.00am @ Egerton House or 10.00am Aintree Racecourse. (£345 members, £395 non-members). Enquiries to Wirral Chamber 0151 650 6940 or www.wirralchamber.co.uk Fri 4th 8am - 5pm Social Networking for Business. Get the Best from LinkedIn facebook and twitter for your business. Designated Associates Vale House, Magazine Lane, Wirral, CH45 1LZ www.designatedassociates.co.uk Tues 8th 9am - 5pm Excel Essentials. Full day course by Designated Associates to shoe you how to create, format and analyse spreadsheets of information. Vale House, Magazine Lane, Wirral, CH45 1LZ www.designatedassociates.co.uk Thurs 10th April ITC Update with Peel www.wirralchamber.co.uk Thurs 10th 1pm Property Auction by Venmore at Council Chambers, Liverpool Town Hall, High Street, Liverpool, L2 3SW Fri 11th 9am - 10am Trade Marks – What’s in a name?

60 really useful minutes from Liverpool Chamber of Commerce. Find out more about protecting your rights and taking your trade marks seriously. Liverpool Chamber of Commerce CIC, Number One Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L3 9HG

Mon 14th 5pm Business Equipment Auction at Clwyd Auction Centre. 500+ lots of Plant, Machinery, Catering & Office Equipment, Ex Tool Hire, Electrical Goods, Garden Machinery & Equipment etc. www.clwydauctions.co.uk Fri 18th 8am - 5pm Google Analytics Workshop practical course

by Designated Associates to give you the knowledge you need to set up and understand Google Analytics. 1st Floor Vale House, Vale Park, Magazine Lane, New Brighton, Wirral, CH45 1LZ Donna on admin@designatedassociates.com 0151 653 3338 Mon 21st 2pm - 4pm Make LinkedIn work for you. LinkedIn just reached over 15m UK members. Learn how to leverage your LinkedIn Profile. Vale House, Magazine Lane, Wirral, CH45 1LZ www.designatedassociates.co.uk Thurs 24th 5.30pm - 7.15pm Wirral Net-Worx Launch of new fortnightly evening networking at the Coffee Co, Bebington.

For details search Wirral Net-worx on eventbrite.

Mon 28th 1pm - 3pm Hanging Out With Google Workshop Designated Associate’google advisors run workshop and seminar for beginner and intermediate-level Google marketers designed to push your online presence onto the next level. Vale House, Vale Park, Magazine Lane, New Brighton, CH45 1LZ Info and booking: Donna on admin@designatedassociates.com 0151 653 3338 Tues 29th 8am - 10.30am Bank of England Update @ Caldy Golf Club. 8am to 10.30am (Free to members, £20 to non-members) www.wirralchamber.co.uk www.theedgewirral.co.uk | 31

MIND YOUR BUSINESS Road Safety at Work

Wirral Council’s Road Safety Team offers FREE support to businesses within East Wirral to encourage safer driving and strive towards an accident free culture in your company.

Driving is one of the most dangerous workplace activities. Up to 1 in 3 crashes involve a vehicle being driven for work. If one of your employees was involved in a collision while driving for work, it could have a significant financial impact on your business. This could be: • Company vehicles being off the road • Cost of repairs • Staff taking sick leave • Lost business • Damaged company reputation • Increased insurance premiums

KAREN WOODWORTH Royal Mail, World Class Champion Support, CH41 Area

By helping to manage your work related Road Safety, Mind Your Business can work with all employees to reduce the risk of being involved in a collision and avoid these costly repercussions for your business

Road Safety Package

To find out more visit www.wirral.gov.uk/MYB Or call 0151 606 2397/ 2173 or email paulleatherbarrow@wirral.gov.uk

This project is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT)

It has been one of the best Work Time Learning Sessions the frontline have had!