CEO in running for national award 3 Making the most of networking 5 Asian entrepreneurs vie for place on rich list 7 Garden to stir senses at top show 8
May 2014
getsurrey.co.uk/business in association with
all set for RETAIL REVIVAL The deal to regenerate a vital area of Guildford’s town centre is about to be signed off – now the search is on for a high quality store to be an anchor for the new retail destination By André Langlois
andre.langlois@trinitymirror.com
The changing face of North Street: there are hopes John Lewis will be anchor store for redevelopment.
Plans to cement Guildford’s position as a retail destination have been a long time in the making but with a deal set to be signed off, the regeneration of North Street will move forward this year. Work begins by developers Land Securities a year and a half after John Lewis indicated its willingness to be wooed by the town with a brief of its requirements. The retailer, seen by many as the perfect fit for an anchor store in town was central to the pitches offered by Land Securities, along with Lend Lease and Queensberry Real Estate, in their bids to become the council’s development partner. On April 24, Guildford Borough Council’s executive agreed to sign the deal which will see Land Securities start work on development plans for the site adjacent to the Friary Centre, which encompasses Commercial Road and parts of Woodbridge Road and Leapale Road. Members of the business community have welcomed the agreement which comes after protracted negotiations. Keith Churchouse, chairman of Guildford Business Forum, said: “It obviously has to be good news and I think the situation is that all parties in Guildford are very keen to see the North Street
Development move forward for the benefit of the town. “I think this is a small cog in the machine to bring greater prosperity to Guildford.” “I’m aware that we need to attract an anchor store to go forward. Guildford prides itself on being a retail destination and therefore John Lewis would meet the calibre needed. It will be interesting to see if they become the anchor store but I don’t think that’s signed yet.” He said that with improvements to the economy as it
‘I think all parties in Guildford are very keen to see the North Street Development move forward for the benefit of the town’ comes out of recession, retailers will be looking for opportunities in both Guildford’s High Street and in North Street. Although the opportunity for a John Lewis store has been widely welcomed, there have been notes of caution from some quarters about the over-reliance on retail for the town. Graham Hibbert from Guildford Residents Associations (GRA) said the regeneration has to be sensitive to the borough’s wider needs. “The GRA understands
that we need some growth in retail but we are concerned that what is done in North Street is resilient and sustainable,” he said. “Nobody can see 20 or 30 years in the future and it is terribly important that what is done there can withstand the changes that come. “We want a John Lewis as we want Waitrose but we hope that, in their planning, the council and Land Securities will ensure that the space is used wisely in the interests of businesses and residents alike.” Negotiations over the site involved M&G Real Estate, formerly known as Prupim, which is the current long leaseholder of the Friary Centre and the majority landowner of the site. An agreement with Land Securities was originally expected to be signed in February but negotiations failed to meet the deadline. At that point the delay should have meant the project was handed over to rival bidder Lend Lease - originally the council’s favoured partner until M&G purchased the Friary Centre. Instead, the borough council intervened, and extended the deadline with a £50,000 payment from the Land Securities for the delay. The development agreement will enable the acquisition of land not already held by the council or M&G.
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May 2013 2013 December
My first job GUILDFORD MP Anne Milton met the town centre’s McDonald’s franchisee James Kirkpatrick and members of his team to find out more about how the business operates locally and discuss McDonald’s community activity. Mrs Milton took the opportunity to find out more about the opportunities for career development at McDonald’s, such as the McDonald’s Level 2 Apprenticeship and Foundation Degree in Managing Business Operations. Mr Kirkpatrick said: “As a franchised restaurant, we are essentially a local business, and I’m pleased we had the opportunity to show her our kitchen and restaurant operations and explain the changes we have introduced in recent years to our menu and highlight our investment in the community and our staff.” Anne Milton MP said: “It was great to meet James and his team to see how the business operates behind the scenes. “I was particularly pleased to hear about local employees who are on the different training schemes available at McDonald’s. I was very impressed by the crew members that I met, including Eilis who is currently studying for her Apprenticeship through the company. “James has done a fantastic job working with the local business and community – good to see a High Street franchise with a local face.” Jane Hardy has become the new owner of Fabulous Women, the business networking community which supports and encourages women and men in business – especially small business – and runs 24 monthly ‘Netwinning’ groups in the south, including eight in Surrey. The groups meet in Camberley, Esher, Farnham, Guildford, Kingston, Reigate, Walton/Weybridge and Woking. An experienced business woman with a background in sales, finance and marketing, Jane lives in Woking with her husband and two cats, and is the vice chairman of the Woking branch of the Federation of Small Business. “I love the ethos of Fabulous Women – connect, share, learn, grow and succeed – and I’m ready for a new challenge,” she said. Jane is consulting with existing members to help shape the future plans which include a redeveloped website which encourages greater inter-member communication, enhanced information sharing, access to a range of specialist support and advice services, webinars and a range of free online and affordable offline business training. New members are always welcome – a list of groups and details of forthcoming meetings can be found at www.fabulous-women.co.uk.
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From jam tart factory to director of The Surrey Research Park, Dr Malcolm Parry looks back on his career history What was your first job? By the time I left university I had had more than 20 ‘holiday jobs’ from working on a production line in a jam tart factory for £12 a week with a wage slip that informed me I was a first floor ‘tart’ to working in a morgue helping with post mortems, and being a labourer and delivery driver – the imperative of paying the rent was ever present. My jobs also had a more serious side as I worked for a professional training year during my first degree on cancer research for the Lister Institute in London. After leaving university I found temporary work as a sales assistant in Harrods where I held the department record for selling Hostess Trolleys and then worked as a supply teacher before my university tutor recommended me for a post in research where I was also registered for a PhD. My first ‘proper job’ came where I faced an interview
panel was as a university lecturer running a commercially funded research team and as a senior industrial tutor at the University of Surrey. How did you get from there to where you are today? In 1981 I was offered the opportunity to turn the vision of The Surrey Research Park into a reality. This has proved to be an ongoing 33-year project, in which we have pioneered business incubation and support in the Surrey Technology Centre, and developed 65,000 square metres of office space for technology companies on the Park, bringing in more than 2,000 jobs to Guildford. Along the way I have taken my experience into the community and served as a school governor for 25 years, including as chairman of governors for what is now Kings College School in Guildford.
Dr Malcolm Parry.
What has your career so far taught you? Understanding the difference between solving problems for the sake of science and solving problems in a commercial environment is a crucial lesson. For everyone there is a premium to being able to manage time and not lose focus. Brevity is much more endearing to customers than confusing them with facts and wasting time. Being able to find people that know more than me as specialists and appreciating their talent is important. Innovation is not only an end product but also a process. What the Surrey
What does the future hold? The Surrey Research Park was originally planned in 1981 to be developed in 20 years but the reality is that it has taken more than 30 to achieve that. There’s always plenty to do and it has been an incredibly stimulating and rewarding process.
Aero engineering students fly high at Brooklands BROOKLANDS College in Weybridge held an open day last week to find the next intake of Aero Engineering students. Earlier this year, the college’s engineering department announced that from September 2014 Brooklands will be the chosen training partner of Virgin Atlantic Airways. The college has a long history of providing skilled young people to the aviation
industry, thanks to its authentic training facilities complete with its own aircraft hangar and aeroplane and also to its teaching staff who have all had long careers within the aerospace engineering field before turning to teaching to share their talents and skills. Selvin Smith, development programmes officer at Virgin Atlantic said: “Of all the colleges in the South East, Brooklands demonstrated a
real sense of passion for aviation engineering and along with their great facilities, made the choice easy. “The introduction of the 787-9 marks an exciting time for our engineers and we look forward to finding some future talent to be a part of this through Brooklands College. Jon Nicholls, assistant head of engineering, explained how the partnership will work. “Students studying for the BTEC Diploma in
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Research Park and the team members at the Park who run our incubator do is support the process with a range of tools from mentoring, specialist advice, coaching, and access to finance. The rest of the business lies with the entrepreneurs who are critical to the process.
From September, Brooklands College Engineering department will be the chosen training partner of Virgin Atlantic Airways.
Aeronautical Engineering will benefit from the partnership throughout the year as Virgin Atlantic visit us on campus and share their globally renowned expertise,” he said. “It’s great to know that our best students could then have the possibility to complete their training with the airline.” School leavers looking to start a career within this industry, can contact the college on 01932 797797.
May 2013
CEO of Diamond Logistics in running for national award By James Watkins
james.watkins@trinitymirror.com THE CEO and founder of a same day courier service in Guildford has been shortlisted for a national award. Kate Lester, from Diamond Logistics, based in Guildford Business Park, has been named in the Director of the Year category for the 2014 Freight Transport Association (FTA) everywoman in Transport and Logistics awards. The awards were founded seven years ago, with the aim of raising awareness of the opportunities offered by the logistics industry and to show the variety of careers available. Ms Lester is no stranger to
awards, having claimed the Entrepreneur of the Year prize at the first National Entrepreneur Awards last October. She was praised for creating six new franchises across the UK, doubling her employee number and returning the company back into profit. Towards the end of last year, she marked Diamond Logistics being in business for 21 years by launching the 21 in 21 campaign, an incentive which saw the company donating to charities on a monthly basis. As well as national charities, the scheme included causes based in Guildford such as the North Guildford Food Bank and the halow project.
“I am thrilled to be nominated for the award,” she said. “It shows that there are ample opportunities for women to grow careers in the transport and logistic sector.” Maxine Benson, co-founder of everywoman, said, “As Britain forges ahead in its economic recovery, logistics remain essential to its infrastructure. “This fast growth sector has announced a huge recruitment drive and diversity is high on the agenda with a huge variety of opportunity. “We congratulate this year’s finalists who have demonstrated that their gender is no barrier to success and that opportunity exists at every level of the career ladder.” Theo de Pencier, chief
executive of FTA, said: “The Freight Transport Association is proud to be the title partner of the 2014 FTA everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards which showcase how women can make a career in transport a successful and fulfilling one. “We are pleased to encourage forward thinking companies that are committed to introducing diversity to the freight industry, and working further with everywoman offers FTA opportunities to expand that work. The key for our industry is to be able to access a wider talent pool to be able to meet its need for good quality staff in whichever role it needs to fill.” The winners will be announced next Tuesday.
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Kate Lester of Diamond Logistics, Guildford.
Upgrade Options delighted at success of charity partnership
Clandon Wood Surrey Hills Natural Burial Reserve has been voted the best natural burial ground in the UK. Picture: Gordon Tulley
Natural burial site voted the best A NATURAL burial ground in Guildford has been voted the best in the country. Clandon Wood Surrey Hills Natural Burial Reserve received the accolade from the Association of Natural Burial Grounds Peoples’ Awards, run by the Natural Death Centre (NDC) charity. There are about 300 natural burial sites which provide sustainable environments for wildlife. Natural materials are used for caskets, such as willow, cardboard or natural wood, and shrouds are made from biodegradable materials. Simon Ferrar, Clandon Wood’s founder and manager
said: “My wife Ailean and I are overwhelmed by this award. Nine years ago this was all just a dream that I had after attending my aunt’s funeral, a natural burial. “That dream is now very much a reality. I cannot thank the NDC enough for all their help and support over the last few years and guiding us to get it right. “It has been an incredible journey and a real privilege to help and support the families that come to Clandon Wood. I would like to thank all the families that took the time to write such inspiring words about us. It means so much knowing that we are providing
something very special and making a real difference to people’s lives.” Votes were cast based on feedback from families and Rosie Inman-Cook, manager of the NDC, said: “This award for Clandon Wood is very well deserved. I know how hard Simon, Ailean and the team have worked. “The feedback forms that came back to us made for emotional and incredible reading. It’s a fantastic achievement for a site that has been officially open for less than twelve months.” Clandon Wood was a finalist at this year’s Toast of Surrey Business Awards.
AN IT reseller has raised £254 for The Royal British Legion (RBL) in the first three weeks of launching its fundraising campaign. Farnham-based Upgrade Options, a business to business IT reseller, has pledged to donate £1 for every invoice of more than £500, plus VAT, to the armed forces charity. Managing director of Upgrade Options, Glenn Morrison, said the reaction so far had been beyond their expectations. “The thoroughly genuine basis for this particular fundraising and marketing drive has resonated very positively with our key clients, I am delighted to say,” he said. “Our reputation for quality IT products and services can only be enhanced as we use the opportunity to demonstrate our trustworthy values.” The company has also tasked its staff to develop fundraising initiatives independently or in groups. “In the pipeline already are sponsored long distance bike
rides and runs, poppy cake bake-offs, pub quiz nights, poppy selling in town and the exclusive funding of the ‘Jump4Heroes’ event being held at Guildford Cathedral on October 24,” said Mr Morrison. “Make no mistake, this is a good value partnership for us. The RBL are huge with more than 55,000 followers on Twitter and a very active and developed communications network through their regional publications and relationships with local media. “Best of all, the RBL works with you pushing you as hard as you push them. I recommend any and all businesses to contact them and get on board this totemic national campaign that will be prominent for at least four years. “It’s not just about August 2014; there is the November then the various anniversaries of the many key battles and events and of course the great Armistice Centenary in 2018. The media is full of it and I can’t see that abating any time soon.”
Upgrade Options’ managing director Glenn Morrison with RBL community fundraiser for Surrey Peter Wakeham and Eloise Blake.
Prime Vigilance earns royal honour A DRUG safety provider has been rewarded with the highest official national award for a company after seeing its overseas takings grow by 173% in the last three years. Guildford-based specialist pharmacovigilance service provider Prime Vigilance Limited was awarded the Queen’s Award for International Trade on April 21.
Neil Clark, chief executive officer of PrimeVigilance, said: “PrimeVigilance has grown substantially since it was founded six years ago and this award is testament to the high quality service we provide to our customers around the world. “The Queen’s Award is a great honour not just for the company but for all of our individual employees internationally who have helped
contribute to the company’s success. We look forward to building on our success and achieving further growth in the future.” The company monitors the safety of medicines as well as providing medical information services to national and multi-national pharmaceutical companies worldwide. It has clients based in Europe, North America, Australia and Asia covering
more than 100 countries and more than 150 medicinal products. The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise is a programme for British businesses and organisations that excel at trade, innovation or sustainable development. The awards are made annually by the Queen, and are only given for the highest levels of excellence demonstrated in each category.
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May 2014
Report sets out national case for third runway A GROUP of businesses set out the benefits that an expanded Heathrow Airport would bring to regions and nations across the UK. A new report, Heathrow: A National Asset, was launched at the British Chambers of Commerce Annual Conference. It showcases businesses from across the UK, ranging from the Liverpool School of English to HiBreeds, an egg exporter based in the East of England, who explain why Heathrow is important to them and what expansion would mean for their future growth. The report demonstrates
that businesses of all sizes from a wide range of sectors, from manufacturers to highskilled service industries, benefit from a successful and competitive UK hub airport. From micro-firms with less than 10 employees to large employers with hundreds, each one benefits from Heathrow in different ways. However, what they all have in common is the need for the international links only Heathrow can provide. Successful regional airports are vital to providing connectivity for the UK’s regions and nations – by feeding into the hub so that
businesses can reach longhaul destinations. Additionally, increasing runway capacity at Heathrow would reduce ticket prices for passengers, allow new airlines to compete in the market and open up access to new routes. As part of its recent submission to the independent Airports Commission, Heathrow has committed, should a third runway be approved, to ensure the whole of the UK feels the benefit by working with airlines and government to deliver better air and rail links between Heathrow and the UK’s
nations and regions. All around the world a hub airport is seen as a national asset, connecting businesses to global markets and delivering benefits for the whole country. But the UK’s hub, Heathrow, is full. Airlines do not have spare slots to put on direct flights to future growth markets. Flights that should be coming into the UK are instead flying to other European and Middle Eastern hubs. Only last week, Garuda confirmed it had chosen Amsterdam as its hub airport for Europe, with the Dutch economy
benefiting from direct links to Indonesia, a market of 800 million people. Heathrow’s Chief Executive Officer, Colin Matthews, said: “Heathrow expansion is often seen as a local issue to be decided by local councils and local MPs. But this new report shows Heathrow benefits the whole of the UK. “A third runway is the best way to connect businesses across the UK’s nations and regions to overseas growth markets. It would allow business throughout Britain to grow exports and boost trade.”
A new report, Heathrow, A National Asset, details how a third runway will ultimately benefit the UK’s nations and regions. Picture: Seven Squared.
Quarterly survey reveals Surrey is ahead in manufacturing and service sectors The British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) has been produced since 1989, and this year is celebrating 25 years of being the biggest
reliable indicator of the UK economy. Q1 of 2014 provided further evidence that the UK economy is growing at a solid pace. The Q1 survey, made
up of responses from 7,500 businesses, shows improvements in most areas for both the manufacturing and service sectors, and that all key balances are stronger
than their long-term historical averages. In the South East, and in particular Surrey, results were strong this quarter. In the service sector the most
encouraging results were with the export indicators. Both are very high by historical standards and outperform much of the country. The manufacturing export
indicators are also strong and are at high levels compared to previous years. The Fieldwork period for the Q2 QES starts at the end of this month – look out for
your opportunity to get your voice heard and be part of Britain’s biggest, and longestrunning, private business survey. Visit www.economicsurvery.org.uk for more.
Be car free for cashback
May
13 Tue
Chamber Connections Epsom Breakfast, The Royal Box, Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom Downs. Members £10, non-members £20.
8am
9.30am
14 Wed
Surrey Chambers support Guildford Fringe musical John and Jen, The back room of The Star Inn, Quarry Street, Guildford. Members £20, nonmembers £30.
7pm
10.30pm
14 Wed
Understanding International Trade Paperwork, Guildford. Members £225, non-members £350.
9.30am
4pm
15 Thu
Open 18 Hole Stableford Golf Competition, Coombe Hill Golf Club, Golf Club Drive, Coombe Hill, Kingston Upon Thames. Members £76, non-members £96. Kindly sponsored by Wadham & Isherwood.
8am
5.30pm
15 Thu
How to Provide Legendary Customer Care – A Masterclass That Could Transform Your Business, HG Wells Conference & Events Centre, Church Street East, Woking. Members £20, non-members £30.
7.30am
10.30am
20 Tue
Property Group Lunch, The Guildhall, 131 High Street, Guildford. Members £35, non-members £50. Kindly Sponsored by Hart Brown.
12.15pm
2.30pm
21 Wed
The Power of Social Media and Online Marketing, Foxhills Resort & Spa, Stonehill Road, Ottershaw. Members free, non-members free.
7.30am
9.30am
22 Thu
Business Women in Surrey at Pennyhill Park, Foxhills Resort & Spa Stonehill Road, Ottershaw. Members £22, non-members £40.
3.30pm
5.30pm
28 Wed
Chamber Connections Betchworth Breakfast, Hartsfield Manor (De Vere Venues), Sandy Lane, Betchworth. Members £10, non-members £20.
8am
9.30am
For more information about forthcoming events visit www.surrey-chambers.co.uk
If someone offered you a scheme that gave you cashback rewards to spend at thousands of retailers just for leaving your car at home every day and catching a bus, or cycling or walking to work, what would you say? Surrey Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with Smartran Ltd, are proud to introduce a new and innovative scheme where you and your employees can earn cashback rewards by leaving the car at home, reducing the amount of traffic on the road and choosing to walk, cycle or travel by public transport to and from work. This scheme is based entirely in Surrey and works by the participant completing a weekly online survey, receiving points that then allow them to gain cash back at
l Financial Incentives for your employee; l Health Benefits for your employees, especially if they are cycling or walking to work, therefore improving staff efficiency and lower absenteeism; l Reduction in traffic at peak times, reducing pollution and congestion in the area; l A reduction in traffic will also mean better public transport journey times, as well as reduced travel times for your business needs/ deliveries. Cycle to work and claim cash back.
thousands of online retailers including Argos, Expedia and Next among others. Great benefits of the scheme include:
The scheme is easy to use and open to any business, and we would welcome any company interested in joining to contact Gary Hayes at gary.hayes@surrey-chambers.co.uk.
Be part of the network - find out how Surrey Chambers of Commerce membership can help your business at www.surrey-chambers.co.uk
May 2014
How to make the most of networking at Guildford Means Business
5
Guildford Means Business offers you many great opportunities to network. Warren Cass, founder and CEO of Business Scene, shares his advice for getting the maximum return from your time at the show. We love getting involved at business expos and get excited by the possibilities, howev-
er, one thing is consistent at every show we attend… the majority of the room com-
Warren Cass, founder and CEO of Business Scene.
pletely underestimates the opportunity. From exhibitors to delegates, most fail to really grasp the potential benefits of the show, which are numerous. I would like to focus on networking for this short article. Networking has become a multi-million pound industry in the last 20 years – multi-billion online – which isn’t bad considering it wasn't even a chapter in a marketing book back then. Most of us realise the necessity of a trusted network to get traction in our businesses. But let me ask you this – what does networking mean to you? Many only consider it a tool for lead generation and that’s a mistake, in my opinion. I challenge you to make this your best show ever. To think about networking as something much more than lead generation and to come prepared with some thought to
Networking has become a multi-million pound industry.
your strategy over the two days. For me, my network is an incubator for new ideas; it
provides critical feedback on the issues I face as an entrepreneur and it offers
the potential to develop joint ventures and powerful partnerships in this age of
Delegates and visitors at last year’s event.
collaboration. I challenge you to think hard before you arrive about who your perfect JV partner is? What type of company is an ideal introducer? Then actively look out for them throughout the day, whether browsing the stands or taking part in the facilitated networking opportunities. Sure, serendipity should play its part and you will meet great new unexpected contacts… But in my experience, the best results in life come when you have prepared and do things on – and with – purpose. Turning up is half the battle, as opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor – but you still have to spot it! Spotting opportunities is easier to do if your needs are front of mind. Have an intentionally good show folks!
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May 2014
Surrey Connects hosts digital technology round table debate Education is the key to helping businesses better utilise new technology
Mark Pearson CEO of Surrey Connects chairing a round table event at Surrey Research Park.
Jobseeker allowance claims decreasing THE number of people on Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) has continued to fall, with less people claiming the benefit again this month. The Surrey Connects Surrey Economic Prospects for April revealed there were 7,550 (1.1%) claimants in March, a decrease from 8,078 the previous month.
The figure now is lower than it was in December last year, when the it stood at 7,837. The number of JSA claimants has also continued to show annual decrease, the number claiming in March 2013 was 11,508 (1.6%). The JSA claimant rate in Surrey remains lower than the South East (1.8%) and
Great Britain (2.9%). Spelthorne and Reigate & Banstead tied with the highest percentage of claimants, at 1.3% in March. Waverley and Mole Valley shared the joint lowest percentage last month, remaining at 0.8%. The claimant rate in Guildford has fallen to 0.9%.
SURREY RESIDENTS CLAIMING JOB SEEKERS ALLOWANCE (JSA)
BUSINESS leaders from across Surrey discussed how companies can embrace digital technology to help them accelerate business growth and operate more efficiently at a special roundtable event last month. The meeting on digital and creative industries was hosted by Surrey Connects, an independent, business-led economic development company, and focused on the issues currently faced by businesses and identified innovative best practice. Surrey Connects chief executive Mark Pearson chaired the roundtable meeting on Thursday April 24 and explained how this discussion was one of a number being held as part of the company’s Big Debate campaign. He added Surrey Connects’ vision is to double the size of the county’s economy by 2030 and believes it is essential for businesses to understand how to make the best use of data and technology to ensure Surrey continues to be a world-class economy. Adrian Mann, from Leatherhead-based Monochrome, told the meeting that over the past 15 years he had to continually modify his business model to keep up with changes of the internet. “We are seeing more and more companies coming to
11,508
11,000 10,000 9000
1.1%
8000 7000
3,958
6000
4000
21.6%
3000
2,480
2000
Fig 1 percentages denote the ratio of all Surrey residents of working age who claim JSA. Fig 2 shows the percentage of all Surrey claimants (as seen in Fig 1) who do so for 6 months or more. Fig 3 percentages denote the ratio of residents of working age in each Surrey district/borough who claim JSA.
Fig 2
March 2013
Percentages denote the ratio of all claimants in that given data range who are aged 24 or under.
7,550
UK AVERA
GE
35.7%
4,105
16.8% March 2014
March 2013
%
1.8
2,670
12.0% 320
March 2014 Data source: Nomis Courtesy of Surrey Connects
JSA
CLAIMANTS BY DISTRICT OR BOROUGH MAR 2014
2.9 %
ST SOUTH AEGAE AVER
31.2%
14.7% 605
1,440
1000
CLAIMANTS AGED 24 AND UNDER
The proportion of claimants aged 24 and under is currently showing a downward trend across the county
FEWER JSA CLAIMANTS IN SURREY
5000
entrepreneur and Chairman of Surrey Connects. He said: “In my experience, every business is different, some are transactional based and others information based. What pulls them altogether is the concept of content, that is critical.” Joanne Rogers, managing director of PR consultancy Prowse & Co agreed. “It’s much more about having a conversation rather than broadcasting a one-way message. Businesses need to recognise this and adapt accordingly,” Aaron Bamford from Social Outsourcing Ltd also felt this was the case. He said that some clients he works with have a lot of content and understand the way in which to use it, but others give very little. “I have to rely on my own skills and interpretation of how to do it for them”, he added. Surrey Connects has launched an innovative programme to help the county to position itself at the centre of digital business in the UK. It is hoped that ‘Digital Business Surrey’ will make the county one of the most enabled locations in the UK for SMEs to engage in digital business. Discover more at digitalbusinesssurrey.com or join the debate on twitter @ SurreyConnects @ SurreyBigDebate
ALL CLAIMANTS OF WORKING AGE
The figures show a drop in people claiming for longer than six months, however because the overall number of claimants, shown left, has fallen by so much this is recorded as a proportional rise.
1.6%
12,000
them and understand what they need to benefit them is vital according to Ben Richards, account manager at Farnham-based Thunderbolt Digital. “We have clients who come in and ask for an iPhone or an android app, but often they don’t know what benefits it might bring or if its really the best route to take,” he said. Richard Pearce, head of higher education at East Surrey College, and Julie Kapsalis, director of business development at Guilford College, were then asked how their courses keep pace with technology. Ms Kapsalis said each year when her college reviewed their curriculum, they ask businesses what they need and try to be responsive. However, Mr Pearce told the meeting the specification colleges get from awarding bodies is often out of date and so the course content can often lag behind industry. Penny Power, founder of the Digital Youth Academy and board member of Surrey Connects, echoed what Mr Pearce stated before telling the meeting she hired one youngster who had to be retrained because, despite having studied technology, his education at college was outdated. Another observation was made by Brian Farrugia, an
KEY
...OF WHOM CLAIM JSA FOR 6 MONTHS OR OVER Fig 1
13,000
us now asking about ‘big data’ because it’s a buzzword at the moment but they don’t know how to use it,” he said. “People jump on buzzwords when they really need to take a step back and understand how the technology could benefit their business.” Bob May, managing director of IT support experts Ramsac, based in Godalming, added education is key to help businesses better utilise new technology and Steve Coburn, manager of Camberley-based IT outsourcing company Project Five, said he had a client recently who requested a large order of iPads to be seen to be “down with the kids”, when really other hardware would have made more business sense. “Sometimes the websites that companies create do more damage to business than good,” he said. “Most companies want a website built but they don’t want to spend a lot of money when really they should be investing in it. There often seems to be a fear factor about new technology and rather than doing their research, there are many chief executives who won’t invest in something because they don’t know what it is nor understand the benefit of having it.” Taking business leaders on a digital journey to educate
SURREY AVERAG E
1.1 %
Fig 3
1.3%
1.3%
1.2%
1.2%
1.2%
1.0%
1.0%
1.0%
0.9%
0.8%
0.8%
23.4%
20.6%
21.7%
19.2%
17.9%
21.4%
16.6%
16.0%
17.6%
17.9%
16.7%
SPELTHORNE
REIGATE & BANSTEAD
TANDRIDGE
SURREY HEATH
WOKING
RUNNYMEDE
ELMBRIDGE
EPSOM & EWELL
GUILDFORD
WAVERLEY
MOLE VALLEY
May 2014
Investment watch
7
Keeping an eye on the markets
Consider taking AIM with your portfolio The market for smaller companies holds tax advantages and can be right for carefully picked stock By Philip Scott
Head of Advisory Stockbroking at Simple Investments
Philip Scott of Simple Investments. This report was written by Philip Scott, Head of Advisory Stockbroking at Simple Investments on 6/5/14 when the FTSE 100 was trading at 6788.
The end of April brought a further advantage to investing in shares listed on London’s AIM (Alternative Investment Market): the removal of stamp duty, which is charged at 0.5% on the value of a purchase deal. This latest exemption completes a handy suite of tax advantages, including the ability to hold AIM-listed shares in tax free ISA accounts (which became effective last summer) and the ability to pay zero inheritance tax on ‘qualifying’ AIM investments held for a minimum two-year period (utilising what is known as Business Property Relief ). AIM is the LSE’s international market for smaller companies, which is less stringently regulated than the
Main Market. For this reason, such companies tend to be perceived as riskier to invest in (more on this later) as the accounting criteria required to be listed is smaller. There are approximately 1,000 different companies listed of varying market values; ASOS (the online retailer) at one end of the spectrum has a market value of over £3.5bn (large enough to be a FTSE 100 company) compared to companies with values of under £1m. Current day market values achieved (known as market capitalisations) will ordinarily be linked to levels of trending profitability, net assets and in addition, to perceptions of future performance and potential value. Incredibly, 10 years ago ASOS was trading at a fraction of its current day value and provides a staggering example of the upside capital growth potential that a
shrewd investment on AIM can deliver. And that is before one considers how tax efficiency can further boost investment appeal. Both Institutional (pension funds, unit trusts) and private investors present themselves on the share registers of many AIM-listed companies. The duration that a shareholder will remain invested can vary with objectives: some private individuals are content to ‘trade’ short-term, either large or small market value companies in search of speculative returns; others will have longer-term dispositions, preferring instead to hold on to what they believe to be ‘multi-baggers’ over time (shares that can appreciate by many factors of their initial prices). Investing in shares carries well-documented risk, but much has been made of the apparent increased levels of
risk associated with the AIM. While it is true that smaller sized companies can be significantly less liquid (the ease with which one can buy and sell) than Main Market-listed companies, I would point out that lower liquidity can actually bring about lower volatility. As such, AIM companies are less likely to attract the attention of large-scale institutions (such as hedge funds) which tend to trade very large transaction sizes requiring decent underlying liquidity. Indeed, lower levels of volatility (risk some might say) and improved share price performance from many AIM companies can clearly be seen graphically over the past year when compared to fullylisted companies. Of course, micro market capitalisation companies with little by way of assets, revenue and no profitability warrant natural caution. But
many have established and growing (often niche) businesses, with strong management teams and financial profiles. Careful stock picking as a result of patient research is paramount, certainly when eyeing longer-term capital preservation and growth; for strategic IHT avoidance objectives, as an example. The top 50 AIM-listed companies essentially command market values in excess of £200m, most being profitable and dividend paying. Such facts should go a long way towards diffusing, even removing the penny share (superlative risk) stigma people often immediately associate with AIM. AIM company investment can be an exciting and profitable pastime offering diverse opportunities, and one that I especially relish in my dayto-day duties, providing suitable client specific advice.
Asian entrepreneurs vie for position on rich list Nine Surrey-based Asian businessmen make the list, announced at last month’s Asian Business Awards By Mark Edwards
mark.edwards@trinitymirror.com SURREY’S top Asian businessmen were honoured at the Asian Rich List and Business Awards ceremony in London last month. The battle of the Asian billionaires was closely fought this year, and nine of Surrey’s entrepreneurs were once again featured on the annual listing of the UK’s wealthiest Asians, with a combined net worth of £1.38bn. This year’s rich list was unveiled at the Asian Business Awards on Friday April 11 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel. The highest entry from Surrey was the Camberleybased Jatania family, currently at number 17, with a net worth of £500m. Brothers Mike, George, Vin and Danny came to Britain as penniless immigrants from East Africa and built their company, Lornamead International into a highly
successful health and beauty group, owning some of the country’s most recognised beauty brands such as Lipsyl, Yardley and Vosene Shampoo. In December 2012, the Jantania’s disposed of Lornamead to the Li and Fung Group, a HongKong-based conglomerate, in two separate transactions, first selling the distribution business and then the intellectual property of the brands themselves. The other Surrey companies mentioned in the rich list included Woking-based Navin Engineer, from Chemidex Pharma Ltd, Woking-based James Caan, from Human Capital Investment, and Wokingbased WSK Soosaipillai, from State Oil Ltd. Shailesh Solanki, executive editor of Asian Media and Marketing Group, said: “The list shows the remarkable strength and diversity of Asian businesses in the UK.
“Despite the challenges of the general economy, many business leaders in the community have seen opportunity and potential, and moved quickly to capitalise. “It is an inspiring picture and one that should energise entrepreneurs everywhere.” Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Education, attended the ceremony and paid tribute to the contribution to the economy from the Asian community. He said: “Reading through the stories of many of the winners I remain astounded by the amazing spirit not only of individuals, but of the community as a whole. “Today we celebrate some of the most successful Asians in the UK, many of whom started with a small idea and worked their way up the ladder to where they are today. “There is one consistent thread that binds these individuals together: never being afraid to dream big and work hard to achieve those dreams.
Mike Jatania, former co-owner of Lornamead International, a highly successful health and beauty group said to be worth £500m.
Navin Engineer, owner of Woking-based Chemidex Pharma Ltd, worth £170m.
There is much to be learned from the famous ‘Asian work ethic’ and I have no doubt their stories will continue to inspire future generations across the board.” The gala event and awards ceremony was attended by a number of leading politicians and peers, including Lord Andrew Feldman, Richard Harrington MP, Seema Malhotra MP, Priti Patel MP, Alok Sharma MP, Shailesh Vara MP and Keith Vaz MP.
Dinesh Dhamija, Owner of VirginiaWater based Ebookers, said to be worth £60m.
James Caan, owner of Human Capital Investment and a former member of BBC programme Dragons’ Den.
8
May 2014
Garden to stir the senses at top show By Nick Edmondson
nick.edmondson@trinitymirror.com
A GUILDFORD-based landscape design company is to showcase its innovative skills at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. LDC has created the Mind’s Eye Garden at the popular annual event, which runs from May 20 to 24, for the Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB) in partnership with residential property developer Countryside. The garden, which is the brainchild of designer Tom Prince, will feature in the show’s Fresh Garden category, which aims to champion
innovation and creativity. Mr Prince collaborated on the garden with LDC landscape architect Alex Frazier. The pair worked with the LDC team, in Blacksmith Lane, in order to create a garden which is ‘inspired by and reflects the experiences of sight loss’. It does this by using textures, sounds, tastes and smells to stimulate all of the senses. Mr Prince said: “The aim of the garden is to stimulate the mind’s eye by encouraging visitors to engage in an intimate experience of touch, sound, taste and aroma. “Throughout the space we will use contrasting materials and textures, which will
challenge visitors to use their imagination and memory. “The garden is loosely divided into four zones; open woodland, damp shady woodland, temperate prairie border and an arid Mediterranean border. “Naturalistic planting covers horizontal and vertical plant beds to contrast and soften the hard landscaping.” The garden was inspired by a joint scheme between Countryside and the RNIB to redevelop the charity’s community living services at Redhill. Currently at the planning stage, the scheme aims to produce a model for integrated supported living. The homes will be built
alongside homes available for private sale in order to promote integration. Elements from the show garden will be used within a sensory trail through the Redhill redevelopment. Karen Deadon, director of education and social care at the RNIB, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be returning to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year in partnership with Countryside. The garden represents our vision for a fully inclusive society and will offer visitors the opportunity to experience sights, tastes, textures and aromas from an entirely new perspective.” Graham Cherry, chief exe-
LDC’s The Mind’s Eye garden which will be displayed at this month’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
cutive of Countryside, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring RNIB at the show. The garden has proved an exciting and valuable experience
in helping to establish key design features for the sensory trail and gardens planned for the RNIB Community living Service development
at Redhill. Here the two organisations will create an inclusive new development for the benefit of the whole community.”
Family business offers real green escape THE Green Escape is a family-run business in Leith Hill which offers eco-friendly holidays for groups of up to 20 people. The business is run by Diana Hitchcock and her daughter Suki, who have lived in Leith Hill for more than 30 years. The Green Escape aims to give its customers a zero carbon holiday. All of the seven shepherd huts that accommodate holiday makers do not have electricity and are heated by wood burning fires. Suki, 33, who is an events manager for Agent Provocateur, has been in the process of building the business for two-and-a-half years and only opened to customers last month. She said: “The aim of the business is to let people escape from their busy lives, to unplug from modern life and just be with each other,” she said. “We want people to talk to each other, watch the sunset together and enjoy the beautiful setting. “Everyone lives such hectic lives these days, so what we offer is escapism and the chance to reconnect with friends and family.” The site is definitely secluded, with the nearest neighbours a flock of sheep in the field beside the
accommodation. Diana, who is helping her daughter with the launch of the business, said that The Green Escape is the first business of its kind to offer zero carbon holidays. She said: “We are the first in the country to offer this, which makes us unique. As well as giving our customers a great holiday, we also want to help local businesses in Leith Hill by bringing in visitors to the area. “This means they will shop at the local stores, drink in the local pubs and eat in the local restaurants.” The Green Escape offers its accommodation exclusively for groups of up to 20 people, with the whole site free for the customers and their friends, families or colleagues in complete privacy. Diana added: “We cater for all sorts of groups, families, business getaways, hen parties and even weddings. “Our tag line for the business is ‘all you need is a torch and a tooth brush’. “We provide everything you need, so people can travel light when they come to stay with us.” The business is currently accepting bookings. For more information, visit http:// www.thegreenescape.co.uk/ about, call 01306 711053 or 07582 163927, or email hello@thegreenescape.co.uk.
All of The Green Escape’s shepherd huts are heated by wood burning fires.
Holland America Line’s new signature tulip has been grown at Dunsborough Park.
Park grows tulips from Rotterdam
Suki Hitchcock, with her father Barry, who built the holiday homes. Pictures: Jake Darling.
SURREY’s Dunsborough Park became the first place in the UK to see a new variety of tulip that has been grown to celebrate the anniversary of a cruise line. Holland America Line was founded in Rotterdam on April 18 1873 as a transatlantic cargo and passenger company. Today, the ships compete in the cruise industry’s premium segment and evoke the classic age of transatlantic liners. In celebration of its 140th anniversary last year, Holland America Line worked with growers at the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, in the Netherlands, to create a ‘signature’ tulip – a whitefrilled petal variety – to honour the company. Holland America Line then approached Dunsborough Park, in Ripley to ask them to grow a bed of the new flowers. More than 1,000 tulip bulbs were planted in the gardens last autumn.
The company’s connection with Dunsborough Park is mainly due to Holland America Line’s rich Dutch history and the Dutch ancestry of the Sweerts de Landas family, who own the estate. Situated just 30 minutes outside central London, Dunsborough Park is a beautiful home set among 100 acres of landscaped gardens, fields and woods. Many different varieties of tulips are grown in the beautiful gardens and this spring marked the flowering of the very first Holland America Line signature tulips in the UK. Visitors have flocked to the Dunsborough Park Festival of Tulips, which incorporated 15,000 newly planted bulbs and more than 10,000 year-old bulbs replanted in the grass to create a wild meadow. For details and other garden open day dates, visit www.dunsboroughpark.com.