Business Lancashire February 2018

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YOUR FREE Business Newspaper

February 2018

One of Lancashire’s leading business awards is open for applications for another year THE Be Inspired Business Awards, the BIBAs, has 18 prizes up for grabs and is accepting entries now, promising to find the very best of the best among the county’s business community.

Its judging panel, made up of leading members of the business community, will carry out two rounds of interviews, including the BIBAs unique second round of judging, when panels visit the finalists.

Francis Egan, CEO of Cuadrilla Resources, which is sponsoring the Business of the Year category, said

the awards would put the spotlight on the quality of companies and individuals behind them.

He said: “We are proud to be sponsoring the Business of the Year category again as, like other local businesses, we passionately believe in the role a business has to play in the wider community as well as creating local jobs and revenue for the region.

Each year that Cuadrilla has been involved with the BIBAs, I have consistently heard stories not only of the inspirational achievements of businesses applying for the awards, but the benefits they also have

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gained from their applications.

“Through its application and judging process, businesses and individuals have been able to step back from the day-to-day running of their businesses and look at what they can do to improve.

“Even if they do not win an award or even make the finalists, those applying for these awards are seeing the benefits.

“The BIBAs are known as the one they all want to win for all Lancashire businesses and to have a BIBA trophy on display in your business is true endorsement of your

LLOYD

achievements.”

The awards’ organisers, the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, has confirmed it will again be holding a boot camp workshop to help prepare applicants for entering the BIBAs. The free event will be held at the Chamber’s offices on Amy Johnson Way, Blackpool on Thursday, 22 February, offering advice on completing application forms and preparing for the awards’ interview stages.

In 2017, the winners of the Business of the Year category,

Burnley-based refrigerated vehicle specialist, CoolKit, also won the Manufacturer of the Year award, while Preston-based Sunshine Events also won two categories, Employer of the Year and Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility.

Fox Brothers, which is headquartered in Poulton-le-Fylde, was the winner of the Construction Business of the Year, with Blackburn non-profit making body, Community and Business Partners, winning the Third Sector of the Year category.

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February 2018

WELCOME to the second Business Lancashire edition of 2018 - Doesn’t time fly!

Our monthly newspaper is, once again, available on all the Blackpool Transport buses between Preston and Blackpool, transporting passengers whilst the existing Network Rail network has a new electric railway system installed.

As a website and daily newsletter, Business Lancashire aims to highlight good news Lancashire focused business stories and in 2017, we achieved a total audience reach of over one million. Please keep sending us your press releases in 2018 to editor@businesslancashire.co.uk.

Once again, we would like to thank our partners, North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Blackpool Transport, Rotala, Shout Network, Lloyd BMW and MHA Moore & Smalley for all their support and help in distributing the newspaper each month.

The digital version is also available online and emailed to over 10,000 business contacts, giving Lancashire businesses a huge voice.

We hope you enjoy this edition.

CONTENTS MANUFACTURING 4 CYBER SECURITY 8 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP 11 EDUCATION 12 AWARDS 16 BUSINESS SUPPORT 18 RESTAURANT REVIEW 25 INTERNATIONAL 26 AQUISITIONS 28 TRANSPORT 30 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 35 APPOINTMENTS 40 EVENTS 44 PROPERTY 45 CONTACTS & CONTRIBUTORS If you would like to be involved with BUSINESS LANCASHIRE, please get in touch with the below: Editorial:

Design:

Andy Mann - 01772 364152 / 07951 731722

Stuart Box - 01772 364150 / 07939 512152

andy@thesamueljamesgroup.com

stuart.box@thesamueljamesgroup.com

PR & Marketing:

Sales & Sponsorships:

Phil Ghayour- 01772 364152 / 07825 884003

Sam Whitear - 01772 364150 / 07584626769

phil@thesamueljamesgroup.com

sam@thesamueljamesgroup.com

This publication is produced by The Samuel James Group Ltd, Unit 6/7 Eastway Business Park, Fulwood, Preston PR2 9WT. Reproduction of the contents of this newspaper in any form is not permitted, without the permission of the publisher.

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors and/or omissions in advertisements, information, photographs or illustrations.

The opinions and advice in this newspaper do not necessarily express the view of the company.

Published by The Samuel James Group

Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

North West Employee Engagement Group shares its vision THE North West Employee Engagement Group (NWEEG) has a declared vision of making the North West the best place to work in the world and its programme of events and thought leadership articles, during 2018, will help put engagement firmly on the business agenda.

The Group, founded in 2014, has over 200 members and is the North West’s leading employee engagement membership group, connecting HR professionals and business leaders with engagement specialists and peers. They present evidence and real-life, practical experiences of how business leaders have successfully engaged with their teams and subsequently improved their businesses as a result.

NWEEG holds bi-monthly events throughout Lancashire and seeks to encourage businesses across the North West to better engage with their people, their customers and stakeholders.

Andrew Henderson, one of six NWEEG Leaders, said: “To achieve our vision in making the North West of England the best place to work in the world, it is crucial that

we provide a professional forum where HR professionals and business leaders, from across the region, can come together to share best practice, knowledge, experiences and aspirations. Because businesses are constantly evolving, we believe it is vital for people to come together and find out more about the various challenges that organisations face when setting out an engagement strategy.”

For 2018, NWEEG has partnered with nine Ambassadors and the Leaders to act as role models and key figures to ensure everyone understands that regular engagement is a crucial element in ensuring that your Board and managers can participate in effective and timely two-way dialogue.

People are a business’ largest asset and NWEEG is open to business leaders from across the North West who understand that the power is in their people. NWEEG guides people to understand that being more engaged at work will result in sales growth, productivity and improved health and well-being.

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4MANUFACTURING YOUR FREE Business Newspaper

February 2018

A successful start to 2018 for William Firth Woodcraft A LOCAL woodworking business has had a very promising start to 2018, by being asked to be part of Not on the High Street, and attending Nationwide Trade Shows in London and Manchester.

William Firth Woodcraft is an independent woodworking workshop based in the village of Scorton, in Lancashire. All the products created in the workshop are handmade using traditional processes and best practices.

Working with customers including Bells of Lazonby, Westmorland Family and Breweries nationwide, the business has built a strong brand throughout 2017 and now is showing a very encouraging start to 2018.

The first success of the year sees the business undertaking a full photoshoot in advance of being added to international retail website ‘Not on The High Street’. Employing the skills of Nick Dagger Photography, the team is working to add all products in time for Mother’s Day with a brand-new range of Personalised Products, exclusive to the website.

January also saw William Firth Woodcraft head down to London and then Manchester for two of the

largest trade shows in the Country. Top Drawer is a major international trade show, encompassing a wide variety of suppliers and makers from design-led gifts, to lifestyle, fashion and accessories.

Held twice a year, the business attended the Spring/Summer event at Olympia London from 14-16 January. After this, the team headed to Manchester for the annual Manchester Beer Festival Trade Event, showcasing the product range for this sector to Breweries from around the Country. Products in this range include Personalised Tap Handle, Tasting Paddles and Beer Caddies.

William Firth said: “It’s fantastic to have such a promising start to our second full year of trading. We spent a lot of time building relationships in 2017 with great success; this year we will focus on growth and expanding the business to improve on our success to date.”

William Firth Woodcraft sell directly to customers online, at shows throughout the year and through stockists. The business also sells to the Hospitality and Catering trade with a mix of personalised, corporate products.

Transport refrigeration specialist CoolKit bucks industry trend LEADING refrigerated vehicle specialist CoolKit has announced that their revenues grew by 21% in 2017- continuing a seven-year run of double-digit year-on-year growth despite a contraction in the light commercial vehicle market at large.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the body which monitors trends of new van registrations, the overall market contracted by 3.6% but CoolKit have bucked the trend with their own performance.

The past year saw their revenues exceed £12million for the first time. . Growth in the sale of converted vehicles was the main driving factor behind the growth, with 360 vans sold, an increase of 11% over 2016.

CoolKit managed to secure orders for major fleets including AAH Pharmaceuticals, Iceland Foods, Marks & Spencer, Lex Autolease and Vanarama.

The company also secured top awards including Manufacturing Business of the Year and Business of the Year at the BIBA Awards celebrating business excellence in Lancashire, and the Manufacturing

Excellence Award at the Burnley Business Awards. Their product won the Refrigerated Panel Van of the Year Award, nominated by their industry peers.

During 2017, CoolKit also secured accreditations from worldclass manufacturers including Toyota, Renault Trucks, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Ford Motor Company.

Rupert Gatty, Managing Director of CoolKit, said: “The continued growth is testimony to our staff and their extraordinary commitment to achieving the company’s goals. They have worked tirelessly to deliver innovations and improvements which set us far above our competitors in terms of the capability of our insulated bodywork. Our first fleet order for new ultra-light ibox bodywork provided the user with the benefit of a demonstrable 1,200kg usable payload - a new industry benchmark.

“In 2018, we will be continuing to focus on delivering the best products and service to our customers, aiming for outstanding

customer satisfaction and maintaining our reputation as the industry leaders in the refrigerated transport market.”

The relocation to new premises in 2016 trebled the company’s manufacturing operations to a 45,000 square feet area, creating

one of the UK’s biggest panel van conversion facilities. In 2017, CoolKit acquired additional neighbouring premises of a further 25,000 square feet, which facilitates extra capacity and vehicle storage as well as enabling them to showcase their range of products to their

customers in an exciting new format.

Now benefiting from an enhanced and re-organised sales team with specialisations in fleet sales, van retailing, aftersales support and export, CoolKit is well poised to command further substantial market share in 2018.

Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

5

New Lancashire manufacturing adviser THE Manufacturing Growth Fund has appointed a new manufacturing advisor to deliver its manufacturing fund in Lancashire.

Alan Reid is an elected member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and has over 30 years’ experience in the manufacturing and engineering sector, most recently as Managing Director of B&M Longworth.

He is a chartered mechanical engineer, with a degree in mechanical engineering from UCLan, which he obtained as a mature student.

Born and bred in Lancashire, Alan was awarded an MBE for his volunteer work with youth services in Blackburn.

He joins a team of advisors who are passionate about the manufacturing sector and growing businesses through operational efficiency and increased productivity.

Manufacturing specialists are available to support businesses anywhere in Lancashire, providing consultancy to help them implement strategies and processes which will have the greatest bottom line impacts.

Alan Reid said: “When I sold my shares in B&M Longworth, it gave me nine months to take stock of what I wanted to do next.

“I thought about consultancy and then this job came up, which was ideal as it allows me to use my skills to help other businesses. I’ve

experienced running a business with a £1.5m turnover that exported to the Far East and USA, that not only met the criteria for supplying the likes of Rolls Royce, but also dealt with small businesses employing only a handful of people.”

Anne Campion, Manufacturing Services Manager for the Manufacturing Growth Fund, added: “Alan brings a fresh perspective to the manufacturing offer in the North West. He has experience as a business owner, and has received funded support from the former Manufacturing Advisory Service, which means he is ideally placed to advise manufacturing and engineering firms on their growth strategy.”

One of Alan’s first opportunities to meet with manufacturers from across Lancashire will be at a special event outlining what the sector needs to do to prepare for Brexit. Entitled ‘Preparing Your Manufacturing Business for Brexit’, the free event will be held at the Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel on Tuesday 13 February 2018, 8am-11:30am.

Joining Alan will be Mike Brook and Jayne Mezulis from international business consultants Brook Corporate Developments. Together they will outline the implications of Brexit for local manufacturers, followed a by panel discussion on how to effectively plan for Brexit.

Boohoo announces record revenue MANCHESTER-based fashion retailer Boohoo.com, who has a site in Burnley, has record revenues across its brands.

The group, which includes the PrettyLittleThing and Nasty Gal brands, saw revenues in the final four months of 2017 increase to £228.2m. As a result, group revenue growth for this financial year is expected to be around 90%, an increase on previous guidance of around 80%.

Mahmud Kamani and Carol Kane, joint CEOs, commented: “We are delighted to report another set of strong financial and operational results, with record sales in the four months to December across all our brands.

The Black Friday period was our most successful ever and we traded well throughout the period under review.

Boohoo has continued to perform well, delivering strong revenue growth on increasingly challenging comparatives last year.

“PrettyLittleThing has continued to deliver exceptional results and Nasty Gal is making excellent progress in its first year. Our focus remains on the customer proposition: offering the best range of the latest fashion at affordable prices, coupled with great customer service.”

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February 2018

Luxury gin distillery’s success with Boost A LANCASHIRE-based gin distillery has fulfilled its biggest order to date and forecasts turnover growth of more than 300 per cent after receiving support from Boost.

Batch Brew Limited, established in 2011 by Phil Whitwell, supplies the local, regional and international wholesale market, boasting customers like Booths and most recently the exclusive Craft Gin Club.

The Burnley-based business, who recently showcased at Taste Lancashire 2017, received help from the Boost Access to Finance team to successfully apply for a £20,000 Rosebud MICRO loan.

Boost is Lancashire's Business Growth Hub and is led by the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and Lancashire County Council, and supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Claire Plowes, operations manager at Batch, said; “We pride ourselves on thinking out of the box. When we were approached by the Craft Gin Club to be in their Christmas subscription box, we jumped at the chance. We had no idea how big the order would be and what opportunities it would

provide.”

“We started off distilling gin in the basement of the family home back in 2015 and we have just grown from there. We moved into Habergham Mill at the end of 2016, when we started regularly shipping big orders to Milan and Vienna.”

Jonathan Nelson, a member of Boost’s Access to Finance team, met with Phil and Claire in April 2017.

Jonathan is an experienced finance specialist assisting SMEs in raising finance to support future growth.

Jonathan, said: “I was fascinated by the rapid success of Batch when I first met the team. Batch products are very well known to all the locals in Burnley and it was clear to see the potential that they had for continued growth, including the export market.

“The Craft Gin Club order was almost 80 times bigger than any order Batch had done previously. It was a mammoth task for the team to take on and as with many orders, payment is received after delivery.

Creating an order so much bigger than usual meant the team needed an injection of capital to fund ingredients, equipment and labour.”

Jonathan, who worked with the business over an eight-month

period, assisted with an application for a Rosebud loan which included writing a credit report and supporting the directors with a business plan and cash flow forecasts.

In addition to finance support, Boost is helping the business in other areas. Claire, formally a teacher, is currently having mentoring sessions with Jaydee Davies, operations manager from Community and Business partners, who will be assisting her with skills in marketing, human resources and finance.

Head distiller at Batch, Ollie Sanderson, added: “Seeking Boost support has opened up so many doors for Batch and securing the loan has allowed us to share our message and our passion for flavours and innovation with the nation. The loan from Rosebud and the contract with Craft Gin Club has put us in a great position.

“We are heading into 2018 with lots of plans. We have launched our newest range ‘Batch innovations’ in January, which lets subscribers taste a different flavour of spirit each month. This is what we truly love doing, experimenting with spirits and flavours, offering our customers something that they won’t get anywhere else.

Claire added: “The Ethos at Batch is to be green wherever we can. Given the volume of this order, we took the opportunity to design new bottles for our signature gin.

The new bottles are easier to pack so we can fit more in a box and they are considerably lighter – all contributing to greener travelling.”

Following the national reach

from being the December gin for The Craft Gin Club subscription package, the company has recently launched a new website and began the research and development of new spirits to add to their offering.

Batch is also concentrating on moving into the spirit market in China over the next 12 months.

Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub, is helping the county’s businesses grow.

If you’re looking to fuel your business growth, start the growth conversation today.

“I was looking for support to organise and improve our manufacturing processes and workflow, I got exactly what I asked for with the mentoring from Boost.”

Funded support

0800 488 0057

Growth programmes

Search online for

3,500 businesses helped

‘Boost Lancashire’

Matt Watts

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Disclaimer: Boost Business Lancashire is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and restrictions apply. To see if your business is eligible and qualifies for support from the Boost programme, please call us on 0800 488 0057

#GrowingLancashire

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Blackpool firm lands one of their biggest ever projects through local partnership BLACKPOOL based Links Signs & Graphics Ltd and national construction SME of the year, Create Construction, also based in Blackpool, have teamed up to work together to highlight the development of a multi-million pound student accommodation project in Liverpool.

The graphics for the project, which was one of the biggest ever undertaken by the firm, saw Links Signs & Graphics produce over 400

square meters of self-adhesive vinyl graphics, which were then applied to hoardings around the perimeter of the building site. The hoardings tell the story of the development and what the new facility will contain.

Carl Bennett, Director, Links Signs & Graphics said: “We are delighted to have successfully completed another huge project. The team has worked incredibly hard and the end product looks fantastic. It is also very gratifying to know that

Create Construction is also pleased with the graphics produced, which in turn strengthens our working relationship with them.

“The graphics were produced over a three-day period, whilst it then took a team of four a further three days to install the graphics at the Liverpool site.”

Adrian Tottey, Managing Director, Create Construction added: “We are very pleased with the fantastic work done by our local

company, Links Signs & Graphics.

We have used them for all our signage for quite a while and the high quality adhesive signage they provided and installed at our new Liverpool site is testimony to the quality work they provide. This is particularly important, since their graphics will be seen by thousands of people every day.

"The Weavers, Norton Street Liverpool is our largest project to date at £36 million. The scheme,

on behalf of NR Orion LLP, part of the Niveda Group, includes the construction of 738 student bedrooms, with high specification social areas, gym, laundry and ground floor retail units.’’

Established in 2007, Links Signs & Graphics employs ten people and provides high-quality bespoke signs and graphics for a wide range of purposes, including; external signs, window graphics, vehicle graphics and banners.

8CYBER YOUR FREE Business Newspaper SECURITY

February 2018

Do you need a Data Protection Officer under GDPR? WITH May 25th getting ever closer, HM Network’s Chris Hunter takes a look at some points to help you determine if you need to appoint a Data Protection Officer.

We often hear “when it comes into effect on 25th May 2018, do all businesses and organisations require a DPO under the GDPR?” The short answer is NO. You CAN appoint one if you so wish, but it is not obligatory for every organisation to appoint a Data Protection Officer.

If only it was that easy just choosing yes or no… The ICO’s guidance demonstrates that: “Under the GDPR, you must appoint a DPO if you: • Are a public authority (except for courts acting in their judicial capacity); • Carry out large scale systematic monitoring of individuals (for example, online behaviour tracking); or • Carry out large scale processing of special categories of data or data relating to criminal convictions and offences.

You may appoint a single data protection officer to act for a group of companies or for a group of public authorities, taking into account their structure and size.

Any organisation is able to appoint a DPO. Regardless of whether the GDPR obliges you to appoint a DPO, you must ensure that your organisation has sufficient staff and skills to discharge your

obligations under the GDPR.” There was once talk that businesses with 250 employees or more would automatically need a DPO but that seems to have changed. The reality is you could be a business of just 10 people but if you carry the types of tasks in the scales above, then you will need to appoint someone who is capable and also suitable for the role.

Whether your organisation is obliged to appoint an actual Data Protection Officer (DPO) or not, you will still need to comply. Even if you do not need a DPO, you will need to have someone leading your compliance programme.

Highest level of protection and to have independence You can advertise to recruit a DPO, but there is currently a major shortage. We are also hearing from a number of people who have been put forward for the role, who may not be all that comfortable with the responsibilities that it brings.

However, the DPO receives protected employment status and must: be suitably qualified, and an expert in data protection law; be able to carry out the role independently; report to the highest level of management in the organisation.

You could outsource your DPO role to an external specialist or even a law firm. You could also use someone from within your own organisation, but do they have the right skills to take on the position? There may be a

steep learning curve ahead, to get up to speed.

Could you use someone you already employ?

While you can appoint someone in your existing organisation as your DPO, they should have the relevant mindset and experience needed for a job like this. Although it is not obligatory, it is preferred and suggested that they possess the following skills: • Knowledge of privacy impact assessments, risk assessments, IT and IS audits, • An expert knowledge in data protection laws, • Significant experience in EU and global privacy laws which may include drafting of privacy policies and third-party outsourcing agreements, • Experience in legal and technical training, • Experience in raising awareness of digital resilience practices internally If you do use someone from your existing staff, it cannot be a person from a role where it could be seen to have a conflict of interest.

For example, they cannot hold one of the following positions since they could then have a conflict of interest: • Chief Executive • Head of Marketing • Chief Financial Officer • Chief Operating Officer • Head of Human Resources

• Head of Information Technology It’s unlikely that whoever you choose, that they will know everything from the word go, there may well be a lead in time while they are getting up to speed with what’s required.

procedure writing plus provide data protection practitioner support and much more. Our mission is to support local companies through the required changes and as part of that, many of the services mentioned are free of charge or low cost, whereas others come at a premium.

Consider these points Do you take on a trained DPO from the word go? Do you outsource completely, or use one of your own people and transition them into the role, with external help and support when they need it?

What are the tasks of the DPO? The DPO’s minimum tasks are defined in Article 39: • To inform and advise the organisation and its employees about their obligations to comply with the GDPR and other data protection laws.

• To monitor compliance with the GDPR and other data protection laws, including managing internal data protection activities, advise on data protection impact assessments; train staff and conduct internal audits.

• To be the first point of contact for supervisory authorities and for individuals whose data is processed (employees, customers etc).

If help is required, you should know: • Where your chosen DPO/Data Protection lead can turn to for help and guidance • Where they can get the tools to help them to do their jobs • Who can help them provide training options for your staff This is where engaging with GDPRexpress can help. We have assembled a variety of specialist partners and services that can help your business on its road to compliance. There is a saying “there is strength in numbers”. Being able to call upon expertise from a group across a variety of specialisms is invaluable.

The specialist partners in the group can help you assess, plan, train and put into practice your GDPR readiness programme.

From audits, assessments, cyber security, staff training, policy and

Way forward If you require any help, HM Network is happy to connect you with support mechanisms to help you prepare and carry out the roles and responsibilities of the DPO. If you have any questions about Data Protection, Cyber Security, Training or need help with your own GDPR preparations, contact Chris at HM Network info+gdpr@hm-network.com 03333 444 190

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Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

Xcina Consulting publishes its latest White Paper on GDPR XCINA Consulting, part of the AIM listed, digital, operational and regulatory resilience company, Shearwater Group plc, has launched its latest White Paper, highlighting guidance on being General Data Protection Regulatory (GDPR) ready, prior to the 25 May 2018 deadline.

Xcina works closely with the London Digital Security Centre and supports organisations in all sectors,

providing digital, operational and regulatory transformation solutions and services to ensure resilience in an ever-changing digital world. The White Paper illustrates how people are at the centre of GDPR and that training, as well as awareness, are pivotal to being GDPR ready.

The White Paper further details how Xcina Consulting, alongside LiMETOOLS, has developed a GDPR educational e-learning

kevin.porter@xcina.co.uk

training tool underpinned by workplace behavioural psychology.

The tool uses an unusual mix of ‘novella’ fictional soap drama scenarios; animations; weighted scoring quiz games; and video documentary ‘short bites’, produced to broadcast compliance standards.

The tools’ software captures trainees’ data, enabling management to measure staff performance and departmental or regional

comparison scoring, thus ensuring organisations are not penalised by the Regulator.

Xcina Consulting’s Northern based Business Development Director, Kevin Porter, said: “This White Paper acts as a key reference for organisations, regardless of size and sector, highlighting the importance of people in helping a company become GDPR ready.

“Training and awareness are at

the heart of GDPR readiness and alongside LiMETOOLS, Xcina Consulting has spent the last six months developing e-learning training packages. There is a Basics package for all staff and specific operational packages for HR, IT, Legal, Not-for-Profit and Marketing/PR practitioners. There is also an Executive tool for senior management.”

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February 2018

Language Insight's GDPR compliant months ahead of new regulation’s deadline LANCASHIRE-based translation company, Language Insight, are ready for the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) months ahead of the 25th May deadline.

GDPR is an EU agreement that is due to go into practice this May. It will affect all companies that deal with EU citizen data, aiming to ensure all companies are using and protecting data correctly. Current data protection regulations are from the late 1990s and do not accurately reflect the ways data is now used.

Language Insight works with many sectors that deal with highlysensitive data and documents, from healthcare and legal to financial companies and the Military Police.

Language Insight protects data by design through significant assessment of identified risks and risk controls. Alongside their internationally-recognised ISO 27001 accreditation, Language Insight is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office, making them GDPR compliant.

These new regulations will encourage all organisations to hold the importance of data security at the same high level as Language Insight. If a company suffers a data breach, repercussions can be severe, potentially being fined 4% of global turnover or €20 million.

GDPR compliance is not a significant change for Language Insight, but they hope that all clients will understand the need for such security measures, as they do the utmost to protect and secure data.

Cyber Security Small Business guide CYBER security for small businesses isn’t rocket science. Research by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in 2017 found that nearly half (45%) of all micro/small businesses have identified a cyber security breach or attack in the last year. With almost daily headlines about companies losing data and pictures of hackers in hoodies apparently watching your every move, it’s not surprising that protecting yourself online can be a daunting concept.

But following the five simple steps outlined in the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) small business guide can help to significantly reduce the potential for your business to become a victim of a cyber-crime and protect you from loss online.

Advice in the small business guide comes in categories focused on backing-up data, using strong passwords, protecting against malware, keeping devices safe and avoiding phishing attacks.

1: Back up your data Losing your business critical data, whether it be customer details, or

payment details could have a major impact on whether or not you could continue to function. Identify what is your business critical data and make sure you regularly back it up onto a separate drive or computer which isn’t connected to your main computer network. Also consider a backup which is taken off site so that it can’t be stolen or destroyed in a fire or flood. With the increase in incidents of ransomware (where your data is encrypted by online criminals rendering it unusable unless you pay), backing up data is even more important.

2: Protect your organisation from malware Malicious software (malware) is something which can render your computer equipment useless if it is allowed to take hold. Anti-virus and anti-malware software is often included within modern computer operating systems. It’s important to make sure that it is up to date and turned on. Patching, or keeping any software and applications up to date is also a good way to ensure that online criminals can’t find easy ways into your network.

3: Keep smartphones and tablets safe With smartphones and tablets forming an essential part of modern business, more and more valuable data is taken away from the office environment. It is important that they are protected with strong passwords and that any additional security features such as fingerprint recognition are enabled. As with desktop computers, it is essential that any apps and operating systems are kept up to date. Also, think twice about using public Wi-Fi. 4: Use passwords to protect your data Strong passwords are a great free and effective way of protecting your data on a computer, laptop or mobile phone. They should be easy for you to remember, but hard for criminals to guess. Using a combination of 3 random words, or a passphrase with letters substituted for numbers and special characters is a good way to start. Then make sure you don’t write them down, share them with other colleagues or keep the default passwords you are given with a new account or device.

5: Avoid phishing attacks Phishing e-mails, where a criminal tries to trick you into giving away important information, or clicking a link or downloading an attachment are increasingly hard to spot from genuine e-mails.

Businesses are increasingly targeted by fake invoices where staff are tricked into transferring money into what they believe is a genuine account for an existing customer or supplier. Having staff check thoroughly and not being afraid to question whether e-mail are genuine is good practice and can help to prevent you from losing money or data.

Remote working In the North West, the North West's Regional Organised Crime Unit, TITAN, has seen a large number of ransomware attacks against small businesses and schools, with attackers gaining access via computer ports used by staff who work remotely at home.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is often used by businesses as it allows employees to work on files etc. without physically attending

their place of work. Unfortunately if RDP is not configured securely then it is vulnerable to attacks from cyber criminals.

If you have staff who use remote access, make sure that they use strong passwords for RDP to assist with protecting your wider network.

Reporting a cyber crime Action Fraud is the national reporting centre for Fraud and Cyber Crime and they are available via telephone number 0300 123 2040. They are available 24/7, 365 days a year and crime reports can also be made via the Action Fraud Website www.actionfraud.police. uk. However, if you are suffering an ongoing attack, then please pick the phone up and call Action Fraud directly rather than reporting online.

Further information The UK Government’s behavioural change campaign for cyber security, Cyber Aware, promotes simple measures that small businesses and individuals can adopt to stay more secure online. Cyber Aware’s technical advice is provided by the NCSC.

Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP11

2018 and beyond for Lancashire Shale Gas Newly appointed Lancashire For Shale Chairman, Lee Petts, looks ahead at what's in store for Lancashire's emerging shale gas industry in 2018 and beyond.

It's been a year now since Cuadrilla began work at its Preston New Road site on the Fylde, during which it's made steady progress. By mid-January, it had announced the early results of its work so far, which it described as 'very encouraging' noting the presence of a high level of natural gas content in over 350 feet of core rock samples it has collected from deep underground, and commenting that the rock is highly suited for hydraulic fracturing or 'fracking' - the technique used to release the trapped gas.

According to the Environment Editor of The Times, research suggests that a 2.5km horizontal well in the Lancashire Bowland shale could extract enough gas to meet the needs of over 5,000 homes for 30 years.

This is good news, because for a successful shale gas industry to grow here, there first of all needs to be gas in the ground, and, secondly, it must be possible to recover it to the surface.

We believe that shale gas will create opportunities for Lancashire businesses,

jobs for local people and investment in our County and our communities.

Already, Cuadrilla’s activities have seen just under £7 million ploughed into the local economy since it relocated its headquarters to Bamber Bridge and it’s paid out £200,000 in community benefits recently too, with 85% of residents near its Preston New Road site who were eligible, registering for a share.

But there are broader advantages as well, linked to energy security and affordability.

In early December 2017, just as we entered a sudden cold snap, the Forties pipeline that brings gas ashore from the North Sea had to close for unscheduled repairs. It coincided with a temporary shut-down of a major pipeline bringing gas from Norway; an explosion at a major Austrian gas hub which interrupted flows across Europe and a lack of cushioning storage following the closure of Britain's biggest gas storage facility off the coast of East Yorkshire.

This 'perfect storm' of circumstances led to the spot price of gas hitting a fiveyear high and saw arrangements made for a tanker ship of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to be sent from Yamal in Russia.

Over half the gas we use in the UK is now imported like this, which leaves us vulnerable to these sorts of supply shortages and price spikes.

There are over 52,000 businesses in Lancashire, most of which are SMEs (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises).

One way or another, they all depend on affordable and reliable energy in order to function. A new source of gas from under our feet could help to secure that, and we’re not the only ones to think so - according to the results of the first in a series of quarterly online national surveys being undertaken

by Lancashire For Shale, more SME business owners and managers than not agree that natural gas produced in the UK, including from shale rock, can help to make energy more secure and competitively priced for British businesses by reducing imports.

Cuadrilla has now started to drill the first of two horizontal wells into the gas-rich shale rock - the first time that’s been done anywhere in the UK - and expects to frack those wells before the Summer. That means we could start to see Lancashire gas flowing in 2018, and even more local economic benefits. It’s going to be an exciting year.

Register for your free Let’s Do This information pack today and find out what a successful shale gas industry has in store for Lancashire, with your help.

www.lancsforshale.org.uk/letsdothis

12EDUCATION YOUR FREE Business Newspaper

February 2018

Researchers send graphene into near space Mission hailed a success IN the first experiment of its kind, researchers at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) are exploring the practical applications of exploiting graphene in the UK space industry. This has been achieved through the launch of specially designed grapheneenhanced carbon fibre material into near space using high altitude

balloons.

By comparing a grapheneenhanced carbon fibre to a standard carbon fibre casing, researchers will be able to test how both react to extreme conditions high above the Earth. They will then compare the results to determine how graphene can be utilised in space.

Graphene has been hailed

as the world's first 2D material.

In particular, it is ultra-light, yet immensely tough. While it is 200 times stronger than steel, it is also incredibly flexible. UCLan scientists believe that graphene, in combination with other materials, could allow satellites to be lighter, reducing the costs of launching them into space and making them more

robust against the impacts of space debris.

Led by UCLan and part-funded by the UK Space Agency’s National Space Technology Programme, this unique investigation will see the balloons reaching heights of 115,000ft, which is four times the height reached by an average aeroplane.

To ensure accurate results, sensors will be attached to each casing to monitor and record key data including how they react to temperatures of up to minus 60 degrees, and the effects of very low pressure. This launch will provide researchers with the raw data that will enable them to take the next critical steps in their research.

UCLan has already explored numerous applications of graphene in the aerospace industry. This experiment follows the launch of Prospero at the 2016 Farnborough Air Show, which was a three-metre wide unmanned aircraft. This was part-constructed using grapheneenhanced carbon fibre which was provided by Haydale Composite Solutions.

Dr Darren Ansell, space and aerospace engineer at UCLan said: “We wanted to go one step further following the launch of

Prospero and explore how graphene could potentially form an integral component of future satellites and space vehicles.”

Commenting on the launch, Professor Robert Walsh, Professor of Astrophysics at UCLan, added: “Our mission was very successful, both casings were recovered and we are now in the process of analysing the flight data to explore how graphene could play a key role in the future of space exploration.”

Elizabeth Seaman, head of major projects and technology development at the UK Space Agency commented: “This project will take graphene to new heights and show us what the material could do for the UK’s growing space sector.

Science and research are at the heart of the government’s Industrial Strategy, and the UK Space Agency is committed to driving economic growth by supporting new space technologies and helping to develop skills that will bring benefits to people across the UK.” The graphene-enhanced materials have been produced by industrial partners Haydale Composite Solutions Ltd, while the high-altitude balloons used for the launch were provided by Sent Into Space.

They’re the business! Students get a taste of life in the workplace A GROUP of secondary school students swapped the classroom for the boardroom when they spent the day at a firm of accountants and business advisers.

Year 9 Business Studies pupils from Rhyddings Business and Enterprise School in Oswaldtwistle visited Cassons in Haslingden to take a look behind the scenes and get a taste of how real businesses are run.

The students took a tour of the firm’s offices, seeing three screen technology in action and the allimportant tea making facilities to help get a feel for office life.

They also took on a series of challenges in workshops exploring the types of assignments that are central to three key business functions: accounting, payroll and marketing.

Their challenges included calculating the mocked-up profits from an Ed Sheeran concert and understood the importance of checking your own financial records and bank statements.

They also found out how to

calculate the tax on a pay slip – and how much tax they will pay when they are working.

The third session was an introduction to business marketing and how to utilise social media in order to promote businesses, including how to identify online advertisements.

Cassons and Rhyddings have been working in partnership since 2014 and this event was organised through the Enterprise Adviser Network which develops long term, strategic partnerships between schools and businesses.

Mr Paul Trickett, Headteacher of Rhyddings Business and Enterprise School, said: "The children received expert, real-life tuition that will help them on their entry into GCSE Business Studies. We are incredibly lucky to have developed such a supportive relationship with Cassons, we hope that this link continues for many years to come."

Peter Johnson, Partner at Cassons, said he was proud that Cassons have worked so closely with

Rhyddings for the past four years.

“The Enterprise Adviser Network and previously Business Class provide great opportunities for students to find out more about the world of work and to have a chat with our employees about the sorts of careers available to them in accountancy and business. It’s also a great opportunity for our own staff to run sessions with the students.

“Hopefully this session will be valuable in helping students understand how businesses operate and also taking the fear away before these young people have their first interviews and first experiences in a work place. They were certainly all very surprised at how quiet it was!”

Penny Heys, Enterprise Coordinator for East Lancashire with the Enterprise Adviser Network, added: “It was brilliant.

The children learnt such a lot and were so engaged during the sessions.

Any students interested in a career in business will have had a good insight into different areas.”

13

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14

YOUR FREE Business Newspaper

EachStep Blackburn renews support for student apprenticeship opportunities in Blackburn

February 2018 STUDENTS from Blackburn College will benefit from continued support and apprenticeship opportunities from EachStep Blackburn, after the re-signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.

EachStep Blackburn has been voted ‘Britain’s Best Care Home’ in the Journal of Dementia Care’s 7th National Dementia Awards, and brings together modern dementia-friendly design and a significant focus on involving the local community.

Following a successful partnership starting in 2016, students from Blackburn College have benefitted from work placements and apprenticeship opportunities with the leading dementia care service.

The agreement involves a specifically tailored apprenticeship programme, which helps students to play a more influential and caring role in society, whilst promoting social cohesion.

Students from a number of programmes have benefitted from the agreement, including Health and Social Care students caring for residents; Catering students supporting in the kitchen and tea room; and Hair and Beauty students helping with the on-site salon.

Phil Benson, EachStep Blackburn’s Service Manager said: “We are delighted to continue the agreement and it has been a privilege to meet the

compassionate and passionate students from Blackburn College.

“Students from a number of disciplines have joined us, including two who have been offered full time roles as a result of their time at EachStep.

“The agreement allows us to offer students a greater knowledge of the care sector and the chance to access invaluable industry and employability skills.

“We are committed to offering them great placements and experiences that will make a difference to people’s lives and encourage students to follow a career within the care sector.”

Nicola Clayton, Director of Business Development and External Engagement at Blackburn College said: “Our students have benefitted immensely from the partnership that we have with EachStep Blackburn and we are delighted that they have agreed to continue their support.

“Not only does the understanding provide students with invaluable work experience, it also allows them to learn more about the sector they wish to enter.

“At Blackburn College, we work with over 3,000 employers to make students more employable* and we are Top 10 in England for Apprentice Success and Number 1 in England for Female Apprentice Success*.”

University secures planning approval for Student Centre and new civic space A FLAGSHIP project in The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) Masterplan has been given planning approval today at a Preston City Council hearing.

Designed by Hawkins Brown following an international RIBA competition, the proposed Student Centre and a modern civic square will be the focal point of the University’s £200million Masterplan development.

The new Student Centre, which has targeted a BREEAM (environmental quality) rating of ‘excellent’ will be 7,304 sqm providing a new reception area, informal learning spaces and a student wellbeing support centre.

Designed as an iconic gateway to the City, the new square will span 8,440 sqm providing flexible and adaptable spaces for a wide range of community, public, business and student uses.

The project will also see improvements made to landscaping and the public realm in Adelphi Quarter.

Following a comprehensive consultation process, representations were made by various local groups. These were considered at the hearing and

planning approval was given provided conditions were met, which will be made public toward the end of January.

Michael Ahern, Chief Operating Officer at UCLan, said: “Securing planning approval for this flagship project is fantastic news and we’re extremely grateful to the many people and organisations who came forward to provide us with their views during the consultation process. Their contribution was invaluable.

“It’s another significant step toward delivering a centre of learning where people of all interests and backgrounds can feel at ease, comfortable in their physical surroundings and supported in their academic, social and business aspirations.

“This project is of significant importance. Not only will it transform our campus but will positively contribute to the ongoing regeneration of Preston.”

Work on the site could start in early 2019 with the student centre and square completed during the summer of 2020.

15

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First of its kind masters-level apprentiships set to boost Britain's engineering skills BAE Systems has partnered with Cranfield University to boost Britain’s engineering skills through a new post-graduate engineering apprenticeship programme, which will provide learners with a valuable masters-level qualification.

The first cohort of 76 engineers from BAE Systems began the academic element of their level 7 apprenticeship programme on 8 January 2018, undertaking modules including design-driven innovation, operations management and cost engineering. Modules will be carried out alongside the graduate engineers’ day-to-day roles within the business.

Teaching will be delivered entirely online, through a combination of interactive video sessions with Cranfield’s academics and remote online learning platforms, to provide the graduate engineers with the flexibility to study and acquire a masters-level qualification without taking time out from work. On successful completion, the apprentices will obtain a Post-Graduate Diploma in Engineering Competence – a key step towards reaching Chartered Engineering (CEng) accreditation.

Already one of the largest recruiters of apprentices in the UK, BAE Systems has further expanded its wide range of apprenticeship schemes by offering this new programme to post-graduates across the business, as the company seeks to attract talent from the widest cross section of society. Further to the post-graduate apprentices, the defence company recruited just under 600 apprentices across its wider apprenticeships schemes in 2017 and reported record numbers of both female apprentices and apprentices with disabilities – making up 27% and 15% of recruits respectively. In addition, 18% of recruits came from the most socially deprived areas of the UK. Those interested in applying for an apprenticeship at BAE Systems can choose from approximately 650 apprenticeship training places, including 120 at post-graduate level, which are now open to applicants.

This supports BAE Systems’ contribution to the 2018 Year of Engineering, in which the company is joining forces with government and industry to give thousands of young people direct experience of engineering to help tackle the skills

gap and widen the pool of young people who join the profession.

Richard Hamer, Director of Education and Skills at BAE Systems, said: “We’re excited to be the trailblazer for this new qualification and we’re delighted that our graduate engineers are able to partner with such a prestigious institution as Cranfield. As part of our ongoing commitment to nurture talent and high-end skills, the postgraduate diploma in engineering competence will allow our graduate engineers to apply their learning in a work-based context, with the assessment focused on competency rather than academic ability.”

Professor Rajkumar Roy, Director of Manufacturing at Cranfield University, said: “This innovative programme further strengthens Cranfield’s masterslevel apprenticeship offering.

Through online delivery, engineers will be able to study through both live interactive and ‘on-demand’ sessions. Working in partnership with BAE Systems allows us to tailor our educational programme to meet the needs of engineers and industry.”

Cranfield University is one of

only five UK universities to have a strategic partnership with BAE Systems and is the first university in England to deliver masters level apprenticeships.

Rebecca Jaggon, 22, and Christian Balan, 24, are among the first students to start the Level 7 Post-Graduate Apprenticeship at BAE Systems.

Rebecca Jaggon, Graduate Systems Engineer in Electronic Systems at BAE Systems, said: “I had just started the graduate scheme within BAE Systems when in September last year I was made aware of the academic opportunity with Cranfield University and was thrilled, as I was interested in completing another qualification but didn’t want to take time out of work to study. The new programme offers the best of both, as the virtual learning programmes and lectures offer the flexibility to fit studying in around my current work schedule, while also enabling me to apply that knowledge directly to my day-to-day role within the Electronic Systems business.”

Christian Balan, Aircraft Maintenance & Support Graduate in BAE Systems Air sector, said:

“Having already completed a master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College London, I was looking for something that would further develop and hone my skills whilst pursuing a structured development framework towards the CEng accreditation. The post-graduate apprenticeship scheme with BAE Systems and Cranfield University immediately felt like the right fit for me, offering a wider variety of modules and learning opportunities in areas adjacent to standard engineering subjects. Ultimately this opportunity allows me to carry out my current role within the Military Air business, whilst merging the invaluable experiences gathered on the job with the academic excellence of the university.

“The modules available to me will also help bring me closer to my ultimate goal of achieving a Chief Engineering qualification with Royal Aeronautical Society, for which a wider range of technical skills and competences should be complemented by an accountable, well-rounded engineer.”

16AWARDS YOUR FREE Business Newspaper

February 2018

HAD is announced as finalist at the British Muslim Awards 2018 HUSSAIN Architectural Design is delighted to have been announced finalist under the ‘Service to Creativity and Technology’ category.

Hussain Architectural Design Ltd was founded in Burnley in 2011; the business has since expanded to Blackburn, Manchester, and London.

The practice is led by all-female management and works towards helping and inspiring females in the construction industry.

This is the 6th year for which the awards have been running. The British Muslim Awards aims to recognise a wide range of achievements which cover various aspects of society including business, charity, sport, arts and culture. The evening will celebrate and showcase the determination, hard work, personal and commercial achievements.

Saira Hussain at HAD said: ‘’ We as designers visit our client’s homes or their building sites and produce the imaginative vision for transforming them into masterworks. Creativity lies at the heart of every design process and technology is what brings everything together, it’s always humbling to be recognised for the work we do.’’

Practice manager, Nixie Edwards added: “Hard work really pays off, and such recognition also encourages us to continue. We’re really proud to be part of this industry, and love to find architectural solutions to the challenges that our clients may face."

HAD has recently opened their interior design department covering high end residential projects and commercial interiors, including, retail, restaurants, coffee shops and bars.

True Bearing in Top 5 IFAs in North of England REGIONAL Lancashire Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) firm, True Bearing Chartered Financial Planners, has found itself nominated as one of the top 5 IFAs in the North of England.

The awards, run by Citywire and New Model Advisor, will announce all regional winners at their Conference and Awards in late January.

In 2017, True Bearing enjoyed 20% plus growth for the fourth year in succession. In December 2017, they achieved their third consecutive Investors in People Gold Award.

True Bearing has grown its employees by a further 10% to 63 at their Euxton,

Chorley site, strengthening their service offering and professional advice across all areas of the business.

Launched in 2003, True Bearing is known for the quality and skills of their team. They provide personal financial advice to individuals, small corporates and charities.

In addition, through their Financial Seminar programme, they assist over 40 major UK employers with their Employee Financial Education Programmes.

Director Mark O’Neill stated: “We are passionate about giving good financial advice and good service. I find after that, the rest usually takes care of itself.”

17

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Institute of Directors event visits North-West for the first time THE Institute of Directors’ acclaimed NonExecutive Directors (NED) day and evening event visited the North-West for the first time.

Taking place on 29 January 2018 at The Principal Hotel, Manchester, the comprehensive programme was designed to equip potential Non-Executive Directors with practical strategies to build their network, raise their profile to secure an appointment and add value in the boardroom.

A previous attendee commented: “I’ve really enjoyed this evening. The panel was very knowledgeable, comprising a very broad

range of experienced people across a diverse range of roles and companies.”

Claire Ebrey, Regional Director, IoD NW said: “Our events programme aims to help Directors gain invaluable practical advice on how to excel in their roles, regardless of the sector.

“The continued success of this London event has led to a demand for a similar event in the North-West. All attendees got a warm and friendly welcome from our Institute of Directors' members and the chance to network with some key Directors from several sectors.”

Crowberry Consulting receives Centrica Top 100 Apprentice Employer Award 2017 CROWBERRY Consulting Ltd has been awarded the prestigious Centrica Top 100 Apprentice Employer 2017. This award is provided to the best of the best Employers in the country for apprenticeships.

The Awards, now in their fourteenth year, are run by the National Apprenticeship Service and recognise excellence in two areas: businesses that grow their own talent with apprentices and apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.

On being recognised as a Centrica Top 100 Apprentice Employer, Becky Toal MD said: “We are over the moon to receive this award which recognises Crowberry Consulting as a quality provider of apprenticeships. We have worked with local colleges for the last five

years on roles such as Business Administration and Project Management. We were the only Chorley based business to receive this award!”.

Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “The National Apprenticeship Awards allow talented apprentices and committed employers from across our regions to receive welldeserved recognition for their apprenticeship achievements.

“The Top 100 Apprentice Employers at these awards show the range of sectors and variety of job roles apprenticeships are available in, and how they can deliver the skills employers need. I congratulate all finalists on their success in this competition.”

LeasingOptions.co.uk extends Lancashire County Cricket Club Partnership LEASINGOPTIONS.CO.UK, one of the UK’s leading car leasing companies, has kicked off 2018 by announcing the renewal of its partnership with Lancashire County Cricket Club.

As part of the agreement, Stand A at the Old Trafford ground has been renamed the LeasingOptions.co.uk stand.

The area also includes a purpose-built terrace, an ideal location to watch this year’s top-class cricket action from.

The announcement follows a successful partnership between the two companies in 2017, with LeasingOptions. co.uk hosting several memorable events on the exclusive new terrace.

Mike Thompson, Brand Manager at LeasingOptions.co.uk said: “2017 was a fantastic year for us as a business.

By utilising the relationship with Lancashire County Cricket Club, we were able to effectively extend awareness of our business offering and cement new and existing relationships with key stakeholders. The opportunity to extend the relationship in to 2018 was an easy one to take.”

The extended partnership will see the continuation of the LeasingOptions. co.uk stand and Terrace as well as access to the Lancashire First Team squad; with plans including a range of car based

challenges to be filmed at Emirates Old Trafford and shared with fans of the Red Rose County.

Daniel Gidney, Chief Executive at Lancashire County Cricket Club, said: “We’re delighted that LeasingOptions. co.uk has extended its partnership with the club. The terrace received a lot of attention last season and we’re looking forward to seeing what Leasing Options does with it this year – it’s guaranteed to bring even more fun to the ground.

“The content LeasingOptions.co.uk created with our first team was some of the most innovative partnership content we have ever worked on and 2018 looks set to be even better.”

The terrace will be in use for all international fixtures at Emirates Old Trafford and supporters will be given the opportunity to take in the views from the LeasingOptions.co.uk Terrace during the highly anticipated England vs Australia one-day international match on 24th June 2018 and the subsequent England India ODI also.

LeasingOptions.co.uk joins the likes of Emirates, Heineken and Thomas Cook Sport as partners of the Club. The investment is part of Leasing Options’ long-term plans to grow their market share and profile in the UK.

18BUSINESS YOUR FREE Business Newspaper SUPPORT

February 2018

Lancashire Business Expo a complete sell out!

LANCASHIRE’S largest business event, the Lancashire Business Expo is now placing prominent local businesses who want to exhibit, on a waiting list as the event is completely full.

This follows on from previous years where exhibition space has been a complete sell out, leaving many businesses in the region disappointed that they were not able to promote their products or services to thousands of visitors.

Now in its fourth year, the Expo has firmly established itself as the county’s biggest and most exciting annual business exhibition.

Visitors have exceeded 2,000 business people each year from across the region and further afield throughout the UK. The event is being supported by many leading organisations in Lancashire including BOOST, UCLan, Preston Guild Hall, the NHS Health Academy and Zebra Colour Marketing and PR, who have all been involved with the Expo since it was first launched in 2015.

Ian Coupe from Shout Network commented, “We’re overwhelmed with the momentum this flagship event has created,

with so many businesses from across the whole region keen to be involved. It’s the perfect opportunity for organisations to promote themselves, network with like-minded people, build strong business relationships and, of course, generate new business.”

The Expo will feature a wide range of organisations from both the private and public sectors, corporates and SMEs. Visitors to the event will also have the opportunity to listen to business support presentations from key figures at UCLan and BOOST Business Growth Hub. The Liverpool Echo Arena have visited the Lancashire Business Expo over the past few years and were so impressed that they asked Shout Network to organise something similar for them in Merseyside. So, on 19th October 2018 Shout Network will be launching the 2018 Merseyside Expo!

Ian continued: “We’re thrilled and extremely flattered to be asked to do this.

We already have a number of partners and exhibitors signed up, and anyone who can’t exhibit at the Lancashire Business Expo is being offered the opportunity to exhibit at the Merseyside one instead.”

Recycling Lives launches unique recruitment business AN award-winning organisation working to change lives has launched a specialist recruitment business.

Recycling Lives has established Recycling Lives People, to offer specialist recruitment to its clients, alongside its unique social impact offering.

Recycling Lives uses its commercial operations, primarily in the recycling and waste management sector, to create social good by directly supporting and sustaining its own social and charitable programmes. These programmes work to reduce reoffending rates,

homelessness and food poverty through offender rehabilitation, a residential charity and food redistribution.

The new recruitment business will now work with national clients to place high calibre candidates to enhance businesses, both for specialist

roles or participants of the social programmes looking to turn their lives around.

William Fletcher, managing director of the Recycling Lives Group, said: “Our decision to establish Recycling Lives People within the Recycling Lives Group is borne of our ethos of creating opportunities and our commitment to delivering the best solutions to our clients. Our HMP Academies and residential charity programmes have already provided excellent candidates, so our clients asked us to provide further recruitment solutions across their businesses.”

Recycling Lives People will offer permanent, contract and temp recruitment solutions, managed services and recruitment process outsourcing. Its team are specialists at finding candidates for the IT, Cyber Security, Engineering, Construction and Facilities Management, Office and Hospitality, Professional Services, and Manufacturing and Industrial sectors.

Recycling Lives People will also offer services to place ex-offenders in a variety of roles across national businesses, supporting clients to create real social impact through employment opportunities. Recycling Lives social programmes have already placed participants in a wide variety of organisations, including national

utilities firm, United Utilities and international clean energy firm, Green Growth Ltd. Robert Hall, commercial director of Recycling Lives People, said: “We’re excited to have joined the Recycling Lives’ team to use our recruitment expertise to find the best candidates for clients. As part of the Recycling Lives Group, we can offer our clients unrivalled CSR as their spend contributes to the creation of social impact through Recycling Lives’ charitable programmes.”

Recycling Lives’ social programmes comprise: a residential charity offering housing, support and training opportunities for marginalised men to regain their independence; HMP Academies, prison-based workshops providing opportunities for men and women to improve their skills and life chances ahead of release; and a Food Redistribution Centre, redirecting surplus food from supermarkets to charitable organisations and communities, to tackle food waste and food poverty.

Its programmes create significant social value each year, creating £4.1m social value in 2015/16 alone, through reducing reoffending rates and redistributing goods to charitable organisations.

19

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New franchise opportunity launched by Inflata Nation NFLATA Nation opened recently in Trafford Park, Manchester, featuring a giant indoor bouncy play space, assault courses and ball pools.

Now the concept’s creators, husband and wife duo Michelle and Matt Ball from Southport, are toasting the venture’s success as they celebrate unprecedented interest and take a leap into franchising.

Director Michelle, 35, says: “When we first launched Inflata Nation, we obviously hoped it

would prove popular, but we certainly didn’t plan for it.

“Thankfully, since we opened we’ve been super busy and, if we’re being honest, the level of interest has been surprising even to us.”

The Inflata Nation refurbishment, transforming a former ‘Jump Nation' site, cost £500,000 and the new inflatables were sourced from UK firm ‘Airquee', headquartered in Cwmbran, Wales.

Since then, the park has played host to almost 100 customers per hour-long session, with opening times from 9am to 9pm at weekends.

By mid November, Michelle and Matt, had already seen 25,000 participants enjoying themselves on the climbing wall, the ‘Inflata Drop’ giant slide, or on the Gladiators’ style jousting arena.

And interest from bounce-mad punters hasn’t just been limited to

Britain.

Matt revealed: “While trampoline parks are becoming more and more common, we think Inflata Nation is a pretty unique concept - there’s certainly nothing else quite like it in the world so far.

“Which is why we’re also selling Inflata Nation as a franchise - with interest coming in from all over the globe, including places like Dubai, America and Australia.

“We’ve also protected the brand by signing an exclusive agreement with Airquee, the market leading manufacturer of inflatables.

“We’ve probably had between 80 and 100 enquiries about franchise opportunities, many of which haven’t gone beyond initial conversations, but it’s very encouraging.

“And we’ve actually now signed our first franchisee and are working with them to secure a prime location while working towards an opening in 2018.”

Anyone looking to launch their own Inflata Nation branded park will need to have access to at least £200,000 of liquid assets, with total asset value of £500,000 plus.

The franchise fee is £50,000, with the first half (£25,000) payable when the franchise agreement is first signed, and the second £25,000 payable once the site is completed.

And once it’s up and running, Michelle and Matt will take six per cent of turnover generated, which Michelle says is the 'going market rate for this sort of leisure activity'.

Every franchisee will get an exclusive ‘territory area’ - based on distance to travel and population density - which will ultimately dictate the number of franchises available.

Meanwhile the dream situation for Michelle and Matt is for a ‘master franchisor’ from the US to make a move.

Michelle added: “Ideally, the arrangement we’d want in America would be to get a series of master franchisors who’d deal with the whole of the United States.

“In those cases we’d want to work with people with a proven track record in either the leisure or retail markets, with experience of multiple sites.

“It’s about finding the right people to partner with, and that’s the biggest area we want to conquer.”

Jump Nation, originally the first trampoline park in Greater Manchester, opened in 2014.

Now the pair are pondering whether to turn their other Jump Nation site, located in Runcorn, Cheshire, into an Inflata Nation park, too.

Exact Abacus wins new contract CHORLEY-based fulfilment and technology services specialists, Exact Abacus, are to revamp the order fulfilment and back office system of Bolton-based manufacturer, Adboards, to meet the demands of their rapidly growing customer base.

The response comes from changing customer demands and with the integration of the revolutionary system, Adboards is planning to invest in a new integrated e-commerce site and roll out Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) technology within the supply chain.

Exact Abacus will also implement the latest version of their proprietary technology which is designed, developed and prototyped within their own chain of fulfilment warehouses in the North of England.

Lee Thompson, Exact Abacus’ sales and marketing director, commented: “We’re pleased to be

working with another long-standing and great Lancastrian business. Our proven software and management systems will give Adboards a competitive edge and integrate every process from purchasing, stock control, ecommerce, order processing and finance.”

The project will complete the transformation of Adboards from a traditional manufacturer and wholesaler into a much leaner, direct online retailer. This will involve the overhaul and automation of many processes." Managing Director, Paul Howe, continued: “We have long recognised that technology is the ‘enabler’ in business and Exact Abacus has clearly demonstrated the way in which we want to interact with suppliers, sell products, dispatch orders and achieve profitable growth.

We hope to forge a long-lasting partnership and benefit from their expertise.”

20

YOUR FREE Business Newspaper

February 2018

New BT leader in the North West pledges support to help region achieve “maximum economic growth” THE new head of BT in the North West has pledged to use the company’s huge expertise and resources to boost the region’s economy.

Helen Slinger, the new chair of BT’s regional board in the North West, said the company would help the North West to “achieve maximum productivity and economic growth”.

She highlighted making the most of digital technologies as key to driving future success.

BT is one of the region’s largest private sector employers with more than 9,000 people and major centres in locations such as Warrington, Manchester, Liverpool, Bolton, Accrington and Stockport.

The 44-year-old daughter of a Lancashire farmer, who has lived in the North West for a large part of her life, will lead the board of ten senior BT executives and direct BT’s

activities to ensure the company remains one of the region’s leading investors and employers. Among the company’s achievements in the North West is the creation of a highspeed fibre broadband network that is already available to more than three million homes and businesses, and is continuing to grow rapidly.

She said: “I’ve lived in Lancashire for most of my life so it’s an honour for me to represent BT across the North West. The prosperity of the local economy has always been really important to me.

I love our vibrant cities as well as the region’s stunning countryside and rural businesses – which are close to my heart as the daughter of a farmer.

“The objective of the regional board is to put BT at the heart of the local communities it serves.

Through the development of solid strategic relationships with local authorities, local enterprise

partnerships, key stakeholders, business and community organisations, we improve BT’s understanding of the needs of local people and business, and outline plans to help BT better respond to them with the aim of fuelling the success and growth of local economies.

“We are one of the region’s largest private sector investors through our roll-out of exciting technologies, such as superfast broadband and 4G mobile communications – and we are determined to go further. The North West has vast potential and we want to support the region to achieve maximum productivity and economic growth.

“Technology is developing at an astonishing pace and it’s vital that no one gets left behind, so we’re already rolling out the next generation of ultrafast services such

as ‘full fibre’ and Gfast to ensure the region is on the front foot when it comes to broadband technology.”

Helen has worked for BT for eight years and is the chief executive of BT’s Product Supply Business, which is part of the company’s business and public sector organisation. She has been a member of the North West board for three years and is a well known face in the region, having won the Institute of Directors’ North West Young Director of the Year award in 2016, as well as being a finalist in the National Women in Business Awards.

Helen replaces Mike Blackburn, OBE, who has held the BT regional chair role for ten years. He said: “I’ve worked for BT for over 25 years and have decided that it is time for me to move on to fresh challenges. I plan to remain actively engaged in the North West,

continuing in my roles as chair of the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and a board member of the Lancashire LEP, as well as The Lowry Theatre and other boards.

“Working at BT has given me the opportunity to work with some of the finest and most talented people from across all sectors of the region, and deliver some amazing programmes including the Paralympic World Cup, the Greater Manchester Academies Trust and fibre broadband roll out, amongst many others. I’m delighted that I am passing the role into Helen’s very capable hands.

“My very best wishes for the future to Helen. I’m sure she will continue the journey in helping to ensure the North West remains a leading region in the UK.”

21

Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

GetStaffedUK launches sister company to raise quality of training in hospitality sector LANCASHIRE based hospitality staffing company, GetStaffedUK, has recently formed The Get Group of companies, as well as launching a sister company, GetTrainedUK, with the aim of raising the quality of staff training within the hospitality sector.

GetStaffedUK is on a mission to eradicate the lack of skilled labour within the hospitality industry.

Removing traditional training and industry barriers, whilst delivering transferable skills and opportunities to employees.

Operating from a Preston base for nearly two years, the company has gone from strength to strength, with a number of high profile client wins, and the continuous growth of the business has attracted experienced hospitality sector investors. 2018 is already proving to be a successful year, with clear goals and objectives to move the company further along its growth journey.

GetStaffedUK is no stranger to the training world. In the last six months, they’ve trained over 1000 members of their team; putting them through an in-house innovative training programme,

aimed at delivering consistency of quality service. The programme has been a huge success, ensuring clients receive a flexible and trained workforce, to support their operations. It is the success of this programme that has prompted the GetStaffedUK management team to formally diversify their operations and form GetTrainedUK. GetTrainedUK will deliver accredited and recognised qualifications, building on the existing in-house programme, to over 2500 employees over the course of 2018. This high-quality training, for such a large number of people, is a massive boost for the local hospitality sector and region as a whole.

In addition to training large numbers of hospitality workers, GetStaffedUK will also place them into the workplace, providing a massive economic benefit and solidifying the success of The Get Group’s business model.

Tom Havlin, Founder and Director of The Get Group commented: “Acknowledging the correlation between well trained staff and high levels of service,

we’ve decided to expand and refine their offering, and build on existing successful practices. For us, training is vital.

“Using our innovative and accredited training, we are building a community that connects a trained and flexible workforce with employers. The Get Group looks to revitalise the industry, given employees transparency and opportunities they have never previously had. I believe our exponential growth has very much been down to the training we provide.”

Tom Craig, Operations Manager added: “We have a growing client base and can now offer both a flexible, trained staffing solution, as well as the opportunity for them to enrol their staff on the training programs. This will result in an increase in quality of their in-house team and removing any previous training costs they may have had.

“The ability to not only train large numbers of hospitality workers, but then place them directly into the workplace is a massive advantage for the newly formed group, and a much needed

boost for the regional economy.

By diversifying our offering and creating GetTrainedUK, The

Get Group can provide highly trained and able staff, in previously unknown quantities.”

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22

YOUR FREE Business Newspaper

February 2018

Lancaster's Standfast & Barracks leads print revolution INNOVATIVE Lancaster based fabric printing company, Standfast & Barracks, has announced a major £650k investment in its digital fabric printing capability. The new machinery is part of an ambitious investment and expansion strategy to increase its international customer base.

The 90-year-old premium fabric printer is the first UK textile company to invest in the new Durst Alpha 190 multi-pass textile technology, a state of the art pigment digital printer aimed at the production of home textiles and apparel.

Standfast & Barracks says the technology will herald a new era in digital fabric printing – delivering a more flexible, efficient and reliable printing technology, compared with the single-pass trend.

Unlike pre-existing technology,

the new machinery prints to much higher standards on man-made fibres such as polyesters and viscose – paving the way for exciting advances in more-cost-effective synthetic fabrics. Improved ink quality guarantees superior colour consistency, vastly improved lightfastness, while rub tests prove a greater robustness against wear and tear The new machine can be configured with up to eight colours (CMYK plus special colours, dependent on ink type) and 64 Alpha-S printheads that achieve a native resolution of 600dpi and a print speed of 610m/hr on the Alpha 190.

A new “intelligent feed system” also means the machinery adapts automatically to different roll diameters, while an integrated spray system allows materials to

be chemically pre-treated before printing.

These factors will provide a much greater diversity of quality, hardwearing fabrics for its fashion and home textiles customers, without the expense and set up time involved in traditional screen printing.

With its continued investment in ground-breaking digital inkjet printing technology, Standfast & Barracks crucially has the versatility to handle both small runs and large bulk orders – a USP, it says, which cements successful relationships with global customers, whilst also ensuring its continued support of smaller brands and up and coming design talent.

It has also boosted its in-house design capability, with a newly refurbished, state of the art design studio equipped with the very latest

computer systems, cad software and high-spec scanning equipment.

Headed by Design and Sales Director, Emma Douglas, the studio offers a bespoke, trend-led design service for both fashion and interior print companies, together with its unique access to a multitude of beautiful pattern collections from its unrivalled 100 year-old archives.

Commenting on its most recent investment, Standfast & Barracks MD, Stephen Thomas, said: “Our new machinery will open up an exciting new world of possibilities for our discerning customers, who will benefit from enhanced quality across the board, as well as the choice to print in more affordable manmade fabrics if they wish to.

“Of equal value to customers, is our unique in-house design studio, which provides a world-class creative service for companies who require

assistance in that area. From design, right through to fabric sourcing, printing and finishing, we manage the whole process to ensure exacting quality control at every stage.

“This 360-degree in-house capability also means we can nurture fresh new designers, who may need guidance on manufacturing regulations and processes. Together with our unrivalled relationships with many of the most prestigious international design houses and home textiles companies, we’re able to mentor raw talent, which is extremely rewarding and important to our business.”

Standfast & Barracks is part of Walker Greenbank PLC, a luxury interior furnishings company that designs, manufactures and markets wallpapers and fabrics together with a wide range of ancillary interior products.

Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

Win-Win solution to the coffee cup conundrum?

WE Brits love a good coffee. What better way to get back into the swing of daily life than with our favourite caffeine fix to sooth the blues?

But our addiction to the black stuff, especially in take-away form, is having a serious impact on the environment. According to the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee, a staggering 2.5 BILLION disposable cups are thrown away in the UK EVERY year! That’s 5000 every minute, with less than 1 in 400 currently being recycled.

That’s why MPs are proposing that single use cups should be banned by 2023 and have suggested a 25p “latte levy” on paper cups. They point to the carrier bag tax, introduced in 2015, as successful evidence of the impact a small charge can have in changing our habits when it comes to throwaway items.

In a bid to encourage customers to bin the paper cup for good, some high street coffee chains offer discounts to those who bring their own reusable cup. This has been done for a number of years without much fanfare, until recently when Pret-A-Manger, Chief Executive, Clive Schlee, tweeted they had doubled their discount to 50p per hot drink for reusable cup users. Others such as Starbucks and Costa will

give you 25p off, while Greggs will save you 20p per drink.

The retailers kindly ask that your reusable cup is clean (seems obvious!) and that it also has a suitable lid if you are taking it out of their shop.

They will let you use an open mug if you’re happy to sit in and enjoy it. So, what are your reusable cup options?

Lancashire is the home of one the leading manufacturers of multi-use coffee cups. The Americano range, made in Blackpool, is one of the bestselling promotional mugs in Europe, supplied with a lid and comes in three handy sizes to suit most people’s hot drink preferences.

Stephen Ward, M.D. of distributors BusinessGiftUK explained why these products are a “win-win” solution to the huge waste problem. “The Americano mugs are great advert carriers for businesses, so they cover the costs, and the advertiser gets a topical and practical promotion. The cups are usually then passed on to the consumer free of charge, who can then also get a discount at most leading drinks providers. The cafes in turn have both a saving on cup costs and much reduced disposal problems.

Finally, we are all winners environmentally.

Seems like a no brainer to me.”

Sales expert’s determination to make businesses succeed SALES GEEK, is a company created to help other businesses succeed through increasing sales.

Richard Few founded Sales Geek to give start-up companies the best chance of becoming established and beating the odds of survival.

And since its launch, the firm has generated £1.6m worth of additional sales for its clients.

The 34-year-old saw the heartache suffered when family and friends’ businesses were not a success.

He realised that many viable businesses were struggling because they could not afford to hire a sales director.

So Richard began working with companies as their part-time sales director – spending as little as a few hours a month putting sales strategies in to place to drive up revenue.

Richard, whose offices are at Halls Arms Business Centre, Clitheroe Road, Knowle Green, said: “I have witnessed first-hand the impact a failing business can have on a family.

“We need to remember that we are dealing with people and running a business has a real impact on their lives.

“These people have mortgages and staff relying on them, and are not faceless multibillion pound companies.

“It’s all about helping normal people create and achieve extraordinary things and giving them the ability to increase revenue.

Businesses that have benefited from Richard’s expertise include KW Design Solutions, LMG Networks, Ribble Valley Heating and Bright LED. Richard added: “We are making a real difference to people’s lives, and that is the most pleasing aspect.

“It’s nice to go on that journey with them and putting in the emotional investment for them to succeed.

“In five years’ time, I want the businesses we work with to have achieved their goals and, hopefully, surpassed their expectations.”

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24

YOUR FREE Business Newspaper

February 2018

Funding set to open new doors for Clitheroe's Loxta Hardware CLITHEROE based door hardware manufacturer Loxta Hardware has secured a £50,000 investment to fund major expansion plans from Business Finance Solutions (BFS).

The investment, facilitated by NPIF - BFS & MSIF Microfinance - a product fund managed by BFS in partnership with MSIF - is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF) which recently announced its 100th deal.

Loxta was established in 2012 by founder and director Shaun Singh, who was driven to design his own range of door hardware products, after extensive experience in the sector. Shaun has since developed over 100 product ranges using innovative design and manufacturing techniques that have enabled the business to deliver stronger products, softer contours and a wide variety of colours and finishes that are resilient and resistant to corrosion.

In response to increasing demand from its trade customers, which include interior designers, architects and ironmongers, Loxta will use the NPIF funding to design and manufacture high quality architectural ironmongery and door hardware across its product ranges.

The company will also purchase

additional stock and launch new products to spearhead its entrance into the export market for the first time in 2018, focusing on European and Middle Eastern markets.

Shaun originally contacted Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub looking for support and was introduced to funding options available at NPIF by Access to Finance specialist, Prakash Patel, from A2F North West. Boost is also providing funded mentoring support to Shaun to help him manage the expansion.

Shaun Singh said: “We created Loxta to bring a new era of exceptional engineering to the interior hardware industry and BFS was immediately able to see the national and global potential of our products. We have immediately invested the funds in the development of a full range of new door fittings solution and as a result, we are able to really develop both our trade client base and our export strategy.”

Mark Gibbons, Senior Loan Manager at BFS, said: “Shaun and his team have created a great British company that is proudly designing, manufacturing and distributing all of their own products.

“They came to us with a strong

plan for growth, anchored to an ambitious brand extension, which we were very happy to support with funding from NPIF and, as a result, Loxta is already well on the way to establishing a new standard of product and engineering within this market.”

Sue Barnard, Senior Manager at British Business Bank, added: “We are committed to supporting companies across the North of England and it is great to see our fund managers continuing to back

businesses like Loxta that will drive the future of Lancashire’s local economy.”

Andy Walker, Head of Business Growth and Innovation at Lancashire County Council, said: “This investment is a perfect example of how Boost and the Access to Finance programme have worked together to find the right funding solution for Loxta. The fact that Shaun intends to use the NPIF investment to boost productivity and increase exports is also fantastic

news, as these are two major drivers of growth which will help benefit the whole of Lancashire’s economy.”

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

Eyevis UK helps monitor the secure delivery of gas supplies to Britain A CONTROL room video wall system supplied by Burnley-based eyevis UK is about to hit 20,000 hours of uninterrupted operation as it helps to ensure the safe supply of gas at a key terminal.

Norwegian gas pipeline operator Gassco took over management of the gas terminal in Easington on Britain’s east coast from previous operator Centrica in October 2011. eyevis UK equipment was

installed in February 2016 to upgrade the control centre video wall and provide integrated audio and touch screen control systems.

The twelve 55-inch screens are used to monitor process control applications and CCTV footage on a 24/7 basis and are now approaching 20,000 hours of trouble-free use.

Gassco is responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of gas

from the Norwegian continental shelf and is a leading gas transporter in Europe.

The Easington terminal receives gas from Norway, transported via the 1,200-km-long Langeled pipeline. It includes gas from the Ormen Lange field, which alone can cover about 20 per cent of Britain’s gas needs. eyevis UK managing director Steve Murphy said: “The installation replaced the old video wall system

with the very latest eyevis video wall technology, whilst maintaining the existing functionality of a complex audio alarm system.

“It is essential that the market can rely on gas deliveries from Norway, so Gassco’s objective is to ensure safe and reliable gas transport.

People who depend on gas in their daily lives must feel sure that the company will deliver as agreed and an efficient and reliable control room video system plays a key role in that objective.”

The eyevis UK video wall comprises eyevis 55-inch extremely narrow bezel industrial LCDs with eyevis Netpix 4900 video wall controllers, complete with Eyecon control software, including an alarm management module.

A Crestron controller also provides operators with a fast and simple way to select specific video wall layouts and control audio channels and volume, using the devices Xpanel Virtual Touchscreen interface. eyevis UK provides video display and audio visual solutions to a range of clients and has supplied CCTV control rooms for power stations,

local authorities, banks, road traffic monitoring, emergency services, blue chip retailers and Government buildings.

The Netpix 4900 is a network based graphic controller for the management of video wall systems, single displays or projectors. The controller creates a big joined desktop for network-applications, video and graphic sources.

Eyecon is a universal and complete software solution for the control of video wall systems including all connected sources, distribution of information and collaboration in-between different control rooms or presentation areas.

The system is based on a very simple operating concept that reduces response times and hence makes the operation of large display systems even more effective and efficient.

The company, based in Briercliffe, was formed ten years ago

by Burnley's Steve Murphy.It now employs seven full-time staff, as well as using sub-contractors and support from other local firms in Burnley.

RESTAURANT REVIEW25

Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

Sicilian family restaurant is a hit ORIGINALLY from Sicily, Marino’s is a local restaurant in Fulwood, Preston – run by father and sons – Giovanni, Christian and Vito – who have over 70 years’ experience of working

in restaurants between them. The restaurant was opened, following a major refurbishment, in 2011.

This quality restaurant reflects their passion

and love of doing what they enjoy the most – cooking authentic Sicilian food – for their customers’ experience and delight.

Family is also very important to them and it is no surprise that this is a family business, which retains the family involvement and approach, with a major focus on attention to detail, without losing the joy of a friendly, family atmosphere.

Business Lancashire’s editor, Andy Mann and his wife, recently decided to visit them to understand how the business operates, how it maintains its family roots and how they manage to create such a lovely atmosphere.

THE INTERVIEW Q1. When did the family leave Sicily?

The family left Sicily in 1998 to come to Lancashire as part of their journey to eventually open up their own Sicilian restaurant.

Q2. What is your background in the hospitality industry?

Being Italian, the family was brought up on the delights of cooking from a very young age.

Their technical skills were developed at the catering school in Sicily (Mount Erice) and enhanced by seasonal hospitality jobs around Italy - including Rome, Florence, Turin and Venice.

Q3. Which other restaurants in Lancashire have you worked in?

We have worked at three Italian restaurants - Guys Thatched Hamlet, Bilsborrow and Quattro’s (at both Samlesbury and Cabus) Q4. Why Fulwood for the first restaurant?

As soon as we saw the restaurant, we realised that it was located in the ideal location, with lots of passing traffic and houses nearby.

Q5. Are their future generations hoping to

work in the family business?

We are a family business and hope all our children and grandchildren eventually come and work for us. Currently both our children, Allegra and Santino, help out at the weekends.

Q6. Do you intend to expand in the next five years?

We feel very fortunate that we have loyal customers who keep coming back. Our reputation is established, since we offer quality food and value for money. If we were to expand, we would only do so, if the quality of experience we offer our customers could remain the same.

Q7. How do you recruit and train staff ?

After working in the industry for nearly 20 years, we have numerous connections who we can speak to and we have a clear idea of the standards and experience we are looking for with staff.

We train our staff by placing them with experienced people and then, continue to monitor their development and progress.

Consequently, our turnover of staff is very low.

Q8. Do you encourage businesses to visit your restaurant?

Yes. We particularly encourage businesses to visit us at lunch times, when we can supply power points to plug laptops in and free wi-fi.

Q9. Why should our readers visit your restaurant?

If you are looking for an authentic Italian family restaurant, made with Sicilian love, quality food, with value for money prices, then we are the place for you!!

For more information on Marino’s, please visit www.marinosrestaurantltd.co.uk

26INTERNATIONAL YOUR FREE Business Newspaper

February 2018

East Lancashire company announces exceptional growth following first year as a Plc BURNLEY based Velocity Composites plc, the leading supplier of advanced composite material kits, providing engineering value-solutions for the global aerospace industry, has announced revenue growth up 46% to £21.4m, for the financial year ending 31 October, following its maiden year as a Plc. The boost in revenue comes as a result of Velocity’s significant increase in contract wins and the success of the new Fareham facility. Global growth, with customer requests from the Americas and Asia, saw the first half of the financial year attain revenues of £9.3m, whilst in the second half of the financial year, Velocity revenues rose by 30% to £12.1m.

Jon Bridges, Chief Executive Officer, Velocity, commented: “2017 was a truly transformational year for the business, including our IPO (Initial Public Offering) on AIM (Alternative Investment Market).

Since the IPO, we have accelerated our growth, resulting in a 30% increase in half on half revenues and

we expect rapid growth to continue in the new financial year.

“Our IPO has increased our profile and status significantly within the aerospace community and we have received Request for Quotations (“RFQs”) by a range of large, global potential customers, ahead of our anticipated timetable. Given the strong underlying performance and growth in our UK and European business, we have decided that it is the right time to invest in accelerating our growth in other regions, alongside our European expansion plans, which will allow us to create a larger international business, faster.

“We look forward to the year ahead and beyond with confidence, underpinned by our strong visibility on revenues and detailed planning discussions with respect to a new facility in Europe. We look forward to updating investors in respect of our operations and corporate development in the coming months, as we address the global market opportunity available to us.”

Nelson firm opens distribution base in the USA NELSON based supplement manufacturer, Blackburn Distributions, who export to over 66 countries, has established its first overseas distribution warehouse.

It is located in the United States of America and will significantly benefit its growing customer base in the region, since the Michigan based warehouse will allow Blackburn Distributions to be closer to its customer base.

Ben Blackburn, Founder and CEO, Blackburn Distributions said: “The central location of Michigan is perfect for our customers in the United States, who will now receive goods in a quicker time, than if they were shipped from the firm’s site in Nelson.

“Our strong presence in the US market demonstrates how the business has grown over the last five years, to be increasingly popular in international markets as well as in the UK. “We stock over 110 products in 18 different sizes and this flexibility in both order size and quantity is proving to be a key differentiator for our customers across the globe.”

27

Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

Successful trials sees local firm begin exporting to Ghana

Lancashire agricultural expert to speak at industry seminar in the United Arab Emirates MANAGING Director of Lancashire based Levity CropScience, David Marks, is to speak at the Global Forum for Innovation in Agriculture hosted at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre, UAE. David Marks, MD, Levity Crop Science said: “I’m delighted to have been chosen to speak at Global Forum for Innovation in Agriculture, I’ll be illustrating how Levity products can greatly benefit growers across the Middle East and North Africa(MENA).”

Taking place from the 5th – 6th of February 2018, the Global Forum for Innovation in Agriculture brings together agriculture specialists from around the world showcasing the latest in innovations and technology for the agricultural sector.

“Levity CropScience will also be exhibiting at the event, giving us the chance to speak with growers directly about how products can help in the growth of larger and more resilient yields across the arid and heat stressed climates of MENA.”

LEVITY CropScience has received its first order from Ghana, for its Tropical Albina product, which helps banana growers in the country produce greater yields, following a successful trial.

The West African nation of Ghana has 347,000 hectares of banana farms, producing 3.7 million tonnes of bananas a year (and the sector is rapidly expanding). However, it also suffers from Saharan winds that cause stress to crops such as bananas, leading to challenging conditions for growers.

In response, Levity is launching Tropical Albina, a product which helps the crop maintain growth yield and quality during stress periods and ensures that the plant can better resist attack by fungal diseases like Sigatoka.

In West Africa, the banana crops suffer from stress during the Harmattan season, where the weather systems from the Sahara bring dry winds that harm the crop. Tropical Albina performed well in trials there last year and now Levity has commenced shipping its product to banana farms in Ghana and other West African markets.

Levity products aid growers, in particular, Tropical Albina helps produce crops that are more resilient to stressful climates and disease, increasing yields.

David Marks, MD, Levity CropScience said: “We’re excited to be adding Ghana to our ever-growing list of export countries.

Tropical Albina will give growers across Ghana the ability to produce greater banana yields that are resilient to disease and the harsh Saharan winds that sweep across the country.

“All of the products are developed by ourselves and engineered to get the maximum quality, life span and yield for users. Levity products are specially designed to help crops excel in dry and challenging climates.”

Salon supplier celebrates international trade success A LANCASHIRE business that exports salon equipment around the world has won a prestigious international trade award.

REM (UK) Ltd, a specialist designer of furniture and equipment for the hair and beauty industry, won the Outstanding Exporter Achievement Award at the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce International Trade Club Annual Awards, sponsored by Cassons.

The firm, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017, now exports to more than 60 countries. Headquartered in Nelson, REM’s export sales have grown to £1.6 million and the company has recently added a new innovative range. In the last 12 months it expanded into new territories with sales in Israel, USA and Qatar.

Michael Roach, Export Sales Director at REM UK Ltd, said: “It was a real surprise when we were announced as the winners. “It’s a fantastic award that recognises the hard work of the team. It’s a real pat on the back for everyone.

“This year marked the company’s 100th anniversary – so it’s a big milestone to reach. Over the years, we have diversified

and expanded into different countries – including America, New Zealand and Australia. It has been a tough year because of Brexit, but we are optimistic about 2018.”

Hurst Green Plastics Limited were Highly Commended in the same category.

The International Newcomer Prize went to flat screen specialist Cohuborate Limited, with customers based in China, Switzerland and Italy.

Head of Sales Toni Bradshaw said: “We are delighted and honoured to have been awarded by the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. As a global start-up with big ambitions, this early recognition underpins our mission to transform learning and working spaces. We look forward to developing our relationship with the Chamber and supporting other local businesses as we continue to grow.”

Fennel UK Limited Highly Commended in the same category and the Outstanding Importer Achievement Award went to agricultural and municipal equipment supplier Pronar UK. Each winner was presented with an engraved glass trophy from Les Nutter,

Senior Director at event sponsors Cassons which is now part of the Baldwins Group.

He said: “East Lancashire has lots of incredible businesses that are thriving in challenging overseas markets, and the International Trade Club Awards are a celebration of their achievements.

“It really is heartening to see such a diverse range of companies succeeding in so many countries across the globe. Long may that continue.”

Mandy Lockett, International Business Director at East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, thanked all of the entrants and looked forward to a prosperous 2018.

“It’s a landmark year for the International Trade Club this year as we celebrate our 60th Diamond Anniversary and the awards was a great celebration of the international trade spirit the led to the foundation of the club back in 1957.”

The International Trade Club was formed on the 2nd December 1957 by the Burnley & District Chamber of Commerce. The Club, which now has over 100 members is firmly established in East Lancashire’s business culture.

28AQUISITIONS YOUR FREE Business Newspaper

February 2018

Further expansion of B&M Waste Services Leading waste management company B&M Waste Services is delighted to announce the acquisition of the trade waste collection business from Martland Skip Hire, based in Burscough.

As a family run business with a recycling and service focus, the Martland operation was a natural fit into B&M. Martland has contacted all customers during the transition period to ensure they maintain service levels and work with them to encourage continuous improvement by increasing segregation wherever possible, in line with ‘TEEP’ legislation.

Neil Curtis, Managing Director of B&M Waste Services, said: “I’m proud to announce this continued expansion. We are excited to continue to enhance the recycling focus of these customers and look forward to the future, as we continue with our growth plans.”

Contract Caterer of the Year increasing its geographic spread AFTER a very successful few years, including reaching its 200th contract, being rated the 2nd fastest growing foodservice operator in 2016 and scooping the prestigious title of Contract Caterer of the Year 2017, Mellors Catering Services, the family-run contract caterer has branched out of its North of England catchment area and into the Midlands.

Due to demand, Mellors Catering Services has re-structured its operational team taking on a new Midlands-based ops manager and also a business development manager, Steve Hawkins. Steve has over 25 years’ experience in the contract catering sector and has worked for several

competitors of Mellors Catering Services Steve said: “I knew of the company and its great reputation in the North and felt that the bespoke service that Mellors Catering Services offers its clients has far more advantages than some of the bigger players in the field, who offer a one size fits all approach.

"It is also a family-run business, which means that I can have far more say in what is best for my clients, as decisions are made really quickly and with the customers at the heart and not profit. It really is a breath of fresh air and I am looking forward to being part of the company’s expansion and success in 2018 and beyond.”

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Harrison Drury advises County Group on sale NORTH West law firm Harrison Drury has advised on a deal which has seen Crewe-based insurance business County Group sold to Global Risk Partners (GRP).

GRP, the specialist investment vehicle for brokers and managing general agents, has bought the County Group for an undisclosed sum, as the next major step in executing the group’s UK regional hub strategy.

The County Group, founded by CEO Dave Clapp, in 2003, is one of the UK’s top 25 brokers.

The company writes SME and personal lines insurance and gross written premiums (GWP) of £72m in 2017. The current management team will stay with the business as it moves to new owners.

Dave said: “With the firepower now available from a business the size and scale of GRP, we can accelerate our ambitious plans, something that was becoming more challenging with traditional funding routes.

“Having worked closely with Peter Cullum during the past three years, we are totally bought in to GRP’s strategy and their owner driver philosophy. We have seen how other businesses they have acquired have retained their independence and made significant strides forward as part of a bigger group.”

Harrison Drury’s corporate team acted on behalf of County Group in its negotiations with GRP. Harrison Drury’s team was led by David Filmer with support from Jack Stephenson and Kerry Southworth.

David Filmer, a director in Harrison Drury’s corporate team, said: “This deal is a strategically important addition to GRP’s portfolio of entrepreneurial businesses and means the County Group can release equity and still run the business on a day-to-day basis.

“It’s been a pleasure to advise Dave and the team at County on the acquisition. They now have the opportunity to concentrate on their plans to double over the next five years and they can continue to focus on their local service ethos.”

GRP, established in 2013, acquires business, teams and portfolios that have niche, non commoditised, specialty propositions and strong profitability. It has acquired 25 businesses to date, with 12 acquisitions in 2017.

Executive chairman of GRP, Peter Cullum, said: “Following a transformational year for GRP in 2017, we are marking the new year with an important addition to the group, building our GWP to over £650m.

“We have high expectations for County as the centerpiece of our North-West hub, and look forward to further rapid growth, bringing benefits to customers, employees and insurer partners alike.”

Mike Bruce, CEO Broking at GRP, added: “We are delighted to welcome Dave and his team to GRP. County is a highly respected and well-known business and will play a key role in achieving our growth plans.”

The acquisition has received regulatory approval.

Morecambe's EcoRenew Group snaps up Mazuma Mobile THE corporate finance and tax teams at North West accountancy and advisory firm, CLB Coopers, part of the B1aldwins Group, have supported mobile remanufacturing company, EcoRenew Group, which has a base in Lancashire, in its multi-million pound acquisition of

Mazuma Mobile, as part of its global expansion plans.

The acquisition of Mazuma Mobile, one of the UK's largest and most well-known B2C mobile phone take-back providers, comes just a few weeks after EcoRenew's successful acquisition of Lancaster-based data

protection specialist, ICT Reverse, making the group the first true end-to-end solution, from a single company, within the IT and telecoms market.

Headed up by CEO, Mark Chambers, EcoRenew Group was founded in 2016 in Hong Kong as a mobile refurbishment specialist and has since witnessed exponential global growth, with operations now located in Morecambe, London, Dallas, Tokyo, Manila and Dubai. Its annual turnover for 2018 is projected to be in excess of £220 million; it has over 1,000 employees and serves more than 1 million customers every year.

The group is pursuing a multimillion expansion strategy as it builds a fleet of bases within Europe to complement its growing product and service portfolio. Its current services include data protection, asset recovery, consumer trading, repair, financial services and remanufacture solutions to its clients.

Demonstrating an ability to cater to both corporate and consumer demand, Mark and the team have carefully selected trusted and wellestablished brands to add to the

group's already impressive portfolio.

The acquisitions of Mazuma Mobile and ICT Reverse in November 2017 are estimated to boost the turnover of the group's UK arm to £33 million.

Speaking of the group's growth plans, Mark said: "We are recruiting some of the industry's most experienced leaders and forwardthinking minds to develop unrivalled creativity, knowledge and innovation in the sector. The team has an unparalleled industry experience and we are guided by that vision, which is something very unique.

"The intention is to grow the brand globally with a series of co-ordinated acquisitions per year and there will be further exciting announcements early in 2018.

"We'll invest heavily in these solutions and have plans to supercharge the roll-out through our existing global presence and infrastructure along the ‘belt and road' in the UAE, Europe, China, South East Asia and the US." John Lam, co-founder of Mazuma Mobile, commented: "Our announcement with EcoRenew is another solid step in our journey to further cement our position as

market leader in the UK handset recycler market. This partnership will help us deliver an even stronger proposition to our customers with the impressive set up at EcoRenew and will also provide us with opportunities to expand to other parts of the world. It's the launch of a new and exciting chapter for Mazuma Mobile."

CLB Coopers Senior Director, Rob Richardson headed up the transaction with the support of fellow Senior Director, Tony Whiteway, Director, Ryan Wear and Senior Manager, Jenny Pape from the firm's Lancaster team.

Speaking of the transaction, Rob said: "We were obviously delighted to support Mark and the team throughout another successful transaction, and with more in the pipeline, this looks set to be a very exciting year for the group and its sector. Mark and the team have ambitious plans for the future and as well as leading the transactions, we are also working closely with them to focus on their wider strategy, to ensure the group is positioned to continue its impressive global growth."

30TRANSPORT YOUR FREE Business Newspaper

February 2018

Jets-Advertising-128mmx170mm.qxp 26/10/2017 15:41 Page 1

Motorcycle parts supplier welcomes new owners A LANCASTER business that’s helping vintage motorbike owners around the world keep their wheels on the road has welcomed new owners.

L P Williams, which ships Triumph motorcycle parts to countries including Canada, the US and Australia, has been acquired by Jill and Michael Townley.

Previous owner Phil Bargh will continue managing the business alongside Michael, which was originally founded in 1976 by Triumph factory race team manager Les Williams.

Lancaster-based accountancy and business advisory firm, MHA Moore and Smalley, advised Jill and Michael on their purchase of the business.

Jill Townley, director at L P Williams, said: “I’ve known Phil for over 10 years through my role as a freelance bookkeeper.

When the opportunity to purchase this historic business came up, Michael and I jumped at the chance.

“It’s a business that not many people outside the motorcycle community have

heard of, but to Triumph enthusiasts we’re known the world over. Our plan is to grow the business while staying true to the values that Les built the business on all those years ago.”

Adam Parton, partner at MHA Moore and Smalley, added: “L P Williams is a relatively small operation, but Triumph is a cult motorcycle brand, so owners all over the world will have heard of it. It ships parts across Europe on a daily basis and receives orders from other far flung corners of the globe.

“It was a pleasure to assist Jill and Michael in developing their plans for the business. This move ensures a bright future for L P Williams and its many customers.”

Based in Claughton, L P Williams supplies parts for Triumph's models from 1968 onwards, including engine transmission and fuel systems, cycle parts, brakes and exhausts.

The company operates a worldwide mail order service and its extensive stock inventory allows it to ship many items on the day of order.

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February 2018

Lancashire haulier Fagan & Whalley chooses Hankook as their tyre supplier ROAD haulage specialist Fagan & Whalley has selected Hankook Tyre UK to supply tyres for its 164-strong fleet of Scania trucks and 342 trailers.

The Lancashire-based haulier chose Hankook Tyre after being offered a complete tyre solution, coupled with an unrivaled service and support package.

Fagen & Whalley has adopted the Hankook AH31 Smart Flex to all steer and lift axles, the DH31fitment to all drive axles and the TH22 for all trailer fitments. The selected tyre policy will provide stability, traction and high mileage returns across all areas of the operation throughout the UK. Fagan & Whalley now operates an all new Hankook tyre policy with a focus on reducing tyre costs across the fleet. A dedicated tyre management programme ensures the servicing dealers are proactive in providing a comprehensive tyre management service in line with the dedicated service level agreement and regular review meetings enhance the proactive working relationship between the two companies.

Roy Yeomans, Key Account

Porsche Centre Preston planning permission approved LANCASHIRE-based Bowker Motor Group has received planning permission to build a new 43,000 square feet Porsche Centre in Preston.

Preston City Council has approved plans for the multi-million pound transformation of the site at the junction of Watery Lane and West Strand Road in Preston.

The investment in the new Porsche Centre Preston will create over 30 jobs. Preston will be the 40th Porsche Centre in the UK network.

Work on the new Porsche Centre is expected to commence in the Spring, with the building scheduled to open later in the year.

Bowker Motor Group chief executive, Paul Bowker, said: “We are delighted to receive planning permission for Porsche Centre Preston.

“Bowker Motor Group has enjoyed an exciting period of expansion over the last four years. This latest investment continues our commitment to the Lancashire motoring sector and the regeneration of our Preston docklands gateway location.

“Thousands of people will pass the new Porsche dealership every day. So it is important that we improve the area and experience for Prestonians and city visitors.

“We are especially excited to be partnering with one of the world’s most prestigious motoring brands. A city like Preston deserves the best brands and retail experiences. Porsche certainly represents that.

“We are also grateful to the Authorities and the team of professionals who have worked so hard

to help us progress through the crucial planning stage.”

The designs for the new Porsche Centre Preston were prepared by Preston-based architects Cassidy and Ashton.

The building design features a 35-car showroom and a 13-bay workshop. There are also two customer handover bays; two direct dialogue bays which enable service advisors to demonstrate scope of technical work from every perspective; and, also electric vehicle charging points.

Cassidy and Ashton, director Lawrence McBurney said: “This exciting new dealership will help to uplift the appearance of the surrounding area and hopefully act as a catalyst for further regeneration of this important gateway to the City.

“We have already worked with Bowker Motor Group to create some amazing new retail spaces in the region. So we were delighted to work with them once again on this landmark project. The building shows the very best of modern retail design, whilst showcasing one of the most exciting automotive brands on the planet.”

Porsche Cars GB Limited confirmed its decision to appoint Bowker Motor Group to operate its new Lancashire Centre in September 2017.

Porsche Centre Preston will become the eleventh member of the Bowker Motor Group portfolio, which includes car and motorcycle dealerships in Blackburn and Preston.

Manager at Hankook Tyre UK said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Fagan & Whalley as the sole provider to the company’s truck fleet. As a highlyregarded established complete road haulage specialist, Fagan & Whalley is used to partnering with respected and reliable suppliers and we are looking forward to delivering an exceptional service, ensuring the Hankook fitment achieves its full life potential, whilst delivering reduced costs to Fagan & Whalley.”

Fagan & Whalley was established in 1927, with a horse and cart employed on small deliveries around local villages.

Today, six family generations and nearly nine decades in business later, they are a truly modern logistics provider, offering a first-class service with the highest quality equipment.

Adam Burgess, Fleet Engineer at Fagan & Whalley said: “Fagan & Whalley is proud of their heritage, and build relationships based on our core values. It is these common goals Hankook Tyre and Fagan & Whalley both share, which bodes well for a positive future.”

Contact editor@businesslancashire.com

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY35

Preston designers combine to honour city’s historic ladies football team TWO of Preston’s leading designers have combined to produce a centennial memorial to the Dick, Kerr Ladies football team.

Seb Salisbury, architect at the Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) and design guru Ben Casey, a nationally renowned creative consultant, designed and installed the memorial at Preston North End’s Deepdale stadium – where the all-female works team played their first game 100 years ago.

The wall mounted memorial is the first of its kind in the world and Salisbury and Casey, who also played a major role in designing and delivering North End’s stadium, collaborated on the artwork and illustration for it.

This has included in depth research into the history of the team and refining the overall design over several months.

The memorial is effectively split into three sections and consists of just over 60 granite panels including a wall plaque measuring an impressive 6m x 4m.

The lower section of the memorial, the plinth, contains a narrative explaining the unique history of the Dick, Kerr Ladies football team.

“This includes images of the old munitions factory, west stand at Deepdale and various silhouettes of players over the years,” said Seb. It was on Christmas Day 1917 that the Dick, Kerr Ladies took on Arundel Coulthards Foundry in a charity football match to raise funds for injured soldiers who had been fighting on the Western Front and convalescing at the nearby Moor Park Military Hospital. A crowd of 10,000 spectators came to watch the match and £600 was raised for the soldiers. (almost £50,000 in 2017) The team went from strength to strength and soon became recognised as the best in the country.

In 1920, they played the first ladies International at Deepdale against a French team from Paris in front of 25,000 spectators, a record crowd for the ground at that time.

Boxing Day 1920 saw them make history playing in front of 53,000 spectators at Goodison Park, Everton and with between 10,000 and 14,000 people unable to get in to the ground, this was a huge landmark for the ladies game.

In spite of an FA ban on women’s football in 1921, the Dick, Kerr Ladies continued to play against all the odds until 1965 and during that time they played 833 games of football, won 759, drew 46 and lost only 28 games. They raised in the region of £180,000 for charity, but today that would be worth in excess of £10 million.

Seb added: “The roll of honour displays the names of the 264 women who played for the team over the years from 1917 to 1965 and the wall plaque displays a modern treatment of a black and white team photograph from 1921.

“We wanted to pick up on the unique way the ladies are stood in the team picture and portray it in such a way that signifies unity, togetherness and strength.

“We introduced an element of colour into the design by using intricate recycled glass inlays to pick up on the colour of the shorts and the distinctive old leather football.”

FWP and Ben Casey have a long and distinguished association with Preston North End having together designed and seen built the new Deepdale stadium and worked on plans for Premier League standard new training facilities.

FWP’s managing partner, David Robinson, is also a main board director of Preston North End. A dedicated team of volunteers, led by Gail Newsham, Dick, Kerr Ladies historian and author, has worked hard to ensure that it has been an incredible centenary year for the team.

The memorial was co-sponsored by the Football Association, BAE Systems, UCLan, Preston North End, the Frank Whittle Partnership, UEFA and the Professional Footballers Association.

Gail said: “The Dick, Kerr Ladies have waited far too long

for their place in the spotlight, but finally they are centre stage and will be remembered forever. I am eternally grateful to everyone who worked so hard to help make a dream become reality.”

A first blue plaque in the world for women’s football is now attached to the factory in Preston where the team was formed and a centenary dinner was held at Preston North End last July.

David Taylor, deputy chairman of Preston North End and the chairman of UCLan said: “Both Preston North End and the University are happy to support the centenary events to celebrate the Dick, Kerr Ladies football team.

“What these women achieved both on the field and off the field in terms of raising money for injured soldiers during the First World War is remarkable by any standards. The City of Preston can be rightly proud of the heritage”.

36

YOUR FREE Business Newspaper

February 2018

Local Businessmen to launch new networking standard in Clitheroe THREE Lancashire businessmen have joined forces to launch a new standard of networking, from BNI, world’s biggest referral organisation, in Clitheroe.

Jan Evans, MD of Jets GPS Tracking Ltd, Marc McLoughlin, MD of Keyfleet, and Richard Few, MD of Sales Geek, are launching a new Platinum Standard BNI chapter, meeting every Thursday morning at Holmes Mill, starting 7am on Thursday 1st February.

Established over 30 years ago, BNI has over 200,000 members in over 70 countries worldwide. It works by organising weekly networking meetings for groups of businesses. Groups, known as chapters, use their combined network of contacts to find business opportunities and referrals for one another, to a specific brief that members outline at every meeting.

Each chapter follows proven procedures and processes to ensure businesses are able to generate the maximum amount of business for each other.

Expanding substantially on the established aim for BNI chapters to generate £2 million of business per year, the new Platinum Standard aims to

Independent garage celebrates 20th anniversary with hat trick of achievements LOCAL leading independent garage, Westgate Tyres has three reasons to celebrate 20 years in business after raising over £2,000 for charity and picking up two national industry awards.

The company, which is based in Morecambe, raised £2,168.68 for local charities with both a raffle and several top auction prizes as donated by family, friends and other businesses.

While the celebratory champagne was still

cold, leading industry publication Workshop Magazine awarded Westgate Tyres Fast-Fit Centre of the Year and they were also Highly Commended in the Tyre Retailer of the Year category. This caps an amazing year for the business, which was also named Independent Garage of the Year award at 2017’s TyreSafe Awards while FOXY Lady Drivers Club awarded Jane Bailey the FOXY Lady of the Year honour.

generate £5 million per year for members.

The new standard is the brainchild of BNI Executive Director Mike Holman, who heads up 27 BNI chapters in Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.

Incoming chapter president Jan Evans said: “Our goal for BNI Beacon is to become a 50+ member chapter passing between £3-5 million of referral business between the members.

“Clitheroe was selected because it is a booming progressive market town that all three of the founding team have an affinity with. I attended Clitheroe Grammar and Marc and Richard both live here.

We are all successful members of our own chapters and have recognised the difficulty many good businesses are having getting into BNI chapters in Lancashire as their seats are filled. Also, that there is no chapter in either Clitheroe or Skipton, so we wanted to cater for this.

“We are looking for ambitious businesses who want to grow and would prefer to do this through referral marketing, which is proven to be massively successful at BNI chapters throughout the world.”

37

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Marie Curie named Hotter UK’s first Charity of the Year MARIE Curie is delighted to announce that leading footwear brand, Hotter, has chosen the terminal illness charity to be their very first Charity of the Year.

The new partnership aims to raise £75,000 for Marie Curie with a wide range of activities planned.

The partnership will see Hotter support Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraising campaign the Great Daffodil Appeal in March – with the launch of a specially designed bespoke shoe.

Additionally, staff at Hotter headquarters in Skelmersdale and stores nationwide will be hosting Blooming Great Tea Parties for Marie Curie as well as taking part in a series of fundraising events, including danceathons and cycle races.

Speaking at the launch of the new partnership at Hotter’s store in Kingston, Nicky Read, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Marie Curie, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Hotter has chosen Marie Curie as their first official Charity of the Year.

“The money raised through this exciting new partnership will help Marie Curie to provide care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their families.

“Just like Hotter’s shoes, this partnership is a great fit as there are plenty of Marie Curie supporters who are loyal Hotter customers. We are very excited about the opportunities this partnership provides and we have some very exciting plans in the pipeline!”

Sara Prowse, Hotter CEO commented: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Marie Curie, a fantastic charity doing some amazing work! We’ve set ourselves an ambitious fundraising target of £75,000 which I’m very confident, as a team, Hotter will go above and beyond to achieve.

“To celebrate the partnership our designers have created a limited edition Daffodil shoe, which will go on sale in March. And from which £20 from every pair sold will go direct to Marie Curie.”

Jonathan Read, Retail Director at Hotter, said: “With a huge team behind us, over 80 stores nationwide, we’ll be working hard across various fundraising events to raise as much money as we can!

“One of the challenges we have set ourselves is working with five Marie Curie stores nationwide, Hotter staff will be volunteering for the day, sourcing stock and helping to promote the Marie Curie store.”

Leading from the front KEEN on cycling? Looking for an amazing challenge in 2018 and want to help a children’s hospice at the same time? Then why not sign up for the Brian House London to Paris cycle ride, which sets off on 18 September.

Staff at the hospice are quite literally leading from the front – Chief Executive David Houston and HR Manager David Warburton have both signed up for the five day trip.

It’s the first time the hospice has run its own overseas cycle challenge, and the route will take riders through picturesque English countryside, past historic landmarks and World War I battlefields before reaching the magical city of Paris.

Over 20 riders have already signed up.

Riders can either be self-funded, then raise sponsorship of £580; or raise £1,900 in advance and do the ride for free.

David Houston said: “I did a lot of cycling in my younger days but I know this is going to be a huge challenge for me. Having said that, there’s still time to train and I would encourage people to come along and find out more. I have a feeling we will be a pretty mixed bunch and I guarantee everyone will be made very welcome.”

Online registration is open and the cost of the trip includes accommodation, travel by ferry and Eurostar, meals and water during cycle days, guides, mechanics and medical support - but you do need your own bike!

38

YOUR FREE Business Newspaper

February 2018

Charity rebranding proves that ‘age is just a number’ HIGH street charity Age Concern has launched a major rebrand, unveiling the works of local signage experts, Lustalux and design company Fat Media.

The project established a new bright and youthful identity for Age Concern, following the charity’s decision to modernise their previously old-fashioned branding.

Established in 1981, Age Concern has maintained a relatively low profile; being commonly referred to as the high street’s ‘best kept secret’, according to their Executive Director, Iain Pearson. The charity decided it was time to shake things up through a radical rebranding project, with the help of Lustalux.

Iain explained: “We’ve been around for 36 years now, and it’s clear that the world has moved on in that time, leaving Age Concern’s brand communications quite outdated.”

When it came to choosing partners for their dramatic rebrand, Iain recalled: “We’ve used Lustalux for a while and they’ve always proved themselves to be incredibly reliable and professional, so I had

no hesitation in using them for Age Concern’s rebrand.”

The Preston-based company, who also specialise in window film and vinyl graphics, were tasked with applying Fat Media’s fresh logo design to the charity’s range of signs, graphics, decals and posters for their shops, offices and vehicles.

Praising their work, Iain explained: “Right from providing initial advice on style and designs, Lustalux was brilliant from start to finish. The work was undertaken with the least hassle and was a very straightforward process, thanks to the Lustalux team.”

Also aiming to dispel the myth that Age Concern deal solely with elderly people, the charity briefed Lancaster-based design company, Fat Media, with the task of updating their appearance, whilst in keeping with the ‘age is just a number’ sentiment.

“The first step of this project was to create a new image for Age Concern, and Fat Media has invigorated our brand to where we feel it now reflects our personality.”

Electrical compliance company’s employees are buzzing to run the Barcelona marathon FOUR employees from Lantei Compliance Services have decided to run in the Barcelona marathon in a fundraising effort for The Alzheimer’s Society. Robert, James, Phil and Jack have a target of raising £800 for Alzheimer’s Society.

Over 16,000 runners will embark on the 26 mile journey on the 10th March 2018. Lantei employees will travel past some famous landmarks along their journey including, the Sagrada Familia Catholic Church and the Camp Nou football stadium.

Fundraiser Robbie Walsh speaking about the charity and training for the marathon, said: “On a cold and windy, winter morning there are times when I contemplate not getting out of bed, but then I remember why I am doing it.

"The Alzheimer’s Society is a fantastic charity and does some amazing work! All of the guys support each other and we run together a lot of the time, its great motivation.”

Lantei is a community and people focused business and always take the extra step to make a difference to people’s lives. Each year the company chooses a charity that all employees fundraise for.

39

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Charity Canoe Challenge is back for 2018!

NOW entering its 4th year, Age UK Lancashire is inviting people to join their 25 mile canoe challenge along the Lancaster Canal, all to help raise much needed funds for the charity. Due to its popularity the canoe challenge has become a regular event in the charity's calendar and they are hoping that this year will become the biggest and best yet.

Participants will begin the challenge in Preston and make their way north along the Lancaster Canal, completing the 25 mile course in Lancaster. The event takes place on Saturday 17th March.

Fundraising Manager, David Ward, said: “We are delighted to bring this event back for the fourth year. We are hoping to encourage people of all abilities to sign up to take part and help us raise money. We are providing a free practice session the weekend before the event for people to come along and get the hang of it before the main event.

It is a tough challenge, but a great day out and gives people a real sense of achievement.

The course can take anywhere

Baking box concept takes on top chef as Creative Director LANCASHIRE based monthly subscription baking box company, Bake That, has appointed top local chef, Stephen Midgley, as its first Creative Director.

Stephen has worked as a chef at several Michelin star restaurants including; Raffles Hotel, Singapore and 36 On The Quay, Hampshire.

His creative talents and passion for pastry will ensure he has a key role in developing the contents of the Bake That boxes.

“I’m delighted to be on board with this truly unique concept.

Bake That will give both newbie bakers and seasoned professionals the chance to make something new every month, based on being supplied the exact amount of ingredients required and easy to follow instructions” said Stephen.

Thomas Weston, Co-Founder of Bake That added: "We’re excited to have Stephen on board. His showstopping experience in some of the

world’s best kitchens will help make Bake That the best it can be for our subscribers.”

When subscribers to Bake That receive their monthly box, it contains the correct amount of ingredients and a step by step recipe card to make three bakes - a ‘showstopper’ recipe and two smaller bakes. The first box for subscribers will commence in February 2018.

between six and nine hours to complete so it’s no easy ride. I can vouch for that personally having done it myself ”.

People wishing to sign up to the event are encouraged to do so as soon as possible due the limited spaces available.

The canoes seat two people.

You will require a minimum of two people in your team and teams of more than two are accepted.

David Ward: “I would encourage anyone looking to get fit or wanting to do something a bit different to get involved with family, friends or work colleagues. We have a full support crew along the canal and all the equipment and expertise is provided, so you can rest assured that you are in good hands and will have a great day”.

The event is free to enter with each participant expected to raise a minimum of £125 per person for the charity. All of the money raised stays in Lancashire and goes directly towards helping vulnerable older people to cope with a variety of situations they are faced with including loneliness, health and wellbeing.

40APPOINTMENTS YOUR FREE Business Newspaper

February 2018

Preston accountancy firm expands its training programme with new appointment A RAPIDLY-growing accountancy firm, based in Preston, has expanded its training programme with a new appointment.

Ryan Park joins Rotherham Taylor Limited as a Trainee Accountant as he pursues his ACA Chartered Accountancy qualification.

Prior to joining Rotherham Taylor Limited, Ryan gained an MSc in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management and a BA (Hons) in Business Management. He also has five years’ experience in business management, including two in the retail sector.

Ryan said: “The ACA Chartered Accountancy examinations are rigorous, so it was important to me to be based at such

Alex joins growing team STANDISH based accountancy firm McGinty Demack has sustained its growth with the appointment of a further apprentice.

Alex Schofield, from Coppull, joins the company as a Trainee Accountant, whilst she studies for her AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) apprenticeship at Wigan College. Alex fills the position left my Alice O’Hanlon, who following her successful completion of the Wigan College apprenticeship, was recently promoted to a full-time role with McGinty Demack.

Additionally, McGinty Demack is searching for a Semi-Senior Accountant to expand the team further, on a training contract, for either a ACCA or ICAEW

qualified person. The ideal candidate will supply vital help to the firm’s busy accounts team.

Karen Richardson, Managing Director, McGinty Demack said: “We are excited to have Alex on board, her drive and desire impressed us and we’re sure she will follow in the footsteps of her predecessor, Alice.”

McGinty Demack moved to Standish in 2013. Now headed by Karen Richardson, they have introduced a new approach to delivering accountancy services. Their employees are fundamental to the service and the revitalised training programme has resulted in several enthusiastic trainees joining the practice, to support its experienced and long serving staff.

a well-regarded firm as Rotherham Taylor Limited.

“I am now looking forward to helping to provide the high standards of service that our clients are used to.”

Nick Smith, a Director at Rotherham Taylor Limited, added: “Our training programme is an investment in the future of our firm, ensuring that our clients can be confident they will benefit from our high standards of service for years to come.

“It is wonderful to be able to welcome Ryan to the team. He brings with him valuable experience of business from the shop floor and the strong commercial awareness that has equipped him with.

“I know our clients will value his input.”

41

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Senior designer Fiona joins Hotfoot Design LANCASTER-based Hotfoot Design is kicking off 2018 with a new addition to the team. Fiona Lambert joins as senior designer, bringing with her a wealth of experience, having spent just under ten years at Fat Media.

Fiona trained as a graphic designer at De Montfort University in Leicester and over her career has worked with clients in a range of sectors including food & drink, hospitality, education and fashion. As a result she has extensive experience of branding, web and graphic design, plus design for high-end print.

Charlie Haywood, creative director and founder of Hotfoot design explained: “I’m excited to have Fiona join the team. She is a talented, multi-disciplinary professional with tonnes of experience across a broad range of sectors, including hospitality and leisure. We're absolutely thrilled she has joined our team of experts at Hotfoot.

“Last year we celebrated winning the BIBAs Creative Agency of the Year, and our business is going from strength

to strength, 2018 is already looking very exciting. Fiona will be helping us continue to deliver fresh ideas to our incredible clients.”

This news comes hot on the heels of a hugely successful 2017 for Hotfoot, with new appointments including Michael Gibson, Chair of Digital Lancashire, becoming a nonexec director.

A raft of new business wins saw the agency working with Ascentis, Brades Farm Barista Milk, Hest Bank Dental Care, Jewels of the Ummah, Kankku, Keswick Tourism, Leonard Dews, Miralis, Relative Insight and Yordas Group.

This was in addition to continued work with existing clients - Atkinson Vos, Beetham Nurseries, Fayre Inns, Lancaster Brewery, Lancaster University, Neuro DropIn, Picking Posies, Provino, QiSOFT, RE Buildings, Mighty House and Silver Tree Jewellery.

With several exciting new launches planned for the first quarter of 2018, it looks set to be another year of exceptional growth for Hotfoot Design.

Preston hotel appoints new General Manager THE Best Western Plus Samlesbury Hotel has appointed a new General Manager.

Constantin Betianu has taken up the reins at the Preston-based 80-bedroom hotel, which is owned by Squire Hotels. A wealth of experience in the industry, Constantin has worked in senior roles at the Marriott Hotel, Preston, whilst he also has extensive experience in the cruise industry.

The hotel, which is located just off the M6 motorway, joined the Best Western brand in December 2016 as part of a business enhancing decision. Since then, the hotel has gone from strength to strength and Constantin admits he’s excited to see what the future holds.

“This is a dream job for me, it’s exciting and already I’m loving my time here,” he said.

“I have worked in the area previously and I plan to utilise my experience to help the hotel grow in the city of Preston and further consolidate our position as a leading provider to bolster

Lancashire’s booming economy and travel and tourism industry.

“Our location is ideal for those looking to explore hidden gems in the North West. It’s a superb time to join and we have plenty of plans in place for 2018.”

The Best Western Plus Samlesbury Hotel, on Preston Road, has one restaurant and eight meeting and conference rooms, including the Canberra Suite, which can hold up to 220 delegates.

Jodi Masterson, managing director, at Squire Hotels, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Costa to the team.

“He has a wealth of experience in the industry and he was the standout candidate. We’re sure that his qualities will help take the hotel to the next level.”

The Best Western Plus Samlesbury Hotel is part of Squire Hotels, a group of contemporary hotels which also owns Etrop Grange Hotel, Manchester Airport and The Hydro hotel, Lake District.

42

YOUR FREE Business Newspaper

February 2018

PM+M grows tax and marketing teams with new appointments PM+M – the chartered accountancy, business advisory and wealth management group – has bolstered its tax and marketing teams with two new senior appointments.

Wendy Anderson has been appointed as tax director and will divide her time between the firm’s Blackburn and Bury offices. Her primary role will be to offer clients expert advice on tax compliance and tax planning as well as advising them on changing legislation, new planning opportunities and how to minimise tax liabilities. She will also be working closely with PM+M’s Wealth Management team to provide an overall private client offering for individuals and trusts. Wendy lives in Bury and has worked in the tax sector for nearly 25 years. She has joined PM+M from RSM UK. The second new starter is Terri Green who is the firm’s new marketing and business development manager. Terri’s new role will see her develop and implement the marketing and

business development strategy for the whole firm. She has worked in professional services marketing for 18 years including positions at PwC, Cowgill Holloway and most recently at True Bearing.

Wendy said of her new role: “PM+M has a first class reputation right across the North West, so I am delighted to be joining the firm.

My focus is now on establishing myself in the business and adding real value to the team and our clients.”

Jane Parry, managing partner at PM+M - added: “2017 has been a really strong year for PM+M’s tax team. We are on track to grow our tax client base by at least 10% by the end of this financial year, so we are delighted that Wendy has joined us at such a busy and exciting time. We are also thrilled that Terri is now part of the team as she brings with her a wealth of experience and insight and is already making an impact."

Five promotions at Harrison Drury North West law firm Harrison Drury has kicked off the new year by promoting five staff members.

Within its commercial property team, Daniel Boulton and Hannah Hughes have been promoted to senior associate and associate respectively.

James Robbins, an insolvency and business recovery specialist in the firm’s dispute resolution team, becomes senior associate, while employment lawyer Sarah Astley has been promoted to associate.

Kerry Southworth, who started with the firm as a paralegal in July 2015, has also received a promotion after becoming a graduate member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx).

Gavin Wright, CEO at Harrison Drury, said: “All five of our newlypromoted staff have impressed us and our clients immensely in the time they’ve been with us.

“As we continue to grow, it’s essential we develop our people and create new opportunities to attract and retain staff. These promotions are all about recognising excellent work and making it possible for people to progress their careers with us.”

Harrison Drury employs 120 staff across its five North West offices in Clitheroe, Garstang, Preston, Lancaster and Kendal.

The firm has twice been named in the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Small Companies to Work For list in 2016 and 2017.

43

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New opportunity is all about Eve A FLEDGLING East Lancashire law firm has taken a positive step forward by announcing its first appointment.

Sarah Bentley Solicitors - specialist in family law - has welcomed trainee solicitor Eve Brelsford into the fold, after achieving recognition from The Law Society.

Owner Sarah Bentley believes Eve's arrival could hold the key to the long-term success of the Burnley-based practice.

"Eve is ideal for us, both in terms of her professional capabilities and her many personal attributes,” said Sarah. “Her skill set and enthusiasm underlines her genuine potential to become a leading light in family law.”

Sarah Bentley Solicitors, experts in all matters relating to family and child welfare, has been recognised as a training provider

by The Law Society.

“We are very proud of achieving this accreditation,” added Sarah. “It means we are able to offer Eve a complete training

package which will lead to her qualifying as a solicitor in 2019.”

Eve, a former student at Westholme School in Blackburn and Burnley Sixth Form College, achieved a Masters Degree in Law at Northumbria University.

“This is a wonderful opportunity and I am grateful to Sarah for showing such confidence in me,” said 24-year-old Eve. “Sarah is respected throughout the North West for her work in family law and I could not have a better mentor. There will be chances for me to assist in bigger projects than might have been possible at a larger firm and I am also fascinated by the business and accountancy aspects of the role.”

Away from the office, Eve, who hails from Higherford, Burnley and now lives in Hurst Green, enjoys keeping fit. She has taken part in the Great North Run and is also a keen follower of the acclaimed CrossFit training regime.

TES Radio extends Business Development team A LANCASHIRE-based wireless communications business has extended its sales team with the recruitment of two new Business Development Managers.

Leyland-based TES Radio has significantly invested in its Sales and Marketing functions over the past two years and the two new appointees are the latest addition as the business ramps up its growth plan.

Andrew McNamara joins the business having held senior business development roles in engineering, logistics and automotive with companies including Cromwell Tools, Thermo Logistics and SMS Time Critical International; whilst Graham Webster held senior positions in businesses trading commodities, agricultural fertilizers and cereal seeds, for companies including Criddle & Co. (a division on the Billington Group), Gleadell Agriculture and GA Pet Food Partners.

TES Managing Director Keith Edwards, said: “We’re delighted that Andrew and Graham have joined the business. They are both highly experienced business development professionals and we’re confident that they will contribute significantly to the growth of TES Radio in the coming years.”

Andrew McNamara said: “This is an exciting time to be joining TES Radio as it embarks on its growth plan to deliver communications infrastructure to sectors like transport networks, manufacturers and process industries. The business works with blue-chip clients including Manchester Metrolink, UBS and AstraZeneca, so I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Graham Webster added: “I was really attracted to the idea of working for TES Radio, as I was impressed by the range of solutions they provide, whether it’s business critical communications, microwave networks or man-down and lone worker solutions. The company has ambitious plans and new applications in the pipeline, so I can’t wait to get going!”

44EVENTSYOUR FREE Business Newspaper LISTINGS

February 2018 UCLAN GDPR BEST PRACTICE WORKSHOP TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018 @ 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Media Innovation Studio, 4th Floor Media Factory Kirkham Street, Preston, PR1 2XQ United Kingdom The topic of the event is the forthcoming GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) – a new regulation which is set to replace the current Data Protection Act on 25 May 2018. Whether you run a marketing company, store customer data on a loyalty card, have XLS spreadsheets of names and addresses it WILL affect your organisation in some way.

GDPR is not just about IT or HR or Marketing. Everyone in a business plays a part and existing cultures will need to change. Price: Free If you would like to contact us please call 01772 894321 or email sme@uclan.ac.uk The Centre for SME Development, UCLan

FRIDAY 2nd MARCH 2018 • 9AM – 3PM

UCLAN BUSINESS BREAKFAST THURSDAY 1 MARCH 2018 @ 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM Media Factory (4th Floor), Kirkham Street , University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 1JN We have an agenda crammed with best practice, support and an exclusive look at the future of business engagement at UCLan and how you can ensure you are part of it!

Price: Free

 : Friday 2nd March 2018, 9am – 3pm  : Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston. PR1 1HT  : www.lancashirebusinessexpo.com Lancashire’s Largest Business Event is FREE to attend.

With over 160 Exhibitors & 2000+ Delegates attending it’s the biggest event on Lancashire’s business calendar To register your attendance, please log on to

www.lancashirebusinessexpo.com/attend

Book your free place here through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/uclan-business-breakfast-1st-march-2018-tickets-40935964572

UCLAN INNOVATION CLINIC- DEVELOPING A NEW PRODUCT: TWO-DAY WORKSHOP MARCH 5 @ 8:30 AM - MARCH 6 @ 4:00 PM MIST, 4th floor Media Factory, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2HE As part of Lancashire Manufacturing Week and the Lancashire Business Festival 2018, the Innovation Clinic are offering a free two-day workshop at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). Our expert-led workshop will equip your business with the knowledge needed to get your product transformed from a good idea into a bestseller!

Contact Details: Toni Murtagh (Project Administrator) 01772 894093/ tmurtagh2@uclan.ac.uk

RE-BRANDING AND RELAUNCHING AGE CONCERN

INTRODUCTION TO EQUITY INVESTMENT FOR SMES – PRESTON

MARCH 8 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Harrington Lecture Theatre, Adelphi Street, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 7DR

MARCH 20 @ 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM UCLan Media Factory, Kirkham Street, Preston, PR1 2XQ • Need finance for growth?

• Want to understand what venture capital is and how to successfully apply?

• Perhaps unsure whether venture capital or business angel finance is right for you?

Led by experienced investors, UClan's Investment Readiness programme is designed to ‘demystify’ the world of equity finance and prepare ambitious businesses with growth potential to apply for much needed investment.

Iain Pearson, Executive Director at Age Concern, a charity that helps adults to live well and age well, will deliver a presentation to illustrate how the non-profit considers marketing and public relations as crucial ingredients to its future success.

Book your place through Eventbrite: www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/age-concern-central-lancashire-rebrand-and-launchtickets-42072422749

For further information on the programme please call 01772 895656 or email investmentreadiness@uclan.ac.uk

MOCK EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL MARCH 21 @ 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM Darwin Lecture Theatre, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2HE The Lancashire School of Business and Enterprise at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and the Institute of Directors Lancashire (IoD) welcomes the team from Vista to UCLan on 21 March 2018. The team from Vista who will present a Mock Employment Tribunal using a thought provoking case study to illustrate the risks and pitfalls employers and HR advisers face when contesting unfair dismissal and discrimination proceedings.

The event is free to attend for students and staff at UCLan, as well as IoD members .Contact Lauren Mullan to secure your free place Lauren.Mullan@iod.com.

To list your Events here and on www.businesslancashire.co.uk Contact sales@thesamueljamesgroup.com or call 01772 364150  : Friday 2nd March 2018, 9am – 3pm  : Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston. PR1 1HT  : www.lancashirebusinessexpo.com Lancashire’s Largest Business Event is FREE to attend.

With over 160 Exhibitors & 2000+ Delegates attending it’s the biggest event on Lancashire’s business calendar

FRIDAY 2nd MARCH 2018 • 9AM – 3PM

To register your attendance, please log on to www.lancashirebusinessexpo.com/attend

PROPERTY45

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FEATURED PROPERTY

Strawberry Fields Digital Hub, Euxton Lane, Chorley PR7 6DN

CHOOSE CHORLEY FOR BUSINESS

If new development is a sign of a growing economy, then the future is looking bright for Chorley.

Driven forward by the proactive and forward-thinking local authority the borough now boasts several major improvement schemes happening at the same time with one standing out as a real coup for Chorley.

Work is about to start on the Strawberry Fields Digital Hub providing state-of-the-art office accommodation for businesses in the digital sector. This will include a high capacity server and super speed broadband plus a new intensive business incubation facility for startups.

The development is being driven forward

by Chorley Council and its Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley, believes the opportunities Chorley offers makes it an attractive proposition for businesses.

“The Strawberry Fields development is really exciting for us because this is the type of development that you might ordinarily see in the city regions, but there aren’t many places the size of Chorley that would attract this type of interest and independent experts say it could boost the local economy by £18.5 million.

“What is helping us to attract this type of

development, apart from our very proactive approach, is our perfect location – we are situated on the M6, M61 and M65 motorways and we are a gateway to three of the major northern cities - Manchester, Liverpool and Preston.

“And because we are telling our story, people wanting to be a part of the Northern Powerhouse are starting to look north of Manchester and Liverpool, rather than looking south to Cheshire, because we have got everything you need to succeed.”

The Strawberry Fields development is an £8.4 million scheme which has attracted more than £4 million of European funding.

The digital hub will have a business advisor specialising in the digital sector and a university researcher who are able to support those wishing to start a digital business, or develop and grow an existing business by accessing new markets.

“I would urge anyone who is looking to set up a business, whatever type that might be, or who may just want to sound out a business idea, to give us a call on 01257 515300 or email edu@chorley.gov.uk and see just what help we might be able to offer you,” said Councillor Bradley.

46

YOUR FREE Business Newspaper

University buildings open for business

February 2018 THE inaugural project within the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) £200 million Masterplan has opened its doors for the first time.

Preston-based Conlon Construction completed work on the University’s £8.15 million social spaces in January, with the facilities welcoming staff and students.

The social spaces will improve the campus experience and provide a place for staff and students to come together in a relaxed environment, while incorporating areas for break out activities and informal spaces for socialising.

Developed with the Students’ Union and as a direct result of student feedback, a single storey ground floor extension has been added to the existing Foster Building, while a new facility has been built, which links Harrington and Greenbank buildings.

Key design features include glass roofs and indoor hidden gardens, as well as movable furniture so that staff and students can reconfigure the space to suit their needs.

David Taylor, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University board, said: “The opening of the social spaces marks the beginning of a new era here at UCLan, one that has certainly set the bar very high for the rest of our exciting Campus Masterplan.

“The new social hubs are outstanding facilities of which we can all be proud, providing integrated spaces where staff and students from different disciplines can mix and meet. It’s exciting to have completed the first phase of our five-year Masterplan,

which will serve the needs and ambitions of our University, City and region for many decades to come.”

Sana Iqbal, Students’ Union President, commented: “The Students’ Union is incredibly proud of the student social spaces. We’ve worked hard for over a year to ensure that every aspect of the design caters for the needs of students. There are spaces for recreational activity; areas to Skype and kitchenettes to make yourself a brew are just some of the ideas that have been brought to fruition through rigorous student consultation.”

Michael Conlon, Chairman at Conlon Construction, added: “As a locally based regional contractor, we are delighted to have successfully delivered the UCLan social spaces and to have kicked-off the Masterplan scheme, which when complete will have a major impact on our home city of Preston.”

The social spaces were designed by multi-award winning architecture practice AHR, working alongside a 13-strong design team, made up of key representatives from UCLan, to establish input and ownership from the people who will use the spaces.

The next Masterplan project due for completion is the £1 million purpose-built Oasis Faith and Spirituality Centre, which is expected to open in April 2018.

UCLan’s Masterplan will be delivered over the next five years and will integrate seamlessly with the rest of the City, benefitting current and future generations of students, staff, visitors and the wider community.

Contractor appointed to £25m Preston tram project AN ambitious project to bring tram services back to Preston for the first time since the 1930s has moved a step closer with the appointment of a contractor to build the proposed £25m Guild Line.

Preston Trampower Ltd has reached agreement with Eric Wright Civil Engineering to build the 3.5-mile tramway, starting with a 1,250-metre-long pilot line in the Deepdale area of the city.

Both parties recently signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the scheme during a sodcutting ceremony on the tramway site.

The first stage of the project will see the pilot line built on a stretch of the former Longridge to Preston railway, with work expected to get underway by March 2018.

A second phase of the line which aims to link the city centre with employment sites on the edge of the city is subject to a planning application being submitted this year.

While the pilot line will initially be limited to free demonstration rides and staff training, the service could welcome its first paying passengers as early as 2019 if the plans are approved this year.

Professor Lewis Lesley, technical director for Preston Trampower Ltd, said: “To have such a prestigious local

contractor on board is another huge vote of confidence in this project.

“We’ve all seen how the Manchester Metrolink has been instrumental in the growth of that city and I have no doubt that a Preston tram system can provide a huge shot in the arm for the city’s economy.

“We’ve put years of hard work and detailed research into this project. By utilising existing rail infrastructure, we can deliver this tramway with the minimum of disruption to residents and motorists.

While only a small section of track is being built initially, we’re confident the full Guild Line can soon become a reality.”

Diane Bourne, managing director of Eric Wright Civil Engineering, added: “Signing this memorandum of understanding is an important milestone and reassures the people who live and work in Preston that the new tramway is coming.

“As a local contractor with a strong heritage across Preston, we’re very proud to be leading the project.

We’re looking forward to starting on site and delivering a quality scheme that meets local need and one that the community can be proud of.

“City centre tramway projects are proven to bring numerous benefits and we’re aiming to replicate this

same success within Preston.”

The pilot line will see a length of the former railway between Skeffington Road and Deepdale Street reinstated. A new tram station, platform and tram shed is being built, helping to clean-up the currently derelict and neglected land.

Under the longer-term plans for the Guild Line, the service would have 12 stops on key sites in the city including Deepdale Shopping Park, Preston North End FC’s Deepdale stadium, and later the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

Six trams would run at six minute intervals for most of the day and Preston Trampower forecast that 1.8 million tram trips should be made annually on the Guild Line, reducing congestion and pollution.

It would utilise existing railway infrastructure for most of its length, switching to an LR55 system where it meets the road network. The LR55 track system ‘glues’ into the road surface and doesn’t require large-scale excavation work.

Preston Trampower has already lined up private investment to deliver the infrastructure for the tram service, as well as additional funds for the leasing of trams.

Lincoln Shields, director of Preston Trampower Ltd, added: “The Guild Line tram will be a

fast, frequent and convenient way for people to reach the city centre without having to fight for a parking place. The chronic level of congestion in the city centre, and the healththreatening toxic traffic air pollution will be eased by pollution-free trams.”

The Guild Line sod-cutting event was held at the Preston Muslim Girls High School in Peel Hall Street, which sits adjacent to the planned tramway. The event was attended by directors of Preston Trampower

and Eric Wright Civil Engineering, as well as local councillors and community representatives.

Prior to the Second World War, Preston was the tramcar building capital of Britain with manufacturers like Dick, Kerr & Co and English Electric making cars for tramways around the world.

Tram operations in Preston came to halt in December 1935 when the final tram journey between Fulwood and Preston took place.

47

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FEATURED PROPERTY

24 Sycamore Trading Estate, Squires Gate Lane, Blackpool, FY4 3RL Property Type: Industrial Tenure: Freehold Leasehold Freehold £1,100,000 Leasehold £100,000 Per Annum Exclusive VAT: All prices quoted are exclusive of, but may be liable to VAT at the prevailing rate.

Accomodation: GROUND FLOOR Warehouse inc store and WCs 17,911 sq ft, 1,663.98 sq m FIRST FLOOR Mezzanine offices: 1,819 sq ft, 169.04 sq m TOTAL 19,730 sq ft, 1,832.97 sq m

36A, Lune Street, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2NN Property Type: Investment Tenure: Freehold Asking Price: £100,000 (Offers in the region of) VAT: The purchase price is subject to VAT. Accomodation: A well-appointed ground floor sales shop 11'8 wide x 26' deep with suspended ceiling and laminate flooring.

There is a trap door entrance to the basement and a rear yard with a disused WC. A ground floor lock-up shop premises together with basement, rear yard and WC.

This modern warehouse unit is in excellent condition and benefits from an electric roller shutter door, substantial access and loading facilities. Access is through a large shared yard area and benefits from car parking. Other features include: Gas heaters, Lighting, Personnel door, Mezzanine floor, WC facilities, Max eaves height 7.7m (min 6m) The mezzanine office accommodation benefits from suspended ceilings, air conditioning and carpeting. The space is split into four good sized offices and viewing is essential.

3, Market Square, Kirkham, Lancashire, PR4 2SD Property Type: Retail Tenure: Leasehold Asking Rent: £9,500 Per Annum Exclusive VAT: The property is subject to VAT. Accomodation: GF 572 sq ft, FF 299 sq ft, Total 871 sq ft The property comprises a ground floor retail unit and first floor ancillary accommodation and has full timber frame window frontage to Market Square. There is a sales area together with ancillary accommodation to the rear with a small kitchenette. The first floor provides further ancillary accommodation and WC facilities. The ground floor has suspended ceiling with recess fluorescent strip lighting and laminate flooring. The rear ancillary and first floor ancillary have painted plaster walls and ceilings, fluorescent strip lighting and carpeted floors.

For more information please contact our Agency Team on 01772 769000 or visit wwww.pinkus.co.uk

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Our excellent people are here to help businesses and individuals achieve their goals.

We can help with: • Buying and selling a business

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