Photo: IW AONB - Photographer Liz Cooke
Green Island Making the most of our environment?
Also in this issue... BETTER BUSINESS
SPECIAL REPORT
COMPANY PROFILE
CHAMBER MATTERS
Health and wellbeing for business – Part 1: The workforce. How you benefit from investing in staff health.
Choosing a franchise. In the first of a two-part report into franchising we look at how to pick a suitable franchise.
From fashion to fabrics. How one woman's determination led to one of the Island's most enduring businesses.
New members, Chamber people, member benefits, and event dates for your diary.
CONTENTS
MAY 2010
President’s foreword
H
ello and welcome to the May edition of Island Business Magazine. Depending on when you read this, either the General Election is imminent, or you will be celebrating / mourning the outcome. Whoever takes control will need to talk and work with businesses to ensure that we can get some real stability and wealth creation going. As ever, my firm belief is that the Chamber movement is an ideal partner for this cooperation at all levels of government. This month we are featuring ‘Green Island’ and businesses which recognise the importance of the environment – not only locally and nationally, but also to the well-being of their own enterprises. A great deal of noise was made about the Eco-Island project when it was launched, but a shift in political will along with economic challenges have seemingly pushed it down the agenda. The Chamber has recently launched its own EcoBusiness Hub to bring together many companies, individuals, and skills to move things on here on the Island, hopefully in full co-operation with the local authority and other statutory bodies. Young Chamber continues to go from strength to strength and the annual Awards Night takes place early this month and will be covered in next month’s issue. Our best wishes go to all participants and our congratulations to the winners. A recent open letter from the MD of one of our ferry companies highlighted his concerns over the infrastructure plans of the Island – particularly with reference to our gateways. Without good access, any development of the Island will be seriously compromised if the ferry ports are not able to meet the demands of industry, tourism and, indeed, the local population. The investment in both ships and ports is huge and these businesses need confidence in the future before that investment is made. Hopefully, the message will get through to decision makers and also make some residents realise how easily we could slip back to being a poor relation of the South East without the improvements. Finally, a cautionary tale to all you men when choosing a hobby. While racing my Ducati over Easter, I had a bit of a ‘moment’ which resulted in some bruising in a delicate area and damage to the bike. When recalling the event to a friend in the paddock, Mrs. P said: "If you kill yourself on that stupid bike, don’t expect to see me at your funeral!" My friend said: "You must be Mrs. Porter?" to which she replied; "not for much longer!" Fortunately, with the bike back in the van and after a nice cup of tea, everything settled down and we are (hopefully) best of friends again. Until the June issue, take care of yourselves and those around you.
Steve Porter, President IWCCTI
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NEWS A roundup of business news
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BETTER BUSINESS Health and wellbeing for business – Part 1: The workforce
11 THE EXPERT’S VIEW Information and communications technology Photo: IW AONB - Photographer Liz Cooke
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FEATURE Green Island – making the most of our environment?
15 THE EXPERT’S VIEW Money matters
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SPECIAL REPORT Franchising – Part 1: Choosing a franchise
21 THE EXPERT’S VIEW Legally speaking 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.
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Hellerslea Fabrics - from fashion to fabrics
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
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CLASSIFIEDS Our classified section
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See digital editions of Island Business Magazine on www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk
CHAMBER MATTERS 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’s musings on self-help business books together with Rupert Besley’s visual commentary. Plus RUBS – Really Useful Business Stuff
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THE STARTING LINE BY THE EDITOR
W
hat a trying few months it's been for business! First there's a budget that's all about politics and which we all know will need re-visiting after the election, whoever wins. Then, as if the shutdown caused by January's snow wasn't enough, businesses have had to face the disruption caused by the Icelandic eruption and the ensuing travel chaos. Isn't it time we had a break? By the time many of you read this the General Election will be behind us, the dust will be settling, and we'll be able to come to terms with how the business and economic landscape will look for the foreseeable future. What's certain is that whoever is in power there will be no easy answers or quick fixes to the financial and economic problems we face. It will be down to businesses, the country's wealth generators, to dig deep, develop new ideas or make old ones work harder, and start to recover from the mess we've found ourselves in. Having spent the past six months meeting Island business people and exploring some of the key sectors for our monthly features, what I'm convinced of is the opportunity we have on this Island to create and support some superb and valuable businesses. This month's feature, the first of a twoparter on Green Island has once again resulted in us meeting an amazing number of passionate individuals with energy, enthusiasm, and brilliant ideas. They need to be encouraged and supported. The challenge that will face the incoming government will be how to deliver a lighter bureaucratic and regulatory touch, create incentives and remove barriers, and then let businesses go about the work they do best – delivering innovation, jobs, and profits. I was asked recently why we don't have a readers' letters section and the answer is simple – send us your letters (or more likely, emails) and we'll be delighted to publish them. Until next month, may business be good to 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 JUNE 2010 Published 1 June • Green Island – Part 2 – Eco Island update plus lots more on Island green issues and companies • Better Business – Search engine optimisation • Special Report – Franchising Part 2: Franchising your business • Company Profile – Yates’ Brewery • Chamber Matters – Monthly update 2
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Finally – fast, cheap travel to London
I
sland residents have been campaigning for better and more competitively priced links to London for a while and now Greyhound UK, Southern Vectis, and Hovertravel are rolling out their solution of an 'all in one' ticket for under a tenner. From 1 May the three transport companies will provide an 'all in one' ticket from anywhere on the Island to London from just £8, plus a 50p booking fee, with an average single fare of £14. The operators promise to provide reliable and quick journey times and pledge to carry customers from Newport to London in under three hours. In order to shorten journey times Greyhound has designed its timetable alongside Hovertravel and will start and end its Portsmouth - London services
directly outside Hovertravel's Southsea terminal at Clarence Pier. Southern Vectis already drop and collect bus passengers at its interchange next door to Hovertravel's terminal meaning passengers are delivered door-to-door throughout their journey. "Our unique partnership with Southern Vectis and Hovertravel is good news for the Isle of Wight," said Alex Warner, Managing Director of Greyhound UK. "Residents will have a reliable, more integrated, cheaper, and quicker service to London available from anywhere on the Island. In addition, we think the £8 ticket will encourage lots of tourists and day trippers out of London to visit the many attractions on the Island and provide a boost to the local economy."
Green light for woodland project
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he Isle of Wight's woodland industry is set to receive invaluable support thanks to a new collaborative project between the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership (IWEP) and the Isle of Wight's Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB). Graham Biss, Chief Executive of IWEP said: "The aim of the project is to increase the economic and environmental value of the Island’s woodlands, addressing both the supply and demand chains of local woodland products." Graham continued: "Much of the Island’s woodland has been underdeveloped as markets for timber on the Island are very limited; but with more businesses and communities choosing biomass as a source of heat, it provides a boost for the rural economy with jobs being created, from foresters and hauliers to wood fuel suppliers and boiler installers." A part-time project officer, Danny
Horne joins IWEP to help deliver the project and to work with local professionals and businesses to encourage the use of Island woodland products. His main focus will be to promote the economic and environmental benefits to key decision makers and to identify the Island’s economic woodland activities and potential. A dedicated website for the Isle of Wight’s woodland industry, Woodworks Wight, supports the project and offers information to both Isle of Wight consumers and to the woodland owners.
NEWS
MAY 2010
Royal visit for RF Engines
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is Royal Highness The Duke of Kent visited RF Engines Limited (RFEL) at their Island offices as part of a tour to meet with Island companies that have recently won the Queen's Award. RF Engines won the 2009 Queen’s Award for Innovation, and CEO John Summers said that receiving the Award has boosted awareness of the company in the global market, and helped to draw attention to its unique solutions for Digital Signal Processing (DSP). "We provide solutions for the most challenging DSP problems," Mr Summers explained. "Many problems can be solved using standard software and firmware solutions but, when these run out of steam, companies come to us for
Financial help for graduate internships
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our expertise in knowing how to achieve better performances and faster response times because we do this every day. Our team includes several PhDs and is probably one of the leading centres of excellence for DSP in the world." RFEL started business in 2000 and employs over 20 highly qualified personnel. It has been profitable for several years and has been steadily growing year on year in both revenue terms and head count.
Extreme 40s return to Cowes
outhampton Solent University is the lead partner in a scheme to place graduates in 80 internships in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. They are working in partnership with the universities of Southampton and Winchester and the regional graduate retention initiative; Graduate Jobs South (GJS) are managing the process. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) is providing funding of £13.6 million for 8,500 graduate internships nationally. The funding aims to support the increased numbers of unemployed graduates in the economic downturn, and support employers in the Government's priority areas for economic growth. The GJS graduate internships will run for a minimum of 12 weeks, fulltime and employers will receive £1,350 towards the intern's salary. The employer will be required to pay the intern at least the minimum wage for the duration of the internship.
Funding for rural community broadband
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T
he UK round of the Extreme Sailing Series, run by East Cowes-based OC Events, will again be held in Cowes during Cowes Week. Previously known as the iShares Cup, this year's series is currently without a sponsor and has been slimmed down from six to five events held between May and October in France, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The Cowes event will be the second of the series and up to ten teams are expected to compete. Previously, Mark Turner CEO of OC Group had told Island Business that financial support would be needed from the Island if the UK round was to return to Cowes, but neither he nor Cowes Week organisers, Cowes Week Ltd., would comment on the arrangements for this year's event. With a further announcement expected from OC Events this month it may be
that a title sponsor has been found for whom Cowes is an important venue. Interestingly, all the series events run over four days except for the Cowes round, which will be six days, running from Saturday, 31 July to Thursday, 5 August. This year, the racing will be held later in the day to allow Cowes Week sailors as well as the general public to enjoy the racing and the entertainment at the Egypt Point race village. Stuart Quarrie, CEO of Cowes Week Limited said: "We're delighted to welcome the Extreme 40s back to Cowes Week. Last year the racing added hugely to the spectacle of our regatta and, having taken onboard the feedback received, we're delighted that some of the racing will be held later in the day enabling more Cowes Week sailors to enjoy the spectacle too."
Read national business news on www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk
ural communities throughout the South East can now apply for capital grants to increase their access to broadband. The funding programme is expected to improve local services, stimulate economic development, and increase social inclusion. Through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), £375,000 has been made available until the end of 2010. The grants are managed by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). Robert Crawford, of SEEDA, said: "This grant funding will help rural communities compete and promote growth throughout the local economy." The funding will provide access to broadband infrastructure or upgrade the existing network to ensure a minimum speed of 2Mb/s. Expressions of interest must be received by 31 May. For more information call David Cooper at SEEDA on 01483 501304.
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NEWS
New Seaward workboat on trials
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT
New training service for employers
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C
owes-based Seaward Marine, builders of the Seaward range of semi-displacement motor cruisers and workboats, has been putting their new Seaward Nelson 42 through its trials on the Solent. The craft was moulded and fitted out by Seaward Marine under Lloyds Register survey for the mouldings and under Danish Maritime Authority certification for use as a general purpose workboat with duties to include pilot boarding operations.
Gearing up with lottery help
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n interest free loan from the Isle of Wight Lottery is helping a Sandown bike business move up a gear. Alan Sheath, who runs ReCycle-D says the loan has made the difference between standing still and expanding, and he is now preparing for a busy season. Alan launched his business three years ago after repairing and re-building bikes that others had thrown away. The Lottery loan means he has been able to meet demand from customers for new bikes too, and he now stocks a range of Barracuda, Haro, and Freespirit mountain bikes, as well as the Haro BMX range. Alan, who was born and bred on the Island, said: "The process of getting the Lottery loan was straightforward, and it is doubly helpful because you get the support of a business adviser too." Alan also sells bicycle parts, exporting to collectors all over the world. "I have been keen on bikes ever since I was a child," Alan said. "I love what I do, and it’s good that so many Islanders enjoy cycling, too." 4
sland Training, the new specialist employer engagement training arm at the Isle of Wight College, has been launched following the merger of IW Industrial Group Training Services, the IW College's business development unit, and the College's work-based learning team. The new venture will provide employers with a range of training opportunities for their workforce including apprenticeships, NVQs in the workplace, and bespoke training courses designed to meet specific needs. Fidelma Washington, Director of Workforce Skills, described the launch of Island Training as an exciting time for the College in line with the College’s mission statement of 'working with employers'. "Work-based learning remains high on the Government agenda with significant national growth planned for apprenticeships for the future," she said. "Consolidating our knowledge and expertise will ensure that we are in the best position to respond to employer demand." Island Training has relationships with hundreds of companies across the Island and there are specialists available in each area available to talk to employers about their training needs. It is actively seeking funding opportunities to support
employers and learners and is currently involved with the apprentice redeployment support programme. Island Training is also involved in the delivery of European Social Fund (ESF) projects to provide funded training programmes for employees who are at risk of redundancy, have been made redundant and are unemployed, to upgrade their skills to assist them in securing alternative employment.
Hunt for most enterprising place
T
he search for the South East's most enterprising place is underway following the launch of the Enterprising Britain 2010 competition by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). The competition rewards cities, villages, towns, and neighbourhoods in the South East that have tackled the economic downturn and are successfully creating jobs, boosting local business, and nurturing entrepreneurial talent. This year, the competition has expanded to include five categories which are Enterprise Culture, Driving Entrepreneurial Skills, Business Support and Start-up, Global Entrepreneurship, and Social Cohesion. Organisations can enter any or all of the categories and regional winners will attend the national finals later in the year. Last year, Chatham Historic Dockyard was named the South East’s most enterprising place in the initial stage of
the competition, and Bill Ferris, Chief Executive of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust said: "Winning the title of the South East's most enterprising place in 2009 really raised the profile of The Historic Dockyard Chatham in its 25th Anniversary year, together with all the organisations working hard to regenerate this area." Enterprising Britain is free to enter and is open to all organisations that are working in partnership to create an enterprising place. The place can be a town, a city, a parish, school, college, or a neighbourhood. Organisations must demonstrate that enterprise is central to the economic and/or social transformation of the place. Entries must be submitted by 31 May and the winner will be announced in October. Visit the website www.enterpriseuk.org/get_involved/enter prising_britain for entry details.
Did your last new recruit bring you £1,500? No? Well your next one could. HTP* can offer grants of £1,500 to employers in the South East to take on school or college leavers as Apprentices. What’s more, HTP—the Apprenticeship specialists— can make the process of finding an Apprentice and accessing the grant easy. We’ll advertise your vacancy for free on the National Apprenticeship website and manage the recruitment process with you. Then, we can provide the highest quality training in Hospitality & Catering, Retail, Customer Service, Administration and dozens of other roles to help you bring the best out of your Apprentice.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Call HTP now on 01983 533926
*Supported by the European Social Fund. Other groups also eligible. Eligibility terms & conditions apply.
Che a for p trav gue el sts
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.
Cowes Cow es W Week eek O Opportunities pportunities The iisland’s The sland’s b biggest iggest eevent vent iiss b back ac k a and nd yyou ou ccan an maximise m aximise tthe he b business u sin e s s o opportunity ppor tunity b byy ssnapping n a p p in g up u p tthe he llimited imited n number umb e r o off h hospitality o s p i t a li t y a and nd ssponsorship p o n s o r s hi p packages p ackages tthat hat start start ffrom rom ju just st £ £500. 5 0 0. H Hospitality ospitality P Packages ackages E Event vent b banners anners S Sampling ampling sstands tands
S Sponsorship ponsorship Fl Flags ag s Pa Party r ty n nights ights
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
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NEWS IN BRIEF Charity run Newport jewellery shop manager David Taylor, raised more than £1,000 for the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, when he ran the Virgin London Marathon last month. David ran in memory of his father-in-law, John, who had dementia and died two years ago. David, who lives in Cowes, said: "My father-in-law lived with dementia for five years and it was heartbreaking for the family to see such a strong and proud man lose his abilities and independence." Street view guide to houses Netguides has integrated Google Street View with Megan Baker Estate Agent’s website. The new service means prospective buyers can view houses as if they're standing outside the property. As well as giving the viewer a look at the exterior of the property, they can view the surrounding area and explore the locality by ‘travelling’ along streets. Thomas Cowley of Netguides said: “Helping our customers reach out in new ways to find larger audiences ensures their web presence continues to deliver high value as a marketing and sales channel in changing times." Frontline workshop An interactive workshop for frontline staff will focus on how to communicate more effectively in a diverse community. Organised by the Island Strategic Partnership, with Red Tie Theatre, the session will help reception staff and others who deal directly with clients and customers to understand the issues facing migrant workers, and other groups. The free event will be held at Quay Arts, Newport, on Thursday, 27 May, with two sessions: from 1300 to 1530, and 1700 to 1930. Contact Nikki Parker on 01983 527565 for information or to book. Students race round 'the Island' Island Year 9 students are gearing up to compete in the ‘other’ round the Island race next month. The Young Chamber members are building model boats to race round an islandshaped route in the basin of the Island Sailing Club on the afternoon of 18 June, after the official Round the Island Race press conference. The model boat version of the race was first run last year, when students from Cowes High School designed and built four model boats. It was such a success that the competition has been opened up to students across the Island. 6
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Prison is big business
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MP Isle of Wight was created a year ago, and is now one of the Island’s biggest businesses – and the country’s largest prison. Formed from the merger of Parkhurst, Albany, and Camp Hill, it is now on what the Governor, Barry Greenberry, calls ‘a never-ending journey to perfection’. A key element of the prison’s restructuring and development is the desire to create a positive environment in which staff and the 1,700 prisoners are treated as members of a team. "It is like the biggest Big Brother house ever, in here," said Barry. "It is a highly controlled and closely observed place, for obvious reasons, and that creates a unique pressure." HMP Isle of Wight is not just the biggest prison in the country, it is also the furthest ahead in the way it has modernised along business lines. The merger of the three prisons into one has generated efficiency savings of around £3 million, and staffing reductions have all been achieved by natural wastage. "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 now on a
Barry Greenberry
never-ending journey to perfection. We want to be the flagship of the whole prison service." Integration into the Island community is an important part of the prison’s 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. See the July edition of Island Business for a full profile of HMP Isle of Wight.
Local businesses go to school
L
ocal businesses have been getting involved in educating youngsters with a scheme run by Mayfield Middle School. The programme of family learning and activities aims to get pupils, parents, extended family members, and companies working together to involve the local community in the school environment and to support the curriculum in interesting and different ways. Mayfield, whose students are aged 9-13, runs a different session most Friday afternoons during term-time, as well as some weekend and evening workshops. Amongst some recent participants in the initiative are Thorntons, whose staff ran afternoon sessions helping pupils and their parents to decorate chocolate advent calendars whilst they also took part in activities designed to improve their maths. Two evening workshops were run by Steve Thomas, who taught parents and children how to build football-playing robots, as well as talking about the future of robotics and offering advice to
Breakfast chef Nigel Smith
students on how to develop their own ideas. The most recent 'Family Friday' session involved Nigel Smith, owner of The Bagel Wrap in Ryde. He visited the school early in the morning to help prepare a healthy breakfast for over 70 pupils and parents. This proved so successful that it looks set to become a regular event.
“ Phone Simon TODAY on 01983 295050 H o s t e d b u s i n e s s Vo I P f r o m W i g h t c a b l e Communications House, 56 Love Lane, Cowes, IW, PO31 7EU simonbrittain@wightcable.com voip.wightcable.com
BEAUTY AND EFFICIENCY. TOGETHER.
DO YOU LISTEN TO YOUR HEART OR YOUR MIND?
Are you seduced by style? Or do you delve deeper to question every detail? The new Hyundai ix35 will satisfy both your heart and mind. Perfectly. Its fluidic design, stylish interior and impressive equipment levels will immediately set your heart racing. To satisfy your mind, it has ample safety features. It’s also the first Hyundai to offer our new 5 Year Triple Care* package – which includes our Five Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty*, five years` RAC roadside assistance† and five annual vehicle health checks.
The Hyundai ix35 – from just £16,495.** www.beautyandefficiency.co.uk
WIGHT MOTORS LIMITED 01983 405565 College Close, Sandown www.wighthyundai.co.uk *5 Year Triple Care terms and conditions apply. Please see www.hyundai.co.uk/owners/Triple5 or ask your local dealer for full terms and conditions. Warranty cover for cars used as taxis or private hire is subject to 100,000 mile limit. **Model shown is the Hyundai ix35 Premium 2.0 CRDi 2WD at £20,150 including Sirius Silver metallic paint at £405. † Roadside Assistance is provided by RAC Motoring Services Reg’d office: RAC House, 8 Surrey Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR1 3NG Reg’d No 1424399. RAC Motoring Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and within the jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
Fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km) for Hyundai ix35 range: Urban 28.8 (9.8) - 42.8 (6.6), Extra Urban 46.3 (6.1) - 57.6 (4.9), Combined 37.7 (7.5) - 51.4 (5.5) CO2 Emissions 177-147 g/km.
Visit www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk for up-to-date Isle of Wight business news
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NEWS IN BRIEF
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Putting Brighstone on the map
B
All that jazz Three more acts have been added to the line-up for the first ever ‘Jazz on the Meadow’ Concert at the Ventnor Botanic Garden on Saturday, 22 May. Supporting headliner Courtney Pine will be jazz violinist Omar Puente, American songstress Keri Highland, and exciting young saxophonist Benedict Branca, alongside The Ric Harris Trio and Edana Minghella. A classic event Classic cars from all over the UK will be heading for the Island in September for the ninth Charity Classic Car Extravaganza. Organiser Victor Gallucci is expecting more than 600 vehicles, which will be on display at Newport Quay on Saturday, 18 September, and Ryde Esplanade the following day. Money donated at Newport will go to the Barely Born Appeal, and at Ryde to Earl Mountbatten Hospice. The annual event is sponsored by Wightlink, Isle of Wight Council, and the Isle of Wight County Press. Payment revolution on British/Polish agenda The mobile payments revolution was the theme of the British Polish Chamber of Commerce’s (BPPC's) seventh annual conference last month. The event, held in Warsaw, stressed the need for businesses to get up to speed on the next generation of mobile phones which will enable fast payment for goods and services through the use of electronic readers. Martin Oxley, Chief Executive Officer of the BPCC said: “The payment revolution will happen, and it will be a major driver of future economic growth. There will be winners and losers and it is important businesses learn quickly so they don’t miss out." For more, visit www.bpcc.org.pl. 8
usinesses are working with the community at Brighstone to help put the village on the map. Led by the Parish Council and the Brighstone and District Community Forum, the aim is to encourage Islanders and tourists to make the most of what the village offers. The campaign has got off to a flying start, with the development of a new Discover Brighstone website, brand new leaflets, and a Facebook presence – all achieved since the campaign was launched in January. Chairman of Brighstone and District Community Forum, Peter Jostins, said: "Brighstone is a great place for all kinds of leisure activities, in a beautiful setting. The Discover Brighstone Project will put Brighstone on the map and help ensure businesses stay here and develop."
Sue Chorley, a Parish Councillor and Forum member, said: "We have a lively and active community in Brighstone as well as a beautiful environment around us. We are determined to ensure the continuation of both. Local people are very supportive of the project and there is considerable interest in ensuring that our new Discover Brighstone website develops into a useful interactive tool." For more information, go to www.brighstoneparish.org.
Galloping ahead
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n Island landscaping business plans to really take off this year. Lee Daniels, owner of LD Transformations, has grown steadily since he began doing garden clearance work five years ago. Now he tackles anything from garden re-design to driveway installations, and has even branched out into home improvements. Recent projects also include fitting out and landscaping a children’s play area at the Cheeky Chimps nursery in Ryde.
Now Lee is expanding into building jumps for horses. “I heard that there is not a single company south of Birmingham that produces the jumps, and there appears to be a lot of interest in the south, so I am bridging the gap,” he said. Lee is proud of the fact that all his commissions have come from word of mouth. “I think some of that is down to the fact that I am not just prepared to give anything a go, but I always try to do everything to the highest standards,” he said.
Chamber takes to the water
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elican Racing and Cowes Yacht Haven are running an exclusive sailing event for Chamber of Commerce members – WightSail 2010. The brand new event offers Island businesses the chance to have fun, compete, network and build teams – all supported by Pelican’s instructors. Wightsail 2010 will be held on Wednesday, 2 June at Cowes Yacht Haven, and no sailing experience is necessary.
Participants will receive a safety briefing, get kitted out with all-weather gear (if required) and then take to the water for some practice before getting into fun racing. Later, Cowes Yacht Haven will be hosting a BBQ. The cost of £10 per person goes to the event charity, Toe in the Water, which helps service personnel who return injured from conflict overseas. For information or to book a place, email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk.
www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk
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BETTER BUSINESS
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Sources: Lynette Herbst: IW Chamber Health chamberhealth@iwchamber.co.uk IW Chamber Health has a qualified team of nurses who work with the Island NHS to support and improve health in the workplace. Business Link South East www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast Business Link advise now is the time to review and implement health, wellbeing, and sickness policies; consider health when drafting all employment-related policies. Dr Fiona Kennedy: GreenWood Mentors Ltd www.greenwoodmentors.com GreenWood Mentors offer business coaching and mentoring to executives on the Island, along with psychological expertise of all types.
Health and wellbeing for business Part 1: The workforce
Increased motivation and concentration are just a couple of the benefits of having a healthy workforce, but what are the real benefits to businesses and employees of investing in staff health?
W
hatever your industry, size of business or location, your employees are a valuable asset. Proactive management of employees' physical and mental health can produce important business benefits. A growing number of employers now recognise employee health and wellbeing as a strategic priority, particularly during these challenging economic times. Managing health, work, and wellbeing, however, is the responsibility of both the employer and the employee. Work can have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing. Employees who are healthy and well motivated can have an equally positive impact on the productivity and effectiveness of a business, and provide the business with an improved public image and higher staff retention rates. This in turn cuts down on the additional expenses of recruitment, 10
Louisa Mamakou considers health at work induction, and the need to train new staff. As Nova Lifestyles Director Sara Mosley said: "By keeping your staff healthy and happy, employees are more likely to stay with the company, thus reducing the often considerable costs of recruitment and training of new employees." Dr Fiona Kennedy, Chartered Clinical Psychologist at GreenWood Mentors added: "Businesses gain from improvements to the bottom line by avoiding the costs of sickness, improved creativity and positivity in performance and also in communications with other organisations, adding to the impression of a healthy and thriving company."
Sara Mosley: Nova Lifestyles www.novalifestyles.co.uk Nova Lifestyles aim is to raise awareness of the benefits of improving health and wellbeing generally, and inform people about the different ways this can be achieved. Steven Marsh: TJ's Gym & Exercise Studio www.tjs-gym.co.uk Steven Marsh works with several Island businesses: "Staff benefit from exercise programmes at the Studio on a corporate basis, or from in-house visits, where advice, education, and treatment are offered." Kathryn Hall: Gurit (UK) Ltd Kathryn.Hall@gurit.com Working for Health www.workingforhealth.gov.uk Acas - www.acas.org.uk
While the benefits of work greatly outweigh any disadvantages, work can also be bad for your health. Figures show that two million people suffer an illness they believe has been caused or made worse by their work. This can take the form of stress, anxiety, back pain, depression, and increased risk of coronary heart disease. Non-work related mental ill health is the most significant cause of long-term absence, and musculoskeletal problems the second most significant. With one million people reporting sick each week, businesses suffer too. The Confederation of British Industry estimated that 175 million working days were lost last year to sickness, at a cost to the economy of ÂŁ13 billion. "The financial costs of sick leave are enormous," said Dr Kennedy, "with the cost of lost production, sick pay and the long-term costs of such consequences as failing to deliver to schedule. A workforce member's sick leave has knock-on effects on members of his or her team, meaning extra workload for them, increasing the likelihood that they will become stressed and need time off." An unhealthy workplace is usually easy to recognise. It often has poor management, a bullying culture, poor
CHAMBER INTERVIEW THE EXPERT’S VIEW
MAY 2010
Get checked "Health is important wherever you are. Evidence tells us that early identification of health problems is very important," advises Lynette Herbst, IW Chamber Health Nurse Manager. "Chamber Health works closely with the Island NHS Primary Care Trust, which recognises the need for people to be screened for cardiovascular disease. "People are often too busy to go to their GP, and some won’t go because they could lose money by taking time off. "We screen in workplaces because that helps us reach people who are most at risk. We also peovide 'stop smoking' services at work and advice to help people live healthier lives. "Businesses could do more by encouraging employees to cycle to work, or setting up a walking club. Those who provide food on the premises could review their menus to ensure employees get healthy meals. "One thing every business could do is to contact Chamber Health and invite us in to do a free health check." Newport-based company Gurit has recently taken advantage of Chamber Health's screening services for Island businesses. Kathryn Hall, HR and Development Manager explained: "Gurit was approached by the Chamber Health team regarding their on-site health screening services for staff. "We worked with Chamber Health to publicise the health checks and stop smoking service and had a tremendous response. Feedback has been very complimentary; employees thought this a great initiative which enabled them to think about health issues they might not normally have considered. "From an employer's point of view, Chamber Health's services have been a great way for us to promote health and wellbeing amongst the workforce. Any activities which help promote long-term health and decrease absence are beneficial to our organisation." customer service, high absence levels, reduced productivity, and unreasonably high work demands. Good relationships have the potential to make workplaces healthy and productive. But promoting a healthy and productive workplace is not just about being nice to each other, although this obviously helps! Good employment relations are built upon effective policies for managing people issues such as communication, absence, grievances, and occupational health, as well as high levels of trust between employees and managers. Sara Mosley pointed out: "Staff who feel valued will perform better in all aspects of their work and are better able to achieve their full potential." The benefits of having a healthy workforce tend to outweigh the costs. Active encouragement to lead a healthy lifestyle will improve motivation and productivity in the workplace as well as generate a more upbeat outlook. Sara concluded: "By investing in staff wellbeing, a huge return on investment can be achieved. Those employers 'with vision' who recognise this and are prepared to spend time and money on staff support initiatives can reap the benefits in a variety of ways. It can be money well spent." Read the expanded article on Island Business Online. www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk
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
Do more with less
T
he challenge to “do more with less” continues to change the way IT works within business. On the back of the deepest recession for years, shrinking IT budgets have affected businesses of all sizes with a constant emphasis on cost saving whilst still maintaining day-to-day operations. Extended life cycles of equipment beyond traditional three year rotations have also placed a greater importance on resilience and disaster recovery planning. Server virtualisation technology is one technique which can help achieve these goals. For example, take an IT setup with separate physical machines each covering a specific role for users – email server, file server, web server and a database server. The basic reason behind virtualisation is that for most of the time these servers are idle and even during heavy usage have excess capacity. Without going into the nuts and bolts, essentially this spare capacity can be used to allow multiple independent copies of the operating system to be run on the physical server at the same time. Instead of four physical servers you now have one with an overall higher utilisation and savings in terms of space and power consumption. Years ago, virtualisation was enterprise only and priced accordingly but today cost effective solutions from companies such as market leader VMware with ESX ensure a solid platform to build on. This reliability is vital as having all your eggs in one basket might seem the opposite of resilience and disaster recovery! Yet virtualisation helps business
continuity in several key areas, for example in removing the link between the physical hardware platform and the operating system software. Especially applicable to Microsoft-based systems is the problem of hardware independent restore. In most cases if a server breaks down it must be replaced with the same core hardware; this is fine when a machine is under warranty and parts are available from suppliers. But what if the machine is several years old, a new replacement machine will be different to the original and this can play havoc with traditional backup software. Another benefit of virtualisation can be found in high availability solutions. In our previous example you could take the four physical servers and host these roles on a single virtual server. Yet by adding a second backup virtual server you could achieve full redundancy of all four server roles with each machine actually located at different areas within your building or site. With an appropriate solution you could experience a complete hardware failure of the primary server and have your users not even notice a difference. Doing more with less is a constant balancing act but virtualisation has some clear benefits which can help even small and medium-sized businesses maintain their IT efficiency. Contact: Jonathan at PC Consultants on 01983 811711 www.pcctechservices.co.uk Jonathan.thornton@pcconsultants.co.uk
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FEATURE
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Photo: IW AONB - Photographer Liz Cooke
Green Island making the most of our environment? Steve Sleight and Zara MacAlister explore how Island businesses and organisations are responding to green opportunities. 12
The Isle of Wight is often described as England in miniature but when it comes to the benefits and opportunities offered by the Island's environment there's nothing miniature about it.
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he Island's 150 square miles includes superb and varied countryside with about half of it designated as an Area of
Outstanding National Beauty (AONB). The AONB also covers about half of the Island's 60 miles of spectacular coastline including both the Hamstead and Tennyson Heritage Coast areas – a designation which is only given to coastlines of the highest quality and unspoilt nature. Packed into its perimeter is a variety of coastline types, from chalk cliffs to salt marshes, mud flats, sand banks, river estuaries, and seaside towns. The landscape is remarkably diverse – hence the 'England in miniature' description – and includes about 100 sq. miles of farmland and 20 sq. miles of urban areas. With the variety of its Solent and Channel coastlines, its attractive rural landscape, and the famous chalk ridge which runs across the whole Island, the Isle of Wight has a physical environment to be proud of and one that's important to protect and to utilise for its appeal to the vital tourism audience. Along with its 490 miles of roads (with their own unique character!), the Island also boasts over 200 miles of cycleways which offer visitors and residents some great cycle tours. For those who love walking, the Island is also a walker's paradise with superb scenery and, allegedly, more footpaths per square mile than any other English county - over 500 miles of footpaths in fact! From a 67 mile coastal walk around the Island to many shorter circular routes and town trails, there's a walk for every level of fitness and energy. The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is the UK's biggest and has a programme of more than 300 walks. Last year's event saw almost 25,000 people take part. (This year's dates are 8-23 May.) Tourism The natural environment is the Island's greatest asset and the biggest draw for the vital tourism audience, but the Island tourism industry generally has been slow to respond to the opportunities offered by, and the rapidly increasing demand for, eco-tourism. One company that did spot the opportunity is The Really Green Holiday Company run by Alison Martin and Anthony Davies. They offer low-carbon holidays in yurts based in the orchard at Afton Park. Alison set up the business four years ago after visiting the Big Green Gathering and seeing yurts for the first time.
FEATURE
MAY 2010
Although she loved camping she saw the opportunity offered by the relative luxury of yurts combined with a really lowcarbon holiday environment. But there's no pressure on visitors. "We just make it as comfortable and as easy to be green as we can," explained Alison. The formula is certainly an appealing one for a lot of visitors, as last year they reached 75% capacity and are hoping to improve on that this year. Another superb example of a green tourism business is Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures started by New Zealander Paul McCathie five years ago. A two-and-a-half hour session includes 15 minutes of instruction and safety briefing, kitting you out with a harness and hard hat, then you're off up the 60ft oak tree at the company's secret Island location. From the top you can look out over the Solent, or you can relax in a hammock, indulge in a bit of branch walking, or hang upside down among the canopy. Age is no barrier as Paul has had all ages climbing, from 5-75. At the end of your climb the picnic basket awaits with cakes baked just down the road, milk from cows living a few fields away, and tea, coffee, and juices that are all fairtrade or organic. Leaving the car at home With 75% of visitors to the Island coming by car it's obvious that there's a big impact on Island roads, towns and villages, plus increased congestion. Alison Martin makes it as easy as possible for people to leave their car at home when coming to stay in one of their yurts. She's happy to pick up visitors and their luggage from the ferry terminal, arrange bike hire, and provide information about bus travel. Last year 40% of their visitors didn't bring a car. The Goodleaf Tree Climbing Company offers a five per cent discount if you travel to their field on public transport, bike, or foot and they provide advice on bus routes, cycle paths and foot paths to make it as easy as possible for you to be a green tourist. They are also members of a new CarFree scheme set up on the Island by Lois Prior. "The scheme promotes any business that can offer an incentive to public transport users,� explained Lois, “as well as offering information about Island buses, trains, integrated tickets, and places to visit without the car.
The Really Green Holiday Company
Alison Martin and Anthony Davies run The Really Green Holiday Company offering environmentally friendly camping holidays in comfortable, fully furnished canvas yurts near Freshwater Bay. Having always loved camping, and with her experience in running holiday lets on the Island, Alsion decided to set up a business to give people holidays in yurts. "The draw is, that people want to have holidays under canvas and the Isle of Wight is a beautiful place to come to. We make everything as green as possible, but with choice so people can choose how much they want to cook, use their car, or to recycle." The yurts provide a special camping experience. "For me, it's about having a really comfy bed," said Alison. "For warmth you've got the wood burning stove, and it's magical lying in bed with the stove crackling away, watching the flames and keeping warm and cosy." The yurts are based in the middle of an orchard at Afton Park. "It's such a level, sunny site and the trees create a lot of privacy so each yurt has its own area for eating and sitting out." Living on the Island played a part in Alison deciding to start this type of business: "I came to the Island about 17 years ago and fell in love with it, and I love having people to visit and share the beauty of it," she concluded. Watch our interview with Alison on Island Business Online and visit: thereallygreenholidaycompany.com
See digital versions of Island Business Magazine on www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk
Goodleaf Tree Climbing
Goodleaf Tree Climbing was set up by New Zealander Paul McCathie in 2005. An arborist by trade, Paul's work has had him climbing trees professionally for over ten years. "The whole ethos of Goodleaf Tree Climbing is based on responsible tourism so we look at our impact on the environment and everything we do to it, so being green is an integral part of the business," said Paul. Paul is one of only a few people offering tree climbing in the UK, but over recent years it has become very popular in America and Japan. "It's gaining in popularity here," said Paul. "We're growing, and the Island is a wonderful place to have a business." Paul's experience as an arborist means he can talk knowledgeably about trees and his aim is for people to realise their importance to our habitat. He is also passionate about the Island's environment and the opportunity for green businesses. "So much of the Island is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it fosters green businesses for sure and there's lots of people that we've teamed up with who have a similar mindset." He's keen for the Eco Island idea to take root: "We really do need something to focus on to pull us all together so that we can act with a synergy that's really going to make a difference," he said. Watch our tree-borne interview with Paul on Island Business Online and for more information visit: www.goodleaf.co.uk
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FEATURE
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT Perfect for a family holiday
Ventnor Botanic Garden Ventnor Botanic Garden lies in a microclimate at the heart of the Undercliff in Ventnor, a place where the pleasure of plants can be enjoyed to the fullest and where there's a firm commitment to the furtherance of understanding of the plant kingdom. Curator Simon Goodenough explained that the garden is in public ownership, managed by the Isle of Wight Council, and is free of many of the constraints placed on other gardens. This gives Simon the opportunity to try 'new things', experiment with plant associations and maximise the advantage offered by the micro climate and topography of the site. A self-imposed remit of 'providing a public amenity that can be used for recreation, education, and conservation', are the goals. "We have a massive educational role," said Simon, "because we are focussed on the fact that there are huge environmental issues facing us and the plant kingdom is absolutely essential to resolving many of these problems." Incredibly, around about a quarter of a million plants get put out every year. "We don't bed out as such, but we do have a lot of things that we have to propagate if we have hard winters. "The surplus from that propagation we then sell so we do recoup the money. It's cost neutral but it could actually be a revenue generator as well if it was invested in." Simon believes that current green issues should make the Island very attractive for tourism. As he said: "The Cornish peninsula has been doing it for years, wake up Isle of Wight, we need to be doing it." Watch our interview with Simon on Island Business Online and find out more about this Island treasure at www.botanic.co.uk 14
Rapanui
The Drake-Knight brothers founded Rapanui on an ambitious sustainable business model and it became one of the youngest companies ever to be shortlisted for the Sustainable Business Awards. They began in 2008 using their savings of a few hundred pounds: "The business has naturally evolved and we've had to put all the money back in to grow the company. We're now in a place where we've got five people working for us, and we'll have another two soon," they explained. Mart has a degree in renewable energy and Rob's is in business, and between them they have the knowledge and passion to run a successful company. It was Mart's degree in renewable energy that made the brothers so aware of the environmental issues and created the desire to do something about it. "80% of the environmental impact of clothing happens after you've bought the clothes, through washing and so on," explained Rob. "The idea behind Rapanui is that if we can inform and educate people as to where their clothing comes from and how it's made, we can influence the wider lifestyle choices. "Fashion has the greatest potential to be a medium that brings about sustainable change through its unique power of influence." The ultimate goal for Mart and Rob is to encourage people to be more environmentally friendly: "If we can inspire people to make a wider lifestyle choice in going green and spark a change in the industry then I think we'll have done our job." There's a really interesting interview with Rob and Mart in our video report on Island Business Online and you can also visit: www.rapanuiclothing.com
"The scheme has been kept simple and all visitors need to do to get a discount with participating businesses is to show their train, bus, or Rover ticket." The Goodleaf Tree Climbing Company and Vintage Vacations were the first to sign up to the scheme and Lois is hoping that many more will join this year. Climate change The small size of the Island and the variety packed into a small space shows up the effects of changes to the environment very clearly. The current risk of closure to the popular Military Road on the south of the Island shows how vulnerable our environment can be to the affects of nature. Whether you are a firm believer in, or sceptic of, man-made global warming, there can be no argument that climate change is happening. Simon Goodenough, curator of Ventnor Botanic Garden has more experience than most of how vulnerable our environment is to weather and climate. Simon took up his post in 1986 just before the Island's hardest winter in 150 years killed nearly 40% of the garden. Then, the two great storms of 1987 and 1990 destroyed almost 500 trees. Twenty-four years after Simon started to re-create the garden he says: "We've just had the worst winter since I first came here. "I firmly believe that there is climate change going on and that we are warming up, certainly the garden is one of the first places to show it. There's plants that I'm growing here that 24 years ago I wouldn't have dreamt of planting out of doors, "There's something afoot, how much of it is our fault and how much of it is cyclical remains to be seen. It's happening and so you deal with it. For example, we've just planted an olive grove. In Roman times there were olive groves on the Island so let's give it a go - Ventnor Virgin Oil, what a thought!"
THE EXPERT’S VIEW
MAY 2010 Comfy yurts in an orchard environment
MONEY MATTERS No business survives without managing its money well and our Expert’s View on money matters is here to make sure you don’t miss a trick. This month Gemma Ricketts, Director of Harrison Black considers the 2010 budget and the key factors effecting businesses and individuals from 6 April 2010. sponsored by
Simon and his small team have done wonders creating a mix of geographically-themed gardens, alongside the ornamental garden with mixed borders and ornamental shrubs. The garden, which is a publicly owned space run by the Council attracts 300,000 visitors a year. It's internationally recognised for its scientific importance and has a vital educational role. Simon is passionate about the opportunities for education and showcasing sustainability but recognises that public funds are not sufficient to realise his dreams. "I'd like to see a major self-sustaining glasshouse that is so energy efficient it will put energy back into the national grid. We're looking at rainwater capture, we're exploring sustainability in many forms. "We're going to have plants that we make available to everybody on the Island, that are raised on the Island so that they're not being bought in. We want to be truly self-sufficient and tell a huge story about it. Here in this little garden we could do a lot, we really, really could." Green business As we explored how the Island is responding to green issues we found lots of other Islanders who are passionate about developing green ideas and businesses. Some, like Vikoma, who are at the forefront of oil spill prevention and clean up, have been working in this field for decades but most others are new businesses focussed on the opportunities offered by sustainable energy technologies or the needs of a public with environmental concerns. Fashion and sustainability are not always obvious partners but Rapanui, a young Island clothing company, is showing that responsible clothing production can be a big draw for customers. Brothers Rob and Mart Drake-Knight have a passion for environmental sustainability and the desire to create an ethical clothing brand. The resulting company is one of the youngest ever to be shortlisted for the Sustainable Business Awards and has already sold products in 28 countries. The brothers evaluate the entire life cycle of each product and choose sustainable solutions that deliver the best net effect on the environment for the money. Their website aims to inform and educate customers with information on where the clothing comes from and how it is made. Renewable energy Another Island company responding to customers with environmental concerns is Fuel Britannia whose compressed straw logs are 100% biomass with a heat value equal to kiln dried wood. Family team Tom and John Smith and Caroline Knox, who farm in Merstone, have diversified into creating an alternative and renewable biofuel from their farm's straw production. www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk
The 2010 budget
W
ith a forthcoming General Election it was not surprising that Alistair Darling’s Budget speech was more political than in previous years.
With VAT returning to 17.5% in January this year this rate does not seem set to change but the turnover threshold registration did increased to £70,000 on 1 April.
Business The budget provided welcome news on helping to improve small businesses' cash-flow but the increase in the National Insurance Contributions and an increase in minimum wage from October to £5.93 from £5.80 per hour could have an adverse effect on jobs in smaller businesses. The key announcement for small businesses was a one-off support package of £2.5bn. This package includes a one year business rates holiday for properties valued up to £6,000, with a tapered relief for properties valued up to £12,000. This measure is expected to benefit over 300,000 businesses and will apply from October 2010. The introduction of a £100,000 Annual Investment Limit from £50,000 in 2009/10 will provide additional relief for those businesses planning capital expenditure, for tax paying businesses this will result in a potential tax saving of £15,000. There was also good news for individuals selling their business in 2010/11 due to Entrepreneurs Relief being doubled to £2 million, taxable gains up to this level will be taxed at a reduced rate of 10%. The increase in the relief provides a potential additional tax saving of £80,000. However, there was no change in the main rate of capital gains tax which remains at 18%, providing continuing benefit to those making chargeable disposals that in past years would be have been subject to the higher rate of tax.
Individuals Many of the measures effective from 6 April 2010 were deferred from previous announcements. However, one of the more significant measures was the removal of Stamp Duty Land tax for the purchase of residential properties up to £250,000 for first time buyers. This measure should help boost the housing market. However, to fund this relief those buying residential properties in excess of £1 million from 6 April 2011 will be subject to a 5% rate. In the 2009 Budget the Chancellor announced plans to introduce an additional rate of income tax. This will apply from 6 April this year with a 50% top rate on income in excess of £150,000. This rate is reduced to 42.5% on dividend income. The Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) investment limit was increased to £10,200 with up to half of that being able to be saved in cash. Contrary to previous announcements, the nil rate band for Inheritance Tax has remained frozen at £325,000 from 2010 to 2014/15. From October 2007 married couples and civil partnerships were able to transfer the allowance providing an effective joint tax free maximum of £650,000. Contact: You can contact Gemma on 01983 524731 or email: gemma@harrisonblack.co.uk or via the website: www.harrisonblack.co.uk 15
FEATURE Fuel Britannia
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Engenius
Ventnor Botanic Garden is one of the Island's treasures
Founded in 1990 by Laurie Tennant, Cowes-based Engenius Ltd, offers both the design and supply of solar, wind, and hydro power systems. Family team Caroline Knox, Tom and John Smith have diversified their farming business to create an alternative and renewable biofuel from sustainable straw production on their farm. The family had the ambition to provide an end product from their land. Recently, the initiation of Fuel Britannia Straw Logs has fulfilled that aim, providing a clean, effective, and green biofuel, ready for use in the home or garden. "We started producing straw logs in November 2009 after a six month period of getting the machinery over from Denmark and setting it all up," explained Caroline. The logs are made from chopped and compressed straw which is the byproduct of wheat, pea, and oil seed rape crops grown for food. Caroline said they have enough straw for the first few years, and added: "The machine has got capacity for 5,000 tonnes, and we don’t produce that much straw but we will be able to source straw from other farmers." "Each log weighs a kilo," said Caroline, "it's actually a bin bag full of straw squashed into a wine bottlesized log! The logs burns from 40 minutes to an hour giving off 4.5 kilowatts of energy which is the same as kiln dried wood." The logs are environmentally friendly and carbon neutral, and sales have gone well so far. "So far, we're in about 20 different outlets on the mainland," said Caroline, "and on the Island, people have really supported us – it's been very positive." For more information watch our online video story and visit: www.strawlogs.co.uk 16
Originally providing technical engineering services, they realised they had to look to future opportunities. Laurie said: "We identified renewables as an area of business growth and decided to focus on solar and wind power." Engenius now helps with the installation of both domestic and commercial renewable power systems as well as providing a consultancy service. “In the past people would have installed these systems for green reasons; it’s now a definite positive investment," explained Laurie. "Most properties have a system which is about the 1.5 kilowatt mark and which generates in the region of 1,200 units a year of electricity – about a third of a household's requirements. The cost of installation is usually about £10,000 and it earns approximately £900 per annum in income and avoided costs." One business using Engenius’ solar panels to great effect is Gary Hall's Plaza Ices in Cowes. Gary said his solar PV installation produces enough energy to charge up his storage freezers, and those in his ice cream vans, with the excess fed back to the grid, which he then gets paid for. "We're producing about 10 kilowatts per day and our ice cream vans use about 3 kilowatts per day to charge up," explained Gary. "One of the beauties of renewables," Laurie explained, "is that you can do things on a small scale and they are economically effective." For more information watch our video story on Island Business Online and visit: www.engenius.co.uk
Caroline, who also produces Oil of Wight Cold Pressed Rape Seed Oil, explained: "Everything you produce on a farm has got an energy value. You harvest grain for food, you could also burn the grain and produce electricity or heat with it. We started looking at that as an idea and during research we discovered that you can actually get as much energy from straw as you can from kiln dried wood." The family invested in a Danish briquetting machine and started producing straw logs in November 2009. The result is Fuel Britannia Straw Logs, a clean, effective, and green biofuel for use in the home and garden for summer or winter heating. What's more, it's a biofuel which is a by-product of food production rather than a replacement for it – a major criticism of much biofuel production. The family hoped to gain grant funding for the idea but: "We didn't succeed with the grant application," said Caroline, "it was seen as too innovative, but we so much believed in the project we just invested in it ourselves and moved forward with the idea." Another Island business which believes in the opportunities offered by renewable energy is Cowes-based Engenius Ltd. The company, run by Laurie Tennant is actually 19 years old and previously provided electrical engineering services. Laurie worked with Trinity Lighthouse Service converting their onshore and offshore lighthouse stations to solar power so he knows a thing or two about solar energy. Engenius is now focussed on the design and supply of solar, wind, and hydro power systems. Renewable energy is of particular significance to the Island as Laurie explained: "The Island is multiply blessed; we have one of the best sunshine ratios of the whole of the country, one of the best wind resources in the country, and the Island's also got two of the best
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE FROM WIGHT ENERGY LIMITED
Carbon footprint Wight Energy Limited is one of the Island’s green ambassadors, working with domestic and business users to help reduce the Island’s carbon footprint, while saving money for its customers.
B
rian Bailey, Chairman of Wight Energy, is also Chairman of the new Chamber of Commerce ECO Business Forum, supporting the education and development of the Island's Eco agenda. Ben-Lansley-Brown, Managing Director, runs the operation from the Cowes office and showroom. A firstclass team of nine highly qualified engineers covering all trades, gas, electric, plumbing, and building, support Brian and Ben in wanting to make Wight Energy a leader in providing energy services. Training is a major part of
www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk
the Company ethos, so embracing the latest technologies, while still keeping up with tradition, is key to the future success of the Company and plays a big part in job satisfaction within the team. Wight Energy supports all renewable energy systems, along with low energy products. While a number are still being improved, making them cost effective for the UK market, we have moved fully into air source heating systems, such as the one fitted in our showroom in Cowes. Mitsubishi air source heating and hot water systems are
good value for money and when you tie this in with the grants available, you will find it hard to do better. Saving energy is how we can all make that difference and if you want to play your part, call us, or pop in to see for yourselves. We have just added to our service the opportunity for local people to buy their utilities from a
local business, so if you are looking to get a better deal on your gas, electric, and/or phone and broadband, check us out. Wight Energy, striving to cut the cost of energy while reducing the carbon footprint. Wight Energy Ltd 7 Shooter Hill, Cowes. Tel 01983 282645
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FEATURE
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT Chilling out in trees
The Green House David Green has been designing a sustainable energy solution for his 1870s house for the past four years in a project that has continually evolved. "We started off with the concept of taking what was basically a rural home, and making it as sustainable as we possibly could," said David who has created a sustainable energy consultancy business out of the experience he has gained. "It was a massive challenge, even as recently as four years ago, to get good quality information," he said. David now has solar PV and solar thermal panels on his roof, has significantly increased the thermal insulation of the property, uses under floor and in-wall heating, and has an air source heat pump. He also collects rainwater which he currently uses for watering the garden, monitors his electricity usage, and has low energy lighting and LEDs. David gets enough energy from the solar PV to cover a large amount of the background power usage needed to supply his house. Any surplus goes back to the grid and they pay him for everything he generates. David admitted it's been a large investment but said: "Surveyors and valuers are starting to put this value back on properties, so when you do invest in this way, you're making a sensible investment in your property." David is confident that the whole country will be going this way soon: "There isn't really a massive solution for the country's energy supply, so I think one of the clever solutions is micro-generation. Otherwise, by 2015 when the grid is under pressure and the lights start going off - parties will be at my place!" For much more information on the Green House watch our video story on Island Business Online and visit: www.3greenlights.com
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tidal resources in the country. We have got to develop all those and if we don't we are failing in our duty." Laurie explained that the financial incentives increased considerably very recently: "As of 1 April there is a tariff system in place whereby renewable systems will qualify for support, through the power companies, which makes renewable investments really attractive; they're earning 8-10%, which in today's economic climate is very good. "Demand has gone through the roof because it is now a definite, positive investment." One of Laurie's customers is Gary Hall who owns Plaza Ices in Cowes. Gary has installed a solar PV system to help generate power for his house and for recharging the freezers which store his ice cream and the special hold-over freezers in his fleet of ice cream vans. Gary's keen to be green but also sees a business incentive: "We are trying to be green but I'm also a business man," he said pointing to the financial benefits. "The whole installation cost about ÂŁ9,000 but we benefited from a ÂŁ2,500 government grant and we now get paid 41p per kilowatt hour we produce." One person who needs no persuasion of the benefits of renewable energy is David Green. He's invested in rebuilding his 1870s house to incorporate a whole range of energy saving and generating technologies. His Green House is intended to be a showcase for the technologies and his consulting business. "What turned out to be a little bit of a tree hugging exercise has actually turned out to be something very financially rewarding," said David. "The government has brought in all of their new feed-in tariffs which apply to the technology I've installed, and to the new ones I'm adding, that's going to give me very rapid payback."
Eco Island Our research for this feature turned up an amazing number of businesses developing around environmental opportunities, and a huge amount of desire to make the Island's environment more sustainable. Which really begs the question of what's become of the Council's Eco Island initiative? When it was first introduced by exCouncil Chief Executive Joe Duckworth in 2007 it received a lot of publicity with the Island being hailed as 'creating a world model for environmental sustainability'. Since then, the idea seems to have stalled, to the frustration of many. Every person we spoke with was enthusiastic about the idea and emphasised the opportunity to benefit residents, attract tourism, and encourage green businesses to set up on the Island. Most were realistic about the Council's situation and optimistic that the idea wasn't dead, just in a short hibernation. Mart Drake-Knight put it most succinctly: "Eco Island is a wicked idea and we fully support the idea. All we need right now is action." In Part 2 of this feature, coming next month, we'll bring you the Council's perspective on the future of Eco Isand. Also in Part 2 we'll be looking into the pros and cons of an Island wind farm, as well as reporting on the innovative Chale Community project where 67 social housing properties are being retrofitted with renewable energy installations to help create a sustainable community that can act as a benchmark for others. We'll also be investigating waste management on the Island and talking to some of the Island's larger companies about their environmental policies and views on green opportunities.
Visit Island Business Online to view videos on our featured companies and see our Green Island video feature: www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk
SPECIAL REPORT
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Franchising is a significant sector of the UK economy. In the first of a two part report on franchising, we look at the many things to take into account when choosing a franchise, and why many entrepreneurs find it suits them to become part of an already successful business.
recognition to be part of a large organisation." In return for the fees you will pay, the franchisor will offer you support during the early days, as well as ongoing training and assistance. Denis Chirgwin franchised out his business, Animals at Home, in 2004: "The franchisees are all given full support from the management team, a registered veterinary nurse, and a mentor who has run a franchise for more than two years. Training is given in marketing and nutritional courses are supplied. There is also an advertising campaign and a 10,000 mailshot sent out to local homeowners." Firstly, you need to decide if you will be comfortable operating your business within the parameters set out by the franchisor and the guidelines to which you will have to adhere. However, don't feel you can't bring some entrepreneurial spirit to the business, often franchise groups will have annual meetings where they will welcome your ideas and suggestions to improve the business, but all franchisors are different. Mandy explained the way Travel Counsellors manage their franchises: "Our franchise offers us autonomy, it's not dictatorial in how we have to operate, which gives us flexibility." So, if you are happy with the business model of a franchise, the next step is to choose from the hundreds of opportunities on offer. There are five key steps which will help you narrow down the options of which franchise will best fit your needs; suitability, industry, investment, compare, take advice.
t's predicted that there will be over a thousand franchised businesses in operation in the UK by 2014, and becoming part of a proven franchise can give you long-term financial security and personal satisfaction. Firstly, however, you need to ensure you choose the right business and that you think clearly about what's going to be expected of you as a franchisee. Franchising is a popular way to start up your own company because your chances of success are higher than if you are setting up your own independent business. Tom Endean, Marketing Manager for the British Franchise Association (BFA), said: "Franchisees have near a 90 per cent success rate. This should not really be a surprise, as you are
Suitability It's important to choose a franchise business that you're interested in. You will need to fully immerse yourself in the business and for this reason it's worth choosing something you're good at, have a bit of experience in, or are keen to learn more about. Think sensibly about what your personal situation will allow for – are you going to be able to work at the weekends for example? The next step is to look at what support is available. Different franchise opportunities offer different levels of support and training, both during the initial set-up phase and in the long term too – ask to look at the training and operation manuals to give you a better understanding of what they offer.
Choosing a franchise
I
20
Zara MacAlister looks at how to go about selecting a suitable franchise taking carefully selected people and then training and supporting them to run a proven business model. They still need to be hard working and enterprising, but many of the hurdles of business start-up are removed or reduced." Mandy Gale set up a franchise of Travel Counsellors on the Isle of Wight in 1999: "Using the franchise model meant that we had safety and security from a financial and legal point of view, it also offered us brand identity, and corporate
THE EXPERT’S VIEW
MAY 2010
Franchisors can gain accreditation with the BFA and to achieve this they undergo stringent checks. It can take eight to ten weeks to become a member, and checks include things like looking at the business's finances, and speaking with existing franchisees. Whilst BFA membership is no guarantee, it is the sign of a business that has been independently checked against a code of ethical franchising. Is the company you're interested in registered with the BFA? If not, why not? Industry Research the industry carefully and consider if it really has a future. Not all industries are going to be able to sustain the demand they currently experience, so think long term when considering this. Speak to trade associations and existing companies to find out more. Is the franchise business you are interested in established within the industry, and how many franchisees are there already? Look to see if the other franchisees are operating successfully. Another important factor to think about is the competition within the industry. If it's an industry where just a few players dominate will you be able to compete against them, or sit comfortably alongside them? Is it a hard industry to get into, and what barriers might you face as you start up? Tom Endean explained why it's so important to understand the industry right from the beginning: "Starting a franchise requires a commitment of both money, time, and performance. Without researching the market to answer any questions you may have, and to gain an understanding of what is involved on a day-to-day basis, you can’t confidently move forward in joining a franchise." Investment Be realistic with regards to what you can afford. You will need to pay an initial set-up fee so look at the franchise opportunities within your price range. Banks are often keen to lend money to start-up franchises because it offers a proven system, with support and existing brand awareness. Richard Holden, Head of Franchising for Lloyds TSB, said: "Naturally, as franchising offers a lower risk investment the banks have an appetite to lend to strong franchise proposals." As with any business you will need a business plan before you approach the bank and it's important to keep it up-to-date. Most banks will lend up to 70 per cent of the start-up cost for a franchise, but there are some franchise businesses which the banks don't think are good and you will struggle to get financial support for, as Richard explained: "There are occasions where the business plan is poorly presented or the financial projections are unrealistic. The bank manager should give a detailed explanation as to why any request for finance has been declined and they will work with the applicant wherever possible to address the areas of concern so that the business proposal can subsequently pass the bank’s lending assessment."
LEGALLY SPEAKING Legal issues are something that a business ignores at its peril. Our legal eagle delivering his Expert’s View is Lance Terry, Partner at Glanvilles LLP. In this month's column, Lance looks at an important aspect of franchising. sponsored by
Selling a franchise business
W
hen acquiring a franchise business, one of the aspects which the new franchisee sometimes tends to overlook is what will happen if it wishes to sell the franchise business at some stage in the future. The ability to sell the franchise is an important aspect for the new franchisee to consider as that will likely be the only way in which the franchisee can realise the full value of its investment of time, money, and effort in building up the franchise business. The franchisor will wish to maintain control over a sale of the franchise business by the franchisee. The franchise agreement will invariably prohibit the franchisee from selling the business without the prior consent of the franchisor. The granting of such consent will usually be subject to certain conditions being met by the selling franchisee and the proposed buyer of the business. In addition, the proposed buyer will also have to be acceptable as a franchisee to the franchisor. The conditions typically include: the franchisee not itself being in breach of the franchise agreement; the franchisee waiving any claims it may have against the franchisor; the buyer entering into the franchisor’s then standard form of franchise agreement and successfully undertaking such training as the franchisor may require. The franchise agreement will usually provide that the franchisor may charge a fee (often a percentage of the selling price) as consideration for it dealing with the request for
Watch video reports and business profiles on www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk
consent to a sale and evaluating the proposed buyer as a franchisee. The franchisee may also have to cover the franchisor’s legal fees and any other professional fees. Often the franchisor will have a contractual right of first refusal in the franchise agreement. Thus, if the franchisee wishes to sell the franchise business, it will have to provide to the franchisor a copy of the proposed buyer’s offer and the franchisor will then have a period of time (for example, 30 days) within which to decide whether it wishes to purchase the franchisee business at the same price and on the same terms as the proposed buyer’s offer. While provisions such as these do not prevent a franchisee from selling the franchise business, they do present additional hurdles for a franchisee to overcome in any such sale. From the franchisee’s perspective, the best time to consider and endeavour to negotiate amendments to those provisions in the franchise agreement which regulate a sale of the franchisee business is before entering into the franchise agreement. From the franchisor’s perspective, it will want appropriate controls in place on any proposed sale of the franchise business in order to ensure that the buyer of that business is suitable as a franchisee and that its rights as franchisor are fully protected. Contact Lance at: L.Terry@glanvilles.co.uk www.glanvilles.co.uk 01983 527878
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SPECIAL REPORT
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT
"The franchise model offered us brand identity, and corporate recognition to be part of a large organisation." Mandy Gale, Travellor Counsellors
to ask questions. Perhaps speak to franchisees at different stages of development - they might not all tell the same story.
If financial assistance is important to you, arrange a meeting with the bank and find out which franchises they recommend to suit your budget. Richard explained the importance of contacting the franchise department directly: "Franchising is a specialist market, the franchise experts are continually evaluating franchises and are adjusting their strategies in supporting different franchises. "Trained franchise managers have the sector understanding that the local bank manager doesn’t. So it is always best to approach the franchise department who can introduce you to one of these experienced franchise managers based locally to you." As with any financial assistance, the banks will want some security before they lend you the money, this could be in the form of a property or an insurance policy. An alternative is to consider the Government Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme if you don't have security but that will be more expensive in the long run. Work out the return on investment you can expect from the business, and make sure the figures stack up before you fall in love with something you can't afford. Compare With your search narrowed down to just a few companies begin the process of applying for the franchise and get hold of the franchise agreements for each of them. The franchise agreement will be 22
between 40-60 pages long and is the contract between you and the franchisor. It will contain important information so make sure you know where you stand and ask any important questions before you go any further. Besides the initial cost you will pay to the franchisor there will be on going fees, and the franchise agreement should detail what these are and what you get in return. The ongoing fees paid to the franchisor might be a percentage of profits, net sales, or turnover. They may cover you for expenses such as equipment, training, or national advertising campaigns; but is it worth it? The franchise agreement will have a fixed term; how long is it, and what's the situation for renewing it when it reaches its end? The agreement will also outline the implications on you as an independent trader once the term has reached its end, and whether you will still be able to trade in that area. There will be more information about the franchise agreement in the second part of this two part report in the June issue. Lance Terry from Glanvilles LLP said: "Where the franchisor has an existing network of franchisees, I would always suggest that a potential franchisee speak to existing franchisees to get some feedback from them on how satisfied they are with their franchise business." The franchisor may suggest specific franchisees for you to talk to, but it's important for you to decide who you want to speak to and to approach them
Take advice Take advice throughout the whole process, but especially before making a final decision. It's more important than ever to ensure you haven't missed something before you make your choice so speak to specialist franchise lawyers who will be able to review the franchise agreement and check there are no loopholes which could trip you up. Emily Frampton from Warner Goodman Commercial explained the reasons for choosing a specialist franchise lawyer: "It is important to approach a specialist franchise lawyer who will be used to seeing franchise agreements on a regular basis and will be able to spot any unusual or overly onerous provisions." Franchise agreements are nonnegotiable, as Emily explained: "The reasoning for this is that the franchisor requires uniformity across its franchise network. A lawyer not used to dealing with franchise agreements may waste time and money trying to amend and negotiate its terms." Finally, and perhaps most importantly, speak to your friends and family. When Mandy Gale chose to set up a franchise, Travel Counsellors was recommended to her by a friend. These are the people who know you best and will be able to give you honest advice about which franchise is most suited to you. There is a lot of useful help and advice on the BFA website and they also hold seminars across the country where you can learn more about the process and speak to specialists. www.thebfa.org
www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk
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PROFILE
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT
From fashion to fabrics One woman’s passion for sewing led to the creation of one of the Island’s best-known and most enduring family businesses.
T
he story of Hellerslea Fabrics began in a small back room at Beryl Hobbs’ home, where the young woman worked day and night making dresses and filling up her front room window with fabrics to advertise her existence. 24
Kevin Wilson reports on an Island business that's adapted to change better than most. Beryl’s skill soon got noticed, and on 16 February 1968 she opened the door at her first proper shop at 74 High Street, Newport.
It was called Hellerslea Fashions and was secured on the back of Beryl’s powers of persuasion. She explained: “When I started the business, women weren’t considered a sound investment. People would ask me where my husband was.” But there was no stopping her, and she eventually negotiated a loan of £1,000 to acquire the shop and get it stocked and fitted – a large amount of money at the time, when £1,000 was enough to buy a house. But Beryl got off to a flying start, taking £200 in her first week, and she gradually built up the business by being quick to spot fashion trends. She said: “I remember soon after I opened, that anoraks suddenly became popular. So I started making them, too.” Soon, Beryl was taking on staff, and one of them – Christine Richardson – is still an employee and part of the team
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PROFILE
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT Beryl and Barry with just some of the wool they stock
now working at the Hellerslea Fabrics store on Lugley Street. The change of direction from fashion to fabrics came after about 10 years, when the clothing industry was revolutionised by imports. The climactic shift to the import of cotton goods from the Far East marked the end of a large number of companies in the UK. Before long, a new store had opened over the road from Beryl, selling clothes cheaper than she could make them. But Beryl didn’t panic or hesitate. Instead, she showed the determination to tackle challenges head on that has been a key feature of Hellerslea’s success. “There was no way I could compete and I knew I had to do something quickly, so 26
I sold all the dresses off cheap and used the proceeds to buy stocks of fabric,” she said. Supplies of British made fabrics gradually diminished, and it wasn’t long before Beryl’s trips to the major northern cotton cities to buy stock ground to a halt. “Ninety per cent of our stock now comes from China,” she said. “We get company reps visiting us with their samples, and it is ordered in from abroad.” It’s just one example of how much has changed since Beryl first opened the doors at 74 High Street – which is now a hairdresser's run by her daughter Linda, and staffed by her other daughter Carol.
“Beryl didn’t panic or hesitate. Instead, she showed the determination to tackle challenges head on that has been a key feature of Hellerslea’s success.” Hellerslea Fashions became Hellerslea Fabrics in 1979, and it grew so much that it moved into new and bigger premises on Lugley Street about 15 years later, with a storage unit on the Dodnor Industrial Estate. This major expansion was the signal for Beryl’s son Barry to move back to the Island to help out. He uprooted his family and gave up his job as an industrial painter in Wales to join the family business, and has never looked back. Beryl still keeps a close eye on things, but Barry is now in charge, and works with his nephew Ashley and his daughter Laurie, supported by four other staff, including Christine Richardson. Looking ahead, Barry is delighted that the business will stay in the family for the foreseeable future. “I think it is wonderful that Ashley and Laurie are so involved and enthusiastic, and it’s nice to know they are ready and able to take it on when I retire,” he said. “It is so important to have young people as part of the team. It keeps things fresh and it helps to keep us looking ahead, looking out for new ideas, and not being afraid to change.” Barry believes one of the secrets of success is that ability to move with the times. “So much has changed, even in my time here,” he said. “We used to be able to sell fabric costing up to £18 a metre, for example. But now we are selling material at less than half that. “You have to be realistic about what’s happening out there,” he said. “In the time this business has been in operation, we have lived through three recessions, and we haven’t survived them by chance – we have responded quickly and made the adjustments needed to take account of the fact that many people have less money to spend, and that their habits and interest change.
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PROFILE
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Flashback to Beryl’s original Hellerslea shop on Newport High Street.
40 years later … Beryl outside Hellerslea Fabrics on Lugley Street.
“Many years ago, people loved sewing and knitting, but then their interest seemed to switch to upholstery and home furnishings. Now home interiors are going for minimalist design, we are finding that people are taking up sewing and knitting.” As if to prove the importance of being alert to trends, more than 40 per cent of Hellerslea Fabric’s customers are girls under 21, who are designing and making their own clothes. And sales of fabrics and the materials needed to create outfits always increase as the clock ticks down to the Bestival. The fancy dress theme this year is fantasy, and Barry has already identified the stock needed to meet demand from customers determined to dress up in style. He freely admits the shop is a stocktaker's nightmare. The store has been extended to about 450 square metres 28
and is crammed with rolls of fabric, balls of wool, buttons, threads, trimmings, laces, fancy dress costumes, beads, sequins, and more. Even so, stock is at much lower levels than it was 10 years ago. Barry has closed the warehouse, refitted the shop, and reduced stock by 75 per cent, ensuring that all stock is on display to customers. Knitting wool and dress fabrics remain the biggest sellers, and most customers are female. But Barry has noticed an increase in the number of men who come in for supplies for internal boat fittings, and also that many men come in with their partners to make decisions about curtain fabrics, for example. “That’s what I mean about always keeping an eye on what is happening,” he said. “Not too long ago, no men would cross our threshold, and 20 years ago we were paying 18 per cent interest on a loan!”
Hellerslea Fabrics used to do a good trade with Island hotels, but that changed, too, when fire regulations laid down strict guidelines for use of materials. But then, as one door closes, another opens, and the retail market picked up when pelmets suddenly became all the rage. Beryl and her family are justifiably proud of a business that began more than 40 years ago and has almost become an Island institution. It has managed to remain immune from the small number of national retailers who specialise in crafts and fabrics because the Island catchment area is too small for them to justify the investment. Barry says that, apart from always looking ahead, he believes the other critical factor has been that the family has only ever taken out a living wage from the company. “You see so many people over-stretching by buying a big car and a big house,” he said, “but it is a mistake to take out more than the business can afford, and we are pleased now that we are a debt free business.” The best times for the company were undoubtedly the mid-1990s, he says, but that period followed the strikes and power blackouts of the 70s, and the big job losses of the 80s. “It’s difficult to know what will happen next but we’d like to think that we have proved ourselves over the years,” said Barry. “The current recession was tough for many people, but we had one of our best years last year, and there simply aren’t many businesses like ours around any more. “But we are not looking back. We want to keep adapting to changing times, and when the time comes for me to step down, I know there is another generation of the family ready to keep us moving forward.” It all began with Beryl’s love of sewing. “It saved money to make your own clothes, and I enjoyed doing it,” she said. She still does enjoy it, and this enjoyment has proved to be infectious as her children carry on the business. This, combined with the business skills of forward planning and financial management which have seen Hellerslea Fabrics through the good years and bad, adds up to a winning combination for a family business with a long history, and a great future.
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CHAMBER MATTERS
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Anne Marie Harwood
A
Chamber People
nne Marie Harwood has always had the travel bug, and now she’s loving her new job as the Chamber of Commerce’s Tourism Sales Officer. Anne Marie, who was born on the Island, said: “It is an amazing opportunity to do my bit to promote the Isle of Wight.” Her 15 year career has been spent in the travel industry, including seven years as a business travel account manager for Amity Business Travel, and more recently running her own travel agency franchise. She studied hotel and catering at Isle of Wight College, before studying Business, Finance and Tourism at Bournemouth University, following which she worked for a year in a Bournemouth hotel. Anne Marie joined the Chamber in March with the brief to produce the annual Accommodation Guide and other
tourism publications, to handle enquiries from businesses and members of the public; and help promote the GoWight website. Several Chamber members may already have met her at recent networking events, and Anne Marie is looking forward to building working relationships throughout the tourism sector. “It is wonderful to have the chance to promote the Island where I was born and grew up,” she said. “I’m looking forward to helping tourism businesses promote themselves, too, because the more we can work together, the better.” When Anne Marie gets time off she likes to spend it by keeping fit, either through the gym, swimming, or dancing. And occasionally, she will take the opportunity to sit down, relax and enjoy a film.
Stories from 100 years
T
he Island’s Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry is celebrating its centenary this year, by looking back as well as looking forward. A detailed account of the meeting in Newport, which agreed to establish a Chamber for the very first time, highlights the fact that what was relevant then is still relevant today. A report in the County Press of 5 March 1910 sheds light on the way the business community was thinking at that time. Mr Conacher, a railwayman, told the meeting that: "a Chamber of Commerce would relieve that sense of isolation which had perhaps been too marked a feature of their life in the Island". According to the County Press report, Mr Connacher attracted cries of "hear, hear" when he said that: "The great object would be to weld all their separate interests into one homogenous whole to attain the one common object of furthering the interests of the Island." Mr A Millward JP, one of the originators of the proposal to form a Chamber, told the meeting that: "Although there had been great improvements in the Island 30
during the last 20 years they could still find something to improve, and they had two courses open to them – to sit still and grumble or to combine and bring pressure to bear for remedying matters in a way which no isolated action would secure." Mr Philip May, President of the Ironmongers’ Association, referred to the "constant slurs" cast upon the Island by visitors, "who complained of high prices and the difficulty of getting to and from the Island". He said that by joining forces, they could do a lot more to "put the Island in a more reasonable and fairer light". By the time the meeting drew to a close, everyone in the room was sufficiently inspired to put their names forward as members of the Chamber. If you have any memories and anecdotes from the Chamber’s first hundred years, please send a message to chamber@iwchamber.co.uk. Meanwhile, we’ll bring you more centenary news – and history – in the next edition of Island Business Magazine.
This is a flashback to more recent times – 1990 in fact, when brochures promoting the Island were stacked up ready for delivery throughout the country after making the short trip to the mainland on a Sealink ferry – before the company was rebranded Wightlink. The picture shows Ginnie Mundell, Sealink’s Isle of Wight Sales Manager at the time, with Postman Kelvin Shaw, receiving a delivery of brochures at Portsmouth, as the Island kept its fingers crossed for a great holiday season.
MAY 2010
Back to basics
CHAMBER MATTERS
A Cowes clinic is offering Island businesses the chance to get back to basics.
R
ebecca Taylor, owner of Cowes Chiropractic Clinic, says lower back pain is one of the biggest causes of absence from work, and offers in-house sessions for companies which include free 15 minute consultations for employees. Rebecca is a McTimoney Chiropractor, a branch of the profession with strong links to the Island. Russell McTimoney, son of the founder John, had a practice here and Rebecca is the proud owner of John’s original treatment bench. Rebecca set up the clinic six years ago and now
offers a comprehensive service through three chiropractors, including herself, a massage therapist, acupuncturist, two homeopaths, a nutrition therapist, and a hypnotherapist. As well as taking her clinic’s services out to businesses, Rebecca provides consultations at local events, and says it is important for everyone to think about their posture, whether at work or home. She became a chiropractor after a successful career in commercial interior design, and says it can benefit people of any age, including babies.
“Basically, we adjust the position of bones to allow the nervous system to function properly, which then allows the muscles to ease off,” she said. “Since many people spend so much time at work, it makes sense to offer our services in the workplace.” For more information, call Karen Cheverton on 01983 282810: www.coweschiropracticclinic.co.uk
NEW MEMBERS Brighstone Shop & Museum 01983 740689 brighstone@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight North Street, Brighstone Isle of Wight PO30 4AX National Trust shop in a row of traditional thatched cottages adjoining the small village museum. The Needles Old & New Battery 01983 754772 needlesoldbattery@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight West High Down, Alum Bay Isle of Wight PO39 0JH Perched high above the Needles, amid acres of unspoilt countryside, is the Needles Old Battery, a Victorian fort built in 1862 and used throughout both world wars. The Parade Ground has two original guns and the Fort's fascinating military history is brought to life with a series of vivid cartoons by acclaimed comic book artist Geoff Campion. An underground tunnel leads to a searchlight emplacement with dramatic views over the Needles rocks. The New Battery, further up the headland, has an exhibition on the secret British rocket tests carried out there during the Cold War. Bembridge Windmill 01983 873945 isleofwight@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight High Street, Bembridge Isle of Wight PO35 5SQ This tiny gem, the only surviving windmill on the Isle of Wight, is one of its most iconic images. Built around 1700, it last operated in 1913 but still has most of its original machinery intact. Climb to the top and follow the milling process back down its four floors.
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01983 527444 studio@vectisradio.com www.vectisradio.com Quay Arts Centre, Sea Street Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5BD Internet radio station.
Solent Imaging Specialists Ltd (Solentis) 0845 619 7373 keith.martin@solentis.co.uk
www.solentis.co.uk PO Box 73, Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38 9BF SOLENTIS are Island-based industrial and commercial photographers serving the Isle of Wight, SE, London, and the SW, specialising in ground based aerial photography (also known as elevated or mast photography) using the latest digital and wireless technology. Viewing and capturing ‘business’ from a different perspective, Solentis can add value to a whole spectrum of different businesses, large and small. Dell Cafe 01983 812947 ajhawkes@talktalk.net www.dellcafe.com Puckpool Park, Seaview Isle of Wight PO34 5AR Dell Cafe is a cosy electric beachside cafe with beautiful views down the Solent. We serve healthy lunches and a wide variety of soya free coffees and afternoon teas and cakes. Castle Lodge Guest House Guest Accommodation 01983 527862 castlelodge@hotmail.co.uk www.castlelodgeiow.co.uk 54 Castle Road, Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1DP Situated just a few minutes from the historic Carisbrooke Castle with panoramic views over Newport and the surrounding countryside. Only five minutes walk to the local village, convenience store, post office, pubs with great food and a fabulous Italian restaurant. 10-15 minutes stroll into Newport town centre, plenty of bars restaurants and night life. All beaches within 20-30 minutes drive. Prices from as little as £25 per person dependant on room and time of year. Blueberry’s Cafe Cafe/Bar blueberry-cafe@btinternet.com Cliff Path, Littlestairs, Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 6HR Licensed cafe. Red Squirrel Holidays Ltd 01983 241711 trevor.torvill@sky.com The Bungalow Woodside Beach Caravan Park Lower Woodside Road Wootton, Isle of Wight PO33 4JT Holiday lets and mobile homes.
Kevars Cafe 07842125946 mandkiow@aol.com 49 High Street, Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 2RE Cafe - teas, coffees, breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas.
Bridge House No 1 Ferry Road, East Cowes Isle of Wight PO32 6RA Building contractor. We carry out a variety of projects from putting up shelving to complete new build of houses.
Hector K & A Ltd 01983 882212 malcolm.hector@gmail.com Woodside Lodge Ashlake Copse Road, Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 4EY Accountants, book-keeping services and general business advice.
Lyndhurst Hotel 01983 403663 8 Royal Crescent, Sandown Isle of Wight PO36 8LZ We are a small B&B in a quiet location with off-road parking. Five minutes from the beach, town, and buses. Ten minutes from the train station. Large en-suite rooms.
The Artisan Academy 01983 855 855 gillianjenner@ginger.co.uk Jasmine Cottage Tulse Hill, Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38 1TQ Artisan food holiday courses. The Woodman's Arms 01983 882785 thewoodmansarmswootton@btconnec t.com 119 Station Road, Wootton Isle of Wight PO33 4RQ Public house with restaurant and beer garden open daily serving home cooked meals. Wight Reclamation Ltd 01983 200912 stanhowe@btinternet.com 1 Padmore Farm, Folly Lane Whippingham Isle of Wight PO32 6LY Waste management. Westbury Lodge 01983 864926 enquiries@westburylodge.co.uk www.westburylodge.co.uk 25 Queens Road, Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 6AW Guest accommodation offering bed and breakfast.
Christ The King College 01983 537070 admin@christ-the-king.iow.sch.uk www.christ-the-king.iow.sch.uk Wellington Road, Newport Isle of Wight PO30 5QT Education. Chad Hill Hotel 01983 403231 enquiries@chadhillhotel.co.uk www.chadhillhotel.co.uk Hill Street, Sandown Isle of Wight PO36 9DD Well established family run business from a charming Victorian mansion in a quiet area of Sandown. All rooms fully equipped with everything for a comfortable stay. Private car park, cocktail bar and home cooking. Cliff Lodge Guest House 01983 402963 clifflodge@uwclub.net www.cliff-lodge-isle-of-wight.co.uk 13 Cliff Path, Lake Sandown, Isle of Wight PO36 8PL Guest house accommodation. 9 rooms. Evening meals available Sunday-Wednesday. Local food used as much as possible. Access from our garden to the Cliff Path. Licensed car park.
Sail For Fun 07748494441 keith@sailforfun.co.uk www.sailforfun.co.uk 10 Lammas Close, Cowes Isle of Wight PO31 8DT Yacht charter. Sail and motor yacht charter based in Cowes.
Matrix Retail Ltd 07768118766 waynecwhittle@tiscali.co.uk Hunters Way, Binstead Hill Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 3RP Wimpy on the Beach, Ryde. Delicious food court, Western Gardens.
Round the Island Building Ltd 01983 209640 info@roundtheislandbuildingltd.co.uk www.roundtheislandbuildingltd.co.uk
Chavinore Ltd 07796 953 424 chavinore@hotmail.com 32 Hefford Road, East Cowes
Check the calendar of business events on www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk
Isle of Wight PO32 6QE The provision of project management services for SMEs to multinational companies. Skills include identifying and delivering efficient business solutions in technically challenging environments. These are in the arena of: SAP and Oracle ERP system Implementation projects. Business intelligence/management information and KPI systems design and build. Change management programme support. Pure Green Energy Ltd Renewable Energy Systems 01983 565017 info@puregreenenergy.co.uk www.puregreenenergy.co.uk Asheybrooke Buildings East Ashey Lane, Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 4AT Designers and installers of renewable energy systems. LCM Contractors Ltd 01983 566030 lee@lcmrecruitment.co.uk www.lcmrecruitment.co.uk Central House, 48-49 High Street, Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1SE Re-Cycle-D 01983 409744 alrecycled@aol.com www.re-cycle-d.co.uk Unit 6 Marsh Close, Sandown Isle of Wight PO36 8EU Recycling bicycles. New cycles and spares. Services and repairs. Graces Bakery Ltd 01983 566868 gracesbakery@btinternet.com 178 High Street, Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 2HW Bakery. Wightsails 01983 833033 plm@wightsails.com www.wightsails.com Green Dolphin, Ashlake Copse Road, Fishbourne Isle of Wight PO33 4EY Wightsails recycles sails into new beautiful products. Converting old sails into new products reduces landfill and provides products for life. We make beautiful outdoor and indoor furniture, beach furniture, bags, cushions and windbreaks.
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CHAMBER MATTERS
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT
The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism & Industry has joined Constant Contact’s Business Partner Programme.
T
EVENTS
his means the Chamber can provide its members with easy-touse email marketing and online survey products to help them build strong, lasting customer relationships. Constant Contact®, Inc. is a leading provider of email marketing and online survey tools for small organisations. “Our members are always looking for effective ways to grow their businesses,” said Kevin Smith, the Chamber’s Chief Executive. “Constant Contact’s customer communication tools give our clients a valuable addition to our core services. Chamber Events =
Other Events =
6 May Welcome Host - customer service course Island venue TBC • Call Tourism South East on 02380 625533
Check our online calendar at www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk for details of all business events
13 May Young Chamber Awards Evening Young Chamber event • www.iwchamber.co.uk Call 01983 520777 or email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk
32
14 May Chamber Golf Day Sandown & Shanklin Golf Club Raising money for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice Call 01983 520777 or email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk
The ease-of-use and affordability made the partner program a great solution to meet our clients’ marketing needs.” “Email marketing and online surveys help small businesses connect with their customers and build successful customer relationships,” said Len Bruskiewitz, Senior Director, Partner Programs, Constant Contact. “We are pleased that the Isle of Wight Chamber chose Constant Contact to provide their clients with our products and services, and we look forward to working with them to help grow their clients’ businesses.” As a Constant Contact Business Partner, the Chamber is able to provide members with email marketing and online survey capabilities at discounted rates. Members will be able to quickly and easily create professional-looking emails, manage contact email lists, measure email
Must be pre-booked =
campaign results from clicks to open rates, and review who joined email lists. With ListenUp!SM Survey, Constant Contact’s online survey product, members have an easy-to-use tool to gain insight that will help them meet customer needs, generate new ideas, and grow their business or organisation. ListenUp!SM Survey also helps members analyse responses quickly, create targeted email lists based on survey responses, take action, and follow up with relevant email communications. To find out more or to download a free 60 day trial, email the Chamber office at chamber@iwchamber.co.uk This is just one of the benefits of being a Chamber member. To find out more, and to join online, go to www.iwchamber.co.uk.
•
event, 1830-2100, £7 per person Call 01983 520777 or email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk
experience necessary Call 01983 520777 or email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk
19 May Let's Talk – starting in business • Mill Court Business Centre, Furrlongs, Newport, 0930-1230, FREE Karen Thomas at IW Chamber 01983 529888
14 June Word Advanced • 0930–1630 - Isle of Wight College - Cost: £110 Call Marilyn Arnold on 01983 550609 or email: businessplus@iwcollege.ac.uk
21 May Let's Talk – starting in business • Mill Court Business Centre, Furrlongs, Newport, 0930-1230, FREE Karen Thomas at IW Chamber 01983 529888
15 May The Newport Riverfest Celebrating the heritage, community, businesses, and wildlife associated with the historic Medina River Contact the Footprint Trust on 01983 822282
27 May Welcoming Diversity: Information session for frontline and reception staff members Free workshops, Quay Arts 09301200, 1300-1530, 1700-1930 Contact Nikki Parker on 01983 527565 or email Nikki.Parker@IOW.gov.uk
18 May Steak Sizzler Special at The Horse and Groom • Guest Speaker: Kelvin Currie from Creedence Training. Chamber
2 June WightSail 2010 with Pelican Racing and BBQ • Cowes Yacht Haven, 1800-2230, £10 per person (adults only) No
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. Call 02380 622666 or email: susan.hunter@princes-trust.org.uk 23 July PGL Activity Event, Wootton • To include: abseiling, high ropes, zip wires and dragon boat racing, BBQ and refreshments. 18002100, £6.00 per person which PGL will donate to charity Call 01983 520777 or email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk 2 August IW Chamber Cowes Week Lunch • Back by popular demand.
Cruise and buffet lunch leaving Thetis Wharf, Cowes 1130-1500, £25.00 per person Call 01983 520777 or email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk 4 August IW Chamber Grand Centennial Ball • Early bird ticket offer to members of £89 per person 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 5 October Murder, mystery and dinner Ventnor Towers Hotel. Experience an evening of entertainment organised by ‘Caught Red Handed Productions’. Includes a 3 course meal. £15.00 per person. 1900-2230. Call 01983 520777 or email chamber@iwchamber.co.uk 26 November IW Chamber Business Awards For Excellence 2010 • Cowes Yacht Haven, details tbc 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
CORPORATE EVENTS
CATERING
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
BUSINESS SERVICES
BUSINESS UTILITY
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
COUNSELLING / LIFE COACHING
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
Commercial property? We can help you.
Commercial friendly service local knowledge
www.hose-rhodes-dickson.co.uk
01983527727
Advertise your services here from just £8 per column centimetre. Call 01983 245505 to book your space. 34
CLASSIFIEDS
APRIL 2010 GRAPHIC DESIGN AND WEB APPLICATIONS
SIGNS AND GRAPHICS
Graphic Design & Web Development Web development, SEO, branding, e-marketing and design for print.
HOTELS Curraghmore Hotel 22 Hope Road, Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 6EA Tel. 01983 862605 info@curraghmorehotel.co.uk www.curraghmorehotel.co.uk 10% discount for Chamber members.
SIGNS AND GRAPHICS
Tel: 01983 241615 www.boxstuff.com ICT Open Sauce Systems Ltd. Low cost, flexible phone systems and servers. Ideal for new businesses. 01983 220028 www.opensaucesystems.com
TRANING Creedence Training Academy & Consultancy Freshwater, Isle of Wight info@creedencetraining.co.uk www.creedencetraining.co.uk 01983 759213
TRAINING UniTrain are the leading suppliers of quality managed training services and courses. UniTrain specialise in tailored on-site solutions as well as offering public courses UK wide. Our main areas of training expertise are: Microsoft Desktop Applications (including Office 2007) Sales Training Personal Development & Management Up to 30% off your first booking on selected courses with this advert. (Quote CC10) Want to know more? Call 0845 643 1611 or Email: sales@unitrain.co.uk visit www.unitrain.co.uk FORK LIFT TRUCK
Wight Materials Handling
TRANSPORT AND STORAGE SOLUTIONS
Warehouse and logistics services • Freight consolidation • Shipping to and from IoW • Long and short term warehousing solutions • Pick and pack/order fulfilment services. • Container loading/devanning. • Project shipping – on/off IoW. Tel: 023 8062 3777 Email: sales@syksolutions.com www.syksolutions.com WORKWEAR
FORKLIFT TRUCKS Sales Service & Hire Driver |Training to ITSSAR Certification Tel. 01983 520526 Email. kevin@wightforklifttrucks.com
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.
www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk
35
CHANGING TIMES
REALLYUSEFULBUSINESSSTUFF
THE BACK PAGE 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. Spin Selling If you are searching for that new approach to secure the sale then Neil Rackman could provide the answer - Spin Selling. Neil introduces the reader to his SPIN-selling method, which has been adopted by some of today's leading companies with dramatic effects. Intellectual Property Health Check If you want to find out what you own and how to use it why not use this free IP health check. Visit: www.ipo.gov.uk/iphealthcheck FileMaker - If you are into database development then FileMaker are offering a free trial of FilMaker Pro 11. Visit: www.filemaker.co.uk/products Sign up for a free BlackBerry Bold? Vodafone Business are offering a free BlackBerry Bold with a monthly traiff from £25. Visit the website: www.vodafonebusinessshop.co.uk/Specia lOffers.html Free business reviews for entrepreneurs Smith & Williamson are offering a range of free reviews from ‘Road Tests’ to Tax Strategies. Visit the website: www.smith.williamson.co.uk/freereviewsf orentrepreneurs Biltmore Printers have a special offer Cartoonist: Rupert Besley
36
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT
on business card printing, buy any 2 business cards together and get 20% off the combined total. Visit: www.biltmoreprinters.co.uk Company formations 24.7 offer a fast and simple service to forming your company and have teamed up with Barclays to include a bank account in your purchase pack, which will give £35 cash back. For more information visit: www.companyformations247.co.uk Free occupational health advice The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that from 1 April all small businesses in England will be able to access free occupational health advice and support on 0800 077 8844 and www.health4work.nhs.uk. Help available for businesses affected by the volcanic ash cloud Business people affected by the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud can visit a dedicated help page for guidance. The eruption, which began in Iceland on 20 March, caused severe travel disruption across Europe as a result of a volcanic ash cloud grounding flights. Business Link has set up a page on its website dedicated to helping businesses mitigate the effect that it may have had. For more information and guidance: www.businesslink.gov.uk/volcanicash
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
How to make your million - yeah right!
I
once had a colleague who had an entire shelf of selfhelp business books with titles such as ‘How to make your million in ten easy steps’. I often threatened to his PA that in the middle of the night I was going to ceremoniously burn them all in the car park. It is not surprising that he and his books have both since ended up on the scrap heap. So over the past few weeks it is even more surprising that I have been spotted carrying a couple of books on business. Firstly I read leading economist John Kay’s latest book Obliquity and then followed that with Rework by the founders of web software company 37signals. They both centre on the idea that successful businesses are product orientated, not profit. John Kay’s argument is focused on the notion of obliquity, that complex goals are often best achieved indirectly. He argues that the most profit centric businesses such as Bear Stearns or Lehman were ultimately destroyed by the greed of their own employees. Whereas some of the greatest business leaders such as Carnegie, Ford, and Walton never considered wealth as the primary driver for their success, it was and has always been about the product. Rework, however, was the greatest surprise. I have, for a long time, had my own view and ideas of how to run my business affairs, which would be considered by the establishment as a little left field, so it was a breath of fresh air to hear others arguing the case for a similar approach. The book contains too many ideas to list but the overall premise is similar to that of John Kay, in that we should focus on
our products or turning our ideas into reality, not on how much profit they will make. Rework tears into convention in a way that is very close to my own heart. Business organisations use language and dogma that is almost contrived to protect their ‘club’ or reinforce their own selfimportance. You have to be of a certain type to ever be successful in business, lack of experience is extremely negative, profit and margin are the most important things, size matters and growth is the real measure of success. When you do finally build the confidence to set up your new venture you are met by a wall of negativity and reasons why you may fail. In reality it has never been easier to launch your own business. With a few minor setup fees you can be off. You can run it from home, online you can find all the legal and accountancy tools you need, your market, communications tools, inexpensive equipment and, if needed, plenty of good quality free advice. What you don’t need to be is a secret breed of ‘entrepreneur’ with the ethics of a dictator, a huge bank loan, and lots of expensive and needless advice. Great businesses are built around great ideas and the inspiration to make them happen. 37signals is a global company with a collective of 19 employees in eight cities on two continents. No bloated offices, needless account managers, or falsely generated perceptions of scale, and what’s wrong with the CEO answering customer service calls? If you are thinking of starting a business, then do it, but your way. If you already run your own business then maybe it's time to consider a little reworking?
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“The design work for the Isle of Wight Sixth Form is superb and the support has always been personal and responsive. I've been particularly impressed and grateful for their response to our requirements, they really put their customers first.” PETER THOMPSON VICE-PRINCIPAL, ISLE OF WIGHT COLLEGE
SARAH STRINGER HEALTH IMPROVEMENT SERVICES MANAGER, ISLE OF WIGHT NHS
“The website that Pepper created was a great investment. We never realised that this would not only pay for itself so quickly but deliver a significant up-turn in business. We’ve come to realise how vital an online presence is to any business operating in a global market.” PHIL JONES DIRECTOR, DEENSIDE
Pepper Creative are dedicated to producing print, web and multimedia projects that really work hard for your business. Our enthusiastic team bring a new perspective to your design and marketing, creating fresh ideas and simple solutions that will keep you ahead of the competition. So if you want to be heard above the crowd, just...
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