IoD Spring issue 2011

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suffolk

spring 2011 www.iod.com/suffolk

enterprising society...



IoD suffolk spring 2011

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contents

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contents

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IoD events

3

thoughts from the chair

5 - 11

across the region

12

IoD members

13 - 14

IoD news

15

corporate news

16 - 17

Olympic developments

W

ith all the talk about the big society and the new enterprise culture, you would

think that Britain had become a world of dazzling opportunity for businesses of all levels, but is this the case? In this issue we delve a little deeper into what

Our front cover features the James

‘the Big Society’ means to local business

Heir Building, the fifth floor of

16 - 17

which is home to The Eastern Enterprise Hub. To discover more read our article on page 27 Photography and visualisation ©2Cs All Rights Reserved

people in Suffolk and North Essex and how we are responding to ‘this great idea that is struggling to get out’.

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a word from the accountants

19

enterprise

20 - 23

the big society

With unemployment standing at 7.9% and business start-up failures at an all time low we look at the support on hand for business people of the future. One fascinating idea is ‘The Y Factor’, a school’s based initiative to provide an inspirational spark for young people to ensure they are equipped with the right skills for business. We also have local support for budding

Publisher Tilston Phillips Magazines Limited enquiries@tilstonphillips.com www.tilstonphillips.com Printed by Healeys Print Group Unit 10 – 11 The Sterling Complex Farthing Road Ipswich Suffolk IP1 5AP

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entrepreneurs with the opening of The School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) in Ipswich. We will be following Tracy Bose, one of the

25

corporate news

first cohort, as she starts up a new business

26

sponsor profile

’Got to Read’ with the support of SSE.

27

enterprise

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motoring

corporations continue to struggle in our

30

corporate events

present climate; perhaps it has never been a

32

IoD events

34

charities

Consumers now want accountability and the

35

leisure

ability to communicate quickly with a

37

commercial property

knowledge, rather than struggling with an

38

business books

amorphous global brand.

39

business start-up

40

IoD Committee and

It’s salutary to note that large established

better time to be a SME.

All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or in whole, without the prior consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. The content of this magazine is based on the best knowledge and information available at the time of publication. All times, prices and details of events were correct at time of going to press. The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers, proprietors, the Institute of Directors or others associated with this production. © Tilston Phillips Magazines Limited 2011

business that is responsive and has local

new members

Local business, it seems, is the key. Jonathan Tilston


IoD events To help Suffolk Branch members to plan ahead and organise their diaries, this programme summarises the forthcoming events in 2011. We hope the wide variety of our events gives you ample opportunity to entertain partners and guests and to get full benefit from your branch membership. All events are open to IoD members and non-members. For further information regarding our events visit www.iod.com/suffolk or call Caroline Kearney, Suffolk Branch Administrator on 07917 699498 or alternatively email: caroline@iod-suffolk.co.uk

The Referendum – ‘What do electoral reforms actually mean for individuals, businesses, politics and the economy?’ 24/3/11 18.45 – 23.00 The West Wing at Ickworth House,

Top speakers lined up for 2011 Annual Conference ‘Achieving excellence through team spirit’

Bury St Edmunds The forthcoming referendum on voting reform is hitting the headlines, but what are we actually voting for, what are the options and the implications? How will individuals, businesses, local and national politics and the economy be impacted? Guest speakers will outline the options and debate the likely outcomes as we move ahead with further political reform. The Annual Conference and Annual Members’ Meeting – ‘Achieving excellence through team spirit’

I

oD Suffolk members are urged to

training and recruitment and development.

sign up now for this year’s Annual

His experiences in managing Cadbury’s talent

Conference, which takes place on

April 7 from 10am until 2.30pm in the

pipeline spawned the idea for Developing Potential which he founded in 1997 with Olympic Gold Medallist Dr David Hemery CBE.

7/4/11 10.00 – 14.30

Sir Bobby Robson Suite at Ipswich Town

In the past 10 years Les has worked with

Ipswich Town Football Club, Ipswich

Football Club, with a tour of the

multiple organisations in business, education

See panel opposite.

stadium following the event.

and sport with the aim of fostering high performance and achievement.

The Importance of the Port of Felixstowe 12/5/11 14.30 – 17.00

The Suffolk IoD Annual Members’ Meeting

Claire Sandbrook is the CEO of Shergroup, a

Port of Felixstowe

will precede the conference, starting

law company created from the Sheriffs of

Join us for a rare opportunity to visit the Port

at 9.30am.

London dating back to 1780. Today Shergroup provides a full range of collection, litigation

of Felixstowe and gain an insight into the importance of the Port to our local and

The conference, which will be facilitated by

and enforcement services for court users who

national economy as well as our standing in

Suffolk IoD Chairman Paul Winter, will focus

want to recover their money or land from the

the international trade arena.

on the importance of good leadership skills

courts throughout England and Wales.

and team spirit which will help you to achieve Question Time Dinner

your business goals. Top motivational

16/6/11 18.45 – 23.00

speakers Les Duggan, from Developing

one of only 69 Authorised High Court

The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds

Potential, and Claire Sandbrook, CEO of

Enforcement Officers in England and Wales.

The Question Time Dinner, introduced more

Shergroup, have been signed up for what

She was admitted as a solicitor in 1989 and

Appointed by the Lord Chancellor, Claire is

than five years ago, has become a premier

promises to be an inspirational few hours.

became a partner, having started at her law

event in the IoD Suffolk event calendar. Enjoy

Similar to last year’s lively event, delegates

firm as an audio typist. Claire has set up

lively debate between eminent Suffolk

will have interactive keypads to give feedback

teams in the UK and India for Shergroup and

business and political figures as they are

on hot topics of debate.

will talk about her experiences.

Book early to avoid disappointment, this event

Les Duggan, managing partner of Developing

To book your place please contact branch

is always a sell out.

Potential, was sales director for Cadburys

administrator Caroline Kearney on 07917

before taking responsibility for all their sales

699498 or email caroline@iod-suffolk.co.uk

questioned by the audience on topical issues.

The Aldeburgh Festival June 2011 (exact date tbc) 18.30 – 22.00 Snape Maltings, Suffolk Join us for an evening experiencing an event within the Aldeburgh Festival programme. With refreshments and the opportunity to meet the professional performers.

2011 programme is kindly sponsored by:


IoD suffolk spring 2011

3

welcome

thoughts from the chair

T

he debate over whether or not the Bank of England should raise its Base Rate goes on and on. It

seems that the only reason to do it, is not one of economics, but all about the Bank’s reputation on the control of inflation. The media seem convinced that an increase is essential but the fundamentals of the economy would suggest no increase is required. There still seems to be plenty of spare capacity in industry and a significant part of the current rate of inflation is either indirect tax increases or world commodity prices. An increase in interest rates will not affect either of these. My view is that the Bank should hold its nerve and keep rates unchanged for the time being. Economic activity in Suffolk seems to be holding up well although the possible increase in unemployment may influence growth for the next year or so. However we continue to see arrears in Suffolk which are not prosperous and it is unfair the incentives being offer by the Chancellor are not available due to Whitehall’s view of the prospects of the whole of the East of England. As far as IoD Suffolk is concerned we have started our new year’s activities with a sold out Economic Breakfast and a very successful evening for new and prospective members. Details of forthcoming events are set out elsewhere in this magazine. This year we have also launched a new venture- our Creativity Clubs. This is an innovative approach to problem solving which we hope our members

Ensors, Jackaman Smith and Mulley and

take advantage of. The branch will continue

Leema Risk Management for their continuing

to look for ways in which we can add value

support and welcome Fresh Ways to Work as

to membership.

a sponsor.

The support of our sponsors is essential to the

Paul Winter

branch’s progress and I would like to thank

Chairman


sound advice

for business • commercial property

advice you can depend upon

• corporate • employment Jackaman Smith & Mulley

• litigation • partnerships

s o l i c i t o r s

Offices at IPSWICH 01473 255591 • FELIXSTOWE 01394 279636 • DISS 01379 643555

www.jsm.co.uk


IoD suffolk spring 2011

5

across the region

New look as Coes grows

60th birthday for Seckford hotel Michael Bunn, owner of Seckford Hall in Woodbridge, is celebrating 60 years at the hotel. As a boy, he explored its rambling Tudor frame, watching builders as they converted the family home into a hotel. He knows every nook – it is all he has known as a home – but still finds the building and grounds a constant source of inspiration. Like their predecessors stretching back over five centuries, Michael and his wife, Christine, treat the building as a living entity, and have gently developed the hotel over the years. The building has a fascinating history.

Coes has announced the first phase of

The addition of a womenswear department in

redevelopment at its Ipswich shop.

2002 means that Coes now offers

The multi-million pound investment will see

merchandise to men and women. It also has a

the flagship store in Norwich Road

comprehensive sports shop.

transformed into a new retail environment. The business was founded in 1928 and is now Many of the existing departments

run by William Coe, the third generation of

will be upgraded, bringing the total space

the family to do so. It has shops across East

to more than 40,000sq ft over three floors.

Anglia, employing more than 180 staff.

Work will be phased to minimise business disruption.

Coes has also now extended into online shopping and ships goods to all parts of the world.

High flyers urged to enter prestigious business awards successful businesswomen as well as helping

The hall is grand and stately in the best

Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex,

to encourage younger women to pursue a

traditions of a Tudor mansion, but it’s the

Hertfordshire, Suffolk and Norfolk are invited

career in business and winning one of the

details – often the product of extension over

to nominate themselves or others in the East

trophies gives the chosen woman and her

the centuries – that make for such a

of England Businesswomen of the Year

company widespread recognition for their

fascinating hotel.

Awards 2011.

hard work and determination in business.”

The awards, run in association with the

Entrants can register their nominations online

and it was not until nine years later that it

Institute of Directors Eastern Region, were first

at www.eebw.co.uk. The closing date for

became a hotel. Michael’s father bought

launched by the Cambridge Businesswomen’s

entries is 9am on Monday, April 4. Judging

it in 1951.

Network in 1989. This year there are two new

will begin on April 11, followed by visits to

awards - Rising Star of the Year and Start-Up

the finalists in the week commencing April 18.

Corporate and independent women from

In 1940 the hall was claimed by the MoD

The 32-bedroom hotel, which employs 100 staff, has seen changes over the years. In the

Business of the Year. The winners will be announced at the awards

past year, a refurbishment and bedroom

EEBW Chair, Jane Cox commented “The

ceremony on May 26 at the West Wing,

upgrade paid dividends when it achieved four-

awards celebrate the achievements of

Ickworth House near Bury St Edmunds.

star status by both the AA and Visit Britain.


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across the region Jobs boost for graduates The employment market for university

eight weeks of full-time work, designed to

leavers is showing signs of improvement

enhance the employability of graduates.

for the first time since the start of the recession with an 8.9 per cent annual

“They support undergraduate career

increase in graduate jobs, according to

development and we have been keen to draw

recent survey figures.

in elements of the recruitment process to offer valuable experience at every stage.”

At University Campus Suffolk (UCS) students are reflecting this improvement

UCS also holds an annual careers fair which

with four recent graduates securing work

allows students to identify employment

after their involvement in a summer

opportunities as well as expanding networks

internship scheme.

and gathering company information.

UCS launched the internships programme in

This year it will be on March 17

2008, in conjunction with local businesses and

(11am-3pm) in the Waterfront Building.

it has grown ever since.

It is open to all local graduates.

Chantalle Hawley, head of student support, said the programmes usually consist of six to

10 years on… the pace of employment law changes continues to accelerate… Quantrills, the specialist employment law

But what does the future hold?

solicitors and HR advisers, in 2011 are celebrating 10 years in practice, and according

Simon Quantrill has few doubts: “Just focusing

to managing partner Simon Quantrill, it’s been

on the coming 10 months – never mind the

a period of rapid change for employers:

next 10 years – there will be major changes for employers resulting from the abolition of the

“During, the last 10 years we’ve been busy

default retirement age from April this year, and

helping organisations large and small to keep

new rights for agency workers.

up with the constantly changing demands of employment legislation. Having access to

“Then there is the possible extension of

specialist advice in a fast and cost-effective

flexible working rights for all, plus maternity

manner is essential for HR Managers and

and paternity leave changes! But at the same

business owners alike.”

time government is consulting on

“The last 12 months alone has seen the

employee can claim unfair dismissal, plus it

reintroducing a two-year service rule before an introduction of the Equality Act 2010 which

wants to reduce the impact of ‘TUPE’.”

consolidated disjointed discrimination

“I’d recommend for anyone involved with

legislation. Then there has been the

managing employees to take advantage of

introduction of ‘fit notes’, and significant

the regular updates we provide on all

changes to sick pay and holiday case law.”

these issues.” Simon Quantrill and Julie Temple, partners of Quantrills employment law solicitors and HR advisers, who celebrate their 10th anniversary this March


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IoD suffolk spring 2011

9

across the region

‘Ludicrous’ to scrap internship scheme With one in 10 university leavers

providing recent graduates with opportunities

unemployed nationwide, Essex-based

to work in and around Essex.

equipment manufacturer Pacepacker has expressed disappointment that a successful

Pacepacker’s managing director, Dennis Allison,

intern scheme – which had led to it employing

said: “Government’s decision to scrap a scheme

a local graduate – is being scrapped.

which helps businesses to successfully address their employment needs is ludicrous.

Pacepacker Services, designers and manufacturers of automatic packing systems,

“It is difficult to find talented individuals

took part in the University of Essex’s graduate

through the usual employment routes of

internship scheme, part of a nationwide

advertising, whereas this scheme gave you

initiative launched by the Government.

access to a pool of prospective individuals and helped speed up the recruitment process.”

By joining the scheme, local businesses could

‘Don’t delay’ over bribery

benefit from an injection of new talent,

As industry and commerce waits for more detailed guidance from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) on how the forthcoming Bribery Act will affect businesses, Suffolkbased adviser and accountants Grant Thornton is warning companies not to wait until the Act comes into force. The Act, which aims to provide a more effective legal framework to combat bribery across the private and public sector, was due to come into force last

Region’s key role in power project

April but was postponed for a year. The MoJ has now said it will not become

East Anglia will play a key role in

legislation until three months after

the £200 billion project that will revolutionise

publication of the long-awaited final

the nation’s energy supply, according to

guidance. When it does become law the

Energy Minister Charles Hendry.

UK will have the most stringent anticorruption legislation in the world.

During a visit to the £10 million OrbisEnergy hub in Lowestoft, home to companies

Chris Clements, of Grant Thornton

specialising in offshore renewable energy, he

East Anglia, advises businesses to

said: “East Anglia is one of the most exciting

“This country is now facing one of the most

assess their risk to possible anti-corruption

places in the country for energy and is doing

extraordinary challenges as, over the next

practices; carry out due diligence on their

some of the most important, inspiring work

decade, we must build or rebuild our whole

customers, suppliers and employees; put

in renewables.

energy infrastructure.

in place policies and procedures ensuring

“The OrbisEnergy wind turbine, Gulliver,

“What is especially exciting is that OrbisEnergy

should be a guiding beacon for the potential

brings together people with ideas and

have board-level ownership and establish

of the renewable energy sector in East Anglia.

enthusiasm and helps them get established.

the right culture for compliance and to

“There are now huge opportunities for local

This is exactly the sort of groundbreaking

monitor and review, preferably using an

businesses to re-invent themselves and to take

work we need, bringing all the links in the

external body.

advantage of this opportunity.

chain together.”

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IoD suffolk spring 2011

11

across the region

Getting youngsters into swing of golf The head professional at Ufford Park has become director of golf. Stuart Robertson has been involved with the golf club since the hotel opened in 1992. Colin Aldous, owner and chairman of Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & Spa, said: ‘’ I have relied heavily on Stuart over the years for his golf expertise and detailed knowledge of the game, and it was this that gave me the courage to develop the whole golfing product particularly in the last five years. “Having recently reached the official

Artists heading for Aldeburgh International art will be coming to

retirement age, I wanted to reduce my involvement in the everyday decision-making process and Stuart, I feel confident, can fill

wealthy could afford – but since Tiger Woods

that potential void, and take golf at Ufford

burst on to the scene in the 1990s that has

Park to an even higher level.”

changed the culture of the game, opening up

Aldeburgh this summer, starting with aldeburghART in the last week of May.

opportunities that did not exist before.” Stuart added: “For years I have sought to get more children into golf by teaching at primary

He said that, as director of golf, he is hoping

Royal Academicians Peter Blake, Eileen

and secondary schools. Golf was always

to make a real impact on the local and

Cooper, Stephen Farthing, Anthony

looked upon as an elite game, which only the

regional golf scene.

Green, Nigel Hall and John Hoyland are among those taking part. Avant-garde artists Joseph Beuys and Marina Abramovic will inspire performance art on the beach, guest-curated by the

A spa-rkling success

legendary Richard Demarco. Open to the public late last year, Lifehouse

The range of spa treatments available at

Building on the strong cultural heritage

is a day and stay spa set within 130 acres

Lifehouse use BABOR products, made from

of Suffolk, aldeburghART’s aim is to

of beautiful grounds and 12 acres of historic,

plant-based ingredients to enhance natural

complement the profile of the

listed gardens. Guest rooms boast views of the

beauty. BABOR offers a unique concept to

Aldeburgh Festival, known internationally

surrounding gardens or courtyard and facilities

offer both male and female guests effective

for its innovative and classical music.

include 35 treatment rooms, gym, outdoor

results in harmony with nature. None of the

fitness circuit, exercise studio, swimming pool,

products or ingredients are tested on animals.

During the festival in June, Mat

thermal spa area, relaxation areas, manicure

Collishaw and Ryan Gander, two younger

and pedicure stations, makeup bays,

As part of the Weekly Activities Programme,

internationally-acclaimed artists, will be

a hairdressing salon and a spa boutique.

Lifehouse also offers regular complementary

making works specially for the Aldeburgh Beach South Lookout.

classes such as Boot Camp as well as talks on This contemporary spa is the new benchmark

a wide variety of topics such as detoxification.

for a holistic spa experience with intelligent

Put simply, the Lifehouse proposition is

Also planned are exhibitions, plays,

life-enriching spa and wellbeing programmes.

a serious one; focusing on ensuring the

discussions, films and projects plus visits

Dedicated experts, specialising in key areas

best results for the individual and improving

to private collections and studios,

such as fitness, life coaching, nutrition, spiritual

guests’ habits to enhance general wellbeing

lunches, dinners and music, all relating

awareness, weight loss, alternative and holistic

for the long term.

in some way to visual art.

therapy and horticulture have been recruited to ensure highly-personalised, specialised and tailor-made programmes to suit every guest’s needs and help them to achieve their goals.


IoD members

new PR co-ordinator for Suffolk IoD

P

enny Arbuthnot, director of

innovative service for Suffolk IoD members.

public relations agency Project PR,

Penny continues: “I am looking forward to

joined the IoD in November 2010.

helping the branch raise its profile as a voice

She has steered her company through several stages of development and

for the county on business issues and as an excellent forum for directors to enjoy meeting at business and social events.”

growth, culminating last year in winning Outstanding PR Consultancy of the Year

Paul Winter, chairman of Suffolk IoD,

in the Chartered Institute of Public

commented: “We are very pleased that

Relations Pride Awards for East Anglia.

Penny accepted our invitation to join the committee and bring her PR and business skills to the team.”

She says: “I joined the IoD to enjoy the wide range of benefits including the wonderful

Penny has a joint honours degree in English

business facilities in London which I’ve already

and Italian from Warwick University and

used as a meeting venue with clients

a post graduate diploma in public relations.

and journalists.”

She began her PR career in London before moving to Suffolk where she established

For further information about Suffolk IoD

Penny was elected to the committee of Suffolk

Project PR in 1996. In 2010 Project PR was

membership please contact branch

IoD in January and her first tasks include helping

named the fourth most awarded PR agency

administrator Caroline Kearney on 07917

to promote the Creativity Club as a new and

outside of London by Drum Magazine.

699498 or email caroline@iod-suffolk.co.uk

new and prospective IoD members enjoy Kesgrave Hall

M

ore than 30 new and

car-share, use the train or walk to work, rather

prospective members of the

than drive alone.

Institute of Directors’ Suffolk

branch enjoyed a private drinks reception held at the exclusive Milsoms @ Kesgrave Hall on February 10.

Paul McIntee, from Obsidian Consulting, spoke about the benefits of membership and Christopher Johnson, from Nuffield Hospital and a Suffolk IoD committee member, introduced the Creativity Club to be launched

The Suffolk IoD committee hosted the invitation-

in March for IoD members. Charlie Baxter

only event to welcome more than a dozen new

from the Prince’s Trust, gave an overview of

members who have joined the IoD in the past

the charity’s work with young people.

year and to talk to local business people who have shown an interest in finding out more. Diary Date The event was sponsored by Leema Risk

The next ‘New and prospective members’

Management, Ensors Chartered Accountants,

evening takes place on May 24 (5.30pm –

Jackaman Smith & Mulley Solicitors and new

7.30pm) at The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds.

sponsor ‘Fresh Ways to Work’, the EU-funded

For further information please contact branch

sustainable transport campaign in Suffolk

administrator Caroline Kearney on 07917

which is encouraging people to bike, bus,

699498 or email caroline@iod-suffolk.co.uk

Peter Lee (left), leader of the ‘Fresh Ways to Work’ campaign, new sponsors of the Suffolk IoD 2011 calendar of events along with Leema Risk Management, Jackaman Smith & Mulley and Ensors. He is pictured with Paul Winter, chairman, Suffolk IoD and chief executive, Ipswich Building Society.


IoD suffolk spring 2011

13

IoD news

get out of the box for new Creativity Club By Penny Arbuthnot, IoD Suffolk PR Co-ordinator

‘Get out of the box with Creativity Club’ – showing (left to right) Paul Winter (Chief Executive, Ipswich Building Society and Chair, Suffolk IoD) with Ian Johnson (Director, Select Office Furniture) and Leigh Bendall (Managing Director, Herbert Partnering Solutions Ltd) who are both Creativity Club trained facilitators.

I

t’s 8.30am and we have just one

which is when the magic will start to

We then redefine the business problem

hour. There’ll be no meeting notes,

leap out…

presented to us by the ‘owner’ and break down the words and phrases to get really

action points or follow up

(so that’s a relief then) and we’re told we can put on our insane, out-of-the

In our group of six this morning there’s the

under its skin and pinpoint the burning issues.

problem ‘owner’ who’s hosting the session, two work colleagues, two ‘volunteers’ from

It’s now 8.55am and Christopher wants us to

box creativity hats for the next 60

outside businesses (including myself) and

use reverse logic – we think of the opposites

minutes. Sounds fun.

Christopher Johnson (general manager,

of what the problem owner wants to aim for.

Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital), who’s

It then gets more bizarre when we’re

The ‘Creativity Club’ is born. It’s a home-

our IoD ‘Creativity Club’ trained facilitator

challenged to think of the impossible.

grown concept which IoD Suffolk has

for the session.

nurtured with David Hall, its inventor, who as

We enter the ‘insane zone’ when ideas such

chief executive of HFL Sports Sciences has

Our aim for the next hour is to avoid the

as putting children in charge, running the

used the techniques to achieve some startling

blockages our minds are programmed for and

business from the Moon or jailing everyone

results in a culture-change programme for his

instead, tune into a new way of thinking.

spin out naturally from the group. Taking

own organisation.

We do five minutes of warm-up during which

three of these crazy concepts we play with

Christopher shows us how our minds are pre-

them, answering questions such as what do

The essence of the Creativity Club is to

set naturally to think ‘inside’ rather than

we need to run the business from the Moon

stimulate creativity and innovation by getting

‘outside’ the box. We’re also briefed about the

and why?

the right hand (creative) side of our brain to

‘Creativity Club Charter’ which, put simply, is

connect with the left hand (logical) side,

that everyone’s equal and anything goes.

g


IoD news It’s 9.07am and we’re flowing. From our

We conclude with two minutes of

impossible and insane thoughts there are

‘re-energising’ when only statements are

some kernels of ideas which we throw into

allowed in a two-way conversation and no

imaginary ‘buckets’ which Christopher has

questions. Sounds easy? Try it!

drawn on the flip chart alongside the words and phrases which defined our problem.

CREATIVITY CLUB FACTS Available only to Suffolk IoD members. Six IoD Suffolk committee members have each undergone 8 hours training with

Christopher Johnson, who’s one of six IoD Suffolk committee members trained by David

David Hall, the creator of ‘Creativity Club’. Each session has an IoD facilitator, a

Bizarrely we’re starting to use some of the

Hall to facilitate a ‘Creativity Club’ session,

impossible ideas to solve what we set out to

says: “We are jailed by our view of how things

do. Breaking the rules and injecting colour

can be done because our minds are

and fun into things (as children would), or

conditioned into set patterns. This is a fast

creating noise and energy (like a moon rocket)

and fun way of coming up with some fresh

The problem ‘owner’ will be able

aren’t such bad ideas after all.

thinking and new ideas to solve a problem.”

to approve the ‘volunteers’ in advance

problem ‘owner’, 2 - 4 of their colleagues and/or 2 - 4 ‘volunteers’ from other businesses (no more than 4 - 5 in total).

so there’s no conflict of interest Fifty minutes through and it’s time to land the

‘Creativity Club’ is available to IoD members

rocket and recap about whether our problem

only. If you have a problem you’d like to

owner has found their solution: “I have got a

address, or if you’d like to be part of a pool

new and clearer perspective and I know what

of ‘volunteers’ to take part in a session,

the next steps should be” and “we’ve achieved

please contact Caroline Kearney,

more in one hour than a typical half-day

IoD Suffolk Branch Administrator.

The facilitator has a portfolio of 14 Creativity

workshop would do”, were how our problem

Email caroline@iod-suffolk.co.uk

Club ‘tools and techniques’ which can be

owner and colleagues summed it up. Job done!

or competition. Problem ‘owner’ hosts the session at own premises or books another venue at their own cost.

used, depending on the problem.

COST EFFECTIVE CREATIVE DESIGN WHATEVER YOUR SIZE OR TYPE OF BUSINESS In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to market your business, so excellent service and are crucial. Contact Paul Newman or visit our website to find out how we can help take your business forward.

ALANBRANNANDESIGN ▲

01359 240202 www.alanbrannandesign.co.uk

CORPORATE IDENTITY BROCHURES ADVERTISING MAGAZINES PACKAGING EXHIBITIONS SIGNAGE WEBSITES


IoD suffolk spring 2011

15

corporate news

how to remove the uncertainty and worry of managing staff

T

his year Quantrills is celebrating 10 years in practice as a specialist firm of employment law solicitors

and HR advisers. Being the managing partner has given me plenty of insight into the rewards but also the challenges of running a small successful business. I understand the demands placed on business owners and directors, like you, on your time and business skills. You’re expected to be your own expert in sales, marketing, finances and managing staff, plus you have to juggle conflicting priorities and make it all happen. If you have responsibility for the HR role for your business, it can cause you more

Simon Quantrill

uncertainty and worry than any other aspect of running your business. This is not surprising

means we will keep you out of trouble, and

Timely, pragmatic and best-practice advice and

when employment law demands on businesses

minimise the risk of you ending up at the

supporting letters and documents from

are so great, regardless of how many

employment tribunal.

experienced and qualified professional advisers

employees you have. And employment law has the unhelpful habit of always changing.

ensures you have the knowledge, confidence The 10 years running Quantrills and 10 years

and reassurance to deal fairly and successfully

helping clients like you, means there is very

with each employee problem. For me and my

Keeping up to date with the detail of new

little I or my team have not seen or handled!

team this is all in a day’s work.

employment law can be tricky even for me!

Using Quantrills will let you have more time

But when it is not your key activity, you can

to concentrate on making profits, safe in the

quickly get out of date.

knowledge your HR issues are being correctly handled.

It is easy to get caught out. You’re busy focusing on trying to grow your business and

Would you like to know more? Simply call us on 01473 688100, and we’ll send you full details of our fixed-cost services.

Solving HR problems with less expense

keeping your customers happy. But

Also, visit our web site www.quantrills.com

sometimes, even with all your hard work and

to view our hrlegal news library of articles and

the best of intentions, an employee-related

briefing notes which will help you prepare for

problem can crop up when you least expect it.

new changes in employment law, such as This affordable fixed-cost solution provides

the 6th April abolition of the default

If this happens, Quantrills can provide you

you with unlimited advice, guidance and

retirement age.

with the right level of advice and guidance

support for all day-to-day HR and

whatever the problem. And we make sure our

employment-law questions and problems.

advice reflects your unique business

We don’t have stock answers or scripted

circumstances and your business goals.

advice to stop you taking action.

At Quantrills we talk your language. You’ll

We understand you have a business to run,

Simon Quantrill

appreciate our jargon-free plain speaking

and in the real world you have to take action

Quantrills Solicitors

advice, and we do not shirk from telling you

and avoid unnecessary delay. You will like our

simon.quantrill@quantrills.com

what you may not want to hear – but it

speed of response.

01473 688100


olympic developments

clock ticking for the greatest show on earth

A

s the clock ticks down to the

service training locally with an email,

The venue will be built at the main eastern

start of the London 2012

telephone contact point and website:

entrance to the Olympic Park, next to the

www.onourmarks2012.co.uk; email

Aquatics Centre, in what will be one of the

onourmarks@suffolkchamber.co.uk

most compact areas of the 500-acre site.

telephone 01473 694818.

To make the best use of space, a number of

Olympic and Paralympic

Games, the Suffolk IoD magazine catches up with some of the latest

back-of-house facilities will be shared between

Games-related news.

Tickets

the two buildings.

Suffolk tourism businesses urged to get

Tickets for the Games go on sale shortly – on

After the Games, the venue will be taken

‘2012 Ready’

Tuesday, March 15 – and on Friday, September

down and elements reused elsewhere in the

9, for the Paralympics. A total of 8.8 million

UK, including incorporating materials available

Brigit Parker, marketing manager for Choose

tickets will be available for the Games, with

through the rental market to promote reuse

Suffolk, explained:

another two million for the Paralympics.

and reduce construction waste.

“When people buy tickets for the Games they

Applications for Olympics tickets close on April

The place to hear about Games-related

also start planning where they are going to

26. Oversubscribed sessions will be allocated

contract opportunities is

stay and the places they want to visit. We

by ballot. Applications can be made at any

www.competefor.com.

want people to think of Suffolk as a

point during the six-week period – it is not

convenient base from which to attend the

a first come, first served process. Starting gun has fired for jobs created

Games and enjoy a holiday. Details of the application process for “Suffolk’s hotels, tourist attractions, travel and

Paralympics tickets will be announced later

retail businesses need to start preparing right

this year, with news of the prices due in May.

now to promote themselves as offering a superior customer experience.”

by London 2012 Pre-registration for the official London 2012 Job Board has opened. Anyone hoping to join

Full details at

the army of people needed to make ‘the

www.tickets.london2012.com.

greatest show on earth’ the best yet can register at www.jobsforthegames.co.uk

Suffolk’s On Our Marks campaign aims to encourage local businesses to improve their

Suffolk company to help build Olympic

customer-service skills by training staff and

water polo arena

taking on trainees.

The London Organising Committee (LOCOG) is predicting that tens of thousands of jobs will

Ipswich-based Jackson Civil Engineering Group

be created by sponsors, suppliers and other

Dee Crowe, head of training and adult skills at

has been chosen to help build the Olympic

businesses staffing up around the Games.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, says: “We want

water polo arena.

as many businesses as possible to sign up now

Run by Adecco, the official recruitment services

for customer-service apprenticeships and other

The 5,000-seat temporary arena will be one of

provider of the Olympic and Paralympic

courses with local colleges and trainers.

the last venues to go up at the Olympic Park.

Games, www.jobsforthegames.co.uk will

“Suffolk needs to be well-prepared to

Jackson will undertake the substructure works

from catering, cleaning, security and

welcome visitors – including the media – from

of the venue, which will be distinguishable by

administrative support to media, hospitality,

all over the world at Games-time and beyond.

its silver wrap and inflatable roof made from

tourism, sport, leisure and customer services.

We need to be recognised as ‘2012 Ready’ for

recyclable plastic.

Some professional and technical posts will

feature an array of jobs. Opportunities range

our customer-service skills, which will give us

be available.

an advantage over other counties.”

The arena, which will contain a 37m competition pool and a slightly smaller warm-

Roles created as a result of increased footfall

The campaign makes it easier for businesses

up pool, will stage the men’s and women’s

are expected to be as diverse as receptionists,

to find out about – and take up – customer-

water polo competition.

who may be employed by local businesses to


IoD suffolk spring 2011

help with the surge in visitor numbers, to security guards, who may be brought on board as businesses increase security at such a busy time. Kitchen staff, waiters and bar staff will also be needed as existing hotels and restaurants take on staff to deal with the demand and new establishments open.

QUICK FACTS A year-long exhibition documenting Suffolk’s Olympic and Paralympic heritage will open at Moyse’s Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds, in July this year. Ipswich-based DanceEast has secured one of 13 major new London 2012 Cultural Olympiad commissions celebrating arts and culture by disabled and deaf artists. A new volunteer project has been established in Suffolk to capitalise on the enthusiasm created for volunteering by the Games, including the establishment of a volunteer events team. Ipswich Building Society, Adnams, Customer Service Direct, Prettys, Ufford Park Hotel and Mark Harrod Ltd have all adopted a Suffolk 2012 hopeful and are supporting them on their journey to the Games.

17


a word from the accountants

what should you do when times are troubled?

T

Brian Pring, regional partner

ake positive action is the answer,

“This enables us to give comprehensive services to

There is extensive parking for staff and visitors.

and Larking Gowen Chartered

all our clients,” says Brian Pring, regional partner.

Larking Gowen is very positive about the future in

“We can now provide assistance for businesses of

Suffolk and is certain that the private sector will

all sizes, from start-up to PLC status, and our link

take the lead in driving the economy into

Accountants has taken this to

heart with its recent move to new

with MacIntyre Hudson widens that scope to

recovery. Anyone wanting to explore this

regional offices in Suffolk and Essex.

national and potentially international coverage.

positivity further should contact Brian Pring

The firm has also joined up with five other

“As well as the mainstream accounting and

free consultation.

independent firms across the UK to become

tax services, we can assist with corporate

founder member of the MacIntyre Hudson

finance, business turnaround, specialist tax

Larking Gowen

Association (MHA) to help it continue with

and VAT advice. Other specialisms include

Unit 1, Claydon Business Park

its growth plans.

agriculture, the not-for-profit sector and

Great Blakenham IP6 0NL

professional firms, to name but a few.”

www.larking-gowen.co.uk

Larking Gowen’s Suffolk offices have

Ideally placed just off the A14, easy access for

combined in a new office on the outskirts

clients and staff, who number nearly 40, was an

of Ipswich.

important factor in the firm’s choice.

Larking Gowen is registered to carry out audit work by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. Authorised and regulated by the financial services authority.

or David King on 01473 833411 for a

The corporate and private client teams of


IoD suffolk spring 2011

19

enterprise

providing a spark to inspire young people to develop their confidence and entrepreneurial skills.

T

he question of whether young people have the right skills for business – and how we ensure

they acquire them – is a hot topic, especially given the recent changes in government policy for education.

Local companies are constantly seeking young people with the self-confidence and intellectual ability to work in a rapidlychanging business environment. Yet we are still losing our best talent to other parts of the country. This is clearly a major drawback for our community as a whole and the region’s future economic prosperity. Suffolk Young Chamber and Andrea Davies of

This could provide an ideal opportunity for all

The programme helps young people at a key

AED Leadership Dynamics Ltd have developed

business sectors to identify potential early on,

stage in their development to gain self-

‘The Y Factor’ programme, an exciting

to nurture it and help keep talented

confidence, self-awareness, a better

initiative being piloted with Year 9 and 10

individuals in Suffolk, for their own workforce

understanding of business, and to acquire

students in a number of schools. The aim is to

– saving on recruitment costs. At present,

foundation knowledge of highly-valued skills.

help youngsters connect with the world of

it is targeted at young entrepreneurs, with

It will allow budding entrepreneurs

work and explore their own abilities. It is

the aim of accrediting it and linking to

to progress to real career paths and

designed to enhance the core curriculum and

the Eastern Enterprise Hub’s Young

businesses and to understand the

support the students with vital GCSE studies

Entrepreneurs Diploma.

opportunities available locally.

The first pilot was at Copleston High School,

It will also enable companies to:

and beyond. Working individually, in pairs and in teams the

with 16 specially-selected students, all with

students take part in a series of fun,

a range of interests and abilities; the

raise awareness of their industry

interactive sessions to enhance their

programme culminates in a Dragons’ Den

promote specific skill requirements

capabilities by:

event when each student and team put their

and competencies

new skills into practice by presenting their

spot talent early on.

Discovering their own skills, ambitions

business ideas in a presentation pitch. The

and abilities

Dragons were so impressed that they awarded

It is an ideal opportunity to feed the talent

Exploring potential roles that would

funding to each team to take their ideas to

pool for Suffolk businesses that depend on

play to their strengths

the next level.

a skilled workforce.

Introducing and developing business and

The Dragons who generously gave up their

The programme and pilot will be showcased

planning skills

time were Celia Hudson, chief executive of the

at the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce Business

Eastern Enterprise Hub, Harry Berry, chairman

Breakfast at Copleston High School on March

of the Enterprise Hub, and Dr Steve Barnes,

28. Contact jo@suffolkchamber.co.uk for

Suffolk Business School

more information.

Encouraging effective team working


the big society


IoD suffolk spring 2011

21

your county needs you! We’re seeing radical changes to life as we know it, happening at national, regional and local level.

W

ith fresh-ish faces in

While the first phase includes libraries and

Downing Street, a raft of

children’s services, in the longer term much

new policies, budget cuts,

more is up for grabs. Part cost-cutting and

Andrea Hill freely admits – as does David

part Big Society, the plan is for money to be

Cameron – that the Big Society has not been

saved, a reduction in the size and complexity

clearly explained.

emergence of the Big Society ideal and more, the sands are shifting. Locally,

The new strategic direction

of the council, a more localised feel to services

we’re seeing the demise of familiar

and a growth in community capacity. This

So, the council’s “The New Strategic Direction

structures like EEDA and cuts of £110

echoes David Cameron’s words and ambitions.

Explained” says: “Suffolk County Council’s

million (28 per cent) over four years in

NSD is about people coming together to get

Suffolk County Council’s funding.

Suffolk through the crisis that will be generated by public-spending cuts. It is also about developing a different way of working

It’s clear that tough times are ahead – in our

that will see the role of the council change in

business and personal lives.

the long term.”

On our doorstep, the county council is widely

The publication continues: “Big Society

hailed as a ground-breaker.

(Smaller Government). Giving communities a bigger say and a greater part to play in

The Economist article (January 22, 2011)

Such cutbacks, she argues, are essential to

delivering services. It is less about the county

“Where Thatcher feared to tread” singled out

balance the books. At a presentation to

council determining what services people need

Suffolk for comment. It said: “Some cash-

business on January 24, 2011, she said that

and more about individuals and communities

strapped local authorities are being more

“Big Society” rather than “Big Government”

deciding what they need and having the

radical still: Suffolk, a Conservative fief in the

was the future (again echoing David Cameron)

resources to achieve it.”

east of England, is handing over a majority of

and that many facilities and services might

its services, from libraries to children’s

well be delivered by social entrepreneurs,

Writing in The Guardian last summer,

facilities, to the private sector.”

charities or commercial enterprises.

commentator, Jonathan Freeland said: "The

It says: “Across much of the public sector –

Two projects were cited as examples: The

Big Society idea is mockery. Even the Tories

from health and education to local authorities

Bridge Project in Sudbury was set up in 1995

can’t resist. The Prime Minister had barely

and prisoner rehabilitation – the provision of

as a local charity to assist disadvantaged

launched the project on Monday when Boris

public services is increasingly being farmed out

adults in the community. The Wilford Demand

Johnson seized the chance to take another

to private suppliers.”

Responsive Scheme provides “transport on

pop at his arch-rival. ‘We must tackle the

demand in a rural community” in the

scourge of obesity, or the Big Society,

County chief executive, Andrea Hill, might

Melton/Woodbridge/Orford area.

as it’s sometimes known,’ smirked the

argue with “farmed out”. She is keen to

In both, volunteers play a key role.

London Mayor.

most common reaction to David Cameron’s

emphasise the plans are to “divest” rather than “outsource”.

g


the big society

“That was polite compared to the senior

Liverpool City Council has written to the Prime

The Long Shop Museum in Leiston and Bealings

Conservative who, during the election

Minister, withdrawing its involvement from

Village Hall. There have been many more non-

campaign, said of the idea that could come

the Big Society.

profit making organisations to benefit from

to define Cameronism: ‘The Big Society is bollocks.’”

their pro bono work over the years. But closer to home, Conservative-led Tendring Council in Essex is taking its place in working

He said: “Professional businesses are no

But Jonathan Freedland believes there is the

with the Department of Communities and

different to others in finding difficult economic

germ of a good idea at its heart and Labour,

Local Government and will receive £500,000

times challenging, but still seem to find the

too, should be wary of dismissing an idea to

to give to community groups.

resources and energy to help organisations on

which it “has a decent claim of paternity”.

specific projects on a pro bono basis. What As central government cuts local authority

they won’t do is help with organisations who

He says: “To find it, it’s worth digging into

budgets, grants to voluntary organisations are

do have the ability to pay!”

Labour’s roots. There you will find the

also being hit hard. Dame Elisabeth Hoodless,

Co-operative movement, friendly and mutual

retiring from Community Service Volunteers

societies, as well as the trade unions, out of

after 36 years, has spoken out saying that a

which Labour was forged...

lack of funding would threaten even the

But he adds: “Similarly, they will not want to

voluntary sector. Her view is shared by Citizens

take on projects where holes have been left by

Advice Bureau chief executive, Gillian Guy.

government or the local authority unless

“What those Labour pioneers understood was that more was at stake than providing services

Fair enough.

proper funding is in place to get the project

efficiently; that there was an extra, human

But if divestment is on the cards, funding to

value in people coming together and working

the voluntary sector being reduced, money

for the common good. The sociologists speak

tight in all sectors, jobs under threat and hard

Active ProHelp member, Needham Market-

of the ‘social capital’ that accrues when

to come by, rising food and commodity

based IT company, CPW Computing, has won

people form such connections with each

prices, increasing VAT et al, is the Big

awards for its community efforts. In recent years

other...

Society workable?

it has provided IT equipment for Ormiston

off the ground.”

Family Centres and the Waterfront Project, “There is no reason for people on the left to

Will individuals step up to the plate?

be opposed to a society made up of

which provides support for young unemployed and ex-offenders. In the latter case, CPW

neighbours who don’t wait for the council to

In general terms charitable donations and

networked the IT, using it as a training exercise

clean up a needle-strewn park, but do it

volunteering are in decline. It may get worse.

for a young employee. Managing director,

themselves...”

As Jonathan Freeland says: “If you’ve got two

Christine Lock, shares Keven’s misgivings about

jobs to survive, how are you going to have the

how much more the business sector can give.

More than political expediency?

time to be a school governor?” She said: “Some will step up but many, I think,

But, is the Big Society no more than political

And if individuals are going to struggle to play

will be increasingly resentful over having to

expediency in times of dramatic cuts? Few

their part, can Suffolk’s business community,

help when they see it as maybe something

would argue against cutting waste, wherever

historically very generous, do its bit?

that should be provided by local government.

Suffolk businesses playing their part

“It’s almost an abdication of responsibility

it might occur, and at all levels of government. Similarly, greater social responsibility and participation is an attractive ideal.

as many of the services we’re asked and Keven Mulley retired from solicitors, Ashton

encouraged to think about supporting are the

But Labour-controlled councils are lining up to

Graham, after 35 years. He is now doing his

very things that we pay taxes to fund.”

make their feelings about cutbacks known.

bit in retirement administering the Suffolk branch of ProHelp, a thriving organisation of

And will it change the face of Suffolk?

Manchester City Council has announced

32 members which was set up 12 years ago.

“I think that it will undoubtedly, but hopefully

sweeping – the cynical might say deliberately

It rallies and organises local businesses into

not irrevocably.”

controversial – plans to cut its funding to

meeting the needs of the charity and non-

leisure facilities, swimming pools and even

profit making sector.

Another award-winning, Suffolk-based business,

The option of running these as community

In recent months, surveyors, architects,

to community and charity involvement. It has a

projects or social enterprises is, however, still

PR experts, lawyers, accountants and other

staff volunteer programme which enables

under consideration.

professionals have supported Fornham St

members of staff to take paid work time off to

Martin Village Hall, The Romany Theatre Group,

assist the community.

plans to close all but one of its public toilets!

Ipswich Building Society, is similarly committed


IoD suffolk spring 2011

23

Keven Mulley

Chief executive, Paul Winter, is also chairman

“Some people might call this the Big Society

of IoD Suffolk. Like Christine, he believes that

but we call it common sense – to develop new

business should play its part. He also believes

solutions with the people who will use them

that there are sound business benefits in

and to put in place sustainable business

doing so.

models,” she said.

“Big Society is a big ask for business, but there

“As social entrepreneurs we enjoy utilising an

are benefits for any business that takes its

enterprise model to create these social

corporate responsibility seriously,” he says.

outcomes. A social enterprise has all the same

“Allowing an employee regular time away

challenges as a mainstream business, plus

from the office to give their skills and expertise

more on top, because we are interested in far

to the board of a local charity, for example,

more than just the bottom line,” she added.

benefits both the community and the

“Financial sustainability is necessary for us to

employee, who gains in confidence and is

have the impact we want to have – but it isn't

motivated in their work.”

the end purpose.”

But how far should business go?

Is this the best of both worlds maybe?

Speaking specifically about Suffolk County

The new, changing face of Suffolk?

Council’s divestment plans, he says: CPW Computing managing director, Christine Lock

“The strategy presents new opportunities for

While there may be strong opposition and

the private sector, in particular for those

concerns voiced by many sections of the

smaller local companies who have previously

community, from trade unions to

been unsuccessful in tapping into public

educationists, library users to

sector contracts.

environmentalists, both local and national governments have been democratically elected

“But this is a whole new approach, so

to carry out the will of the people.

innovation and creativity in how you can work

Belinda Bell

in partnership with the voluntary and

Admittedly at the general election only

community sectors will be important.”

10,706,647 actually chose Conservative, with 6,827,938 voting Lib Dem. Of the entire voting

Creating opportunities for some

population just over 65 per cent (29,653,638) voted at all. But our democratic system is as

One businesswoman who has successfully

it is.

seized the opportunities is social entrepreneur

Paul Winter, chief executive Ipswich Building Society, and chairman of IoD Suffolk

Belinda Bell. She runs Suffolk Circle, a

Change is under way as a result. Lives will be

membership organisation in Bury St Edmunds

transformed and there will be winners and

for people over 50 years of age. It is an

losers. But is this a change too far? Four or

enterprise that has been co-designed by local

five years down the road, will it be “all

residents.

change” again?

She said: “The Circle provides practical help

As for now, we have David Cameron – and

with life's everyday tasks through a network of

indeed Andrea Hill – continuing to try to sell

helpers of all ages, and links members together

the Big Society idea to a sceptical public.

to get out and about and learn new things. He said recently: “It is a good thing to try and “Our income is generated through

build a stronger society, whatever is

membership fees and also charged-for events

happening to public spending”.

and services. We have an initial contract with

Ipswich Building Society staff at Foxburrow

Suffolk County Council. However over three

And a better, stronger, more cohesive society

years the Circle will grow to be entirely

is hard to argue against. But will that be the

financially sustainable.

actual outcome? Only time will tell.


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IoD suffolk spring 2011

25

corporate news

intellectual rights and wrongs Andrew Fleming

by Andrew Fleming, Partner, Blocks Solicitors

A

s our economy becomes ever

purchase by a limited company which includes

Any buyer of IPRs should seek an assignment

more dependent on knowledge-

IPRs, their security instruments need to be

of those rights with full title guarantee and,

based industries, intellectual

recorded both at the relevant IPR register and at

ideally, an agreed form of the transfer

Companies House.

document attached to the sale agreement.

property rights may constitute an important asset of a business and

It should also insist on confirmation that the Unregistered IPRs, including copyright, moral

seller has sole ownership of all rights in the

should be fully considered in any

rights , know-how and confidential information,

intellectual property and that the seller will do

business sale and purchase.

are not capable of registration but, like

all it reasonably can, at its own cost, to give

registered IPRs, should be transferred in writing

the buyer the title it purports to give. The sale

Intellectual property rights (‘IPRs’),confer on

along with other business assets in the asset

document should also include an assignment

their owners a raft of rights which prevents

purchase agreement.

of the right to sue for infringements by third

others doing certain things without the

parties and the right to retain monies owing

owner's consent, usually given by way

Appropriate due diligence is needed to find out

of licensing.

what IPRs a seller actually owns and how

in respect of such infringements.

transferable these really are. The retention of key

Generally, it is vital to remember that these

Some IPRs are registerable and their value is

employees of the seller, who have a working

most intangible of business assets will not

at risk unless ownership is duly lodged at the

knowledge of a product or process may be more

transfer across to a new owner automatically.

appropriate registry. These include patents,

important than the registered IPR itself. Where the

Their existence, ownership and value need to

registered trademarks and registered designs.

seller is retaining some intellectual property rights,

be identified, evaluated and assigned with

On a sale of business assets, the transfer of

it may be necessary to have a licence back of some

appropriate care and precision.

such IPRs needs to be promptly registered,

of those rights on completion. Where third

since any subsequent buyer of those rights,

parties, such as directors of the selling company,

For more detailed information or for advice.

acting in good faith and without knowledge

may have an interest in any of the IPRs, they

tel: 01473 230033

of the earlier sale, will buy free of it. Where

should be required to join in the sale agreement in

email: arf@blockslegal.co.uk

banks are assisting with funding for an assets

order to transfer or waive that interest.

www.blockslegal.co.uk

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To advertise please call 01473 268155 or email jonathan@tilstonphillips.com


sponsor profile

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whatever their turnover either as corporations

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resilience and continuity programmes and

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Often risk management can be the difference

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extensive risk and continuity management

disruption or indeed the current economic

business resilience risk management, security

experience in the Suffolk area. In addition,

climate and those that are truly robust and

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Alan has a strong training background which

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implementations and the attainment of five

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programming (NLP) providing work and life

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IoD suffolk spring 2011

27

enterprise

Ipswich: the hub of enterprise and entrepreneurs

A

lthough many people see the

The programme is built around supporting,

present economic climate as

setting up and running a micro business for at

doing little to inspire

least four months.

entrepreneurial spirit, for a large number the opposite is true.

The academy, based in Ipswich, will be taking on this vision, offering a one-year, full-time course for 16 to 24-year-olds that allows

Indeed, the Eastern Enterprise Hub has

students to take a business idea from

committed itself to boosting the number of

conception, through stages of development to

entrepreneurs and start-up businesses in the

a final, concluding point.

East of England this year. The level-3 BTEC in Enterprise and Offering training and support, the Hub aims

Entrepreneurship begins in September and is

to provide a central focus for enterprise in the

delivered with partners Suffolk New College,

east. It hopes to promote the region’s

Suffolk One and South Essex College.

strengths in areas such start-up businesses and social enterprise while broadening the

The School for Social Entrepreneurs is a

Several businesses are showing their

east’s economic base.

nationally-run initiative that aims to provide

commitment to the 5th Floor –including

people of all ages with training and

Prettys, Adnams, Archant and 2Cs

Celia Hodson, director of the Hub, explained:

opportunities to use their entrepreneurial and

Communications – and are supporting

“We want to establish the right environment

creative skills for social benefit.

students in different ways.

entrepreneurship and develop skills, with high

This will help entrepreneurs create

Finally, the Wider Enterprise Support strand

impact across the East of England, for the

“community-engaged, community-shaped”

hopes to ensure there will be a co-ordinated

benefit of the region’s economy.”

organisations. The programme is practical

approach across the region for enterprise

rather than academic and requires no

support. It will develop relationships with

One of the Hub’s main goals is to overcome

minimum qualifications. The School for Social

different regions, guaranteeing

to foster enterprise responsibility, drive

youth unemployment while encouraging

Entrepreneurs – Suffolk is a franchise of the

a comprehensive support package

business start-ups and growth. The Hub will

national school and has 20 students who

for entrepreneurs.

deliver four strands: the National Enterprise

started in January. Their time consists of

Academy, the School for Social Entrepreneurs

undertaking various activities, learning from

Celia Hodson said: “We are a dynamic

– Suffolk (SSE), the 5th Floor Business Club

other social entrepreneurs, visiting projects

enterprise hub in the heart of Suffolk,

and Wider Enterprise Support.

and resolving issues.

bringing together business leaders and

The National Enterprise Academy is the

The 5th Floor Business Club is focused on

brainchild of Peter Jones, from the Dragons’

enterprise responsibility and is a platform for

budding entrepreneurs to offer a unique learning style.”

Den TV programme. This course aims to

local leaders to get involved with

If you would like to get involved in the Hub

deliver educational programmes that will

entrepreneurs at the Hub. Celia Hodson

please contact info@eehub.co.uk

equip the younger generation with skills such

describes enterprise responsibility as “ensuring

as how to develop an entrepreneurial mindset,

that your actions have a positive impact on

creating a business plan, brand development

the entrepreneurs of tomorrow and the long-

and creativity.

term future of the region’s economy”.


motoring

Audi’s latest heart-stopping executive coupe…

T

here’s no stopping Audi. In

With the introduction of the A7 Sportback,

Google Earth mapping and in-car wi-fi – the

addition to all the A1s, A3s, A4s,

Audi creeps ever closer to occupying every

A7 Sportback does showcase Audi’s new

conceivable market niche but, more important

head-up display system for the first time.

A5s, the forthcoming new A6

and the A8s, not to mention the S, Q,

for the discerning consumer, the A7 Sportback is, in Audi’s words, “an unashamedly luxurious

Paul Newman, owner of Alan Brannan Design,

TT, R and RS models, there’s now a

yet also distinctly driver-oriented five-door

was on hand to test-drive this impressive

blistering A7 on sale, or more

performance coupe”.

vehicle and was immediately won over by its

specifically, the A7 Sportback.

sleek lines and responsive handling. Now it could be argued that the existing A5 Sportback already fulfils that role very capably,

He drove an SE 3.0 TDI 204 PS Multitronic in

but with a longer wheelbase and an extra

a commanding midnight blue livery. The car

length, the A7 Sportback affords passengers

manages 0-62mph in a brisk 7.2 seconds and

valuable additional interior space. The A7

is equipped with fuel-saving stop/start

Sportback is also built on the chassis that

technology and the super-smooth, quick-

underpins the all-new A6, due later this year,

changing seven-speed gearbox (with an

while its aluminium and steel body is about

almost superfluous manual mode), and can

15 per cent lighter than an all-steel equivalent.

effortlessly dispatch motorway miles at

Much of the technology on show has trickled

seriously high speeds.

down from the A8 – for example, its retractable multi-media interface monitor,

As Paul commented: “The A7’s ride, steering,

touchpad control, internet capability with

grip, agility and general handling is very hard


Photographed at Ravenwood Hall Hotel

to fault, and the build quality isn’t just hard to

What is new is Audi’s forward-thinking

The A7 Sportback range starts at £43,755

fault, it’s effectively impossible! All the interior

approach to online services, with the top

(3.0 TDI SE) and rises to £49,860

leathers, plastics, metals and woods are to an

phone prep option installed (£400) the A7 can

(3.0 TFSI S line Quattro), excluding the

impeccable standard, as are the paint, chrome

provide Google news and weather. Drivers can

options detailed above.

and alloy finishes of the exterior. The A7 is

also plan detailed routes in advance on a

impressively quiet and refined, and if you’ll

computer elsewhere, upload them to an Audi

If you’re in the market for a sleek and

pardon the tired clichés, it really does feel

server and then download from there to the

luxurious but practical car, then the highly

‘hewn from solid metal’ and ‘state of the art’.”

car’s sat-nav system. This internet connection

desirable A7 Sportback is a tempting

also loads 3D images from Google Earth

proposition. In fact … make that

During the drive I was sitting next to Paul and

which appear in a bird’s-eye view on the

very tempting.

in terms of interior passenger space, the A7

screen, with the car’s navigation data and

offers almost the room of the standard

software filling in the roads.

Ipswich Audi

words, there are acres of space in the front

One feature that caught Paul’s attention is the

Ipswich IP2 8SG

with generous legroom and in the back.

A7’s in-car hotspot that can simultaneously

01473 556300

2 Bath Street

wheelbase, top-of-the-range A8, or in other

It almost goes without saying that the

connect as many as eight wi-fi enabled

SE spec A7 comes extremely well-equipped

laptops, tablets, smartphones etc to the web.

with safety features like light and rain

We easily hooked Paul’s iphone to the car’s

sensors, ESP, front and side airbags with

wireless network and it worked like a dream

curtain airbags, Xenon and LED lights

as if we were accessing the internet from

and tyre pressure monitoring.

a static location.


corporate events

cutting-edge communication improves business results LOGISTICS LOGIC A recent example of using digital signage in a manufacturing environment occurred when Ransomes Jacobson, precision craftsmen in the worldwide turf maintenance industry, wanted to improve their internal communication of key business intelligence. They had a strong database system but the information it contained was not easily shared in a useful way. AV Unit installed a system which interrogates the Ransomes Jacobsen database to pull out key information (KPIs) and then display this on a series of screens. Each of the four teams within

I

n a world where news travels fast,

leisure or travel and tourism, to name but a

the parts department now sees the

you want your message to travel

few, there will be a use for digital signage.

information that is pertinent to them, and it continues to update, so real-time

even faster, and with digital signage

your message can keep up with the pace of hectic modern business life.

The more familiar ones we see all around us

information is achieved. It has been

are screens to help passengers find their way

proven that people are more likely to

around when travelling, promotional

achieve their targets if they are visible

information in trains, buses and planes to

to them.

Digital signage provides the ultimate flexibility

inform customers and screens giving local

in keeping your message up-to-date, with

information and details of latest offers in

Dominic O’Brien, warehouse and

real-time monitoring and updating. And what

shopping malls.

inventory manager at Ransomes Jacobsen Ipswich, explains: “Instead of

is more, because digital signs can be put in any place, you can get your message across

But there is no limit to where up-to-date

information being held locally by an

while your customer is simply walking about.

information may be required – in the

individual, it is automatically tailored and

emergency operations room of a power

displayed to the relevant teams. Thanks

On average, digital signage solutions deliver

supply company, at a charity silent auction, in

to AV Unit, the information is now

an 18 per cent increase in sales, not counting

a call centre or in the canteen of a hospital for

literally available at a glance and, what’s

the many intangible benefits of a better

off-duty staff.

more, it is always current and correct as

customer experience, better service and brand

it is digitally linked to our systems. This

awareness. The applications are endless and

improved transparency of information on

so are the opportunities.

orders, stock controls, sales and more has led to better business results for us.”

Digital signage technology can drastically change and improve the way your

Adam Clark, managing director at AV

organisation interacts and communicates to

Unit, comments: “This project is a good

all while reducing your costs and increasing

example of the benefits of taking key

your revenue at the same time.

business information, sharing it in an appropriate way, and seeing business

Whether your market is hospitality, healthcare, retail, banking and finance, gaming and

performance improve.”


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Stimulate your senses

Dine in our boutique restaurant where Simon Barker and his team prepare modern British food sourced locally.

Wherever you sit you can enjoy the hotel’s collection of contemporary paintings, sculptures and interesting nic-nacs. In summer, dine alfresco and watch the harbour from our courtyard. Book a table now and enjoy. Reserve by telephone 01473 226789.

DELIVERING INNOVATIVE AV SOLUTIONS

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IoD events

“raising interest rates won’t help the economy” says IoD chief economist at Suffolk breakfast event

Professor Graeme Leach, The Institute of Directors chief economist and director of policy, who spoke at the Suffolk IoD Economic Breakfast

M

ore than 50 Suffolk business

“Wages are not spiralling up and unit labour

leaders attended a sell-out

costs pressures are flat. Another key reason is

‘Economic Breakfast’ event,

organised by Suffolk branch of the Institute of Directors.

that broad money supply growth is negative.” Professor Leach said that household income is likely to decline in real terms this year but a double-dip recession was unlikely. He said:

Guest speaker was the IoD’s chief economist

“We’re seeing a slower, weaker recovery but

and director of policy, Professor Graeme Leach

that is to be expected after the financial crisis

and after breakfast guests sat on the edge of

– we’ve come through the economic and

their seats to hear his take on how Britain’s

financial turmoil of the past few years

economy will develop this year. The fiscal

relatively unscathed.”

squeeze (and the chances of a double-dip recession) as well as a possible rise in interest

Looking towards the Chancellor’s next

The event was sponsored by Leema Risk

rates (on everyone’s minds) were the main

budget he urged Government to protect

Management, Ensors Chartered Accountants,

focus of the talk.

infrastructure spending while being more

Jackaman Smith & Mulley Solicitors and new

aggressive on spending reduction in other

sponsor ‘Fresh Ways to Work’, the EU-funded

Professor Leach said: “It’s a knife-edge

areas. He called for the 50 per cent tax rate

sustainable transport campaign in Suffolk.

decision and there’s huge pressure on the

on Britain’s highest earners to be abolished

Bank of England, but I believe there’s a strong

because it was having a detrimental impact

For further information about Suffolk IoD

argument for not raising interest rates. If we

on perceptions of the UK among foreign

membership please contact branch

exclude the effects of indirect taxes then

investors, as well as increasing the numbers

administrator Caroline Kearney

inflation is 2.4% rather than 4 per cent.

of business leaders moving out of

on 07917 699498 or email

the country.

caroline@iod-suffolk.co.uk


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charities

24-hour drive raises £2,000

S

uffolk digital marketing agency Itineris raised £2,210 for a children’s charity by competing in

a 24-hour karting fundraising challenge. The Copdock-based agency, which specialises in website design, development and email marketing, raised the money through personal donations for Camille’s Appeal, a charity that helps young children fight the long-term effects of treatment for brain tumours. Matt Horsup, head of sales and marketing, led a

daughter Camille, who has a brain tumour.

As part of their treatment, the youngsters are

team of 10 from Itineris who drove a go-kart for

The race was pretty gruelling as we had to

likely to undergo chemotherapy, surgery and

24-hours at Anglia Indoor Kart Racing in Ipswich.

keep driving continuously in shifts but was for

radiotherapy and this can leave them with

an extremely worthwhile cause.”

disabilities, making an independent life

He said: “This cause is extremely close to my

difficult. Camille’s Appeal aims to help with

heart as I personally know the parents who

More information about Camille’s Appeal can

the rehabilitation of such children.

originally founded their charity, and their

be found at www.camillesappeal.co.uk.

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IoD suffolk spring 2011

35

leisure

build relationships to build your business

A

lthough it is a tough time for businesses right now, we are all looking at how to maintain or increase our share of the market.

Stuart Robertson

While telephoning and sending email is great

horseracing, shooting or for a round of golf.

for certain parts of your business, it can be

Four hours on a golf course, walking and

very cost-effective to spend time, in person,

talking with your clients without the

with some of your major suppliers.

interference of a telephone, can be very beneficial to both parties.

Customers will still buy from people they like, The more successful companies will have

even if their product is not the cheapest. It is

You may also find out a lot about their core

already trimmed some of their expenses and

the relationship between seller and purchaser

beliefs when you see how they approach and

looked at ways to reduce overheads and will

that is so important.

overcome certain obstacles on the golf course.

now be looking to develop further the

Although it has often been said that there is

relationships they have with suppliers

What is your company doing

no place for friends in business, now would

and customers.

to enhance that?

be a great time to renew or build new

It is harder to refuse someone if they are

relationships to take your business further.

Now, more than at any time, it is vital that

standing right in front of you. Invite your

your business finds ways to enhance the

customers or suppliers out for a day to

Stuart Robertson

working relationships it has with all staff and

something that would interest them. This

Head PGA Golf Professional

clients. How is your business doing that?

might be to a motor sports event,

01394 383480 mail@doctorgolf.co.uk

the New Wolsey Theatre presents Guys and Dolls – a musical fable of Broadway Premièred in New York in 1950, Guys and Dolls is a landmark in musical theatre. It broke new ground in its portrayal of Broadway's underworld – a world of gamblers, petty criminals, hoods and hustlers who haunted the bars, card games and pool halls around Times Square. Considered by many to be the greatest of all Broadway musicals, the story begins when Sky Masterson hits town and falls for a bet with Nathan Detroit, a small time gambler, that he can take any girl he wants to Havana. When Nathan names Sarah Brown, a beautiful leader of the salvationists at the Save-a-Soul Mission, as the girl he must win, the sparks begin to fly… Tickets can be booked online at www.wolseytheatre.co.uk or by calling the New Wolsey Box Office on 01473 295900. This is one production you don’t want to miss!!


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ask for advice

1

0

14:19


IoD suffolk spring 2011

37

commercial property

Penn Commercial looks forward with new initiatives

P

enn Commercial enjoyed high-

In the Ipswich area Penn Commercial

profile success in its third year of

continues to punch above its weight, acting

trading, winning the prestigious

for two of the most interesting projects in the

Archant Commercial Property Team of

town in years. The Archant site in Lower Brook

the Year 2010. In January of this year it

Street is to be redeveloped to retain a home

added to that the accolade of Estate

for the long-established publishing business,

Gazette's seventh most active agent in the East of England.

but at the same time “The Link” site will be promoted as a mixed use scheme suitable for hotel, retail, leisure and offices. Wrenbridge is the joint venture partner.

The latter, in particular, came down to numbers. Penn Commercial achieved a very

Elsewhere, the landmark Electric House, sold

creditable 65 transactions in the year. Those

by Penn Commercial in just weeks, has just

ranking higher were – almost entirely –

received the go-ahead for a stunning facelift,

competitors with multiple offices or with

with plans for rooftop restaurant, offices,

national coverage.

retail and leisure use.

There’s no standing still for managing director,

The newest face – Mike Simpson FRICS –

Vanessa Penn. For 2011, growth is her

further strengthens the team. Mike joined

watchword. Having consolidated a position in

earlier this year following 30 years with

Ipswich and East Suffolk, Penn Commercial is

Framlingham- based chartered surveyors,

expanding on several fronts, making new

Clarke and Simpson.

Vanessa Penn

connections, adding new faces and widening its geographical spread.

Mike, a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, brings a wealth of

Penn Commercial’s reputation for pro-active

practical experience and will complement

service has built flourishing relationships with

the services of existing consultant Paul

national agents and receivers who value local

Iacobucci MRICS in providing marketing

knowledge and expertise, and local/regional

advice and Energy Performance

lawyers who require a results-led service for

Certificate assessments.

Triton House, Bury St Edmunds

their clients. Penn Commercial is also teaming up with London contacts have introduced instructions in

Green EU Energy specialists in solar panel

Felixstowe, and in Enfield for a 60,000 sq ft

heating, eco-cooling and infra red systems

warehouse site, and others have brought

to encourage landlords to lower energy costs

instructions for Triton House in Bury St Edmunds

and meet carbon credit levels in accordance

and the 8.2 acre Stanton Europark in Harwich.

with the new feed-in tariff scheme. Electric House, Ipswich

More recently, Penn Commercial has been instructed to acquire a site for a 25,000 sq ft office in the Ipswich area for a major international client, a rarity in the current market.

www.penncommercial.co.uk

01473 211933

for a personal and proactive service

commercial agency • property management • lease renewal • rent review • valuation • epc assessment


business books

business books The Personal MBA:

PowerPoint presentations and outdated

Social Media Playbook

A World-class

financial models, rather than learning what it

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books of all time into simple, memorable

By Tom Funk.

2011, Viking, £12.99

ideas and tools. It covers concepts such as The

February 2011, Praeger

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in this new world, the potential risks are also high. Consumers are particularly passionate in

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IoD suffolk spring 2011

39

business start up

last word... So, why take the route of being a student with

Another part of being at the school is sharing

the SSES, using one precious day a week for a

all of these practical challenges with the other

year to be ‘at school’, rather than setting off

students, who have an amazing range of

independently as with any other new company

backgrounds and experiences between them.

start-up? For me, with a background of

Action Learning Sets are in place to help us

developing computer systems for commercial

work through the issues which are part of

profit, the main answer is about the key

social entrepreneurship.

difference of being a social entrepreneur and a traditional entrepreneur; setting up a project

So, four weeks in, and I’m thriving on being

with social aims, and the recognition that I’ll

part of the energy and creativity at the SSES,

need to develop a further set of skills and

and on driving forward a business in which I

knowledge to make this really work.

believe so passionately. I’m enjoying the blend of practical advice from the school, support

How does the SSES support this? Well, it

from the other students, and then ‘getting

organises Witness Sessions, where existing

on and doing’ – which means things

successful social entrepreneurs are generous

are moving quickly.

H

with sharing their stories and learning.

journey: to establish a social enterprise

For example, this week’s lesson was invaluable

involved in any way, I would love to hear

called ‘Got To Read’.

to me as it covered company legal structures,

from you.

i I’m one of 20 students in the first cohort at the School for

Social Entrepreneurs Suffolk

There are also essential practical advice

I’ll be reporting back here on progress over

‘lessons’ led by local business experts who

the year. If you would like more information

support the school’s aims.

about ‘Got To Read’ or about the SSES

(SSES), and I’ve started on an exciting

student experience, or if you would like to be

courtesy of Prettys solicitors. Previous experience may have taught me about limited

tracybose@btinternet.com

Research shows that one in six adults in the

companies: but for ‘Got To Read’, does it

UK cannot read well, which for Suffolk

need to be a Charitable Incorporated

You can learn more about the School

translates to potentially 60,000 adults. If you

Organisation, or will a Community Interest

for Social Entrepreneurs Suffolk at

struggle with reading, you are less likely to

Company provide more flexibility? Would a

www.sse.org.uk/suffolk.

have a good job, live in good housing, be

mutual or a co-operative approach be a better

healthy or participate in democracy. I’m

fit for the company’s aims?

convinced that the impact of poor reading skills is a long-term drain on individual

Finance, as always, will be a key issue: and

wellbeing, our communities and

against a background of recession and

our economy.

austerity, how will the new company get established and become sustainable? I’m

The ‘Got To Read’ approach will offer literacy

predicting a revenue stream from delivery of

awareness training and will work with

training, and expecting membership fees: but

partners locally and nationally to bring

will I also be able to convince trusts and

resources into Suffolk to deliver reading

funds, national bodies, local government and

promotions. But, most important, it will

local businesses that this is a good investment

involve and mobilise communities themselves

- that supporting ‘Got To Read’ will actually

to decide what approaches work best for

boost the local and national economy? Each

them, how they can best support each other,

student has a dedicated tutor: in this case, his

and how to have fun with and get enjoyment

independent review of my financial strategy

from reading along the way.

will be very welcome.


introducing the IoD committee

Paul Winter

Chris Johnson

Chairman tel 01473 278403 email PaulWinter@ibs.co.uk

Sponsorship Officer tel 01473 279175 email Christopher.Johnson@nuffieldhealth.com

Ian Johnson

Leigh-Ondrea Bendall

Branch Membership Officer tel 01284 767670 email ian@selectofficefurniture.co.uk

Branch Treasurer

Neil Prentice

Dawn Carman-Jones

Marketing and Magazine Liaison Officer

Education Liaison Officer and Regional Professional Development Co-ordinator

tel

01473 228811

email neil@white-spacedesign.com

01440 711400 tel email leigh.bendall@btinternet.com

tel

01379 873181

email dawn@mercatus-marketing.co.uk

Dean Willingham

Catherine Chambers

Vice Chairman

Education Liaison Officer and Regional Professional Development Co-ordinator tel 01473 226645

01473 283283 tel email dean@dpstech.co.uk

email catherine@easilife.uk.com

Caroline Kearney

Penny Arbuthnot

Suffolk Branch Administrator mob 07917 699 498 email caroline@iod-suffolk.co.uk

Public Relations Co-ordinator tel

01473 326401

email penny.arbuthnot@projectpr.biz

new members to suffolk branch

IoD Pall Mall, London

IoD Suffolk Membership Benefits • IoD Travel Services

Graham Lee Consultancy

Regroup Media UK Ltd

Graham Lee

Scott Muir

Healeys Printers Ltd

Richard Jackson Ltd

Philip Dodd

Richard Miall

Itineris Ltd

Stepstone Solutions

Tim Butcher

Robert Symons

MLM Consulting Engineers Ltd

Topicas Ltd

Stephen Beales

John Cheshire

PER International Electronics Recruitment Ltd

University Campus Suffolk

Jacqui Grimwood

Brendon Noble

Project PR & Marketing Ltd

Penny Arbuthnot Pro-Tec Systems Ltd

• IoD Car Rental • IoD Director’s Liability Insurance • IoD Professional Indemnity Insurance • IoD Home and Contents Insurance • IoD Health Plans

Geoff Marchant

To find out more about joining IoD Suffolk branch... Please call Caroline Kearney, Suffolk Branch Administrator mob: 07917 699 498 email: caroline@iod-suffolk.co.uk www.iod.com/suffolk

For a complete list of the current affinity member benefits, please see

Institute of Directors Suffolk Branch, 25 Wilding Drive, Grange Farm, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 2AE

www.iod.com/speciallynegotiated


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