My first job – Rhodri Whitlock, partner, PKF 2 Experience is the key for graduates 5 Could you help support a local start-up business 6 Doom-mongers defied as market hits multi-year high 7
Feb 2013
getsurrey.co.uk/business in association with
it’s Time to face your fears Having a mental block which causes productivity to suffer is a concern for business leaders and authors alike. Yet there is help at hand for those who come up against a brick wall, and hypnotherapist Tom Evans is providing a successful service through his company, The Bookwright, where time-bending is used to master concentration
Tom Evans has helped entrepreneurs and authors through hypnosis. Picture: Steve Porter. (Ref: SA130485_4)
THE art of ‘getting into the zone’ is being taught by a hypnotherapist in Farley Green as he seeks to help writers and entrepreneurs overcome mental blocks. Tom Evans has developed a concept of time-bending, which allows people to enter into a state of concentration in order to achieve more in less time, which he teaches through his company, The Bookwright. The illusion of bending time has proved particularly useful for wannabe authors and has resulted in more than 100 books being written by his various clients, many of whom were previously lacking confidence in their ability to write. Despite its name, the only warping that takes place is in the minds of Mr Evans’ clients. They are helped to change their perception of time so they no longer feel it is slipping by. The author admitted that the latest chapter in a career that has seen him work in broadcasting, manufacturing and running an internet business had been by far the most successful and rewarding, with a long list of business owners and writers keen to apply his techniques to their own lives. “The first question I ask is what is the best thing that could happen as a result of this book?” said Mr Evans.
“The second question is how would you like the reader to be entertained? When you’ve got the reader in mind it’s easy to make the book ‘unputdownable’. “Many book coaches are book-centric but I am quite author-centric. It opens the door to what people wouldn’t have been able to do.” Appointments with clients take place in person in his office, over the internet through Skype or even while walking through the Surrey Hills.
“A lot of people have a fear of being ridiculed and of failing – and the way not to fail is not to try, isn’t it?” Among his achievements are helping a soldier overcome post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in Afghanistan and assisting people with anorexia, as well as allowing individuals running businesses to combat stress and be more productive. Mr Evans said problems were often rooted in other issues in his clients’ lives. “In hypnosis you take people back to the moment when the trauma first occurred,” he said. “Mine was at a nativity play when I was about seven years old.
My lack of acting skills meant I was demoted from playing Jesus, to the inn-keeper, to an angel. “A lot of people have a fear of being ridiculed and of failing – and the way not to fail is not to try, isn’t it? “You build up an association between causes and stress.” The time-bending concept is Mr Evans’ signature lesson. It was developed through research into what he terms ‘light bulb moments’, where a person is suddenly able to visualise a process in a moment of clarity of thought. Mr Evans says his research has allowed him to learn how to get into that mental state. He said: “I studied how to get into the zone as a kind of eyesopen meditation. “There is a bit of neuroscience involved as it is about getting the left and right sides of the brain working in harmony. “I also teach the right breathing techniques, which helps to suppress the dreamy thoughts of the right side of the brain. “People need to take ownership of how they perceive time. For authors, it gets to the stage where the book reads itself to them and they become a transcriber. “This time thing, that seems so locked down, is actually a bit of an illusion.”
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February 2013
My first job A PERSONAL endorsement from Dragons’ Den investor Theo Paphitis has earned a Wood Street Village pet care company an increased following. Wagging Tails managing director Lisa Suswain was chosen as one of the six businesses to be mentioned as part of his Small Business Sunday weekly competition. Business owners are invited to tweet details about their company to Theo between 5pm and 7.30pm every Sunday, with six re-tweeted to his 313,000 followers the following Monday. Wagging Tails was established in 2007 and offers home dog boarding for owners as an alternative to traditional kennels. Within hours of the company being retweeted by Theo, the number of visits to its website trebled, while hundreds more Twitter users now follow it. As part of the prize, Wagging Tails was also profiled on new website www.theopaphitissbs.com. Carene Alexander, who runs the KT branch of Wagging Tails, said: “It is great to have support from Theo especially as, to date, Wagging Tails is the only pet care company to win this award. Theo has recognised our hard work and helped spread the word about what we do to his following.”
Rhodri Whitlock, partner and science and technology expert at the Guildford office of accountants and business advisers PKF
What was your first job? My first job was in a print room of a then-nationalised bus company. The team was responsible for printing timetables, marketing literature and mailshots. We were constantly battling against tight deadlines but I was fortunate to work with some real characters who were all committed to their work. Admittedly, it was only a holiday job, but it helped me fund my time at university. The role taught me the importance of delivering to deadlines and, no matter how hard you work, your customer sees and judges you on the finished product; what goes on behind the scenes is not their concern. How did you get from there to
where you are today? Hard work: both in terms of studying and going the extra mile for clients and colleagues alike. What does the future hold? Despite the ubiquitous jokes, the accountancy profession is a dynamic, fast-moving environment where there is always something happening – from mergers between existing firms to new businesses entering the market. While I don’t have a crystal ball, I am confident the future will offer further opportunities for me to continue to learn new skills and build on the experience I have gained over the past 25 years. The future may be unknown, but it makes it all the more exciting.
Rhodri Whitlock.
A NEW initiative aimed at ensuring Surrey construction businesses take the lion’s share of council building contracts will be launched next week. The free Build Surrey event, hosted by Surrey County Council at Epsom Downs Racecourse, is in response to the fact that £100m worth of construction and civil engineering-related work packages will be available in the county in 2013. The council is aiming to ensure that 60% of all this funding goes to Surrey-based businesses. Last week, www.buildsurrey.net was launched to allow businesses to bid for contracts from the council and its main contractors and promote themselves free of charge. Surrey County Council’s deputy leader Peter Martin said: “In the current climate, we must do everything we can to support the local economy. “There can be no better way for the council to help local firms thrive than by putting money in their bank accounts through the BuildSurrey website.” TWO sisters have combined their PR and marketing experience to set up a firm specialising in digital communications in Esher. Carly Wonnacott and Louise Goldsmith set up LaCerta this month. Carly has worked as a social media trainer and senior manager in PR and is also a trained journalist, while Louise has been head of marketing for a global hygiene company for more than 10 years. Carly said: “In today’s content-rich world, it is about getting noticed.”
Editorial Director Marnie Wilson Group Deputy Editor Mark Miseldine Business Reporter Pete Bryant Commercial Manager Amanda Ducas Regional Sales Manager Sarah Firth
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Katya Kvasova with some of her art on display at Pinnocks.
Coffee shop opens its doors to community and walls to artists ORIGINAL artwork has been used to create a homely atmosphere in a Ripley coffee shop, as the owners continue a trend of thinking outside the box. Woking artist Katya Kvasova, who moved to the town from Russia five years ago, was asked to supply some of her paintings to be displayed in the upstairs room of Pinnocks Coffee House, on the High Street. Built in 1475, the building is characterised by its oak beams and panels where walls once stood, and four large paintings have been incorporated into these features to liven up the bare walls.
General manager Russell James said the aim of the initiative was to raise the profile of local artists and that the positive reaction to Katya’s work had encouraged them to seek other artists to be exhibited at the shop. “We put a comment book upstairs and all the comments we have had have been really positive,” he said. “A few of the comments have been about the prices as they are quite expensive, but we have had a few expressions of interest in buying them. “Katya’s paintings are just so beautiful, and I knew they would
be exactly right for the type of atmosphere we are trying to create here. I think it looks absolutely
“We want community groups to utilise it and use it as their own.”
stunning.” The paintings are part of a series she has been working on with a dolls and dresses theme, exploring femininity and fashion. Their inclusion at Pinnocks is part of an effort to create a living
room atmosphere in the upstairs area, to add to the eclectic furniture and library of books already in place. Regular community events are hosted in the coffee shop, which has been turned into a sales area for shoes and jewellery in the past, and will even host a knickers sale later this month. Russell said: “The aim of the business when we set it up was we wanted community groups to utilise it and use it as their own. “I have said to other groups to let me know if they want to come here, and we hope to feature some more artists in the future.”
February 2013
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Business ideas all set for pitch battle A motorway cone dispenser, website, health and electrical products to be presented By Pete Bryant
pete.bryant@trinitymirror.com THE inventors of a touch screenoperated machine that lays out and picks up traffic cones are among those chosen to pitch their idea at February’s Surrey 100 Club meeting. A snow-disrupted selection process ahead of the meeting on Wednesday February 6 ended with five hopefuls being put forward to present to the audience of angel investors. Six meetings are held at the University of Surrey each year in which innovative business ideas
are pitched in the hope of attracting much-needed capital to take them to the next level. The SafeTcone fully automated road cone laying, retrieval and storage system was created to revolutionise the way major roads are coned off by reducing ricks and hazards faced by contractors and the travelling public. The heavy cones are currently laid out by workmen, who have to walk into live carriageways. It is also intended to reduce the £200 million spend on cone laying activity in the UK each year. Brian Flyn, of SafeTcone, said: “Laying cones manually is a most
dangerous operation and the injury and death rates are inexcusable. Automation of the process is the way forward, and in a few years time, hopefully, it will be unthinkable for men to risk their lives walking out on to the carriageway.” The fact that the machine is patented will be one of its major attractive features in the eyes of the investors looking to be sure they will see a return on any investment they make. Another of the pitches will be for a website named www.whatnightclub.com, which its creators hope will become the UK’s
number one source of nightlife information, online and via a smartphone application. It is intended to provide a link between nightclub-goers and owners and will feature e-tickets, job recruitment and promote DJs and their music. Two health care companies will also be presented to the investors. ReCover is a mid-market skin care product created by make-up artist Annabel Jardella to capitalise on the growing skin camouflage market. The range of products Annabel has produced are intended to feel less heavy on the skin.
ReCover commercial director, Helen Cardrick, said: “Ultimately we are, of course, looking for investment to take the business forward. The feedback to date has been invaluable in refining our elevator pitch and the presentation should be a good way to raise our profile among the investor community and potential relevant industry contacts.” Clinova Ltd, a consumer health company that develops and manufactures brands and trademarks products to be sold in pharmacies throughout the UK, will also be presented as an investment opportunity.
The final company picked was Anvil Semiconductors, which provides an alternative type of power semiconductor that could be used to make fuel savings in hybrid cars and 4% efficiency savings in consumer products. Semiconductors are used to convert energy in a range of sectors, such as consumer electronics, solar panels and electric vehicles. Another patented process, the company manufactures efficient silicon carbide materials at a comparable price to the usual silicon materials. Up until now, silicon carbide has been 10 times more expensive.
Can your project win an ICE prize? THE very best infrastructure projects in Surrey are being sought for an awards scheme launched this month. The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South East England Engineering Excellence Awards return for 2013 with the search for a new list of winners underway. Surrey entries will be in the running for the prize category for Thames Valley for projects in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey. The other two categories in the awards are for Kent and East Sussex, and for Hampshire, Isle of Wight or West Sussex.
John Laverty, director of ICE South East England, said: “We aim to recognise the very best infrastructure projects in the region, which can be anything from a new footpath through to a major project. “Having the right infrastructure is a key factor to generating economic success, and publicly rewarding the people, organisations and businesses which deliver that infrastructure is important because of the benefits such civil engineering projects bring to the community. “It is not the value or size of the project that will be judged
but what benefits that project delivers, and past winners have ranged from £32,000 to multi-million pound projects.” Previous winners of ICE awards in Surrey include the A3 Hindhead Tunnel, Horley Leisure Centre and the Reigate Hill Footbridge. Examples of projects and schemes are invited from local authorities and companies, as well as local enterprise partnerships. The closing date for entries is March 27. For more information, including entry forms, visit www. ice.org.uk/see/eea. The three awards ceremonies will be held during June.
Tim Brock has taken up his position as head of membership recruitment for the CLA in the south.
Membership role for rural affairs guru A NEW man is at the helm of membership recruitment for the Country Land & Business Association (CLA) in the south, after he was appointed this week. Tim Brock’s appointment as membership recruitment manager for the south region, which oversees Surrey, was announced on Tuesday. Mr Brock previously held the position of assistant regional director for the CLA south east region and has experience in rural business, including running Hampshire Fare for 10 years be-
fore joining the CLA in 2010. In his new role, he will be managing a team of seven territory managers covering the south of England and developing membership for the CLA. CLA director general, Helen Woolley, said: “I am pleased to welcome Tim to this new role at the CLA. “His sales experience together with his knowledge and understanding of the rural sector, the CLA and its members will put him in good stead to manage the membership team across the
south and east of the country.” Mr Brock added: “These are trying times for those attempting to make a living in rural areas and there are many challenges ahead. “The work of the CLA is extremely important as it protects one’s rights as an owner of rural land, property and business. Our success is dependent on the strength of our membership and so the opportunity to use my experience to further develop and grow this is an exciting one.” Mr Brock can be contacted on 01264 313434 or 07525 196837.
Delegates at the United Futures networking event, in Guildford.
Businesses see the benefits of linking up with youth projects A NETWORKING event aimed at improving relationships between businesses and youth projects in Surrey has helped convince those involved of the benefits available. Representatives from G4S, Jobsite, Job Centre Plus, Miller Construction and Intercontinental Hotels met youth projects from Surrey and Hampshire last week in Starbucks on Market Street, Guildford. In total, 40 attendees visited the event, including individuals from Guildford Sea Cadets, Surrey County Council, the Lifetrain Trust and Guildford YMCA. More than half reported having had no experience of working in business partnerships, but nine out of 10 said they had met someone at the event who they are interested in working with. The event formed part of the national United Futures campaign, which is aimed at increasing business engagement with the out-of-school youth sector across England. Jackie Jones, corporate social responsibility consultant to Jobsite, gave an overview of their partnership work with voluntary organisations in the area. She said “Jobsite is a proud supporter of community projects that work with young people and families. Not only does our support, whether via funding or access to staff time and expertise, support young people to realise
Jackie Jones and Jinx Prowse both spoke at the networking event.
their potential, it also enables our staff to better understand our customers – so a win win.” Jinx Prowse, chief executive of Music Fusion, showed a short film about its Words Not Weapons project, which uses music to address gang-related violence. The charity has successfully enabled young people to work with police forces and fire and rescue services, as well as other businesses for the first time. “Our experience shows that a good cause can be an opportunity for business,” he said. “It’s great for PR and it’s a powerful motivation for staff development and engagement. “By supporting work such as ours, businesses can demonstrate a highly visible investment in their local community.”
Mr Prowse said he had worked with homeless charity Step by Step to offer a taster programme in music-making in return for some much-needed printing. “This is a great example of how these networking events can make a real impact for all parties involved,” he added. An Employers and Education Task Force report showed that a young person need only engage with an employer four times in order to reduce their likelihood of being classified as not in education, employment or training (NEET). Data from the Office of National Statistics has also shown that between 2010 and 2012 there was a 22% increase in the number of long-term unemployment 16-24year-olds in the South East.
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February 2013
GREEN BUSINESS A DEVICE that allows users to measure electricity consumption in the home or office has netted an award for its Guildford-based creator. Eseye, based at Surrey Research Park, won the Best Home Energy Monitor Award at the European Smart Metering Awards 2013 for its Shoebill energy monitor. The green innovation measures use and reports back to a user’s smartphone or computer. The Shoebill is already in use at the UK’s largest independent student accommodation provider, Unite, which houses more than 40,000 tenants nationwide. Julian Hardy, chairman of Eseye, collected the award at a gala dinner at the Lancaster Hotel in London last week. “It was such a pleasure to receive it,” he said. “I won’t say a surprise because the whole team has put a huge amount of work into making Shoebill the fantastic product it is – one that’s already transforming businesses and helping them save money and go greener.” The European Smart Metering Awards is an annual event sponsored by O2. The award comes as Eseye expands its workforce, having acquired Leatherhead firm Dataflex, which moves to the Guildford HQ next month.
Steps to reduce our footprint
Natural approach is cleaning up By Pete Bryant
pete.bryant@trinitymirror.com GROWING demand for ecofriendly cleaning products is helping a Woking business owner to be kind to his customers as well as the environment. Green Clean Solutions Ltd was established by Adam Mayhead in 2009 after he decided there was a gap in the market for a cleaning company that uses natural products. Rather than the usual choices that often contain harsh chemicals, natural products are favoured which are not only less harmful to the planet, but to those in the immediate environment too. “It was pretty much from the first minute that I wanted to be eco-conscious,” said Adam. “The normal products are awful. You can be using limescale remover in a bathroom and getting it in your lungs, but it’s something that most people have put up with. “It is better to use natural products that are kinder if people have pets or children crawling around the floor. We definitely get customers through being eco-friendly. Not so much for saving the world, but for the sake of the customer’s own environment." Having lived in Guildford his whole life, Adam moved Green Clean Solutions into the Cherry Street office in Woking in
September last year, and has a team of seven working for him. The business serves offices and homes in Guildford and surrounding towns on the Surrey/ Hampshire border. There is also an online shop where the green cleaning products used by Adam and his staff can be purchased.
“Trade is getting better. It was hard at the start to convince people that green does a good job” Green Clean was established when Adam, then 21, decided he wanted to go it alone after working for other cleaning companies. “I thought, do you know what, I could do this better myself,” he said. “I started running the business out of my own home, but everywhere I looked there were cleaning products. “At first it was difficult to find the products that were good for the environment and I did a lot experimenting, but companies have noticed the demand so it is easier now. Trade is getting better. It was hard at the start to convince people that green does a good job. People didn’t think eco-friendly could be that clean. But people are more convinced as time goes on.”
Jenny Lucas, Matthew Mansfield and Adam Mayhead of Green Clean Solution in Woking. (Ref:SA130617_4)
The Lightbox proves to be a ‘real hub for the local area’ Since it opened in 2007, The Lighbox in Woking has scooped numerous awards. Rebecca Younger speaks to the woman at the helm to find out more about what has made it such a success. HAVING spent her whole working life within the world of art and history, it’s no wonder that when plans got under way to create a new landmark museum and gallery in Woking that Marilyn Scott was asked to come on board. Marilyn actually first got involved in the multi-million pound Lightbox project by chance. She was living in Ripley and working at the University of Greenwich, having set up the museums and heritage masters programme there, when she happened to sit next to someone working on the scheme. With the daily commute to Greenwich becoming a chore, particularly with a young family to look after, the prospect of working on something not only local but something new and exciting within her field of work, was an enticing one. “I agreed to become a trustee of the charity and was for a couple of years,” she explained. “Then they said they needed someone to be a full-time development director and I just thought how fantastic it
would be to be involved in such an exciting new museum/gallery in my own community near where I live.” Still the project wasn’t going to be easy. In order to get the ball rolling £7 million was needed and although Woking Borough Council agreed to stump up part of cash, it was up to the trustees to raise the rest. This was where Marilyn’s 18 year’s experience at London’s V&A Museum came in handy. “I headed up the corporate affairs department there, which meant a lot of work on fundraising projects, getting sponsors on board and also doing PR for the museum. We had to apply for lots of funding to get The Lightbox under way and the council was also very generous but it took six years to get to opening. We had to be very determined and sometimes I did think ‘how are we ever going to get the money?’ It was an awful lot of money to raise.” In 2004, the Heritage Lottery Fund agreed to support the heritage aspects of The Lightbox project. Arts Council England also
came on board, along with many other companies, charitable trusts and individuals. Initially the facility, which was designed by the same architects behind the London Eye, divided opinion among residents, with question marks raised by opponents throughout the five-year building process, which started in 2002. However, a national award within six months of opening helped to put the Lightbox on the map as it was named Museum of the Year by the Art Fund Prize. “It’s been immensely satisfying working with people who really believe that this is a project that could make a difference and I think we have achieved that,” Marilyn said. Last September, The Lightbox celebrated its fifth birthday and one of the main aspects of the celebrations was to thank the many volunteers who have offered hours of their time working at the facility. “We have been extremely lucky in retaining a fantastic group of
150 volunteers, who give hours and hours of their time every single week,” said Marilyn “It’s helped to create a really nice atmosphere and I think that is one of the major reasons it has worked so well.” In just five years, The Lightbox has hosted 69 exhibitions, 72 talks, 1,043 family workshops and 93 adult workshops, as well as being given The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, The Prime Minister’s Big Society Award, two Surrey Business Awards and a Tourism ExcEllence Award. However, in terms of its life-span, this is very much the beginning. “Other museums and galleries have been open for hundreds of years so we are really new to the game but I think we have really been able to realise that joint vision that we had with Woking Borough Council,” Marilyn added. “The Lightbox is not your typical art gallery/museum, people who come here don’t have to whisper or worry about their children running around. That’s very much the secret of our success, it’s a real hub for the local area.”
Marilyn Scott with The Lightbox’s Big Society Award.
February 2013
Experience is the key for graduates
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By Pete Bryant
pete.bryant@trinitymirror.com GRADUATES looking to step on the career ladder are being offered a helping hand by a Guildford insurance company. With employment difficult to find in the current economic climate, making the jump from studying to the job market is as challenging as ever. Opportunities to gain experience can be crucial, and yet are elusive, so a graduate recruitment day hosted by Allianz last month took on added value for those attending. The event, held at the De Vere Hotel in Horsley, was aimed at attracting new graduates to the company’s recruitment programme and demonstrated the benefits of carrying out internships. Amanda Haig, HR manager at Allianz, said: “For students, gaining direct experience in any business is both fundamental to excelling their career opportunities and improving their confidence, as well as giving them strong prospects in the jobs market.” The Allianz graduate recruitment programmes, one-year IT internships and summer internships all offer a chance to learn transferable skills, which can aid applicants competing with other graduates for sought-after jobs. Graduate roles are possible in departments including retail, commercial, finance, IT, actuarial and claims divisions. Students are given day to day responsibilities alongside completing projects that they later receive feedback on from management. They are also mentored by, and learn from, industry experts at the firm. “The graduate recruitment market has never been more competitive and internships can help students make informed decisions about their careers,” added Amanda. “At Allianz, we are keen to attract new talent as we
Dan Neatherway and his wife Helen, who founded Godalming business From The Hip video.
Hip video firm has the family at its heart A VIDEO production company has scooped an accolade at the 2013 Wedding Industry Awards. From The Hip Video, based in Godalming, won the Best Videographer for London and the South East award. The award was voted for by the public before being judged by a panel led by Sky News presenter Sarah Hewson and prominent UK designer, Sassi Holford. The company was launched in 2006 by Dan Neatherway, 35, and his wife Helen, 36, from Witley. Starting up alone allowed them the flexibility to juggle the pressures of work with raising three children.
“We’re delighted to have been recognised for our ability to capture our clients’ special moments and the fact that this endorsement comes direct from the Surrey community makes it all the more special,” said Helen. “It also goes some way to show how it’s no longer just about mums who do lunch, but mums that do business and that’s great for parents and great for Surrey. Being a parent and owning a business doesn’t have to be an either or decision.” The company's corporate division has seen year-on-year growth and boasts international clients
Looking to
grow
Graduates Jack Butcher, Harriet Conway and Asher Gershuny with Amanda Haig of Allianz at the company’s graduate recruitment day. Picture: Steve Porter. (Ref: SA130462_3)
recognise the benefits of engaging with students as well as offering practical, paid experience with recognised responsibility. “We employ people from diverse backgrounds, including graduates who have taken gap years, spent time in the armed forces or have had hands-on experience from other sectors. “Candidates who do pursue opportunities outside of education
should look to show how it has added to their skill set and should be prepared to demonstrate examples in the application and interview process.” Allianz visited several schools and the University of Surrey last year to inform students and undergraduates about the internship and graduate programmes available. These visits will continue throughout 2013.
your business? You’ve invested a lot in terms of money, time and effort to get your business to where it is today. But are you short on growth ideas? To realise the full potential of your business you need to see the bigger picture by expanding activities, growing profits and increasing its capital value.
New regional manager is prepared to ‘get stuck in’ THE new regional manager for the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) says he is looking forward to taking the role by the horns. Kevin Bush has been appointed regional manager for the South East in a position that will see him predominantly focus on the retention and recruitment of members, and building relationships with key client groups. Speaking of his new position and the role he will play, Kevin, who has a construction industry background, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled about my new role and the opportunity to work for a trade association like the ECA. “For me, the most appealing element of the ECA is that it is a member organisation. Helping
including Kenwood, Estée Lauder and Lacoste. They work with a small team as well as a group of experienced freelancers. Clients praised the team’s ability to capture every moment of their big day while at the same time blending into the background. Also recognised at the awards was catering company Kalm Kitchen, based in Guildford, which was awarded Highly Commended in the National Best Wedding Caterer category. This came just a month after the company was awarded Regional Best Wedding Caterer for London and the South East.
Kevin Bush is ready to help companies.
companies maximise opportunities with the services the ECA provides is a great feeling. I’ve chaired a committee before for the Chamber of Commerce and worked with other member or-
ganisations, so it’s a real passion. He added: “I’m honoured to have been tasked with looking after these regions and I can’t wait to get stuck in.” Kevin’s appointment was made after it was announced that the ECA had entered into a joint venture with the Electrical Safety Council to create the Electrical Safety Register – a one-stop shop for those looking to find a competent electrical contractor. The register is online at www. electricalsafetyregister.com. Tony Parish, Kevin’s new manager, said: “Kevin is a great addition to the company and his passion for education and promoting our core messages is sure to bring a fresh approach to the role.”
At Menzies, we will not only help you gain insight into the growth strategies available but also give you a practical approach to apply. Our experience helping SMEs achieve success means we understand that achieving growth means Better Business thinking.
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February 2013
Data will allow us to offer added value By Louise Punter
Surrey Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Officer We want to show how much we value our members, and thanks to a local chamber member we will soon be implementing a customer retention programme
– asking business leaders how we measure up, what we can do better and what we do well. It only takes 60 seconds to answer three questions. From the data we receive we can begin to formulate strategic decisions to improve our members’ experience of the chamber.
Taking advantage of local experts, we are partnering with youbecome – specialists in customer retention management. Retaining customers is key to any business, particularly within our current economic climate. Statistics show it is approximately six times more costly to
acquire a new customer than retain an existing one. Surrey Chambers hopes that by implementing such a tool, it will help us gain valuable feedback from our members so in the future we can provide them with services and support above and beyond their expectations.
We are also working with youbecome on ground-breaking research which will benchmark businesses across the country, as well as locally with regard to customer engagement and employee engagement. This will involve us going out to members and giving them the
opportunity to use these simple and effective tools. The final reports will be by far the most in-depth of their kind in the UK and it is exciting to think it all started in Surrey. Any businesses keen to get involved should contact Surrey Chambers for more information.
Could you help support a local start-up business? After a very successful 2012, Surrey Chambers are continuing the search for business mentors in the county. Mentors will support start-up businesses, giving entrepreneurs access to a wealth of knowledge from business people who have been there and done it before.
Mentors are being sought from within the business community to be matched with a start-up and to help them through the early phases of their business. The Government launched a mentoring scheme to help the long-term unemployed start up a business with the best possible
chance of success and provides mentors with personal development opportunities. The time commitment for a mentor is approximately eight hours during the first six weeks leading up to a business plan submission from the start-up business.
FEBRUARY
5 Tues
Chamber Connections – Guildford Breakfast Venue: The Mandolay Hotel, Guildford, Time: 8am – 9am
£30
6 Wed
Meet the Media Venue: Fetcham Park House, Leatherhead, Time: 7.30am – 10am
£30
£20
7 Thu
Chamber Connections – Elmbridge Breakfast Venue: The Hilton, Cobham Time: 8am – 9.30am
£30
£15
8
Surrey Construction and Property Forum Venue: The Holiday Inn, Woking Time: 7.30am – 10am Sponsored by: rlha group
Fri
£37
£23
27 Wed
£90
28 Thu
Chamber Connections Redhill Breakfast Venue: Donyngs Leisure Centre, Redhill Time: 8am – 9.30am
£30
Fri
HR Advice Forum Venue: The County Club, Guildford Time: 7.30am – 9.30am In partnership with: Herrington and Carmichael
£25
free
Fri
Grow Your Business – Give yourself the international edge Location: Reigate, Surrey Time: 8.30am – 11.45am Sponsored by: UKT&I and Surrey Connects
£10
£10
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creates a great platform for more people to get involved in the mentoring project in 2013. For a more detailed description of the mentoring role and an application form, email richard. guillaume@surrey-chambers. co.uk, or give us a call on 01483 735540.
Corporate Finance Workshop Location: The County Club, Guildford Time: 5pm – 7pm
£37
£22
7 Thu
Chamber Connections Epsom Breakfast – Business is Good for Equality Venue: Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom Time: 8am – 9.30am
£30
FREE
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International Women’s Day Venue: Foxhills Resort and Spa, Ottershaw Time: 12.15pm – 2.30pm Sponsored by: Foxhills
£30
£20
12 Tues
Members Networking Evening Venue: East Surrey College, Redhill Time: 6pm – 8pm
£30
free
12 Tues
Is your networking not working? Venue: East Surrey College, Redhill Time: 5pm – 6pm Speaker: Kevin Horlock
£20
FREE
19 Tues
Chamber Connections – Betchworth Breakfast Venue: Hartsfield Manor, Betchworth Time: 8am – 9:30am
£30
£15
22 Fri
Chamber Connections – Woking Breakfast Venue: The Holiday Inn, Woking Time: 8am – 9.30am
£30
£15
26 Tues
Open 18 Hole Stableford Golf Competition Venue: West Hill Golf Club, Woking Time: 8am – 5:30pm Sponsored by: Elite Office Systems Technology Ltd
£75
£67
27 Wed
Business Women in Surrey – Networking at Pennyhill Park Venue: Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa, Bagshot Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm Sponsored by: Consult Hyperion
£40
£22
Fri
£80
£15
MARCH
Since the launch of the Surrey Chambers mentoring scheme we have had 159 new businesses complete their business plan, and nine of those companies have been trading for six months or more. We believe this is a positive step forward for Surrey businesses and
6 Wed £15
Open 18 Hole Stableford Competition Venue: St George’s Hill Golf Club, Weybridge Time: 8am – 5.30pm Sponsored by: DMH Stallard
1
The mentors are then expected to spend a minimum of one hour per month with those they are mentoring for the first six months of trading. The mentor will receive a comprehensive briefing session, including information on useful signposting and additional support.
Be part of the network - find out how Surrey Chambers of Commerce membership can help your business at www.surrey-chambers.co.uk
February 2013
Investment watch
7
Keeping an eye on the markets
Doom-mongers defied as the market surges to multi-year high By Philip Scott
Head of Advisory Stockbroking at Simple Investments Current Overview Investors are piling into equities in the belief that a year from now, the global economy will be in a better place. In particular, there is a confidence that companies will continue to grow earnings (and thus dividend payments) going forward making equities the asset class of choice. On this point I understand the basic logic: bond yields and saving accounts are relatively unappetising, shares pay higher dividend yields and have the potential for capital growth (albeit that they bring higher levels of potential volatility and risk). The FTSE 100 index is at a fouryear high and the FTSE 250, an alltime high! This latter mid cap index comprises a bigger spread of companies, often with more exposure to the UK, which makes the current price action all the more remarkable. The final quarter of 2012 saw a negative contraction in GDP of 0.3% raising fears of a triple dip recession and yet the market has brushed this off and continued higher. Time will tell whether investors buying now are being too complacent and assuming of continued levels of profit growth. Valuations in certain sectors have rich ‘full’ proportions (assuming much good news) and technically many stocks look overbought on numerous metrics. Markets do not go up in straight
lines and short term, I maintain my cautious stance. Medium to longer term, equities should continue higher as inflation, higher interest rates and economic recovery all manifest themselves. But I am concerned currently with the ongoing relatively low trading volumes and that money is now chasing prices higher through fear that ‘the train is leaving the station’ (not as a result of hardened scrutiny). Also possible is that funds are starting to move out of fixed interest bonds and into shares. Could it be that this asset class switch has been triggered earlier than most thought due to shares pushing higher? I also understand that some equity based Unit Trust funds are now closing to new investors as inflows have been so material. The contrarian in me finds this a little concerning. David Cameron has kicked off the debate over Europe and it is possible that by 2017, the UK could walk away. It seems we are not the only country demonstrating euroscepticism; only 30% of Europe has a positive view of the EU (from a recent poll). More flexibility in the region is needed and ultimately perhaps the EU can be salvaged as a result of reform. Whatever the ultimate fate for Europe, the market for now seems to have taken the general view that the region is past the worst (in terms of the debt crisis) and peripheral sovereign bond yields have fallen back below danger levels. I still wonder if a Eurozone linked market curve ball
will upset the recent momentum at some point. China is demonstrating a renewed vigour in terms of economic updates thus far this year which will have silenced many of the ‘hard landing’ proponents. It is early days though and I recall as recently as last autumn, how volatile and unpredictable their data releases can be. However, as such an important cog in the global wheel, an improving China is a definite contributor to positive sentiment and share prices alike. A new leadership regime was always likely to be a catalyst for progress and China bulls are being rewarded for their loyalty as their market(s) recover from depressed lows. Clearly a functional and recovering Europe, as a large purchaser of their goods, will support the investment potential of this area. We still await big decisions from the US relating to public spending cuts and how their overall level of national debt (debt ceiling) will be handled. This remains a risk factor to the markets in my view but the ‘kicking the can further down the road’ approach seems to prevail and the market in its current bullish mood seems to be taking the situation in its stride. Normally markets dislike uncertainty but not at the moment. I re-iterate that complacency is high and fear levels low and this heightens my short term anxiety. Stock specific comment Notwithstanding the somewhat elevated levels of share prices
short term, the role of the active stockpicker will always be to isolate opportunities (where possible) irrespective to an extent of the general picture. My core principle now would be to buy into solid income yield plays (dividend as a percentage of share price paid) as yield will support price relatively, while providing continued potential for capital growth. SEGRO for example, the industrial commercial property company pays near 6% annual income at current prices (247p). As a REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust), it is obliged to pay out at least 90% of its income to shareholders. This rates attractive in my view in the current climate and if economic recovery continues, I see scope for an upturn in the NAV (net asset value) per share (of the business) which would add further support to an increasing share price. Trading near a 30% discount to underlying assets now and with the added spice of some good quality European assets in the portfolio, I favour further progress. Last month I tipped the Energy sector as a sector to own in 2013. Within a month, all the majors (BP, BG and Royal Dutch Shell) are comfortably higher. While shortterm wobbles are possible, I would continue to support these names medium term. This report was written by Philip Scott, Head of Advisory Stockbroking at Simple Investments on 28/1/13 when the FTSE 100 was trading at 6300.
Philip Scott of Simple Investments.
Double award success kicks off 2013
Staff members at Optichrome celebrate its 50th anniversary.(Ref: WK130032_5)
Optichrome celebrates 50th anniversary A FAMILY-RUN printing company in Woking has celebrated its 50th birthday. Optichrome is one of the oldest family-owned manufacturers in Woking having started in Chobham Road in 1963. From there they moved to Chertsey Road in 1965 before transferring into a disused laundry in Maybury Road in 1968 where they have been ever since. In 1984, it had permission to start building the factory at the site that is still being used today.
Natalie Stephens, who is the third generation of her family to work at Optichrome, said: “Our company philosophy has always been the same, we are an organisation and the people that work at Optichrome are the backbone of the business. Almost all our staff are from Woking or the surrounding areas and we try to recruit locally where we can. “We have amazing longevity of staff, for example my father has been working at Optichrome from the outset and our managing
director John Heywood has been with us for 35 years. Even through three major recessions we have managed to grow our business and we have thrived over the last 50 years, not just survived.” The company prints business stationery, brochures, posters and books. It has just completed an artbook for Richard Cole, a caricaturist and artist who has been a customer since the 1960s. To mark the anniversary, it will run various events, including a family fun day for staff at Loseley Park in May.
TWO awards in the first week of 2013 meant it has been a very happy new year indeed for a Godalming conference centre. The Manor House, in Huxley Close, won a Visit England Silver Award, after a four-star rating in the centre’s first assessment. Silver awards are given in addition to the star ratings in recognition of exceptional quality or for outperforming its awarded rating. The Manor House had to be assessed by an independent inspector, who stayed incognito overnight and rated his stay against criteria, including not only physical aspects, but levels of service, hospitality and comfort. In the same week, it also received a Venue Verdict Gold Standard Accreditation from BDRC Continental, which collects feedback to measure how likely customers are to recommend a venue. Out of nearly 400 hotels and venues nationally who took part in 2012, only 26 got the score of 70 points or more necessary to win the gold standard. Centre manager Howard Canning said: “We’re delighted to win the Visit England Silver Award and VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation and get a four-star rating all in one week – it’s a great start to 2013.”
Staff at Manor House with the Visit England awards. (Ref: SA130425_4)
8
February 2013 Sponsor’s feature
Charity support is not Install tomorrow’s only focused on the UK It is well known that Arcom IT undertakes a mass of charity work – and this is not just confined to Surrey. One charity the firm regularly supports is Wobbles, based in Gibraltar, which raises funds to help children with disabilities. Wobbles wants to do something money cannot buy, and that is to put a smile on every child’s face they come into contact with. One recent example of the charity’s work was to provide the trip of a lifetime for a young boy aged 12 called Carl, who has had medical problems since birth which culminated in a liver transplant. Wobbles arranged for Carl to attend a Real Madrid football match and to meet his heroes, including Cristiano Ronaldo. Shahid Azeem, who visits Gibraltar regularly as Arcom IT has an office there (as well as several other clients including the Gibraltar government) met the founder of Wobbles and was keen to become involved. Arcom IT has been helping the charity with technical advice and support, including website design, creating an online shop and sourcing/providing branded Wobbles products for sale.
phone system in your office today
Shahid Azeem, right, was keen to help Wobbles after travelling to Gibraltar.
Debbie Garcia, trustee and founder of Wobbles, said: “Wobbles has received a fantastic level of support from everyone involved at Arcom IT and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you very much for the commitment and dedication that you have shown to our charity during the year. “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the whole team at Arcom IT. From the very first moment we’ve been extremely impressed with the ability and pro-
fessionalism of Arcom IT. “The staff have responded efficiently and intelligently to all our requirements, focusing on what we wanted, delivering on time and to a very high standard. “Arcom IT is a first class business that you can really trust. “Furthermore, it’s a socially responsible business that makes the time to get involved in charitable projects and, despite the challenging economic environment, remains willing to donate to worthwhile causes.”
With over 2 million emails sent every second, who will keep your 'traffic' moving smoothly?
In the midst of new legislation, economic turbulence and environmental challenges it’s important that the 21st Century doesn’t leave your business in a jam. At Arcom IT we have an unrivalled team of friendly experts who can supply and support robust, tailor-made solutions that evolve to keep you on the straight and narrow. And since our main office has been in Guildford since 1998... we’re just down your road!
Setting up an office telephone system used to be a logistical nightmare. Buying or renting a PABX (private branch exchange) was a costly and very complicated affair. Also, you had to know, or more likely guess the future size of your company, and estimate how many telephone lines you might need for your system. Buy too few initially and you would have to spend money upgrading the system. Buy too many and you would be wasting vital resources. Arcom IT has been pioneering installation and advice on VoIP (internet telephony) systems in the past few years and has installed many of these for Surrey businesses. These new VoIP systems give users complete flexibility over their phone systems, and adding more users is a breeze. It is a continuation of the virtual office service which Arcom provides, whereby the firm looks after a client’s technology requirements. Yet another example of where experts can come in, save you time and money, and let you get on with what you know best – running your business. An internet phone system gives a company complete flexibility as calls can be forwarded to other land lines or mobiles. This provides Arcom IT clients with Business Continuity as the number follows the client anywhere there is internet access. This is perfect for a small
Arcom IT installs top-of-the-range VoIP telephone systems.
business owner who perhaps wants to work at home or have some of the team work remotely. And, of course, if there is snow or transport problems you will not have to struggle into the office to answer the phones. Arcom IT recommends, installs and hosts top-of-the-range IT telephone systems with a host of useful features, such as call forwarding to land lines or mobiles,
voicemail and hot-desking. All you need to implement an Internet phone system is buy the number of handsets you need (this is easily upgradeable) and a good quality internet connection, which is commonplace nowadays as virtually all businesses already have a good broadband connection. More details are available at www.arcomit.co.uk and our telephone number is 01483 505055.
• Server & Desktop Virtualisation • Storage Virtualisation • Application Virtualisation • Infrastructure Services • Cloud Services • Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity • Workforce Mobility • VoIP Telephony & Internet communications • 24/7 Monitored & Managed Support Arcom IT is proud to be the technology patron of the:
The free seminar will be held at Woking’s Lightbox gallery and art museum.
Seminar will tell you all you need to know W: www.arcomit.co.uk | E: info@arcomit.co.uk | T: 01483 505055 Arcom IT Ltd, 3 Walnut Tree Park, Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4TR
Arcom IT Sussex Office, 2 Tarmount Lane, Tarmount Studios, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6DA,
Arcom IT Gibraltar Office Unit 2b, Garrison House, 3 Library Ramp, Gibraltar.
Tuesday April 23 will be a special day for businesses. Please reserve the date in your diary. A free seminar by Arcom IT will inform businesses about running a virtual office, hosting a firms’ IT infrastructure and the benefits of a VoIP (Internet Telephony) phone solution. The seminar is planned to run
in the morning with a buffet lunch provided, which will give delegates a chance to network with local like-minded business people. And, of course, delegates will have the opportunity to take a tour of the award-winning Lightbox art gallery and museum. There will be speakers from leading technology vendors and a
chance to ask the experts your questions. Timings are being finalised and more details will be printed in next month’s edition of the Business News Extra. Or you can call the team at 01483 505055. Previous Arcom seminars have been over-subscribed, so it is best to get your name down early on the list to avoid disappointment.