Island Business Magazine, July 2010 by TKZ Media Ltd

Photo: Carl Sukonik (2009)

Island Events Bringing audiences and sponsors to the Island

Also in this issue... BETTER BUSINESS

SPECIAL REPORT

COMPANY PROFILE

CHAMBER MATTERS

Team building activities are popular with many companies and the Island is well placed to offer a variety of opportunities.

The Island's commercial property market has benefited from its unique selling points, including a stable worforce.

It's a ÂŁ37 million Island business but the chances are that you'd be perfectly happy never to get better acquainted!

New members, Chamber people, member benefits, and more event details for your diary.

24A Park Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 1HH Tel No: +44 (0)1983 568660 Fax No: +44 (0)1983 812429 info@corporatefurniture.co.uk www.corporatefurniture.co.uk

Corporate Furniture have been manufacturing bespoke interiors and furniture at our Ryde workshop using our own fully skilled craftsmen and the best quality materials for both corporate and private clients since 1997.

We are always pleased to meet with prospective clients to discuss new projects and offer any advice and assistance required.

CONTENTS

JULY 2010

President’s foreword

elcome to the July edition of Island Business Magazine – I can’t believe that we’re halfway through the summer (and year) – time flies when you’re having fun! Next month the Chamber hosts its very popular Summer Ball, which is even more special this year because of our Centenary celebrations. If you haven’t done so already, please do consider attending and contact the office for details. The Festival was held last month and is one of a number of huge attractions that regularly bring visitors to our shores (pity about the Motocross). This is not possible without the organisers and sponsors working with local partners to deliver these amazing events. A little inconvenience during these events is, I believe, a relatively small price to pay against the benefits to our local economy. As I’ve said previously, if we look after today’s festival-goers, yachtsmen, and scooterists, we will hopefully see them back in the future as regular tourists enjoying all the Island has to offer. With the start of the Pan Meadows and other developments being imminent, the Chamber is working hard to ensure that our construction industry has the best possible chance of benefiting from these infrastructure projects. Our Construction Forum was established to give a united voice to our trades, supply chain, architects, surveyors etc., and early signs are that it will be well received and supported. It is interesting to read the feature on HM Prison in this edition as I was invited to visit Parkhurst earlier in the year. There is a very clear focus on keeping the inmates constructively employed as well as receiving education and there is a strong desire to work with business to develop this further. You’ll be relieved to see that there are not so many words from me this month, so I will sign off by wishing you all a pleasant month and hope that the weather stays good for a while yet!

Steve Porter, President IWCCTI

NEWS A roundup of business news

BETTER BUSINESS Team building – how the Island is well placed to take advantage of this growing market

11 THE EXPERT’S VIEW Information and communications technology

FEATURE Island Events – how music, sport, and events put the Island on the map

SPECIAL REPORT The Island's commercial property market

21 THE EXPERT’S VIEW Security for business

Published by The Knowledge Zone Ltd Editor Steve Sleight Art Editor Karen Holloway Editorial team Louisa Mamakou Zara MacAlister Sara Coombes Debs Allan Contact the team ib@theknowledgezone.net

TKZ

Administration and enquiries Tanya Sleight

For more great content visit

tanya.sleight@theknowledgezone.net

Advertising Sales Amanda Bartlett amanda.bartlett@theknowledgezone.net

0118 934 4208 Mary Collis mary.collis@theknowledgezone.net

01983 245505 For IW Chamber Editor (Chamber) Kevin Wilson kevin.wilson@iwchamber.co.uk

Managing Editor (Chamber) Zoe Stroud

While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of Island Business magazine the publishers do not accept any liability or provide any guarantee that the information is accurate, complete, or up to date. The publisher and its employees and contractors have used their best efforts in preparing these pages and this publication but make no warranty of any kind, expressed or

implied, with regard to the information supplied. The views of contributors do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or the IW Chamber of Commerce. The Knowledge Zone Ltd. and its employees and contractors shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with, or arising out of, the providing of the information offered here.

www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk Contact TKZ The Knowledge Zone Ltd. 5-9 Baring Chambers 13 Denmark Road, Cowes Isle of Wight PO31 7EX 01983 245505 ib@theknowledgezone.net www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Mill Court, Furrlongs, Newport Isle of Wight, PO30 2AA 01983 520777 chamber@iwchamber.co.uk

30 34

CHAMBER MATTERS

CLASSIFIEDS Our classified section

See digital editions of Island Business Magazine on www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

The re-branded HMP Isle of Wight is a £37 million Island business

New members, Chamber people, member benefits, and diary dates

To join the Chamber call 01983 520777

Island Business Magazine is printed by Bishops Printers of Portsmouth

COMPANY PROFILE

THE BACK PAGE Steve Blamire and Rupert Besley consider the benefits of flexible networks and local supply chains. Plus RUBS – Really Useful Business Stuff

THE STARTING LINE BY THE EDITOR Hello and welcome to summer. At least, as I write the sun is shining and the temperature is more or less respectable for the time of year, long may it continue! Of course, with tourism as the Island's major economic activity, the weather plays an important part in the success or otherwise of the tourist season. The Island is attractive at any time but there's nothing like a perfect summer's day to bring out the best of our wonderful island environment. Let's hope that after a slow start the weather is now set fair and delivers a blistering summer. Summer is also the time for many of the superb events staged here and which help enormously to bring in the visitors. With the best of timing, our feature this month looks at the role of events in attracting visitors who might otherwise not be exposed to all our many attractions. You can read about the importance of all Island events in our feature starting on page 12 and watch the associated video reports on Island Business Online. As I write we have just enjoyed another J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race (what a mouthful that is!), the 79th running of an event that has become a true celebration of sailing. For many of the yachts - and there were 1,754 of them this year - it's their only race of the year, and this is one occasion where it's true that taking part is more important than winning. You can see all the action from that great race in our video report on our sailing website Cowes Online at www.cowes.co.uk. Sailing is very important to the Island as it attracts so many visitors, both racers and cruisers, and we can only hope that the most famous event of all, Cowes Week, can overcome its current problems and attract a new title sponsor in time for 2011. Next month we're featuring Marine Matters – the importance of our maritime sector, in which we'll be looking at the strength or otherwise of this important sector. Until next month, may the sun shine on you! Contact the editorial team at: ib@theknowledgezone.net or telephone 01983 245505. Visit Island Business Online at: www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

IN THE NEXT ISSUE AUGUST 2010 Published 27 July • Marine Matters – the importance of the Island's maritime sector • Better Business – reducing your carbon footprint • Special Report – mobile phone apps to help your business • Company Profile – Alpha Cars • Chamber Matters – monthly update

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Merger creates the natural choice

he Isle of Wight Economic Partnership (IWEP) and the Island 2000 Trust have merged to create a new organisation called Natural Enterprise. The official launch took place at Bluebell's Café at Briddlesford Farm last month and was supported by local businesses and agencies including the NFU, AONB, CLA, Christopher Scott, and the Isle of Wight Council. Brian Friend, Chairman of Natural Enterprise said: This is a positive move for both companies that will accelerate our strategy to make a beneficial impact on the Isle of Wight by addressing the combined needs of the Island's economy and its environment." Natural Enterprise will provide a wide range of services, both locally and regionally, from their environmental consultancy service, economic development work, and project delivery, through to their work in managing funding programmes.

Brian Friend, Lynn Clarke and Geoff Hughes at the launch event

Lynn Clarke, Vice Chairman of Natural Enterprise, said: "This merger is a logical step that creates a wealth of opportunity and will enhance the range of work we do. Our team combines a wide range of expertise to deliver practical solutions for our clients." Natural Enterprise's profits are reinvested for the sole benefit of the Island, its communities and countryside. For more information and to find out how Natural Enterprise can help your business call them on 01983 535888.

Strong support for Island Food Group

survey commissioned by the South East Food Group Partnership (SEFGP) to give an improved understanding of the Isle of Wight food sector, from growers through to producers and retailers, has found that 70% of farmers/growers and 80% of processors gave strong support for an Isle of Wight

Food Group. The Isle of Wight Economic Partnership (now Natural Enterprise - see story above) conducted the survey using a postal questionnaire. They also found that 43% of farmers and growers have plans for expansion and 80% of processors have plans for growth.

Island helps build Britain's ultimate warship

SAMPSON multi-function radar antenna left the Cowes site of BAE Systems in May, destined for Glasgow where it will be fitted to HMS Defender, the fifth of the Royal Navy's six new Type 45 destroyers. Making the Type 45 the most powerful air defence destroyer ever operated by the Royal Navy, SAMPSON is able to detect and track the most potent supersonic airborne threats, and sits at the heart of the Type 45’s anti-air missile system, known as Sea Viper. Radar Business Director, Les Gregory, said: "The Isle of Wight should be justifiably proud of the technological achievement that SAMPSON represents and the potential it offers for future radar development." The first of the Type 45 destroyers,

A SAMPSON radar antenna leaves Cowes

HMS Daring, was recently the subject of a Channel 4 documentary which can still be viewed online. The programme follows the entire process from construction through to testing and using the new weapons systems at sea, and illustrates how the revolutionary SAMPSON radar operates.

NEWS

JULY 2010

Marine ad agency swaps Bath for Cowes

pecialist marine advertising and design agency, Creative Partners Ltd has relocated to the UK's yachting capital, Cowes on the Isle of Wight. The agency is run by Robin Petherbridge, originally a yachting journalist and professional yacht skipper, who founded the company 15 years ago and has produced advertising and marketing campaigns for many top names in the British marine industry at one time or another, in a career spanning 25 years. "In this business, imagination and inspiration are our stock in trade," said Petherbridge, "so a stimulating working environment is paramount. We've come to Cowes from Bath, which is one of the most inspiring places in the country, but I think Cowes will sharpen our empathy

The agency represents some top marine brands

with the yachting market and give a valuable edge to our understanding of what makes the yachting fraternity tick." Creative Partners' current work includes the UK dealer advertising for some of the world's most glamorous production motor yachts, the Rivas, Pershings, Ferrettis, and Mochis from Europe's largest motor yacht builder, the Ferretti Group.

Roll on, roll off traffic is 13 million tonnes

ollowing the release of official figures on freight and passenger movements to and from the Island, Andrew Turner MP is supporting a debate on the impact that high levels of traffic and people have on infrastructure and services. Statistics show that the total Roll on/Roll off (Ro-Ro) Island traffic at 13mt (million tonnes) is exceeded only by Dover with 23mt and Grimsby & Immingham with 14.5mt. The number of passengers carried by Island ferries is over nine million per year, with two

thirds of them travelling on car ferries. In comparison, Dover, the UK's biggest seaport, handles 13m Ro-Ro passengers. Mr Turner said: "These figures are really quite surprising. We need to recognise and plan for the impact which these movements have on our roads, our infrastructure and public services. "The Isle of Wight Council is consulting on transport plans. I would encourage everybody to join in as the outcomes will be important to all of us who live, work, and play on our beautiful Island."

MPs in 'unlikely alliance'

embers of Parliament for the largest and smallest constituencies in the UK have united, to make clear that any re-drawing of constituency boundaries should take particular account of the needs of island communities. A debate was called on 15 June by the Island's MP Andrew Turner in response to suggestions that there could be one MP representing the majority of the Island but other parts of the Island might be merged with a mainland constituency. Mr Turner said that islands are "very special communities and special places that need special consideration". He also pointed out that if a part of the Island was merged with the mainland it would be reasonable for that MP to live on the mainland as the majority of his constituents would live there, and he

would not be considered to be part of the Island community. Angus MacNeil, the Scottish National MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (formerly the Western Isles) pointed out that his constituency was already the same length as Wales and highlighted some of the difficulties he faces in serving his constituents. He told the Minister that he would continue to 'make common cause' with the Isle of Wight. Mr Turner said: "The Government rightly wants to significantly reduce the number of MPs and the cost of politics, but there needs to be careful consideration about how that works for islands with no physical link to the mainland. "On the mainland you may be able to simply redraw constituency borders, but

Read international business news on www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

Output continues to rise

EEDA's latest South East PMI report (purchasing managers index) has signalled a continuation of the rebound in private sector activity in the region. At 58.7, up from 58.1 in April, the headline seasonally adjusted Business Activity Index indicated a strong rise in business activity in May and showed that South East output continued to grow at a relatively sharp rate compared to the rest of the UK. The rate of growth remained strong, and close to the trend over the first five months of 2010. Manufacturing again posted a relatively sharp rate of expansion, although services activity continued to rise at a rate that was stronger than the historic trend. Commenting on the survey, Paul Lovejoy, Executive Director at SEEDA, said: "It is encouraging to see that the South East economy continues to improve, as indicated by a further strong rise in business activity in May, which has been supported by another rise in recruitment activities. The fact that the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy grew at a relatively strong rate compared to the rest of the UK, shows that the South East is able to build on its strengths as the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic powerhouse. "Services activity, which forms the largest part of the economy, continued to expand at a rate above the historic trend. However, continued increases in input prices could slow the revival, especially for manufacturing companies." Andrew Turner MP

it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work for the Isle of Wight, or for the Scottish islands. I believe that any MP who represents the Island needs to be based here, and Islanders who have raised the issue with me overwhelmingly agree with that." 3

NEWS

Isle of Wight leads the way An asparagus grader supported by the LEADER programme

or the second year in a row, the Isle of Wight has led the way in the delivery of the European funding programme, known as LEADER. Since 2008, 55 projects have been approved for funding which equates to a boost of £813,245 to the Island’s rural economy, more than any other Local Action Group (LAG) in the South East. Judi Griffin, Chairman of the LAG said: "LEADER is so important to the Isle of Wight and has given invaluable support to the local rural economy and the communities within it. It’s also been refreshing to see so many businesses with such energy and enthusiasm coming forward with vibrant projects. "Much of this success is down to the hard work of the staff at Natural Enterprise, their development, appraisal, and management of all the projects as well as the LAG members themselves and their commitment to this funding programme." Some of the local projects which have received funding in the past year alone include an asparagus grader, a local produce shop within a pub, a storage barn, a delivery trailer for a wood hub, and a play area at Gurnard. 4

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Island represented at Beirut Boat Show

his year’s Beirut Boat Show proved that the Lebanon is back on the map for marine business. More than $1 billion has been invested in marina development, and a further $20 billion has been set aside for more waterfront developments. Barry Groves, International Trade Manager for Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, was joined at the event by a number of UK marine companies, who exhibited with the support of UK Trade & Investment. Companies included The World of Yachts & Boats, Wilks Rubber Plastics Manufacturing Ltd, Raymarine, and Sunseeker. Barry’s discussions with Lebanon's Minister of Tourism Fady Abboud, the Armed Forces Commander General Jean Kahwagi and the President of the Republic of Lebanon Michel Suleiman, led to the prospect that Fady Abboud will visit the Island in the near future. He wishes to understand how the Island handles tourism, especially in developing an all year round strategy. And an importer has expressed a wish to visit the Island where the Chamber will organise a “meet the buyer” event especially for gift manufacturers. The Beirut Boat Show was held in May at La Marina Joseph Khoury in the Beirut suburb of Dbayyeh. The Arab Marine Industries Association (AMIA) held a conference at the show,

Good results at the Beirut Boat Show

where industry participants and government officials exchanged ideas related to marina development, legislation for maritime activities and cleaning up local waters to grow the Middle East's boating industry. Edward Aoun, AMIA Secretary General, said there was "unexplored potential" in the coastal areas of the Arab world. He spoke about the crucial roles marinas play in creating local businesses. "Marine tourism and private boats remain one of the most important components of tourism in Lebanon," he said.

On your bike!

sland businesses and not-for-profit organisations are being urged to sign up for the Wight Wheels Cycle Challenge – a free competition to encourage people to take to their bikes and discover the joys and benefits of cycling. The Wight Wheels Cycle Challenge will see organisations competing to see who can get the most staff to cycle for just 10 minutes or more, from Monday, 5 to Sunday, 25 July, and the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry has already pledged its support. Participants will log their cycling online, with spot prizes for individuals and team prizes for the teams that get the most staff cycling. With plenty of prizes and come-and-try cycle taster sessions at workplaces, there are lots of incentives

for everyone to get on their bikes and have some fun! The Wight Wheels Cycle Challenge is delivered by CTC Challenge for Change, in partnership with the Council and NHS. As well as helping people to experience the benefits of cycling it will also highlight how much carbon staff can save by cycling. Lynette Herbst, of Chamber Health, said: "Cycling is cheap – and it’s healthy and fun too. The Cycle Challenge is free to enter and is for local employers of all sizes, and cyclists of all abilities. "We want existing cyclists to encourage their non-cycling colleagues to get on a bike – and I am certainly working on my colleagues at the Chamber!” For more information and to register, visit www.wightwheelschallenge.org.uk.

The Taste of Summer

Che a for p trav gue el sts

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Your Event Venue With A Difference Cowes Yacht Haven plays host to the most prestigious events on the Island. It is the ideal venue for all forms of corporate hospitality and events, whatever the scale. With its superb marina position and complete event management service we guarantee you will have an event to remember. Call us today for a free tour.

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Call 0 Call 01983 1983 3 299 975 www.cowesyachthaven.com www.co wesyachtha a ven.com Cowes C owes Y Yacht acht Ha Haven, ven, V Vectis ectis Y Yard, ard, d High Str Street, eet, C Cowes owes PO31 7BD www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF Loving the Island Emma Bridgewater, supplier of handmade pottery to Chessell Pottery, has designed an exclusive ‘I Love the Island’ mug. The new mug is handmade and decorated by Emma Bridgewater Pottery in Stoke-onTrent, and only available at Chessell Pottery, near Calbourne. Chessell Pottery makes blank pottery items for customers to decorate themselves, as well as stocking Emma’s unique hand made shapes. Contact Chessell on 01983 531248. Start your day at the Chamber Business Breakfast Club The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce is holding a series of 'Business Breakfast Clubs' which will take place every two months. There will be an opportunity for members attending to introduce themselves and their businesses to the rest of the group, and there will also be ample time for networking. A full English breakfast or vegetarian option will be provided, plus tea or coffee at a cost of £4.00 per person. Telephone 01983 520777 for more information. Find a European partner If you have an innovative product you may need to find a partner to help bring your product to market. Enterprise Europe South East UK has launched its 'Partner Finder' tool, so you can search their entire database for the right partner for your business, in any of the 44 countries in the network. The tool uses a simple 'keyword' search and is a great way to find the right partner and expand your business into Europe. Visit www.enterpriseeuropese.eu/partners for more information. Joining forces Two of the UK’s leading business development organisations have joined forces. Quality South East (QSE) is merging with Capital Quality Ltd (CQL) to form Inspiring Business Performance Ltd (IBP), which will be responsible for delivering the Investors in People Standard across the South East and London, including the Isle of Wight. IBP will be responsible for managing around 7,000 organisations that are currently recognised as Investors in People, 28 per cent of the 25,000 recognised in the UK. . For more information, go to www.ibp.uk.com. 6

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Cinderockers helped by Lottery

loan from the Isle of Wight Lottery has helped the party begin for a new Island business. Cinderockers provides a venue and all the trimmings for parties for children aged from four to 15, and came to the Lottery for help with set-up costs. Now the business is underway owner Nicky Clarke is excited about the future. “Our themed party room is already proving popular for girls,” she said. “But we can change the theme for boys, and just about any occasion, too.” Activities include face painting, dance, karaoke, costumes, and games, and the venue, on Wootton Bridge High Street, also supplies food and drink, balloons, and custom-built light and sound equipment. The room includes a stage with disco lights, and smoke and bubbles machines.

The business will shortly be Ofsted registered, and the venue has been designed to be fully accessible for children with disabilities, including wheelchair users. “We believe we are unique on the Island,” Nicky said, “and we are proud we can offer such a private, personal, safe and secure service, which is also great fun. If anyone wants to come and see what we do, we’re always happy to show people round.” Email cinderockers@gmail.com for info.

Lottery spreads sunshine

est Wight Sports Centre is celebrating going solar, with the help of a loan from the Isle of Wight Lottery. The centre, in Freshwater, has installed an array of solar electric and solar hot water panels, and cavity wall insulation, which will cut its energy bills by at least £3,000 a year, at current prices. Most of the cost was funded by grants from a range of sources but a £25,000 interest free loan from the Isle of Wight Lottery was needed to assist with cash flow during installation. Centre Manager Clare Griffin said: “The centre is run by a trust, which is a

registered charity. We have always been keen to keep our costs down, and reducing our electricity usage will make a big difference to us. “In the past, we have won awards for water conservation and energy management, so the installation of solar panels can be seen as a further step towards making us more environmentfriendly, and saving money.” The installation included 66 photovoltaic panels generating up to 11.88kw of electricity, and 27 solar hot water panels, which are used to heat water in the centre’s swimming pools.

Competition winners announced

ayfield Middle School came out worthy winners of a unique competition showing skill in designing and building using composites. Now in its fourth year, the Schools Design Competition was established by The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers and is supported by a wide range of Island businesses and the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry. This year’s challenge was to design and fit out model boats to match an operating function of their own imagination, and Mayfield won the best project award. Other awards went to Bishop Lovell, Sandham, Ventnor, and Somerton Middle Schools.

From left: Jenny Elliott, Rebecca Woodford, Brandon Freeborn, Caleb Gilliam-Scott, of Mayfield School.

Ideas included boats for camping, collecting ocean debris for recycling, rehabilitation after hospital, and an artists’ retreat. Among those lending their support were Romahome, Cheetah Marine, Gurit, GKN, UKSA, and the Council.

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www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF Smoke free Chamber Health is helping Island workers to stub out cigarettes for good. Its stop smoking programme is in operation at Barratt Homes and Romahome, and is experiencing high success rates. Employees get together weekly with Chamber Health’s Stop Smoking Adviser Josslin O’Toole, who is pleased with their progress. “Of course, there have been some slip-ups but I am really pleased with the effort they all put in,” she said. “We are currently looking to run more workplace groups, so get in touch if you think your business could benefit.” Contact Josslin O’Toole on 01983 520777. Get on the map Local companies and individuals are being invited to put themselves on the map through a sponsorship initiative for the NatWest Island Games 2011. Businesses can buy squares on a map of the Isle of Wight which can then carry a company logo or image, and a link to the company's website. Once the squares have been sold, a limited number of posters / mousemats will be produced for sale. Funds raised will be used to assist with the infrastructure and running costs. For more details, go to www.natwestislandgames2011.co.uk. Mediation event Solicitors and other professionals are invited to a seminar on mediation. Speakers will discuss issues including ‘Mediation in today’s world’ and ‘Working for settlement’. There will also be a panel discussion. The event will include a launch reception for The Dispute Mediation Consultancy LLP, the event sponsors. It will be held at Quay Arts Centre on 6 July, from 1300 to 1600, price £7.50 including light lunch. Contact Grant Vincent at info@disputemediation.co.uk or 07549 333340. Test yourself at Chamber event Businesses are being given the chance to test themselves on a wide range of activities this month. PGL – the Wootton activity centre – is hosting a Chamber networking event on 23 July, from 1800 to 2100. The fun will include abseiling, high ropes, zip wires, and dragon boat racing and organisers say all are great opportunities for organisations to develop team work. A barbecue and refreshments will end the evening, and the entry fee of £6 per person will be donated by PLG to the Gracie May charity. To book, or for more information, send a message to chamber@iwchamber.co.uk. 8

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Doing it in style

move to new premises has helped corporate events and weddings specialist Finishing Touches to move up a gear. The company picked up four event bookings from passing trade within days of opening their new shop and storage at Cross Street, Ryde. The bigger premises make it easier to demonstrate the stock range, and the extra storage space means Finishing Touches can now decorate a complete wedding from stock. Jules Gregory said the range for hire now includes 56 products, from tea lights to table cloths, and a new range of stationery. She said: “We have introduced a wedding planning service, and are now also getting involved in other events. We have recently provided all the equipment for a christening party, a hen party, and the Young Chamber awards night, so there’s plenty of variety.”

Table decorations at the Young Chamber Awards event

The business is now in its third year, and Jules says the demand for products that can add style to an event has never been higher.

An enchanted wedding venue

he Enchanted Manor, a boutique retreat on the Island has launched a new wedding package with Red Funnel to ensure a magical day without the legendary price tag. The bride and groom can look forward to an extra special journey over to the Island with VIP entry to the ship’s bridge and a special champagne reception with the captain including chocolates and a certificate to mark the special occasion. The full wedding package starts at £1,900 per couple. In addition to the VIP travel with Red Funnel Ferries, the happy couple can

look forward to a wedding and minimoon in a deluxe honeymoon suite with wine, chocolates and special gift on arrival at The Enchanted Manor. The package also includes a champagne gourmet breakfast each morning, wedding venue hire with PA system, usher and witnesses if required. For the wedding ceremony, couples can choose from a choice of locations, including a traditional wedding room, an outside magical woodland area, a fairytale themed outside setting or the new Alice in Wonderland tea party area.

Stay up to date on first aid

t John Ambulance has launched a campaign to highlight the importance of first aid skills after research revealed that 60 per cent of people wouldn’t know what to do in an emergency. It is highlighting the most common scenarios when people need first aid. The charity is also offering a free pocketsized guide, which details how to handle life-threatening situations. It is available from www.sja.org.uk. Under Health & Safety (Legislation), (First Aid) Regulations 1981 an employer is required to provide, or ensure that there are provided, such equipment and facilities as are adequate and appropriate in the circumstances for enabling first aid to be

rendered to employees if they are injured or become ill at work. The rules state that an employer must provide a suitable number of persons for rendering first aid to employees. They must have received proper training and have qualifications approved by the Health and Safety Executive, such as St John Ambulance, 4 Day First Aid at Work, along with additional training as appropriate. An employer should make an assessment of first aid needs appropriate to the circumstances of each workplace. There is no fixed level for the provision of first aid but each employer must assess what facilities and personnel are appropriate.

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BETTER BUSINESS

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Contributors

The Island offers lots of opportunities for team building activities

Simon Hedley, Business Development Manager - Ondeck www.ondeck.co.uk Ondeck offer sailing, racing, and training experiences onboard their varied fleet of yachts. Louise Eddom, Marketing Manager, Leopard www.leopard3.com Leopard offer team building and corporate sailing and racing onboard their 100ft Super Maxi. Phil Keen, Director - First Contact Active Leisure www.islandactivities.co.uk Specialists in organising group events, and can offer a wide range of team building activities.

Team building for business We interact with many groups or teams on a daily basis, and we can all face similar challenges brought about by the varying dynamics of different groups. Team building can help us to perform appropriately within our groups both in our working and personal lives.

eam building activities can help overall performance by improving communication, removing boundaries, and developing relationships. During relevant activities team members will often learn things about themselves but more importantly will learn about their other team members too. Team building events can vary from interactive exercises to team assessments and group discussions.The key is to create a level playing field for all members to be able to participate as Simon Hedley, Business Development Manager for Ondeck explained: "By assessing a team's competencies and behaviours, activities can be undertaken which display how individuals can be integrated to provide the strongest and best performing unit." There are many different ways of building effective teams and Phil Keen, Director of First Contact Active Leisure said: "One of the most cost-effective and 10

Zara MacAlister explores opportunities for team building. powerful ways of bonding individuals and building a team is to have a shared experience, outside of the workplace which is fun and exciting." Importance of having good teams Most people are part of a team in some form or another. Whatever team you are part of you will function better if you have a strong sense of worth and an understanding of the team's missions. Every team member must feel valued in order to perform to their optimum and drive the overall success of the team: "The proper functioning and successful development of any company or

organisation largely depends on this team work efficiency," said Louise Eddom, Marketing Manager for Leopard. Team building exercises may suit one team member better than the others and this is a perfect opportunity for the stronger members to help and encourage the weaker ones. "Certain exercises may result in the usual roles that different team members play changing, so that a team leader in a work situation may take a supporting role being less experienced in the chosen activity than others," said Phil. Generating team ethos People need to be aware of the team that they function within and you can reinforce the team message by holding team meetings, tracking the overall team's performance, and circulating team news. Often the most effective way to encourage a team is self esteem. "Respect for each other as well as one another's roles within the company, gels individual effort into team performance," said Simon. Successful team building exercises are those in which the team can work together towards a common goal, while having a chance to relax outside their normal working environment. There are many different activities which lend themselves to this, and each group will have different requirements: "Team games and exercises can be both useful and fun so long as the right activity is chosen for a particular group," said Louise.

CHAMBER INTERVIEW THE EXPERTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S VIEW

JULY 2010

How can teams help motivation? It's more enjoyable to work in a team than in isolation. Interaction within the team can help problem solving and stimulate innovation. Strong team ethos will generate a sense of loyalty towards other members. The competitive element will drive better individual performance, improving the team's success.

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATONS TECHNOLOGY Information and communications technology is crucial to many businesses. In his Expert's View column Jonathan Thornton, Technical Services Director of Rydebased IT provider, PC Consultants offers his views on how to get the best from ICT. sponsored by

Successful team building activities An important part of team building is to assess the needs and abilities of the team, and select a suitable activity. Following the event it's important to discuss the activity and evaluate the team's achievements. From sailing to clay pigeon shooting, 4x4 driving to RIB treasure hunts, there are many activities which lend themselves to member participation, and the Island is the perfect place for it. With around half of the Island designated AONB, many companies travel here to give employees an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the office. Given the Island's location, one of the most popular team building events is sailing, and there are many companies offering different sailing experiences from dinghy sailing to large, fully crewed boats. Sailing is an ideal platform to demonstrate the importance of teamwork in achieving goals. Linklaters LLP, a London law firm, often retreat to the Island to take part in sailing activities. Paul Doe, Linklaters Secretarial Assistant said: "The aim is to encourage group collaboration, to strengthen exsisting bonds and create a feeling of friendship within the firm. The team spirit created by competing together on a boat has contributed to my working relationship with many of my colleagues." Louise added: "By provoking physical and mental challenges to be overcome through leadership and co-operation, positive emotions are evoked coupled with a sense of adventure, and ultimately an overwhelming sense of achievement!" Overall benefit The benefits of a team building activity are clear in the improved performance of the employees which contributes to the team performance and ultimately the company's continued success. Simon commented on the outcome a company can expect after a day of team building and said: "The results are immediately measurable and by fine tuning the team the performance improvement can be measured and the learning experiences aligned with success." Daniel Potter from Mace Technology experienced team building with Ondeck and said: "I cannot state enough how important these days are for bringing a team together and promoting unity. We have really noticed the difference in our suppliers' and contractors' attitudes to each other since the last outing, it also helps to have a few funny stories to share a drink over." Team building can be really beneficial to your company, providing it's organised properly. As with many things a badly structured day out will be a waste of time and money and could have a negative effect on the team. There are many people offering team building opportunities on the Island, and many different activities are available to suit different requirements. www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

The need for speed - part 1

oo.com was a fashion website launched in the autumn of 1999 and in many ways a prime example of dotcom fever. Having spent over $135 million of venture capital in 18 months it was placed into receivership on 18 May 2000. One reason cited for the downfall of Boo.com was the slow loading times as a result of the speed of common internet connections. At that time the bulk of users were connecting using traditional dial-up internet which resulted in load times of several minutes for the main page. Compare that with today where using an average broadband connection would give load times in seconds. According to internet statistics company Ookla, creators of speedtest.net and pingtest.net the United Kingdom has an average download internet speed of 7.69 Mbps - effectively 100 times quicker than dial-up. This of course has resulted in a real change in how we use the internet, with developers and designers creating websites rich in content. Take sites such as YouTube or BBC iPlayer, now capable of streaming high definition video - something which would have been previously impossible. Or satellite imagery from Google Maps combined with the Street View option which would be unusable without broadband connectivity. Yet while it is common to see downloads speeds quoted, another factor is the upload speed of your connection, in this case the national average upload speed is just 0.89 Mbps. Why is this important? Take for

example a small business which has a variety of staff, some office based with others working remotely. The remote users perhaps use some form of secure Virtual Private Network connection and directly access files on a central office server. In this case upload speed is important as this determines how quickly the data can be sent from the central office and then downloaded by the remote user. Take another example, that of sending an email with a variety of attachments, photos, documents, etc.; upload speed is significant as this will affect the actual time taken to send that email. In reality the UK features pretty far down the list when it comes to internet speeds. For the 12 month period between May and June this year Ookla ranked this country in 33rd place. PC Consultants have an overseas programming and design office in the Republic of Moldova where the internet infrastructure is significantly faster; as a country they rank in third place with an average speed of 21.38 Mbps. A fast, stable internet connection is increasingly vital for a modern business as downtime and speed can have a real negative impact. Next month we will explore some of the current and upcoming options available to us here on the Isle of Wight. Contact: Jonathan at PC Consultants on 01983 811711 www.pcctechservices.co.uk Jonathan.thornton@pcconsultants.co.uk

FEATURE

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Fun at the Bestival Photo: Carl Sukonik (2009)

Festival Island –

how music, sport, and events put the Island on the map With the holiday season in full flow, the Island Business team talked to a number of event organisers about the unique opportunities and challenges that event management on the Island presents.

he Isle of Wight offers a unique environment in which to stage entertainment and sporting events. The Island’s outdoor venues are set against beautiful coastal and downland landscapes, or close to impressive historical features. The ferry trip from the mainland can add to the sense of occasion for Island visitors who are attending one of the big summer events, such as the music or outdoor festivals. And of course the sail to the Island to compete in racing competitions, or simply join in the fun during Cowes Week or the Old Gaffers Festival, is an adventure in itself. Island Business wanted to find out how event organisers capitalise on these natural assets in order 12

to stage successful and profitable events. One of the main focuses of effort is maximising the Island’s potential while protecting its heritage and natural beauty. The Island’s heritage status and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are clearly a draw in marketing events. "When people come down here to walk or to cycle, they also take in all that beautiful countryside," said Elaine Cesar, Senior Events Officer for the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival. On the other hand, this creates extra responsibilities for promoters. "We work very closely with the AONB and they carry out analysis for both the Walking and Cycling Festivals. And on our website and in our programmes, we

James Kerr, Cathy Budden, Zara MacAlister, and Debs Allan explore the Island's event sector. promote and emphasise the countryside code," Elaine explained. The National Trust raised objections to the three-day Hawkfest that will take place at East Afton Farm – site of the legendary 1970 Isle of Wight Pop Festival – over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Meanwhile, a number of local residents focused on potential damage to the land when objections were raised to last year’s Summer Madness event,

FEATURE

JULY 2010 Cowes Week

explained promoter John Curd, who said that Island events promoters need to be squeaky clean when it comes to environmental impact: "We have got to be careful with trees, hedges, and hedgerows, and the land generally. After last year’s event, we had a team that went through the site with a fine toothcomb and picked up every single piece of rubbish," he said. Travel Most Island events promoters work very closely with transport facilitators. "The ferry and bus companies have been very helpful. The thing is, it’s business for them," said John Curd, a fact clearly borne out by the sponsorship that the ferry operators provide to various events. "We have sponsorship for the Walking and Cycling Festivals from Red Funnel and Wightlink, which is invaluable," said Elaine Cesar. "Wightlink promote us through their mainland publications," said Darren Cool, Park Manager at Robin Hill. "They tell people about our events, and they put money in the pot to help us put them on and market them more successfully." Overners Bringing visitors over from the mainland and encouraging them to spend money on the Island is clearly a major economic benefit of the Island’s event business. Interestingly, the breakdown of local and mainland attendees at Island events is similar among the various festivals, with an estimated 50/50 split for the Walking and Cycling festivals, Summer Madness and the Garlic Festival.

Walking Festival

Although it’s an extra cost, Darren Cool reckons the cross-Solent journey is a ‘USP’ for Island events. "I think the great thing about coming to the Island for an event is that visitors have to come on the ferry, which makes it a slightly different weekend away; they've got to travel across water and use different modes of transport to get here," he said. Bestival’s Rob da Bank said: "There’s so many people who now use our event as part of their holiday; they come here and they go on somewhere else, or they stay in a B&B while they’re at Bestival and come in and out of the site; it’s become an extended holiday event." Council help Isle of Wight Council backing is of course crucial to an event’s success. As well as determining whether events can go ahead or not, through processes such as the granting of premises licenses, it has the ability to raise the profile of Islandbased events. The Council has a huge amount of goodwill towards the Minghella Film Festival, the charitable event that has famously attracted a number of VIP visitors to the Island, according to the Festival’s Managing Director, Gioia Minghella. While the Council was not initially keen on the idea of Summer Madness, John Curd said his 30 years of experience in the music business and reassurances that the event would remain small-scale helped him gain backing. "The Council is obviously concerned with traffic management and how you get 10,000 people on and off the site. We persuaded them to let us go ahead, and

Watch video reports and business profiles on www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

last year was pretty successful. We proved ourselves to the Council, as well as the police, fire, ambulance, and the traffic people," he said. The Garlic Festival also has a good relationship with the Council, according to David Holmes: "They help us with things like the bike racks, and while the Council gets a lot of bad press with their red tape and bureaucracy – the volume of form filling is daunting – they’ve always been very supportive. "One of the greatest things they do for us is to promote our event on their website, as they do other Island events. It’s good that they understand that this is an event that is popular and worthwhile," said David. "Ever since we started the Bestival seven years ago, pretty much everyone from the Council, fire, police, ambulance, and ferries have all been up for a conversation with us," said Rob da Bank. "But you don’t get any favours," he continued. "You still have to do the health and safety checks; there’s a lot of red tape that you have to go through; the police bills are still big; and we have to have a mobile hospital on site. You pay a lot of money for these things, but if the event is a success, you can’t complain!" he said. Securing licences and insurance is expensive and time-consuming. "The volume of rules and regulations can be overwhelming," said David Holmes. "But you soon realise that there is a potential for things to go wrong and so you are grateful that it is as comprehensive as it is, because you need to have thought everything through carefully." 13

FEATURE

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT Big Blue

Robin Hill Robin Hill is famous for hosting Bestival, which has grown dramatically in a short space of time, picking up numerous awards along the way. The success of the Bestival relationship has encouraged the board of directors to explore more event opportunities at Robin Hill, according to Park Manager, Darren Cool. In the past 10 years, the number of family groups visiting the park has halved, while the number of visitors without children has doubled. As Darren pointed out, any sensible business has to evolve to take account of a changing customer base. "Our garden show is targeted at the 40-years plus group that lives on the Island, which is quite an untapped market. We've set out in the last few years to change the park from a family attraction to appeal to all ages, and we've spent money developing our woodland gardens," said Darren. Robin Hill will host an outdoor cinema event at the end of August in conjunction with Isle of Wight Radio and another event partner. "No-one's really done this on the Island before but we know there are a lot of visitors at that time of year, and there’s not much going on in the evenings. We think this is an opportunity to tap into another new market," said Darren. According to Darren, the management team has invested money in improving infrastructure. "We suffered in 2008, when nearly 3.5 inches of rain fell on the site before Bestival opened. We've put in new track ways, more drainage and better facilities for parking," said Darren. Robin Hill won the Chamber of Commerce Island Business of the Year in 2009. "I think Robin Hill has a strong management team; we focus on customer service to quite a targeted market," concluded Darren. See Darren talk about Robin Hill on Island Business Online; and also visit www.robin-hill.com. 14

Bestival

Right from the start Bestival has had a solid partnership with event location Robin Hill. "Simon Dabell and Darren Cool are both very savvy businessmen and saw the potential of putting on what at the time was a kind of risk. They have stuck with us – the first year was a big success, and it’s snowballed from there," said a justifiably proud Rob da Bank reflecting on another event sell-out in 2010. "We never take it for granted that we will sell out, and we’re up to 46,000 tickets now, which is a lot of tickets to sell," he said. Quality lineups partly explain Bestival’s continued success, but Rob also knows his customer base: "We’ve done a lot of research and only 25% of people say they come because of the acts; 75% of people say they come because of the atmosphere. "I think all the exciting ideas that we try and do, whether that’s our green eco fields, some of the unusual stuff – Morris dancing and the WI tea tent – and the local stuff, the food, are all part of the picture," he reflected. Another element of Bestival’s appeal is its independent spirit in a market that often embraces corporate sponsorship. "We are 100% independent. We’ve been offered money by some of the bigger festival groups, but part of Bestival’s success is that it’s got minimal sponsorship," said Rob. With a new a contract in place with Robin Hill for the next few years, "The future of Bestival is on the Island," concluded Rob. Watch the full interview with Rob da Bank on Island Business Online; Bestival takes place 9–12 September. Further details are available at www.bestival.net.

Going to market Marketing is another costly part of event promotion, but everyone agrees that a successful campaign is key to getting an Island event off the ground, particularly with regard to attracting mainland visitors. "We advertise quite heavily on the mainland," said Elaine Cesar. Targeting campaigns in the right areas is crucial. The Garlic Festival focuses on national food magazines and TV shows, such as Saturday Kitchen, during which the event is likely to be mentioned. Digital media have allowed some event organizers to reach out further to an international audience. The Minghella Film Festival uses social networking to engage with film fans overseas. And according to Michelle Warner, Sales & Marketing Director for Cowes Week Ltd.: "Online media gives us an opportunity to extend the reach of our event." Local press campaigns are clearly an import part of the marketing mix. The County Press has been "extra supportive" of the 2010 Summer Madness event, and the promoters decided to offer the newspaper free competition tickets in exchange for discounts on advertising space. John Curd said the Island’s paper got behind the event after its successful first year. "They weren’t quite as supportive last year as they could have been, but the editor and the main music journalist came to the event, thought it was fabulous, and now they assure us they are on our side. I think they did a similar thing to John Giddings; they were a bit ‘anti’ to begin with but now they are fully supportive." The Council publicises its outdoor events in the County Press and the Beacon as well as on Isle of Wight Radio. But as Elaine Cesar pointed out, most

FEATURE

JULY 2010 Photo: Julian Winslow

The Garlic Festival

Film Festival

marketing spend is allocated to the mainland, because both events are designed to encourage visitors to the Island and increase tourist revenues. The strategy is similar at Robin Hill, where 75% of marketing spend goes towards advertising to people en route or through campaigns that are run elsewhere on the mainland. The remaining 25% of marketing spend is allocated to the local press. But Darren Cool explained that the management team has changed their marketing strategy following the results of a survey which showed that a lot more people are now staying with family and friends on the Island, rather than in guesthouses and caravan parks. The team concluded that a good pitch to Islanders, for example offering unlimited free returns for seven days, would put their venue high on the list of places and events that they would recommend to visiting guests. Counting the costs Obtaining licences, insurance, and running ad campaigns requires deep pockets, as Rob da Bank pointed out: "You need to have really good financial support; festivals aren’t cheap. It’s millions of pounds to put on a festival for over 40,000 people; even to start a 5,000-capacity festival, you need tens, if not hundreds of thousands of pounds. "At the end of the day, you've got to take a bit of risk. If the weather turns bad and enough people don't come, or not enough tickets are sold, there is a risk element." Darren Cool agreed: "Any business has to be a little open-minded if they want to tackle open-air events. They are very costly and very time-consuming to organise." www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

From small beginnings in 1983, the Garlic Festival now attracts over 20,000 visitors. David Holmes, Chairman of the festival, thinks this is about understanding the event’s core customer base and giving satisfaction. "I think people have a sense, when they have a day out, as to whether they have had value for money, and that drives people to recommend the event," he said. "I’ve got lots of children; so, as you do when you’ve got children, you try and make sure there is something for everyone; for people of all ages." The event’s organisers believe that good advance publicity is a key to success, and to this end pass on tickets to opinion-formers. The Garlic Festival was recently featured in the Sunday Times and the Daily Telegraph. "Local food, which is one of our cornerstones, has become something in which people are more interested; the media tend to be quite interested too. And garlic is quirky, so that gives us our USP," said David. Mindful of the economic downturn, the management team has held ticket prices in recent years. "We’ve done that deliberately and willingly, but it was a tough decision because in real terms, income is declining. And minor sponsorship is no longer quite so easy to come by," he said. David said it’s important to keep an eye on the competition: "We travel around constantly, looking at other festivals, and try to make ours different each year. The last thing we want is people saying, ‘We went there last year and the year before, let’s not bother this year’, so I think you’ve got to constantly re-invent yourself and up the ante to bring people back again and again." The Garlic Festival takes place over 14–15 August. Further details are available by watching the video report on Island Business Online and by visiting www.garlic-festival.co.uk.

Walking and Cycling Festivals The Isle of Wight Walking and Cycling Festivals have both been running for more than 10 years. Both have benefitted from thorough business planning, according to Elaine Cesar of the Isle of Wight Council Events team. PR is targeted at national walking and cycling magazines, while local radio campaigns reach Island residents. "We encourage journalists to participate in the cycling and walking events and a few years ago, when we introduced our Speed Dating Walk, a writer from the Daily Telegraph put half a page in the paper for us, and we subsequently had 500 phone calls about the event!" Support from the ferry companies is invaluable according to Elaine, and both events benefitted until recently from sponsorship by Ordnance Survey. The Council continues to seek corporate backing, and Columbia sportswear were clothing sponsor for this year’s Walking Festival. Elaine believes the benefits to the Island economy from the two outdoor events are immense. "Fifty per cent of participants come from the mainland, and of course they stay here and spend time on the Island, so our hotels and other local businesses benefit." The Walking and Cycling Festivals clearly benefit from Council ownership and resourcing. Elaine pointed out that the Council raises the profile of other events through www.isleofwight.com. The Council is also developing an information pack for promoters that explains how to go about staging an event. A blueprint of how to start an Island event will appear on the Council website shortly. The Cycling Festival takes place 18–26 September; the (October) Walking Festival is 22–25 October. For further information, watch the video report on Island Business Online or visit www.sunseaandcycling.com and www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk. 15

FEATURE Summer Madness Summer Madness is the brainchild of John Curd, a promoter with more than 30 years experience in the music events business. He saw a gap in the market for a ‘boutique’ event on the Island and spotted two fields adjacent to a farm at Carisbrooke that could accommodate around 10,000 people. "I knew the farmer," said John, "so I approached him and he said, ‘yeah, fine!'" A deal to rent the fields was agreed on the proviso that the promoter handled licensing, traffic management, and other logistics. Summer Madness has benefitted from a clear business plan. The event has a target audience of 30- to 60year-olds, a group that John said is not that interested in the usual festival format of 50 bands across three stages. The Summer Madness concept is simple; a few bands on one stage, with a headliner who will go on at 9pm and come off at 10.30. The Island has developed a festival infrastructure that reduces some of the headaches of staging events as well as creating opportunities for local suppliers. "It has become ‘Festival Island’ over the last couple of years, and there is now quite a lot of equipment stationed on the Island that we can quickly access," explained John. John Curd’s business plan is to run Summer Madness for the next four or five years, possibly becoming a two-day event. "We don’t want camping, but a two-day event would halve our costs. The Council have indicated that if the 2010 event goes according to plan, they might consider it," he said. Watch the full interview with John Curd on Island Business Online; Summer Madness takes place on 29 August, the Bank Holiday weekend. Further details are available at www.iowsummermadness.com.

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Sponsorship The economic downturn has affected the ability of Island-based promoters to secure corporate backing for events. The difficulties of Cowes Week to attract a title sponsor to replace Skandia are welldocumented, and the Council has lost the backing of Ordnance Survey for its Walking and Cycling Festivals. But local business support is also crucial, according to Elaine Cesar. "Not only does it help us, but we can promote the businesses nationally on the website, in our newsletters, and in other promotional material," she said. The Minghella Film Festival could not take place without the generosity of the local business community according to Gioia Minghella, who singled out for praise the efforts of student members of the Island’s Young Chamber of Commerce. Venues Most of the large events that take place are outdoors and to be successful favourable relations with landowners and host venues are just as important as good weather. The Garlic Festival started at The Garlic Farm but is now run by a separate organisation. "Having conceived and helped to run the festival for a number of years, we are delighted that it continues to flourish under the current management," said the Garlic Farm’s Colin Boswell. Finding venues was a difficult issue for Gioia Minghella. "Although we have some marvelous places here, we'd love to put on music concerts, but you need a very large concert area in order to make that possible. And whilst we have wonderful open-air summer events here, such as those at Osborne House, indoor auditoriums with fantastic sound facilities that are really worthy of the quality of events we are bringing here is something that challenges us." Island opportunities "Island events represent an opportunity for local businesses insofar as we always wanted to use local businesses that were willing to support us,” said John Curd. "Last year, nearly 95% of our labour was local and all the toilets were locally sourced because there is now a lot of equipment on the Island," he explained. David Holmes said the Garlic Festival team tries as hard as it can to make sure that the majority of the food and

Minghella Film Festival The Minghella Film Festival was an idea that Anthony had long before he died, explained Gioia Minghella. Fulfilling her brother’s ambition has been a true labour of love for Gioia who likens the experience to setting up a business: "A huge amount of homework, time, energy and resourcefulness were required," she said. The Minghella family was able to draw on existing family involvement in the field of performance arts, but applying business principles – for example, determining that a market exists for the product, being able to access funding, and being able to draw upon and organize the talents of a team of dedicated individuals – have all been crucial elements in getting the event off the ground. The Film Festival is using the latest marketing tools to reach out to an international audience. "Stephen Izatt of Thinkfarm has provided a very good website and my younger daughter has done a lot of social networking for us; we tweet, and we have got a Facebook page, and that really helps to promote the festival," she said. All of these factors have enabled the festival to fulfil all of its aims, which aren't just about celebrating Anthony Minghella’s achievements, but also about inspiring and helping young people. Any money that is raised has been directed towards local charities for the benefit of young people, for example the Youth Trust and the Barely Born Appeal at St Mary's. "I know that Anthony would have loved the event as a memorial because it’s a thing that is growing and ultimately helps people," said Gioia. For more on the Minghella Film Festival, watch the video on Island Business Online and visit www.minghellafilmfestival.com

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FEATURE

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT Cycling Festival

Cowes Week At its peak, Cowes Week could claim 8,500 competitors and around 100,000 visitors each year. Although the regatta has recently had difficulties in attracting a new title sponsor, following the withdrawal of Skandia in 2008, its importance to the Island economy cannot be underestimated. The economic climate has had an inevitable impact on an already very competitive sponsorship market, and conditions continue to be quite challenging, according to Michelle Warner of Cowes Week Ltd. However, she remains firmly optimistic that the event will continue to attract huge numbers of competitors and spectators, as well as the interest of corporate partners: "Cowes Week is a unique event and a great sponsorship property and we are still working hard to secure a headline sponsor." Cowes Week Ltd. has attracted a number of new supporting sponsors for the 2010 event, including Gill, Tropicana, and Mountgay Rum. The latest on the title sponsorship is that ongoing discussions are taking place with three prospective sponsors, but Michelle acknowledged that there is only an outside chance of securing a deal in time for this year’s event. Cowes Week has been going since 1826 and it’s a very successful sporting event. In spite of the current difficulties, Michelle stressed that the regatta is under no threat whatsoever. In spite of the very challenging economic conditions, she said Cowes Week Ltd. has got a solid budget in place. "To the outside world, it will all look to be business as usual, and the event is in really good shape," she concluded. Watch the full interview with Michelle Warner on Island Business Online; for more information on Cowes Week, which takes place 31 July–7 August, go to www.cowesweek.co.uk. 18

produce sold is from local suppliers and local sources: "The festival is a very important market place for some of the Island’s food producers." The Bestival management team understood the mutual benefits or working with local suppliers from the start. "It’s was absolutely essential that we developed a good relationship, not just with Robin Hill, but the whole Island," said Rob da Bank. "Our ethos has always been to try to work with everyone from local food suppliers to local traders and craftsmen, so that the event is as Island-focused as possible." John Curd calls the Isle of Wight the ‘Festival Island’: "Over the last few of years, we’ve had the Isle of Wight Festival and then Bestival, and the Wight Air event for a while, which went to Brighton last year," he recalled. The fortunes of Wight Air, which has disappeared from the national festival calendar after only 1 year at Brighton, demonstrate what a tough market it is for event organizers. But the gap in the market will hopefully be filled by Islandbased marketing company Into the Blue, which launches the sports event ‘Big Blue’ at Yaverland on 17–19 September. "An emerging event will take time to grow, but we hope that the local community will lend its support and will see the long-term benefits of having an extreme sports festival on the Island," says Jo Grindley, Managing Director of Into The Blue. Credit Crunch With its lack of a headline sponsor, Cowes Week is counting the cost of the economic downturn, but in 2009, despite the global recession, entry numbers held up really well according to Michelle Warner: "I think people need a

little bit of respite. There’s all this doom and gloom and people need to spend time doing the things they’re passionate about – Cowes Week is one of those things," she explained. Rob da Bank agreed: "Even with the recession, people of all ages still want to go to festivals." In spite of tough trading conditions, the events promoters we spoke to are optimistic about the future. Gioia Minghella said: "Our festival next year will focus on the films that Anthony produced. We worked with local film director Bruce Webb, who founded the IW Short Film Festival, this year, and next year we are going to expand our own film competition." Darren Cool believes that with the Council’s encouragement, more events can happen on the Island. But he stresses that promoters need to develop great ideas and be committed to staging them here. He advises promoters to fully engage with the Council and get them onboard. Flying the Island flag "I think many people on the Island underestimate the importance of the big national events that happen here, said Darren Cool. "They probably do more to put the Isle of Wight on the national and international map than all our tourism destination marketing." Waving her Island flag with an enthusiasm to match that of her late brother, Gioia Minghella said: "The Isle of Wight needs great events; it needs things to be really successful and really worthy of a world stage. We want to have an event here, like Cowes, which is the sailing event in the calendar. We need to aim to have cultural events of the same class."

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SPECIAL REPORT

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT Credit: Gully Howard

The Hermitage, St Catherine's Down. Imposing hotel with large grounds and woodland, SOLD.

The Island's commercial property market Traditionally, the Island's employment and socio-demographic profile, together with the stretch of water separating us from the mainland, have meant it was 'different' here, an unknown quantity. But local and regional agencies have identified unique selling points, such as the Island's stable workforce, and have pump-primed development.

his development has encouraged cutting edge marine, composites, green energy industries, and other companies to relocate here. Additional, apparently unrelated factors such as the Isle of Wight music festivals have also raised the Island's profile with mainland businesses and investors who have property requirements, according to Nick Callaghan from Hose Rhodes Dickson. There has been little difference here in the effects of the financial crisis, with an apparent continuing lack of available credit for business. Investor and occupier demand 20

has seen either a flight to quality, a move towards discounting, or inertia. The current commercial market trends reflect this. Industrial Laurie Gavaghan of Gavaghan Jones LLP remembers driving to Cowes and seeing the giant hovercrafts leave what was then the British Hovercraft Corporation (BHC) factory on East Cowes seafront. "At that time most employment was in the tourist sector or with the major employers such as BHC, Elliot Turbo Machinery, BrittenNorman, or Temperature. Times have

Edited by Louisa Mamakou, with contributions from Hose Rhodes Dickson, Gavaghan Jones LLP, Scotcher & Co, Gully Howard, Watson Bull & Porter, and Natural Enterprise. changed and many of the old factories and the few examples of heavy industry have long gone. Laurie continued: "Twenty years ago many people thought the Island was slowly sinking forever into high rates of unemployment and little business potential, but if you look around today, thankfully, they have been proved wrong. "Business is growing at a steady rate and the Isle of Wight has one of the most encouraging economic growth rates in the South East. The commercial property sector has and will play an important role in the Island's continued success," Laurie believes. According to the British Property Federation: "The commercial property industry is a significant part of the UK economy. It provides competitive space in which to do business, is an important asset for pension fund and individual investment, and contributes to the provision of jobs and regeneration in our communities." This is just as true for the Island as it is for the mainland. When firms like BHC and Temperature closed, many thought it was the end for these sites. But investors held on to the sites, and some, such as the old Temperature factory site have been transformed into successful industrial parks. Laurie went on: "We should also consider the impact on the Island economy this growth in the commercial property sector has had. Millions of pounds have been injected directly into the local economy through the development of new sites and the expansion and redevelopment of existing sites in Newport such as Dodnor, River Way, and the St Cross Business Park. "Many local contractors, sub-contractors, and suppliers have benefited from this expansion and growth in the commercial sector. Once units are built and occupied,

CHAMBER INTERVIEW THE EXPERT’S VIEW

JULY 2010

new employment opportunities are generated. A diverse range of businesses occupy these units, all employing local labour in skilled, non-skilled, blue collar, and white collar jobs. Diversity is one way to secure the long-term viability of the Island economy, and will help see us through and out of the current global recession." At the larger end of the industrial sector, supply and demand has been influenced by SEEDA funding and lobbying, particularly in Cowes and East Cowes. Nick Callaghan said: "Hose Rhodes Dickson have recently sold six acres in East Cowes for up to 220,000 square feet of new industrial, warehouse, and office development, and are advising separately on a large distribution requirement. There is further large development potential at BAE in Cowes. Smaller units in Newport and Ryde remain popular with local companies and investors because of low rents (in absolute terms), but any growth potential here is likely to be largely from restricted local supply." However, it's also worth recognising that size does not matter when it comes to commercial units! If you drive around the Island you will see that in business areas like Dodnor and River Way, large areas are given over to industrial units. This is not the only formula for success, medium-sized estates at Nicolson Road in Ryde and small schemes at the Embankment in Bembridge are not only successful but vital for the local economy as they provide access for new businesses to start and grow. Office Low risk office space for young businesses is offered in the Innovation Centre at Newport's St Cross Business Park, home to Natural Enterprise, with serviced office space ranging from one to 20 people on a flexible easy in, easy out lease agreement. Graham Biss, Managing Director of Natural Enterprise, explained: "We provide very short-term leases, which removes all the risk out of taking on a property. I expect interest to increase, particularly for office space, as confidence returns, but obviously the economic situation is still fairly fragile. It's all about allowing people to get on the property ladder without too much risk attached." However, Nick Callaghan pointed out that the office sector has seen little take up of space so far and supply is likely to increase as a result of the Council’s policy to not renew leases, as part of their cost-saving programme. This will lead to opportunities for new entrants to the market, although many prospective occupiers have very specific requirements. Investment Investment into commercial units can come from a variety of sources ranging from large pension funds to small local investors. Commercial units represent very real investment opportunities and careful investors can benefit not only from the income generated by these investments but the potential of capital growth property increases in value. Investment into this sector makes good financial sense and also contributes to the growth of Island businesses. Generally though, there is little investment property obviously on the market, across all sectors on the Island. "Larger investors are reluctant to sell without a better home for their money," said Nick, "and other financial markets have been volatile alternatives. Much Island commercial property is too small for mainstream funds, but there is demand from private pension and trust funds, and high net worth individuals. Small, high yielding lots offering relatively secure income and reasonable lease terms remain popular. A few more properties are going to auction; a clear sign of vendors

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The walk-in crime

his month we are concentrating on an area that has affected many local businesses. One of the recent areas in which we have seen an increase in crime is what is known as ‘walk-in’ burglaries. This has been especially so in the commercial and business sectors. Businesses and staff members alike have experienced losses from callers to their buildings. During economically challenging times many organisations have chosen to reduce staffing costs or job share. As a result reception areas may be manned by multitasked staff who carry out additional activities while others remain completely unattended. If this is true in your business, take a few moments to consider some essential points. How can it happen? A caller may visit a reception or entrance area which is manned by one person. The caller may then make a request, or ask a question, that forces the member of staff to leave his or her post to obtain the answer. Once this has happened what is on offer to the opportunistic thief? Alternatively, callers may even make a quick 'walk-in and grab' to a company's unmanned reception. What is the risk? In many reception areas the caller may often find easy targets. These could include items such as laptops, handbags hanging off the backs of chairs, coats in reception containing keys and wallets, information and data on computer screens, to name

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just a few. How can you prevent it? Here are a few basic tips on how to reduce this particular threat: • Keep handbags, coats, and other personal belongings in a safe area such as a locked room or cupboard. • Try to answer all requests or questions whilst remaining at your post. • If you do have to leave your post unattended, make sure all valuables are kept out of sight. • Lock or password protect all computer screens if they are left unattended. • Consider additional security measures such as a CCTV camera covering reception, fit a chime to the front door, and fit locks or security wires to laptops. These are just a few suggestions on one aspect of business security. Please contact either your local Crime Prevention Officer or your security specialist for more information. Don’t forget too, that with the coming of warmer weather, this will lead to many of us leaving doors and windows open at home too. So the same applies, keep front doors on a chain, or better still locked, do not leave items such as wallets, keys, or handbags within easy sight or reach from doors and windows. Contact: Mark Lee at Lifeline Alarm Systems on 01983 521621, info@lifeline-security.co.uk, or www.lifeline-security.co.uk

SPECIAL REPORT

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Credit: Gully Howard

Pascall Offices, Westridge Business Park, Ryde. High quality building with two storey offices to rent.

looking for certainty in what has been an uncertain market, and an opportunity for genuine cash buyers." It goes without saying that people looking to invest on the Isle of Wight are looking for a strong return on investment; in this the Island is no different to the mainland. Retail Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not very long ago that the Island had only a few national retail brands but now if you look around in Newport nearly every major high street brand has a presence on the Island, with many in multiple locations, again creating more employment. This has inevitably affected local traders but, perhaps in a positive way; you only have to look at the range of high quality specialist niche market outlets which have sprung up all over the Island. The growth in the retail sector is strong and vibrant; only a few years ago many thought towns like Ventnor and Ryde were dying on their feet, but now you can see a steady recovery. Tony Scotcher, of Scotcher & Co, commented: "The bulk of our business so far this year has been the letting of smaller shops with one or two notable larger exceptions such as the former Woolworth's in Shanklin and Cowes. "As regards mainland buyers and occupiers, being a smaller Island, a good deal of our business is disposals to mainland applicants who still like to come over here for the quality of life, but do of course have to create a situation where they can generate an income either on development, retail, or other businesses. "This situation hasn't changed much, apart from the fact that the volume of applicants able to proceed is always going to be less in a recession. Given the difficulties still in obtaining funding and, coupled with a shortage of certain types of properties at prices people are prepared to pay, we will continue to be in for a bit of a bumpy ride for the next 12 months or so." Again, with a mixture of national and 22

local investment, business is alive and growing at a steady and sustainable pace. Of course, shops do come and go but this is nothing more than the usual ebb and flow of trends and tastes. The important fact is our high streets are very much open for business. As with the industrial sector, investment opportunities exist in retail providing the opportunity for similar returns in terms of income and capital growth. Within the retail sector, food and nonfood discounters are very active as Nick Callaghan explained: "Lidlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Newport store is rumoured to be their most profitable in the UK; Aldi have secured their first consented site and are chasing market share. ASDA, the Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 'missing' food superstore still want to be here, with Hose Rhodes Dickson helping their search. At the 'top' end, Waitrose will open in East Cowes in September. On the high street the picture is similar, with top national multiples taking advantage of a few prime high street voids to relocate from secondary positions. However, all retailers remain cautious on rent." Hotel and leisure In the hotel and licensed leisure sectors, well-run businesses in good locations are still popular, but mistakes can be expensive. "The key, as ever, is a good 'offer' in a good location," said Nick. "There has been little activity in the budget hotel sector, with most plc parents putting expansion on hold in view of wider economic circumstances." For Watson Bull & Porter, who sell mainly hotels and small B&B properties, last year was a difficult market due to the lack of funding for these businesses, as their Regional Manager for the Island, Anthony Roper, told us: "Very few banks would consider lending and in most instances funding would be no higher than 50%. "But since October 2009 we have seen a marked increase in enquiries and have sold over four million pounds worth of property."

Low risk office space for young businesses is offered in the Innovation Centre at Newport's St Cross Business Park, home to Natural Enterprise, with serviced office space ranging from one to 20 people on a flexible easy in, easy out lease agreement. Development All sectors in the property market have a bearing upon each other, and there is healthy competition for development opportunities. Hose Rhodes Dickson are seeing renewed demand for smaller residential development sites as local developers become more confident about end sales, whilst at the volume end of the market, major UK developers are increasing their on-Island activity which indicates great confidence in the future of the Island. Gavin Chambers, Director at Gully Howard, said: "Developers seem to be looking at sites again and there seems to be some cautious investment." Their advice is for customers to be realistic about the price from the word go. The appetite for risk in the commercial property market is subdued and it's vital that guide prices are set with thought out commercial rationale in order that competitive bids can allow the agent to get the best figure that the market has to offer at the time. The future What does the future hold for the Island, with the recession set to affect us for years to come? There is bound to be a knock-on effect for industry and businesses, but there is also a positive side with interest rates at an all-time low. This could be a good time to invest. Low interest rates are also causing private investors to search for better rates of return, with commercial property investment an attractive option. The Island has a reputation for innovation and when one sector has closed there have always been those with vision seeking

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COMPANY PROFILE

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT

HMP Isle of Wight

Island prison is big business It’s a £37 million Island business, and its name is known throughout the world. But the chances are you’d be perfectly happy never to get better acquainted.

his is HMP Isle of Wight – the new brand name for the more familiar Parkhurst, which is now jointly managed with Albany and Camp Hill prisons. Most people think of it as the place where people go to be locked up. But the service’s managers look at it rather differently. Deputy Governor Ian Young, an Island man now at his ninth prison in his 28th year in the service, said: “Our focus is on the outcome that the vast majority of prisoners will be released at some stage. Our job is to do our best to reduce the risk of that person re-offending.” That simple principle lies behind the whole ethos of HMP Isle of Wight – and Island Business was granted a look behind the scenes to find out just what it means to be a manager in the prison business. Formed from the merger of Parkhurst, Albany, and Camp Hill, HMP Isle of Wight is now the biggest in the country, and has embarked on what the 24

Governor Barry Greenberry calls "a never-ending journey to perfection". The merger was designed not just to save money – although it did achieve efficiency savings of £3 million. A key element of the prison’s restructuring and development was the desire to create a positive environment in which staff and the 1,700 prisoners are treated as members of a team. HMP Isle of Wight is not just the biggest prison, it is also the furthest ahead in the way it has modernised along business lines. There are now clearly marked lines of responsibility all the way from the prisoners to the Governor. Every prisoner has a personal plan which is subject to regular review with his line manager, the prison officer. Those plans are built around the length of sentence, the risk to the public, and the risk of re-conviction, and the aim is to gradually push the prisoner to the point where he has gained the social and practical skills needed to stand on his

Kevin Wilson reports on why the Island prison is a big business. own two feet, and to live within the law once released. It’s an easy enough target to write down, but HMP Isle of Wight is a Category B prison which is always operating at close to 100 per cent capacity. This means that at any one time, there are about 1,700 prisoners behind bars, and some of them have committed offences that would shock us. The job titles of some members of the management team are a clue to the areas of expertise needed to achieve the ultimate goal; the successful rehabilitation of offenders into lawabiding community life. Paul Campbell is Director of Security and Operations. A prison officer all his life, he moved to the Island seven years ago, and now has the job of ensuring a safe perimeter so that prisoners stay in

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COMPANY PROFILE

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Members of the HMP Isle of Wight senior management team include (from left) Neil Borton, Paul Campbell, Deputy Governor Ian Young (centre), Dougie Graham, and Glyn Christal.

prison, and no-one from the outside can smuggle goods in. Neil Borton is Director of Safe Custody. His role is to keep prisoners safe once they are inside, and his remit includes developing strategies to reduce the risk of suicide, self-harm, and violence, and to take account of equality issues including race and disability awareness. Dougie Graham is Director of Residence, with the job of managing the cells and workshops across the site’s 23 prison wings, as well as ensuring that policies and procedures are carried out by the uniformed staff. Glyn Christal is Director of Central Services. His remit includes health and safety, catering, the development of community links, as well as the allocation of work. Colin Craven is Director of Learning and Skills, with the aim of equipping prisoners for work by providing opportunities for academic and vocational learning. Colin said that it was easy for the community to focus purely on the prison as a place to lock up offenders. “We do that, of course, and do it well,” he said. “But we try to create a positive environment where prisoners are working to a daily plan that is designed to carry them through their sentence in a constructive way, so that they are ready to integrate into society.” Deputy Governor Ian Young is the service’s chief operations officer, responsible for the output of the directors. He said: “The re-organisation has given us a flatter management structure and a stronger system of performance 26

management so that we all know what we have to do, and how to measure it. “We work on the principle that nothing we do is perfect. We know we have a lot to put right, and I think that being honest about that is very important. “Our focus is on the individual prisoner and the individual member of staff, being clear about what their responsibilities are, and having regular monitoring to check progress. “In the past, we haven’t been so positive about tackling our problems. We always had talented individuals but now we have a talented team with better information systems to support us. “And we won’t allow the disruptive element you get in any prison to spoil things.” Contrary to popular myth, prisoners do not spend all day in their cells. They have a ‘working day’ which could include anything from brushing up on IT skills or studying for a degree, to re-building bikes and wheelchairs for shipment to an under-developed country. The site has huge gardens which need cultivating, and there are factory units for wood and metal products. Prisoners have, in fact, manufactured many of the metal sections that are used to make the site secure, including the bars on their own cell windows. Other workshops include desktop publishing, printing, and a pottery that has just begun producing items for a shop in Shanklin. This model of linking up with the community is vital to the service’s – and the prisoners' future. Integration into the Island community is an important part of the prison’s

"It has been unsettling for some, and challenging for everyone. But something had to be done because our standards of performance were going into decline, and now that the merger has been completed, we are on a never-ending journey to perfection. We want to be the flagship of the whole prison service." A cell

development. Barry and his team represent the prison on a range of Island partnership groups, and a new ‘community payback’ scheme has been launched, with the aim of enabling prisoners to carry out community work which does not jeopardise anyone else’s paid employment. Ideas for the future include Isle of Wight branded products – including use of the name Parkhurst – being produced on the Island rather than being imported, and the service is also now actively working on a scheme to establish a heritage centre on the site which would be open to visitors, and which could open up opportunities for other local businesses. Colin Craven said he was exploring the options for developing some kind of social enterprise, and added: “It would also be fantastic if we could get some businesses interested in coming in to do some workshop sessions for us.”

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COMPANY PROFILE

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT The exterior of HMP Isle of Wight

If the task of providing 1,700 prisoners with meaningful daily activities was not challenging enough, the service has also got the small matter of external monitoring and inspection to deal with. Prison funding is allocated on a regional basis by the Ministry of Justice. HMP Isle of Wight is part of the South East region, and has just under 50 headline performance targets against which it is measured annually. A new prison rating system has also been introduced, which includes surveys of prisoners themselves as well as external scrutiny, which may incorporate unannounced visits. There is an Island-based Independent Monitoring Board and a Crown Prosecution inspector, and a Prison and Probation Ombudsman. All these bodies have their own expectations, and the service must be able to develop and implement action plans to deal with all of them. As with any business, the biggest pressures are financial. National estimates show that each prisoner in a Category B prison costs £25,000 a year, and every cut in funding makes it more difficult to maintain the work, education, counselling, and life skills that are available. Prisoners themselves play a part in this. Some of them act as mentors to help others learn to read, others are trained by the Samaritans to act as ‘listeners’ to help with problems, and some work alongside officers on the induction of new prisoners. Even so, cuts in funding will make it more difficult to achieve the ultimate aim of reducing the risk of re-offending. Ian Young said: “We have prisoners who are over the age of 80 and we maintain what we call an ‘end of life unit’. We have prisoners who are in wheelchairs, and one third of our prisoners are from an ethnic minority. We have to be able to help people in a huge range of different circumstances and that 28

presents us with tough challenges.” It was recognition of the need to respond to the tough challenge of operating a modern prison service that led to the re-organisation of the Island prison service. “It has not been an easy time,” said Barry. “It has been unsettling for some, and challenging for everyone. But something had to be done because our standards of performance were going into decline, and now that the merger has been completed, we are on a neverending journey to perfection. We want to be the flagship of the whole prison service.” As part of that commitment to excellence, Barry has been keen to build relationships in the Island community, and he invited HM Lord Lieutenant Major General Martin White to join the Senior Management Board last year as a nonexecutive member. He has been able to advise on developing essential links with the Isle of Wight community, and in addition, with his extensive military experience leading large organisations, has been able to provide strategic business advice as necessary. Whichever way you look at the prison service, we’d always prefer to be on the outside looking in. But the team running HMP Isle of Wight want the whole Island – including businesses – to start thinking of them as part of the community. Almost all the prisoners come over from the mainland, but the staff who work there are local people, doing a difficult job in challenging circumstances. As Paul Campbell, Director of Security and Operations, said: “The public generally don’t want to know what goes on here, and we can easily understand why. They just want to know that prisoners are well and truly locked up, and that is certainly a massive part of the job we do. But there is much, much more to it than that.”

HM Lord Lieutenant Major General Martin White

F Wing interior

Despite the handicap of its ageing buildings, the Island prison service is setting high standards nationally in a number of areas; advising the Government on dealing with older prisoners; developing a common framework for assessing medical conditions that will apply consistently at all prisons; and pioneering programmes to reduce the risk of repeat offending for sex offenders, to name a few. As our tour came to an end, a group of new prisoners were being escorted to F Wing, the induction wing, and the first stage of what is likely to be a long journey through the prison system was about to begin. HMP Isle of Wight is on an equally long journey, and it is doing so on the platform of a solid business framework that makes achievement of objectives everyone’s responsibility. The door will not open for those new prisoners for many years, but the prison itself is keen to open doors, so that it can share experiences and find new ways of working co-operatively with the whole Island community. Only time will tell …

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CHAMBER MATTERS

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Abigail Salsbury

Chamber People

Best ever Ball promised

oining the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce was the perfect move for Abigail Salsbury. Just one month into her new job as Education Business Partnership and Young Chamber Officer, she is still pinching herself. “It is a dream job for me,” she said. “It encapsulates so much of my previous experience and my interests – and it’s on the Isle of Wight, which I love!” Abigail has always been active in youth work. From the age of 13, she was involved in a Council for Young People in her home area of North East Lincolnshire. Later, in the space between finishing her degree and starting study for her Masters in International Politics, she worked in Manchester’s Youth Participation Office. Then, back in the Grimsby area, she joined the Building Schools for the Future programme, where she specialised in administration and

consultation – both of which are important elements of her new job on the Island. “The job is all about getting involved with students, working with them and doing what I can to help them make the most of the opportunities that come their way,” she said. “It’s something I really believe in, and when this opportunity came my way, I certainly grabbed it!” Abigail has been visiting the Island every year for as long as she can remember, staying with friends of the family. When she’s not at work, she loves sailing, and is already putting the word round that she’d like to crew on a boat. She said: “I can’t think of anywhere better to live than the Island. The quality of life here is great, and so is the sailing. That’s another reason why this job is so perfect for me.”

New sailing event A new sailing event for Island businesses is set to become a regular fixture.

The Island Chamber's Cowes Week Ball is always a special occasion, but this year’s event is set to be the best-ever.

t is being billed as the Grand Centenary Ball, and will be held at Cowes Yacht Haven on 4 August, and will feature a series of stage sets, performers, and music reflecting one hundred years of history. Some tickets are still available for what is regarded as the Island’s top corporate event, which provides an opportunity for businesses to reward staff, celebrate their own performance, or to provide corporate hospitality to clients during Cowes Week. Tickets cost £99 per person plus VAT, or £950 plus VAT for a table of 10, and include a five course gourmet dinner and free table wine. To book or for more information, call the Chamber on 01983 520777, or email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk. 30

ightsail 2010 was launched last month in a partnership between Cowes-based Pelican Racing and the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce. The fun event pitched crews of Chamber members, many of them novices, against each other in a series of races, with expert skippering from Cowes-based Pelican Racing, supported by skippers from other

sailing organisations. The racing was followed by a barbecue supper, laid on by Cowes Yacht Haven, and the £10 entry fees were donated to the Toe In The Water charity. The Chamber’s Membership Officer, Kerstine Andrews, said: “The event was such a success, with lots of positive feedback, so we are already looking forward to next year!”

CHAMBER MATTERS

JULY 2010

Sail for fun

Lisaa and Keith Gordon

A new skippered yacht charter business is putting the emphasis on fun – with no hidden extras.

eith and Lisa Gordon are offering anything from a one hour sail to 28-day adventures on sail and motor yachts, power boats and RIBs. Their new business, SailforFun, operates from Cowes, Solent harbours, and other south coast ports. Keith, an airline pilot, started sailing 18 months ago and was immediately hooked. “Our aim is always to provide an experience that people will remember, and we have put a brilliant team together to make sure that’s what happens,” he said. Charter skippers include Richard Falk, who skippered the Singapore entry in the 2005 Clipper Round the

World Yacht Race, and Emma Pontin, who has skippered many transatlantic crossings. “We love sailing and our motivation is to help people to enjoy their time on the water,” said Keith. “We quote prices which are fully inclusive, and can tailor the experience to suit just about everyone, whether it is for a corporate event, team building, a star gazing night, or simply a group of friends wanting a sail around the Solent for the day.”

Sailing for fun!

For more information, go to www.sailforfun.co.uk.

NEW MEMBERS Heritage 01983 761913 mckill@btinternet.com Orchard Cottage, Main Road, Ningwood, PO30 4NW Property maintenance Build Centre 01983 524218 01983 821944 paul.swain@wolseley.co.uk Manners View, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5FA Build centre – builders merchant Big Screen Media

01983 898983 01983 530586 hire@bigscreenmedia.co.uk www.bigscreenmedia.co.uk Office 2, 2 St Thomas Square, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1SN Advertising on digital media for indoor and outdoor events. Solent Photographic Services 01983 294622 dickloaring@vectawarm.com 108 Folly Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6JA Photography for commerce and website advertising. Esplanade Garden Cafe 01983 867691 larryandsandy@btinternet.com

The Esplanade, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6BQ Café, serving a wide range of drinks and freshly cooked food. Barwick Cottages 01983 840787 pam@barwickcottages.co.uk www.barwickcottages.co.uk Rookley Farm Lane, Rookley, Isle of Wight PO38 3PA Lavender and Rose Self Catering Cottages set on a 16 acre small holding in an area of outstanding natural beauty in centre of Island. Little Idyll 01983 761913 mckill@btinternet.com Orchard Cottage, Main Road, Ningwood Isle of Wight PO30 4NW Guest accommodation Four Seasons Cookery Academy 01983 209005 cookeryacademy@btinternet.com www.cookeryacademy.co.uk 287 Arctic Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7PJ Cooking Academy – providing hands–on cookery lessons promoting healthy eating – both privately and community based. All recipes hand–written. Providing CIEH accredited courses – levels 2 and 3 in food safety.

The Hartland Hotel 01983 863123 hartlandhotel@isleofwight.com www.thehartlandhotel.com 41 Victoria Avenue, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6LT 16 bedroom hotel open all year. Restaurant, indoor swimming pool, gym, detox cabin. Cliftonville 01983 862197 info@cliftonvillehotel.wanadoo. co.uk www.cliftonvilleguesthouse.com 6 Hope Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6EA Family run guest house, centrally located. Nine bedrooms all en–suite with tea/coffee facilities and TV. Evening meals available. Car parking. Well behaved dogs accepted. The Fernbank 01983 862790 j.chapman356@btinternet.com www.fernbank–iow.co.uk 6 Highfield Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6PP Bed and breakfast accommodation. Wight Wanders 01983 281662 info@wight–walks.co.uk www.wight–walks.co.uk 22 Broadfields Avenue, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7UD

Read Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce news on www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

Cinderockers Party Room 01983 248424 nickysmemories@msn.com 47 High Street, Wootton Bridge, Isle of Wight PO33 4LU Themed childrens' parties catering for 4–15 years. Face painting, games and costumes. Rapanui Clothing Ltd 01983 873430 info@rapanuiclothing.com www.rapanuiclothing.com 7 Weavers Yard, Lane End Road, Bembridge, Isle of Wight PO35 5US Rapanui make a range of eco–fashion clothing for 18–35s from organic fabrics in a wind powered, fair wear foundation audited factory. They also make custom eco clothing for other businesses, brands or events. Isle Of Wight Computer Geek 07840 698791 contact@theisleofwightcomputer geek.co.uk www.theisleofwightcomputergee k.co.uk Professional website design, search engine optimisation, SEO, PC and computer repairs. 24 hours Islandwide service. Offering Chamber members a 25% discount on website design and search engine optimisation.

The Auckland Hotel 01983 862960 01983 862175 aucklandhotel@tiscali.co.uk www.theaucklandhotel.co.uk 10 Queens Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6AN Modern accommodation in a tranquil setting. Beautiful gardens, choice of breakfast, generously presented, five course menu. Floor Design IW Ltd 01983 401066 01983 401066 watkinsshaun@hotmail.com www.floordesigniow.co.uk Faulkner Lane, Sandown, Isle of Wight PO36 9AZ Flooring contractor and retailer, supplying and installers of contract and domestic floor coverings. IOW Eating Disorders & Obesity Service 01983 756574 ioweatingdisorders@sainsbury.en tadsl.com April Cottage, Freshwater, Isle of Wight PO40 9HL This is a specialist psychological service for people suffering from eating disorders – anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorders and those who have mild to severe weight problems.

CHAMBER MATTERS

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT

The value of Chamber membership The discount scheme operated by the Island’s Chamber of Commerce continues to add value for members.

Check our online calendar at www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk for details of all business events

EVENTS

ore and more organisations are signing up to offer special rates for Chamber members across the full range of goods and service, including travel, accommodation, health and beauty, marketing, design, storage, training, and many more. For example, Sail For Fun is offering a 10 per cent discount on its corporate

Chamber Events =

Other Events =

6 July Mediation Matters seminar For Solicitors and surveyors & those interested in Dispute Resolution, Quay Arts, Newport 1300-1600 £7.50 (includes light lunch, tea & coffee) • Contact Grant Vincent at info@dispute-mediation.co.uk or telephone 07540 333 340 6-9 July The Prince’s Trust Explore Enterprise course Helps people to explore and test their business ideas, write business plans, and start their own businesses or achieve alternative goals in education, training, or work. • Tel. 02380 622666 or email susan.hunter@princestrust.org.uk

yacht charter fees, and an extra 10 per cent off the first 10 bookings received this season. Find out more from keith@sailforfun.co.uk. Shred-It, the on-site document destruction company, is giving a 15 per cent discount for a one-off clear out of archives, and a free data security survey. Call 02392 654100 for more information. A 10 per cent discount is on offer to Chamber members from Laser Tech Limited, who specialise in events, laser displays and advertising, and big screen televisions. Contact alex@lasertech-uk.com. Meanwhile, if you are in need of refreshment, Kevars Café on Ryde High Street is giving Chamber members a

Must be pre-booked =

five per cent discount across its whole menu. The benefits available to Chamber members are constantly updated, and you can find full details of these and other member to member discounts at www.iwchamber.co.uk. Click on ‘products and services’, then ‘member discounts’. Contact chamber@iwchamber.co.uk if you would like to offer a discount to Chamber members.

•

23 July PGL Activity Event, Wootton To include: abseiling, high ropes, zip wires and dragon boat racing, BBQ and refreshments. 1800-2100, £6.00 per person which PGL will donate to charity. Call 01983 520777 or email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk • 29 July Speed Networking Joint event with Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Winchester BID members. Free, 1730-2000, University of Winchester Business School. • To book email Sara Gangai at Sara.Gangai@winchester.ac.uk

2 August IW Chamber Cowes Week Cruise and buffet lunch leaving Thetis Wharf, Cowes 13 July 1130-1500, £25.00 Funding for Growth per person • A Solent Innovation and Call 01983 520777 or email Growth Team event: Quay Arts, chamber@iwchamber.co.uk Newport, Tuesday, 13 July 0900-1130. The event is free, 4 August but places are limited. Contact IW Chamber Grand Katy Patterson on 01489 889 Centennial Ball 882 to book. • Come and celebrate the last 100 years with us at Cowes

Yacht Haven. • Call 01983 520777 or email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk 14 September Blueberry Café Event, Shanklin Details tbc. Call 01983 520777 or email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk 22 September Deli Event, Seaview Hotel, Seaview. An evening of delicatessen delights including a selection of fine cold meats, olives, cheeses, and fine wines. Guest speaker to be announced. £7.00 per person •. Call 01983 520777 or email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk. 5 October Murder, mystery, and dinner Ventnor Towers Hotel. Come and experience an evening of entertainment organised by ‘Caught Red Handed Productions’. An evening with a difference, which will create a lasting memory! The evening will include a 3 course evening meal. £15.00 per person. 1900-2230. • Call

01983 520777 or email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk 18 November IW Chamber Centennial Quiz Night Come along and join us for a fantastic quiz night. Sign up your teams (no more than 5) or register your name and we will allocate a team for you. There will be a £100 prize for the winning team! A hot meal will be included. Cost TBC • Call 01983 520777 or email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk 26 November IW Chamber Business Awards For Excellence 2010 Cowes Yacht Haven, details tbc. Any Island business is invited to nominate itself for an Award in any category and a business may also nominate itself for more than one category. Nominating your business for an Award will give your company a unique chance to maximise its Island-wide exposure for free! • Call 01983 520777 or email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk

CLASSIFIEDS

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Our Classified section is the perfect place to advertise your products and services. It's also incredibly cost-effective with a classified ad costing from just £8 per column centimetre. Call 01983 245505 to book your classified advert. BLINDS / AWNINGS Apollo Blinds Isle of Wight, John Youle. Tel. 01983 402230 apolloblindsiow@googlemail.com apollo-blinds.co.uk/isle-of-wight

Advertise here from just £8 per column centimetre. Call 01983 245505 to book your classified advert.

BUILDERS AND PLUMBERS

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS UTILITIES

CATERING

CAR BODYWORK

CORPORATE EVENTS Stagegear Rentals 3 Quivey Cottage, Main Road, Arreton, PO30 3AG. Tel. 0870 3450352 Email: pete@stage-gear.co.uk Web: www.stage-gear.co.uk

Boost your business! Advertise here from just £8 per column centimetre.

CLASSIFIEDS

JULY 2010 COUNSELLING / LIFE COACHING

SURVEYORS AND ARCHITECTS

An emotionally intelligent workforce increases productivity and saves money Help your staff to: Manage Stress, Reduce Anxiety, Increase Self Confidence Manage Time Effectively NLP, CBT, HG Qualified Therapist To find out more, call Relaxing Times 07791 656 545 Email: michael@michaelackrill.wanadoo.co.uk GRAPHIC DESIGN AND WEB APPLICATIONS

TRAINING Creedence Training Academy & Consultancy Freshwater, Isle of Wight info@creedencetraining.co.uk www.creedencetraining.co.uk 01983 759213

Advertise here from just £8 per column centimetre. Call 01983 245505 to book your classified advert.

TRAINING ICT Open Sauce Systems Ltd. Low cost, flexible phone systems and servers. Ideal for new businesses. 01983 220028 www.opensaucesystems.com

Place your advert here from just £8

ICT Profound IT Limited Bespoke software development, consultancy, and business systems integration. 01983 883000 www.profound-it.co.uk SIGNS AND GRAPHICS

www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

Excessive business insurance premiums? We may be able to save you money on your larger insurance premiums. For a free, no obligation quote please contact 01983 521359 or email us on info@mortgagestosuit.co.uk

WORKWEAR

REALLYUSEFULBUSINESSSTUFF

THE BACK PAGE

Reduce junk mail and cold calls A new website has been launched to help consumers reduce unwanted junk mail and cold calling. StayPrivate.org will allow you to simultaneously sign up to the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) and the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). http://stayprivate.org. MATiSSE Cost Savings Calculator Take the MATiSSE Smarter-Working Costs CALculator challenge and see how much your organisation can save! This three step tool produces a report which shows the areas you could save money on. www.savings.computerassets.co.uk/matisse. T- Ze r o is a tool that provides independent sustainable refurbishment advice to users, with the option of linking directly to the suppliers, manufacturers,

Cartoonist: Rupert Besley

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Our RUBS section is where we pass on stuff we come across that we think is really useful – it does what it says on the tin! If you have a tip that you think is really useful let us know and we'll share it here. Your forum for export advice Export Talk' is UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) South East's international trade forum; a forum where members can receive free impartial advice from the UKTI team of international trade experts, share export knowledge and experiences, plus network with like-minded companies. Email the 'Export Talk' team on forum@uktisoutheast.com www.uktisoutheast.com/forum.

CHANGING TIMES

and installers of any measures you choose. It is designed for those refurbishing their own homes, homes they manage, or the homes of clients, taking you through a series of simple steps. www.tzero.org.uk. Dell Outlet store Dell Outlet sells refurbished and reconditioned computer equipment which is limited in quantity. These are products which have been returned to Dell for a variety of reasons including cancellation and specification changes. Prices in the stockroom exclude VAT and delivery. Dell Outlet Systems do not come with monitors as standard. All products have been tested and repackaged to Dell factory standards and come with a full service pack. High demand - so start shopping now - to get the system that's right for you! www.dell.co.uk/outlet. Join LinkedIn Over 65 million professionals use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. Stay informed about your contacts and industry. Find the people and knowledge you need to achieve your goals. Control your professional identity online. www.linkedin.com.

Steve Blamire is known as a free-thinking and sometimes radical business consultant who contributes innovation and an inventive flair. In Steve’s monthly column, here and on Island Business Online, he’ll be musing on a wide range of subjects. Contact Steve at steve@steveblamire.co.uk

The benefits of flexible manufacturing networks and local supply chains.

few years ago I was working on a project that involved trips to the Tampere region in Finland and the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. What really struck me in both regions were the incredibly dynamic economies built around the micro and SME sectors. Emilia-Romagna in particular had a really interesting manufacturing sector, built around ‘flexible networks’ apposed to enormous factories, and often referred to as one of the best examples of ‘cooperative capitalism’. At the time I was really excited about the potential to export this kind of model back to the Island, as it would really complement the structure of our economy. Production is geared to demand, generic machinery often switches product lines, and supply chains are local. And although production is primarily for export, it is relatively immune from boom-bust cycles and global economic shocks due to the flexible nature of the businesses and the short supply chains . And if you are thinking well that’s all lovely but I guess they live some form of subsistence lifestyle that is far from true, the local wage is double that of the Italian national average and 45% of its GDP comes from cooperatively owned enterprises. Similarly in the Tampere region I discovered a mass of microbusiness producing very high quality craft and design products predominantly for export. Again they were built around small local supply chains with a flexible manufacturing approach. I was intrigued to find out how they achieved these models and as a result I was lucky enough to

be taken to visit a local college. What I witnessed was quite incredible, they had a pod-based system where each student spends a period of time learning a certain craft (wood, metal, glass, textiles, etc.) and then, as they progressed, they would narrow down to one area of expertise. The quality of the work on show was outstanding, including ornately inscribed hunting rifles, delicately inlaid guitars, and beautifully crafted textiles. Once the student has completed their studies they can then move either on to advanced studies at university or start their own micro-business and utilise a range of local support structures. But what became apparent was that in both Tampere and EmiliaRomagna the process began in pre-school. Both systems don’t begin formal education until children are seven years old and learning is centered around play. This philosophy continues in the workplace where work-life balance is the focus and play is utilised to generate an extremely productive workforce and cohesive community. I still think that this kind of model could work for the Island and create an economy free from the shocks of the past year or so. But to achieve it would need a huge shift in approach, as it is not something that can be ‘bolted-on’ to our existing system. The current economic climate presents a great opportunity to rebuild our economy in a more sustainable form, but that takes someone with a vision and the capacity to make it happen. Maybe the pending overhaul of our local education system may present someone with that opportunity?

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