Wine makers plan for a vintage year 3 Education system should focus on enterprise 4 Canine day centre is the top dog 5 Economic forum enjoys 10th anniversary 6
July 2014
getsurrey.co.uk/business in association with
Independents’ Day prospers While our American cousins celebrate the Fourth of July as Independence Day, the UK’s Independents’ Day recognises small traders and has received some heavyweight backing By André Langlois
andre.langlois@trinitymirror.com
Julia Elkhadraoui, centre, with independent traders Ben Darnton of Ben’s Collectors Records, Steve Reina (Koko Hair) and Bardoe and Appel’s Shireen Kapel.
The importance of independent traders is marked today (Friday) in Surrey and throughout the country. Born in Dorking of a simple pun, Independents’ Day is now a national campaign and in its fourth year. It has received the support of David Cameron, as well as business celebrities including Theo Paphitis. In 2013, thousands of businesses in more than 150 locations across the UK got involved, along with councils, business improvement districts and other local organisations. This year Surrey bodies promoting small traders include Experience Guildford, which is running a loyalty scheme for shoppers to be entered into a prize draw, and Mole Valley District Council which has organised a day of entertainment in Dorking Town Centre tomorrow (Saturday). Julia Elkhadraoui, owner of independent café Glutton and Glee, in Guildford, said shops other than the major chains can help give towns their character. “We are located just off the High Street on Tunsgate and we are quite fortunate in being not far away from the High Street but we are still tucked away,” she said. “Awareness of the street
and the shop is still quite limited in comparison to the large national chains that can afford the high rents and rates of the High Street.” The Town Centre Vision document recently produced for Guildford Borough Council that national chains and independent traders in the side streets complement each other to add to the town’s attractiveness as a place to live and work. Mrs Elkhadraoui said it is important that as ambitious plans for the town, and espe-
‘Independents’ Day is a great excuse to visit these local shops, show your support and find out more about what they do.” cially North Street, develop, independent shops are not overlooked in the bid to lure John Lewis. “We opened during the recession, right in the middle, so now we’ve been trading for three years,” she said. “This year, since January, there has been really good growth in sales.” There are more than 120 independent businesses in the town and Experience Guildford is running a loyalty campaign from July 4 to 31. Shoppers who purchase a product or service from three
traders will be entered into a prize draw to win one of ten £100 vouchers. Maps with tear-off loyalty cards are available from shops, cafés and the tourist information centre. The main events in Dorking this year take place tomorrow (Saturday) when there will be pilgrim-themed events in recognition of the only known pilgrim house still standing in the country – sitting among the independent antique traders in West Street. Councillor John Northcott, portfolio holder for planning, encouraged shoppers to support traders in the town. He said: “With its huge variety of independent shops and businesses, and a famed vintage antiques quarter, Dorking is a truly unique place. “ Waverley Borough Council has also backed the campaign and Councillor Adam TaylorSmith, portfolio holder for economic development, said: “Across the borough of Waverley we are particularly lucky to have a significant number of dynamic local independent businesses. “They are the life blood of our area and bring unique diversity and attraction. Our local businesses should be supported and celebrated. “Independents’ Day is a great excuse to visit these local shops, show your support and find out more about what they do.”
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July 2014
My first job MORE than 90 county businesses and new headline sponsor, Everline.com, ensured that the FSB Surrey Business Awards got off to a cracking start last week. The lunchtime launch event at Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking on June 23 was buzzing with small and medium sized businesses eager to find out more about the brand new awards. The FSB is a business membership organisation and will be using the awards to put the spotlight on companies making a difference in their local communities. The awards, also supported by Surrey County Council, are open for entries and there will be a celebration ceremony on November 14 at Epsom Downs Racecourse. The website at www.surreyawards.co.uk has all the details. WOKING-based Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) has revealed plans to expand its ground-breaking Technical Apprenticeship programme to more theatres this autumn, following a successful pilot year. The programme began with four apprentices employed from September last year to August this year. With continued support from the Creative Employment Programme and with Arts Council England Lottery funding, the programme will now double in size for 2014-15 with eight new apprenticeships from September, each lasting one year. Nick Potter, managing director (venues) for ATG, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our leading apprenticeship programme, at the heart of our business. This will provide more great opportunities for future employees to benefit from practical, live learning.” A CAFFEINE-FUELLED collaboration between two Surrey food businesses is helping support poverty-stricken families in Uganda. Liz Usher, of Mummy Makes Fudge, has developed Bukonzo Coffee Fudge, which she flavours with crushed, roasted Arabica coffee beans. The Farnham-based fudge maker sources her beans from the Happy Coffee Bean Project, which is run by a small charity in Shalford to help the poorest people in Uganda overcome poverty through farming. All profits from the sale of Happy Coffee Bean are returned to Uganda to support the farmers. Ed Simpson, of the Godalming Food Company, was keen to sell the pioneering fudge at his store in Godalming High Street. The shop also supports the Happy Coffee Bean Project by selling freshly brewed coffee and bags of beans, which are roasted at nearby Merrow. “It’s lovely for the shop to have something exclusive as well as delicious, and Bukonzo Fudge is such an unusual name that it arouses curiosity,” said Liz. “People just love fudge and coffee so this a very tasty way to engage with customers about Happy Coffee Bean.”
Kate Lester, managing director of Diamond Logistics What was your first job? I grew up in Australia and worked in my Mum’s boutique from age 12 every Saturday on a low wage but good commission. It gave me a taste of economic freedom and the power of sales – by the time I was a very mature 14 years old I was making hundreds of Australian dollars on a Saturday. It also showed me the power of marketing, how to look at profit and loss, and how sales are the cornerstone to everything – no sales, no income. That was plus the usual babysitting that I did overnight midweek. So, from a very early age I worked very hard! How did you get from there to where you are today? My gap year turned into never and I pursued money versus education, learning on the job. A variety of sales jobs where I often smashed targets eventually led me to finally finding myself in a
failing courier company. I then thought “I can do this better” and set up myself at aged 20. I guess I had been taught from a very early age the fundamental of business, and had a lot of responsibility in sales, margins and return so I knew what to do to keep the money coming in. I’d have to admit that the first 20 years was really my apprenticeship in business. I ran Diamond pretty successfully and since 1999 I had been running a consultancy arm which parachuted into businesses to either start them up or turn them around. But it was only in 2011 I realised it was the time to really change gear, and that’s when I started restructuring the service profile in my business – which then gave me the template to franchise nationally. Our target is 60 depots by June 2015 – 26 postcodes have been sold already. What lessons has your ca-
Kate Lester, managing director of Diamond Logistics.
reer so far taught you? Be nice. A happy team is a productive one. Share the pie. Work with likeminded people, be ruthlessly intolerant of incompetence, hang around with people who know more than you do, keep learning, FOCUS. What does the future hold? Diamond is the fastest growing courier network in
the UK. I will have helped 60 people launch their very own businesses – from which they and their families can afford a really great lifestyle – AND create the ability to service 30,000 businesses across the UK – giving them seamless one stop logistics solutions whereby we deliver their promises and profits. I can’t wait!
Office spaces get a touch curiouser and curiouser Editorial Director Marnie Wilson Group Deputy Editor Mark Miseldine Business News Tony Green Commercial Manager Amanda Ducas Regional Sales Manager Ian Bresman
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EDIToRIAl
A GUILDFORD company’s recent project took on a familiar theme when project managing the creation of serviced offices in London. The Alice in Wonderlandthemed offices are in the capital’s lively South Bank and have already attracted ambitious start-up entrepreneurs and imaginative small businesses. The project, entitled the Office Space in Town, was managed by Fusion Business Consultancy, based in Millbrook. Far from the anodyne, onestyle-suits-all interiors often associated with serviced
office space, the Lewis Carroll-inspired building features a strong, stand-out identity in the reception, meeting and communal areas. Fantasy backdrops are mixed with high quality, efficient workspaces. “This was a brilliant project to work on and I’m immensely proud of the results” said Fusion project manager David Bedford. “It was a very complicated project, but now we have a little piece of Guildford’s heritage in London.” The offices have even won fans in the Lewis Carroll
Society, whose secretary describe the space as ‘stupendous’. The author’s connection with Guildford is a strong and well-known one. The young clergyman first came to the town in 1868, house-hunting under his real name of Charles Dodgson. He bought “The Chestnuts” on Castle Hill, a stone’s throw away from Guildford castle. There he wrote “Through the Looking Glass”, the sequel to “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” Carroll was a constant visitor to Guildford during the following thirty years and
died in Guildford in 1898. He is buried in the town’s Mount Cemetery and there are statues around the town to commemorate his links with Guildford. Giles Fuchs, managing director at Office Space in Town said: “For such an ambitious project as this we needed a project manager who could turn my dream into a reality. “David Bedford from Fusion Building Consultancy in Guildford was that project manager. “I could not have done it without him and we’re already planning our next development together.”
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The Lewis Carroll-inspired serviced offices near Waterloo were project managed by David Bedford from Guildford company Fusion Building Consultancy.
July 2014
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Wine makers plan for a vintage year By Tony Green
tony.green@trinitymirror.com A FLEDGLING wine business that is making the most out of Surrey’s chalky soil, launched two new vintages last week. The Greyfriars Vineyard, on the Hog’s Back, was bought by Mike and Hilary Wagstaff in 2010, and they have been busy planting new vines to increase the modest production from their first vintage. “We are about to release two new vintages, a 2011 Blanc de Blancs and a 2012 Sparkling Rosé,” said Hilary. Hopes are high for the company’s second vintage after a promising start. The first won silver at the
Sommelier Awards and a bronze at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. And more room had to be found in the Greyfriars’ trophy cabinet last week with the addition of another bronze at the Decanter World Wine Awards. “I’m very, very happy about that,” said Hilary. “We knew it was good but it is amazing after we had produced only 500 bottles of our first vintage. We have high hopes for our new wines, which hopefully will lead to lots more awards. We have got a very good wine consultant and we know we can produce very good wine here.” From the original oneand-a-half acres of vines
there are now 40 acres planted. Plans are also going ahead for a new winery to be built on the site, and the weather this year has been kind for wine producers. “It’s a lot of hard work,” added Hilary. “2012 was a bad year for making wine but last year was much better. “We have 30,000 litres in the tanks, which will produce 40,000 bottles of wine. “We are aiming at 100,000 bottles a year and should be up on that within three- to five years.” Greyfriars has worked with Berkshire-based wine merchant Milton Sandford, which has a client list that includes Jamie Oliver’s restaurants. And in line with the vine-
yard’s ambitions of quality rather than quantity, Greyfriars wine is also served at Soneva Fushi, an exclusive resort in the Maldives. With so much investment being made, the business has yet to turn a profit. “We were in a position to make an investment,” said Hilary. “We wouldn’t do it unless it was going to be a successful business and a profit-making venture. We want to produce the best sparkling wine available.” Surrey’s climate and geology has its own part to play in that success. “We have these wonderful rising chalk slopes on the North Downs,” said Hilary. “It’s perfect for vines if you
Hilary and Mike Wagstaff, of Greyfriars Vineyard, with their most recent bronze award and two new vintages.
are in a marginal climate and, obviously for sparkling wine, we don’t need grapes that are quite as mature.” Despite the company’s
ambition, the couple’s high hopes stop short of wanting to be the same size as Surrey’s most famous wine producer, Denbies, the largest wine
maker in the UK. “That’s a different kettle of fish,” said Hilary. “We are not going to be on the tourist trail for the foreseeable future.”
Installed fermenter allows brewery to star with its lager THE coming of age of the relatively young Hogs Back Brewery took a major step forward last week with the installation of a huge new lager fermenter. The 2.5 tonne conical vessel, which will hold more than 23,000 pints of lager when full, was hoisted by crane through the brewery roof on Thursday last week, giving the 22-year-old business the ability to fully brew lager on site for the first time. Since launching the new Hogstar brew in September last year, staff at the brewery have had to finish conditioning the beer at the Hepworth brewery in Horsham, which limited the amount produced and piled on extra costs.
Made by a specialist company in Germany, the new £30,000 fermenter is set to be the first of a total of eight that will allow the precociously-expanding craft brewery to barge its way into the lager market. Chairman and owner, Rupert Thompson, said: “The global lager brands are good beers, but there is a growing number of more affluent, discerning lager drinkers who are looking for a bit more character and flavour, not to mention something made in England.” Under Mr Thompson’s ownership, which began two-and-a-half years ago, the business is currently growing at 33% a year in terms of
Ramsac directors Paul Mew, Robert May, Sally Cooper and Dan May will be working hard on the firm’s UK Customer Experience Awards entry.
Hogs Back Brewery staff pose in front of the new lager brewing vat.
The new lager fermenter was hoisted into the air and through a roof at the Hogs Back Brewery last week.
volume of beer produced, mainly driven by demand for its flagship bitter, TEA (Traditional English Ale). Yet despite the growth in sales, these are financially lean times at the Tongham business as all profits, plus an extra £500,000, have been channelled back into the business in a bid to take on the larger brewers. “April was the first month since I took over where we broke back into profit,” said Mr Thompson. “I hope we will be making a reasonable profit by next year.” The additional fermenters are due to arrive over the next few months and Mr Thompson is looking to hire extra staff for the brewery shop and marketing department, to complement the 24 full-time staff currently employed.
“We have high hopes for Hogstar,” said the chairman. “Ideally we will produce half the volume we currently make in TEA. “Although some of the larger breweries are losing market share to businesses like us, I think between us we’re growing the market slightly.” Mr Thompson’s career started at the Bass Brewery in 1980 and has since seen him undertake the brand managership of Carling lager and the development of the highly-successful Moorlands Old Speckled Hen and its subsequent sale to Greene King. The Hogs Back Brewery also made local history last month by becoming the first brewery in West Surrey to plant a new hop garden for more than 50 years.
Company goes up against the big boys over customer care A GODALMING company has been recognised for excellent customer service after being shortlisted by an awards group. IT consultancy ramsac, based in Godalming Business Centre, in Woolsack Way, has been selected as a finalist in the UK Customer Experience Awards alongside national brands such as Virgin, Barclays Bank, Direct Line and British Gas. Now in its fifth year, companies have to demonstrate innovation, passion and ‘concrete examples’ of how customer service has been put at the core of its service provision. Finalists will present their entry to a team of judges at ExCeL London on September 25. After the judging has taken place, the winners will be announced at a gala lunch.
Owned by Awards International, the awards are run in partnership with Customer Experience Magazine and Cranfield School of Management. Ramsac’s commercial director, Dan May, said: “We are delighted to have achieved success in such prestigious awards – we really pride ourselves on our customer service and to be recognised in the midst of so many national and international organisations, renowned for their own service and customer loyalty, is an absolute honour and a great reward for our team. “Our award entry focuses not only on feedback from our existing customers, but also on the framework we have developed to enable us to confidently commit to a consistently excellent service
standard in every single one of our client interactions. “The judges have seen a demonstration of our core values, which are at the heart of what Ramsac offers. “Our business is about making IT simple, but it is also about offering clients a personal, strategic and professional experience that enables them to love their technology rather than fear it. Each customer knows they are not just receiving scripted or generic service. Their needs are understood and met in a nature and a timescale that gives them a feeling that ramsac really care.” Neil Skehel, the managing director of Awards International, said: “This is an opportunity to showcase the most outstanding customer experiences and service-focused organisations.”
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July 2014
Education system should have enterprise at its heart Businesses across Britain will support Lord Young’s call to expand enterprise education in schools, colleges and universities. Lord Young’s report focuses on entrepreneurial spirit in education and is the latest in a series of moves from the Government to make sure young people leave education ready to work, with the skills
and experience employers are after. As the Chambers’ own research suggests, firms are concerned that young people are unprepared for the world of work and believe that educational institutions need to do much more to help them gain the sorts of skills that would help them work in, or start up, a business.
The report recommendations mean students will be able to rank university courses by their employment rates and earning potential in order to provide prospective students with a better sense of which courses deliver good job and salary prospects. Lord Young suggests business champions such as business representative
bodies and the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) have a key role to play in creating closer links between education and the world of work and business. Chambers of Commerce have long fought for business and enterprise to play a bigger role in schools, and work tirelessly in towns and cities across Britain to help young people gain the skills
they need to succeed in business. In Surrey we work very closely with SATRO and Young Enterprise South East to ensure young people get the opportunities to learn about the world of work. SATRO welcomes the focus on enterprise in education as it feeds into their ongoing mission to inspire
young people about their future careers. SATRO endeavours to raise the aspirations of young people and encourage them to strive to achieve their career goals, working with local businesses to achieve this. Lynne Skinner, of Young Enterprise, said: “This report tackles some key issues in education and
offers some positive and practical solutions. “Enterprise education is important because it challenges pupils and students to learn by doing, and motivates them to engage with their academic studies. “It ‘joins up the dots’, helping students to understand why sound English and maths skills are so important and relevant.”
Litigation team enjoys another success Charles Russell LLP’s specialist Property Finance Litigation team has obtained a further multi-million pound compensation offer from a bank to a client who was mis-sold an ‘interest rate hedging product’. Many customers entered into these products, which alter the amount of interest paid on lending, either unknowingly or without realising the full risks and ramifications. There are an array of such products (such as swaps, collars and caps) and
many have required customers to pay substantial sums. The Guildford-based team is dealing with dozens of misselling cases. Mr McGill, a Surrey-based businessman who runs a property concern, is being represented by the team. He initially went to Charles Russell LLP as the bank had invited him to attend a ‘fact find meeting’ to discuss the sale of an interest rate swap. Following Mr McGill’s meeting with the team, the fact find was postponed. This
allowed time to fully understand Mr McGill’s position and to unravel a complicated lending arrangement. Following this, the team represented Mr McGill at a re-arranged fact find meeting and also prepared written submissions for him. The end result being an offer from the bank to settle with a payment to the client of well over £1m. Peter Levaggi, a partner at Charles Russell LLP who heads the specialist Property Finance Litigation team, said: “We are also heavily involved
in LIBOR manipulation cases. We have significant experience of bringing claims in all manner of forums, including through the FCA scheme set up to review the sale of interest rate hedging products and the Court. “Our success rate is exceptionally high and millions have now been paid to our clients. We are able to offer a variety of funding options, including often a no win, no fee arrangement.” To contact Peter or Joe Edwards, call 01483 252523.
The Eikon Charity provides long-term support to Surrey’s young people and their families.
Eikon raffles amazing trip after donation jULY
Tue
Chamber Connections Epsom Breakfast, The Royal Box, Epsom Downs Racecourse. Members £10, non-members £20
8am
9.30am
9 Wed
Open Golf Competition for the Bill Ward Memorial Cup, Worplesdon Golf Club, Woking. Members £98, non-members £120
8am
5.30pm
15 Tue
Business Women in Surrey at Pennyhill Park, Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa, Bagshot. Members £22, non-members £40
3.30pm
5.30pm
16 Wed
HealthSpa Garden Party, Foxhills Resort and Spa, Ottershaw. Members £10, non-members £20
3pm
6pm
18 Fri
An Introduction to Export Procedures, Woking. Members £225, nonmembers £350
9.30am
4pm
21 Mon
Guildford Cricket Festival LV Championship Surrey 1st XI v Kent, Guildford. Members £140, non-members £190
11am
6.30pm
22 Tue
6 Steps to doing business in Poland, North Hants Golf Club, Hampshire. Members FREE, non-members £10
8am
10am
23 Wed
Business Networking at Foxhills – The World Cup, Foxhills Resort and Spa, Ottershaw. Members FREE, non-members FREE
5.30pm
7.30pm
30 Wed
Chamber Connections Betchworth Breakfast, Hartsfield Manor, Betchworth. Members £10, non-members £20.
8am
9.30am
8
To book, visit www.surrey-chambers.co.uk or call 01483 735540 (All prices are exclusive of VAT)
Surrey Chambers of Commerce member, The Eikon Charity has been lucky to have been donated a truly incredible prize by luxury tour operator, Beachcomber Tours. The Guildford operator has kindly donated to the Surrey-based charity a fivestar holiday-of-a-lifetime for two people to Mauritius for seven nights. The Eikon Charity has been working in the local community for almost two decades, providing long-term support to some of the county’s most vulnerable young people and their families. Heather Boardman, community and events fundraiser for the charity, said: “We feel so privileged to have received this amazing holiday, which we are raffling off to raise
vital funds for the vulnerable young people we work with in Surrey; it has already had a great reception, with tickets selling by the day. We hope more of the public will realise what an amazing opportunity this is for someone wanting to have a perfect trip away for the incredible price of £10 per ticket.” Eikon’s Paradise Prize
Draw is open and has already raised a considerable amount for the cause. If you would like a chance to win this amazing, once-ina-lifetime prize, visit www. eikon.org.uk/paradise to buy your ticket. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the vulnerable and at-risk young people the charity supports in Surrey.
Be part of the network - find out how Surrey Chambers of Commerce membership can help your business at www.surrey-chambers.co.uk
July 2014
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Doggy Day Care triumphs at London Business Awards By James Watkins
james.watkins@trinitymirror.com
A DAY centre for Dogs in Cobham has won the Best Small Business Award at the London Business Awards Bruce’s Doggy Day Care acts as a crèche and dog walking company, and looks after hounds of all sizes in Surrey and south London from Bookham and Balham to Walton, Weybridge and Wimbledon. More than 330 guests
attended the black tie awards ceremony in London to see the company beat off competition from more than 100 shortlisted businesses, selected by an independent panel of judges made up of industry experts. Bruce Casalis, founder and director of Bruce’s Doggy Day Care, said: “This is fantastic news. “I’m extremely proud of the business and the incredible 15-strong team that makes Bruce’s Doggy Day
Care the success it is. Our mantra has always been to love our clients’ dogs as much as they do and provide an exceptional service. “I’d like to thank all our customers for their support and in particular our fourlegged friends for being such fun to work with. “The timing of this award couldn’t be better as Bruce’s Doggy Day Care is celebrating its fifth birthday this year. “We have already marked the occasion with expansion
into the Walton-on-Thames area, introducing a new dog boarding service, sponsoring a Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy, and now we can add winning an award to the list.” Rose Saunders, head of Prospects Business Support said: “Congratulations to Bruce’s Doggy Day Care. The judges were blown away by the standard of entries but selected winners which demonstrated the way they are leading business in London and beyond.”
Dignitaries gathered for the launch of the development in January.
First-round NHBC success for builder A BUILDER who managed the construction of the Swallowhurst site in Cranleigh is in the running to win a national award for creating new homes of outstanding quality. Steve Green, of Linden Waites, is a first-round winner in the annual NHBC Pride in the Job Awards. Mr Green won the award for working on its Swallowhurst site in Bookhurst Road, Cranleigh. He joins nearly 450 Quality Award winners from across the UK. selected from around 15,000 entrants.
Doggy Day Care owner Bruce Casalis with some of his charges.
Steve Catt, regional director for NHBC, the UK’s leading standards setter and warranty provider for new UK homes, said: “For nearly 35 years, Pride in the Job has been a fundamental component of NHBC’s work to raise standards through the celebration and sharing of best practice. “Site managers that win an NHBC Pride in the Job Award are creating houses of an exceptionally good standard. The homes Steve has built in Cranleigh are without doubt among the best in the UK.”
Pride in the Job is the only nationwide competition dedicated to recognising the best site managers – the people on the ground who oversee building projects from start to finish. They winners have now been shortlisted for regional titles which will be revealed in the autumn. The regional champions will then go forward to contest the national Supreme Winner title in their category at the Pride in the Job Gala Final in London in January. Sponsor’s feature
Golf club fined £50k for sacking Employers must follow proper procedures in connection with complaints raised by an employee, warns Patrick Stewart of TWM Solicitors A Suffolk Golf Club has recently agreed to pay £50,000 to an employee that it wrongly sacked after she brought a successful Employment Tribunal claim. The case serves as a warning to Surrey’s 100+ golf clubs that not following proper procedures, not seeking early advice and not having suitable policies can have severe financial consequences. Assistant Secretary (Mrs C) had worked at Aldeburgh Golf Club for four years. She had an unblemished record and had received two pay rises. When a new club Secretary (Mr B) was appointed, he started finding fault with her work and within two months she had received a written warning regarding her performance. Mr B had set goals for her to achieve without any thought as to whether they were achievable. Mrs C said she felt “criticised and bullied” by the man who was known for his dictatorial manner from his time at another golf club. She raised a formal complaint with the club Captain, but was told ‘I do not regard Mr B’s behaviour to you as bullying and there has been no physical violence’. Mrs C then witnessed a married female club member, trying to squeeze Mr B’s bottom in his office and
Patrick Stewart.
saying to him: “Everyone loved the barbecue and I loved squeezing your bottom. Let me squeeze it again." This followed rumours that something had happened between the pair at a club party. Mrs C reported the inappropriate relationship to senior members of the club. However, this was not properly investigated and shortly after Mrs C was escorted from the club and subsequently dismissed for raising the allegations regarding Mr B. The Tribunal Judge condemned the club’s response to Mrs C’s bullying complaint, saying it showed ‘amazing ignorance, naivety and a total misunderstanding of bullying and harassment’. He said it was not unreasonable for her to report inappropriate conduct between the Secretary and a married member and the club had
failed to investigate any of Mrs C’s concerns. Patrick Stewart, Head of Employment at TWM Solicitors, says this decision highlights the importance of employers following proper procedures in connection with complaints raised by an employee. He said: “should a grievance be raised, the employer should hold a meeting and investigate the matter. They should also communicate the outcome of the decision to the employee in writing following the meeting without unreasonable delay. Employers should ensure they have suitable grievance and anti-bullying policies in place which are followed in every instance.” Even if the golf club had not dismissed Mrs C, their failure to deal with her grievance could have amounted to a breach of the implied duty of mutual trust and confidence, entitling her to resign and bring a claim for constructive unfair dismissal. In this case, even if the result of the investigation had found Mrs C’s allegations to be false, dismissing her was unlikely to be a reasonable response on the employer’s part. If action was needed, this should have taken the form of a warning.
n If you wish to discuss any HR or employment issues at your club, contact, without obligation, patrick.stewart@twmsolicitors.com.
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July 2014
Economists review the global outlook at Forum In its 10th sitting, the annual Hart Brown Economic Forum saw speakers put forward their views on how the financial recovery can stay on the right track
By Tony Green
tony.green@trinitymirror.com HUNDREDS of delegates turned up to hear the views of economists and entrepreneurs at the Hart Brown Economic Forum, held at the University of Surrey last week. This is the 10th year of what has grown to become a key event in the Surrey business calendar. Nigel Maud, chief operating officer at Hart Brown, said that over the past 10 years the economy had seen a ‘few ups and one very big down’, and the themes for the Forums over the years had reflected these changing fortunes in the economy. In 2006 it was all about ‘planning ahead’. Before the credit crunch, in 2008, the theme was ‘there is only opportunity’. Things took a different turn in 2009 when the advice was ‘navigate the recession’, and 2010 majored on ‘working on recovery’. So what would be the theme for this 10th anni-
versary Forum? 2014 was to be all about ‘change’. Using plenty of football references, Mark BerrisfordSmith, chief economist at HSBC, kicked off the proceedings with a look at the global economy and where the UK was positioned. He began by saying that 2014 is the first normal year since 2006. The global picture shows evidence of recovery but he warned it may be too good to be true as it has blossomed beyond expectations. The tepid growth across the global economy is speeding up in the West, but many of the traditional emerging countries are struggling and facing a tough future. Now into 15 months of robust recovery, none of the other G7 economies will grow as much as the UK, with its 3% growth. There have been changes in the world marketplace. “The Russians are one step away from recession and China is no longer the cheapest manufacturing base,” he said, adding the
USA is now a major player in cheap energy production. He stressed that exports are one of the keys to growth but business figures should not expect too much, with most countries struggling to export and the need for new trade agreements. Looking ahead, Mr Berrisford-Smith made several predictions: Next year should see the debt burden peak at 80%; in 2018/19 the Government will have hard decisions to make, but the deficit will have gone; and by 2021/22, we should be back to normal monetary conditions. Second to speak was the co-founder and marketing director of 7 Investment Management, Justin Urquhart Stewart. He continued the theme of global change and growth, and the need for business confidence, saying the level of ‘stimuli’ around the world was vital, with low interest rates and infrastructure spending. However, he felt there was, ‘no feel good factor, despite growth’. He called for the introduction of more radical common sense, such as tax modernisation and scrapping stamp
Guest speakers and VIPs at the annual Hart Brown Economic Forum, held last week at the University of Surrey’s School of Management.
duty, introduced to fund war with France, and the need to encourage funding for local small businesses. A Q&A session followed, which was joined by Guildford Borough Council leader Cllr Stephen Mansbridge, and mainly focused on the subject of Europe, with the
general consensus of the panel in favour of staying in. Cllr Mansbridge commented that it would be a ‘disaster for Guildford business’ if we pulled out. When asked about the proposed infrastructure spending by the Government, Cllr Mansbridge said Guildford
business would benefit from relieving traffic congestion on the A3. The borough council sponsors the Hart Brown Economic Forum and Cllr Mansbridge said: “Guildford Borough Council is committed to promoting a thriving local economy.
“We work hard to support local business and encourage new ones into the borough. “This event brings together many different industries to discuss common concerns and analyse the issues that are vital to ensure continued economic success.”
Post-recession marketing industry is better for the downturn, claims Something Big
Something Big directors Sally Pritchett and Nick Butcher.
Recession pain has led to business gain for the SME (small and medium enterprise) marketing industry, says Surrey-based business Something Big. Four years ago, when the country was in the depths of the recession, many marketing SMEs were reinventing themselves and embracing the opportunities coming their way from resourcestrapped companies. Sally Pritchett, a director of award-winning SME marketing agency Something Big, said: “Despite the socalled doom and gloom, the economic downturn led to opportunities for us and others like us. “Clients were scaling back their marketing teams and budgets, but still needed creative marketing solutions during a difficult business climate. The SME marketing industry was agile enough to respond to this and is in much better shape now than pre-recession.” Something Big is a case in point. Since 2010, staff numbers have increased by over
300% – from eight to 33 – and revenue has grown 250%. The business’s client base has also expanded with national household names such as Colgate, DHL and Hertz, plus local brands The Lightbox, Raycross Interiors and Woking College. Nick Butcher, founder and director at Something Big, added: “It’s all about diversifying. In 2010 marketing was predominately about printed materials, whereas now almost every campaign has a digital or social media element to it.” To highlight this, Something Big has just launched a video showcasing its work with DHL and Surrey Sports Park regulars the Harlequins as part of The Daily Telegraph Business Club: Something Big Daily Telegraph video. Sally added: “I’ve been working in marketing for over 20 years and have seen more changes for the good in the past five years than in my whole career. The post-recession SME marketing industry is fit and well, and a definite force to be reckoned with.”
Sally Pritchett, Nick Butcher and the Something Big team.
Something Big is a marketing and creative communications agency based at the Woking 8 Business Park, in Sheerwater. Working largely on business to business (B2B) marketing campaigns and internal communications, the team’s strengths lie in creative and strategic thinking and delivery of engaging, integrated campaigns across on- and offline channels. It won a Toast of Surrey business award in 2011 for the Creative Industries category, when successfully demonstrating positive business growth and continuous development during challenging economic times. Something Big is headed by founder and director Nick Butcher (whose favourite Dean Martin film is Something Big, hence the company’s name) and director Sally Pritchett.
July 2014
Investment watch
7
Keeping an eye on the markets
Market in check as Iraq tension buoys oil price By Phillip Scott
Head of Advisory Stockbroking at SI Capital
Philip Scott of SI Capital.
This report was written by Philip Scott, Head of Advisory Stockbroking at SI Capital on 1/7/14 when the FTSE 100 was trading at 6780.
The market story of the month centres around the recent rise in the price of oil. Brent crude has traded as high as $115 per barrel, the highest level in nine months as ongoing violence and the threat of civil war continues in Iraq. This is all hot on the heels of ongoing anxiety in Ukraine, itself an important player in oil supply. Iraq is OPEC’s second largest oil producer after Saudi Arabia and the price hike now poses a legitimate potential threat to ongoing global economic growth. This is because expensive oil acts as a brake on financial progression; an increased cost for individuals, companies and countries alike, and economic history has numerous recent examples of how high oil has foreshadowed economic slumps. Oil importers such as China and Japan are notably
vulnerable in this regard and their importance in the global machine is obviously significant. OPEC can look to increase production to stabilise the price, but $120 per barrel is, to many, considered a danger level – obviously when the price is not a result of genuine demand. The FTSE 100 index has fallen 1.5% on the month, which is not altogether surprising. Five years of upward markets have given rise to flat markets of recent trading on low daily volume. Oil supermajors such as BP and Shell are well supported at the moment, aiding the level of the weighted index (FTSE 100) where other companies are trading lower. Airlines are proving to be a clear loser of higher fuel costs and both Aer Lingus and Lufthansa had already guided profit expectations lower earlier in the month. Closer to home, International Consolidated Airlines (BA) and Easyjet are also both under pressure. Housebuilder stocks have
perked up as Mark Carney (the Bank of England Governor) has, to an extent, reduced alarm relating to when an interest rate rise may come. Until recently, the timetable had been for a possible pre-election rise, but the im-
‘Oil importers such as China and Japan are notably vulnerable...’ proving UK growth outlook and reducing unemployment statistics have been behind projections for a move now, before the end of the year. Citing softer than expected wage rises of late and ongoing slack in the economy, rises are probably still a while off. Ultimately, rates will likely settle at around 3% in a few years’ time, still well below the 5% historical average. Managing what some believe are ‘housing bubblelike’ conditions is going to be a test for the central bank, playing off government policy to assist buyers in
the market. Stricter specific bank lending criteria as opposed to increasing interest rates seems the optimal approach at this point, as it reduces the risk of stalling growth through increasing borrowing costs. Thomas Cook has fallen nearly 30% in the past six weeks to current levels at 133p. The interim results in mid-May were solid with the strategic direction for the business still on track. CEO Harriet Green has done a stellar job turning the business around, having been close to going under two years ago. Significant director buying of the shares after the results over 150p ensued, but oil price strength thereafter has understandably impacted sentiment and the stock has slipped further. Profit growth into 2015 is forecast to be strong with a resumption of the dividend planned. The valuation does not looked stretched (granted a prolonged period of oil price strength would affect
profit expectations) and this may represent an opportunity to invest. A weakening in oil would likely see the shares higher. Investors should be aware that the ISA allowance has now increased to £15,000 effective July 1 (an uplift from the current £11,880). This is a material increase and provides individuals (certainly couples) with the ability to shelter a significant sum from the tax man. Savers disillusioned with paltry rates available at the bank may want to seek out blue chip company options, where 5% dividend yields are readily available. Lower volatility, risk diverse equity based Investment Trusts may represent more suitable choices for some. For example, the Murray Income Trust currently pays near 4% growing annual income. This trust would give an investor exposure to a big basket of large UK listed equities by buying into just one investment company.
Loan for farm expansion leads to more jobs By Matt Strudwick
matt.strudwick@trinitymirror.com
A FAMILY-RUN farm’s ‘inspiring plans’ to expand its business has helped secure a £600,000 bank loan. Whipley Manor Farm Ltd, on Palmers Cross, Bramley, has been in the hands of the Elliott family since 1957. In that time it has grown from modest beginnings into a £1 million business. The family, which has farmed in the area for more than 200 years, recently approached Simon Suter, senior agriculture manager at NatWest, for assistance when they decided to expand a part of the business Father and son, Adrian and Will Elliott, were successful in obtaining a loan of £600,000 to enable them to improve buildings, extend the animal feed store’s opening hours, produce branding and increase the range of pet food. They will also be able to boost their product range to include non-perishable items such as head collars, lead ropes, grooming kit and medical supplies for the equine industry. There will also be a wider selection of backyard poultry products to complement the sale of young laying hens
which they have supplied for many years. Will Elliott, the farm’s codirector, said: “A £600,000 long term loan has given us the financial stability to plan ahead with more certainty. “We moved to NatWest as their offer was unbeatable and the proactive relationship with Simon grew quickly and effortlessly. We would recommend NatWest as their approachability and understanding made the whole process much less daunting. “They were personable to the point that we’ve encouraged neighbouring farmers to move to the bank – one of them already has.” His father Adrian added: “Expanding the business means we can bring more jobs to the local community. As a farming family, we are keen to improve and foster the link between the general public and the countryside, so the public can enjoy and understand what goes on, on the other side of the hedge.” The loan has also enabled the family to revisit plans from 2000 for the development of redundant traditional farm buildings which are well-suited to small rural businesses, as well as the addition of a campsite. Simon Suter, from NatWest,
said: “Whipley Manor Farm has announced inspiring plans to deliver a secure
future, new jobs and a boost for the local economy. “We knew the family had a
long-term vision and an exciting future planned for the business and so we were de-
Adrian Elliott, left, and son Will, right, with Simon Suter, adricultural manager at NatWest.
lighted to support them.” The 300-acre site has nine members of staff which help
to supply farm animal, horse and pet feed for more than 30 years.
8
July 2014
Company makes Alzheimer’s pledge By Nick Edmondson
nick.edmondson@trinitymirror.com
AN engineering consultancy in Surrey Research Park has pledged to spend a year fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Hyder Consulting, of Medawar Road, made a £6,000 donation to the leading dementia research charity, with employees set to raise more throughout the coming months with a series of fundraising activities. Alzheimer’s Research UK was chosen by the firm in a staff vote after being nominated by technical director Katie Bromley-Challenor in January, two days after her mother died, who had suffered with Alzheimer’s
Disease – the most common form of dementia. She said: “Mum lived with dementia for 10 years but wasn’t formally diagnosed for years. Before that, Dad had tried his best to look after her at home by himself. “When Dad died suddenly, it became clear that mum needed full-time help and we had to move her into a home that could give her the care she needed. Mum had always had a fantastic memory and one of the keenest minds I knew, and things suddenly changed overnight. “She enjoyed playing Scrabble and doing crosswords; she was a pianist and loved gardening and dressmaking, but with Alzheimer’s she lost all those things that
were such a huge part of her. “Just after mum died, I saw the deadline to nominate a charity was coming up at work, and I knew I wanted to put Alzheimer’s Research UK forward. It seems everyone I speak to has someone in their family who has been affected by dementia and I know there’s a lot of support for the charity, so I’m sure lots of people will get involved in fundraising.” Other activities planned by Hyder include a skydive by staff from the Guildford office, while staff from the firm’s Bristol office took on a 100-mile Thames Path Challenge and an employee from the Warrington office completed the Leeds Half Marathon.
Graham Reid, UK managing director of Hyder, said: “I’m really looking forward to the fundraising activities we have in the pipeline this year to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Many of our people have already undertaken some amazing challenges and have raised a good amount of money to date.” Miranda Johnson of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “It’s wonderful to know that so many people from the firm are pulling together to support our work. The money they raise will support vital research to bring improved diagnosis, preventions and much-needed treatments for dementia closer. “Dementia is one of our greatest medical challenges,
African quest to beat cancer A RADIOGRAPHER will join a team travelling across Kenya in the hope of raising awareness of breast cancer. Jacqui Dorney, the centre manager of Cancer Partners UK, in Guildford, will visit the Busia County region of the Central African country in September. More volunteers are being sought to join her on the Cancel Cancer Africa trip, organised by Good 4 Africa, a UK-based community company that works in partnership with local doctors and volunteering nurses. The team will offer cancer education through roadshows, hand out leaflets, demonstrate how to perform self examinations and encourage women to see a doctor if problems occur. They will also take a portable laptop ultrasound in order to carry out diagnostic tests. Mrs Dorney said: “The more I found out about the trip, the more I felt that this was something I wanted to support. “It is so sad that, despite Africa having a comparatively low prevalence of breast cancer, the disease is rarely picked up early leading to a devastating number of potentially preventable deaths. “In the UK we are incredibly lucky to have access to cancer screening and prompt access to diagnostics and treatments. Every day I treat patients with advanced, highly targeted radiotherapy and it’s easy to take this for granted. “I hope more volunteers sign up. The more of us there is, the more people we will be able to see. I feel so lucky to be involved – it is an amazing thing to be able to go and do. “If we make a difference to just one life, then it will have been very worthwhile.” The health awareness programme, launched in Africa
Hyder Consulting staff present Alzheimer’s Research UK with a cheque for £6,000 to mark the launch of a year-long fundraising campaign. From left: Rose Clark (finance director at Hyder), Marcus Barber (corporate partnership officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK), Graham Reid (Hyder’s UK managing director) and Yosra Osman (corporate partnership executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK).
affecting around 1,600 people in Guildford alone, and funding for research is crucial if we are to bring about
better outcomes for people with the condition. “We rely on public donations to be able to fund our
research and it’s thanks to the support of businesses like Hyder Consulting that we’re able to continue our work.”
Students impress business leaders with their enterprising products BUDDING entrepreneurs from Surrey have been praised after showcasing their business ideas at a Dragons’ Den-style event. Students from the Surrey Youth Support Service, in Woking, presented their products at the Guildford Rectory and discussed what they had learnt from establishing and growing their own businesses. A total of 14 youngsters took part from Claremont Fan Court School, Guildford High School, Rosebery School and Surrey Youth Support Service, showcasing the five companies they had created as part of the Young Enterprise Company Programme. The breakfast event was hosted by the Surrey branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD) and its members said they were impressed with the student’s businesses, as they described their evolution from school pupils to entrepreneurs. The products on sale by the young companies included a DIY kit to make a bird habitat, fashion accessories
and a smartphone holder complete with secret security pocket. The winning team, from the Surrey Youth Support Service, presented a range of items all created from recycled wood and were invited to give a presentation about their business, The Goodwood Company. After the presentations the students took part in a discussion, sharing their insights with teachers and IoD members on the topic of the day, which was Generation Next and New Customer Communications. David Seall, chairman of the Institute of Directors in the South East, said: “The IoD was proud to host the event as we are very supportive of the Young Enterprise Company Programme. “It’s been fantastic to see just what these young students can do and great to see the development of such a strong group of potential business leaders for our future workforce in Surrey.” John Alves, chairman of Young Enterprise North Surrey Board, said: “Young
Enterprise was delighted to go to the IoD Surrey and network with its members. It gave them a whole new perspective on business life and they all enjoyed the opportunity to meet up with more experienced business owners.” Established in 1903, the IoD is the UK’s longest-running organisation for professional leaders. It is dedicated to supporting members, encouraging entrepreneurial activity and promoting responsible business practice. IoD Surrey welcomes new members and meets for breakfast on the final Friday of each month at the Guildford Refectory. Young Enterprise is the UK’s largest business and enterprise education charity and helps 250,000 young people each year learn about business and the world of work through a network of 5,000 volunteers from 3,500 companies. Anyone who wants to attend the breakfast events in Guildford should visit www. iod.com.
Lynne Omar and Jacqui Dorney outside Cancer Partners UK, at the St Martha Oncology Centre at BMI Mount Alvernia Hospital, in Guildford.
six years ago, works with health organisations, local governments and health ministries across Africa to reduce the number of deaths caused by cancer. Ronnie Jacobs, who runs the programme, said: “The cancer burden in Africa is a very complicated issue. “Fear and ignorance are costing lives and we want to put a stop to it. “Lack of awareness about symptoms, religious and cultural beliefs, as well as superstitious misconceptions can
prevent some women from seeking help. “Part of our job is to explain the facts and highlight the enormous benefits of seeking help early. We have a lot more work to do, but we are already seeing what a difference can be made. “It’s fantastic to have Jacqui on board, especially as she has a wealth of breast cancer knowledge. We’re still looking for more volunteers and, while experience working with breast cancer would be useful, you only need to
have the drive and enthusiasm to make a difference.” Volunteers will need to be available for two weeks from September 15 and be able to pay for, or secure sponsorship for, flights, insurance and inoculations. Kenya’s Busia County Government will provide funding to cover accommodation, security, food and local travel. Anyone interested in finding out more can email ronnie_jacobs@ymail.com, or visit www.dronniejshow. wix.com/cancelcancerafrica.
From left: Janet Preston (IoD Surrey committee member), Luke Liddiard (managing director of The Goodwood Company) and Richard Maybury (IoD Surrey Guildford Breakfast chairman).