Business News Extra October 2014

Enterprise group in call for 11,500 homes 3 Satellite firm’s export deals please minister 5 Researchers to turn their minds to money 6 Bankers donate a pot of gold to Rainbow Trust 8

October 2014

getsurrey.co.uk/business in association with

A victory for convenience The convenience store sector has seen a growth of 5.2% on last year, lending encouragement to thousands of independent shop keepers worried about the advance of the big chains

By Jennifer Morris

jennifer.morris@trinitymirror.com

Taking pride in serving the community: R&V Newsagents owners Hari and Amita Patel (second and third from left) were joined by Manisha Thacker, Jeremy Hunt MP, Nick Williams and Alison Daniels at the reopening of their convenience store in Meadrow, Godalming after they joined forces with Premier, a buying group that works with independent retailers.

WITH supermarket chains moving into towns and villages across Surrey at a rapid rate, fears over the fate of the convenience store are rife.

However, accounts differ as to the impact that the bigname stores are having on the humble corner shop.

A Tesco is due to open in Godalming in the next few months, a Waitrose has newly opened in the Shell garage in Worplesdon Road, Guildford, and Tesco also announced last week that it plans to open a branch in Bramley.

Yet the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) released figures this month celebrating a sector growth of 5.2% on last year.

There are now 50,747 such shops in the mainland UK. ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “Retailers are adapting to customer needs by offering a huge range of services in store.

“The sector now caters to almost every type of consumer, providing coffee and food to go, parcel services and new technologies like contactless payment to name a few.

“The number of jobs that our sector provides really stands out in our report.

“Convenience stores now employ more than 386,000 people, giving local jobs to people of all ages and with a range of other commitments.”

However, such figures and comments have not abated the fears of convenience store owners like Hari Patel.

Mr Patel and his wife, Amita run R&V newsagents, next door to a former pub site in Meadrow, Godalming, that is to receive a Tesco Express in the near future.

On Friday September 19, R&V was relaunched following the completion of its new shop front. The Patels have joined forces with Premier, a buying group that works ex-

“Convenience stores now employ more than 386,000 people, giving local jobs to people of all ages...”

James Lowman ACS chief executive clusively with independent retailers.

This move and rebrand means R&V is able to provide a broader range of products at competitive prices.

Mr Patel said: “We are delighted that our MP Jeremy Hunt, who has supported us personally and the No Tesco at Meadrow campaign since July 2012, was able to attend the relaunch.

He continued: “We have confidence that the communities of Godalming and Farncombe will show their loyalty and vote with their feet. It is a well known fact

that the supermarket giants charge high prices in their convenience stores, so even if they do open their doors I feel that our personal service combined with our special offers will continue to keep customers coming and attract new ones.”

Kanthi Raj, who runs the Prime Wines convenience store opposite the Worplesdon Road Waitrose, said the service station shop’s opening has not affected sales.

“There has always been a shop of some description in that petrol station so we didn’t notice too much of a difference in trade,” he said.

“Waitrose has high prices compared to us, so that has worked in our favour.

“If a brand new shop were to open, then we may struggle, or if a cheaper supermarket chain moved into the petrol station.

“However, in the eight weeks before the Waitrose was opened we did see a big increase in trade, especially for things like milk, bread and the newspapers.”

Mr Lowman added: “Our report is an incredibly valuable tool in engaging with government.

“We will be sending reports and individual constituency cards to every MP in the UK to ensure that they know the value of the convenience sector and the importance of people who run stores in their area.”

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October 2014

My first job THE Wood Fuel Conference organised by Surrey Hills Enterprise will be open to the whole country for the first time this year.

The event, which is aimed at anyone in the woodland management and wood fuel sector, was previously only available for delegates from the south east.

Mark Lebus of LC Energy said: “The event has been a tremendous success in bringing together the pre-eminent businesses across the industry in a forum of discussion, debate and networking.”

It will be held on Friday October 17 from 8.30am to 4.15pm at Denbies Vineyard near Dorking.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce will host a breakfast seminar on pensions auto enrolment this month.

The government has decided every business needs to be able to offer a pension package to employees earning more than £6,000 per year.

Pensions Auto-Enrolment with Bessler Hendrie will involve managing partner at the chartered accountants, Nigel Bolt, aiming to de-mystify the work required.

The event will run from 8-9.30am at the Mandolay Hotel, in London Road, on Friday October 24. Visit the Chambers website to book.

CIVIL and structural engineers Thomasons has been appointed to housing provider Peabody’s major projects panel.

Thomasons, which has offices in Epsom Road, will operate as a structural engineering consultant under a four-year agreement.

Steve McSorley, director at Thomasons, said: “To be selected against top engineering consultancies across the UK, in a highly competitive tendering process, is very gratifying and testament to our long experience and expertise in structural engineering.”

The Mandolay Hotel, in Guildford, will screen an international leadership conference on Friday October 10.

The half-day seminar will be broadcast live from Atlanta and feature three speakers.

Linda Kaplan Thaler will share her experience of working for clients including Hilary Clinton, Hilton, AXA and Nestle, among others. Tim Sanders was the creation officer for Yahoo, while author John C Maxwell written more than 75 books on leadership.

Tickets and further information are available at www.keepthinkingbig.com/l2.

Perdita Hunt, director at Watts Gallery What was your first job?

My first job was working as a Christmas postman when I was a student. I was given a difficult round on the Lower Richmond Road, in Putney, which involved climbing six flights of stairs six times.

How did you get from there to where you are today?

After graduating, I spoke with great artistic entrepreneur David Conville, our neighbour in Putney and founder of the Open Air Theatre in Regents Park.

He told me about arts administration. It involves artists and the arts, but is a behind the scenes role, making things happen.

Inspired, I secured a bursary from the Arts Council to attend an arts administration course at City University.

After working in Cardiff at Chapter Arts Centre, my husband Gilles Gergaud and

I moved to Suffolk, where I had the huge honour of working for eight and half years at the Aldeburgh Foundation.

Part of an extraordinary team, working with Sir Peter Pears, we revived the festival and created a yearround programme.

Subsequently I worked at the Arts Council and then at the start up of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

I always remember my first visit to the Watts Chapel.

Sitting on the top of the hill under the huge branches of the beech tree, gazing out over the Surrey hills – with my children enjoying the stoney paths – I savoured this unique, quintessentially English experience.

As a trustee of the Watts Gallery Trust, I was invited to become director, to lead the project to rescue the gallery.

Saving a building at risk

‘Art can transform lives’: Perdita Hunt.

of collapse has been a challenge only met through the magnificent support of 300 volunteers, dedicated staff, very generous donors and enlightened trustees.

What lessons has your career so far taught you?

I now know that art can transform peoples’ lives, which I have witnessed through the powerful Big Issues project.

Led by the Watts Gallery Trust, the project is making a positive difference to disadvantaged groups across the county including

prisoners, reformed drug users, young offenders and those with mental health difficulties.

What does the future hold?

In Compton, we are on the brink of saving an artists’ village – a unique campus of listed buildings in a conservation area of outstanding natural beauty. If we can save the Watts buildings, this will be a legacy which honours the founding vision of G F and M S Watts and will make Surrey a destination for visitors the world over.

Flooring firm steps in to sponsor SSP squash team 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

SURREY Sports Park has gained a new sponsor, in the form of one of its facilities companies.

The park, in Guildford, known as SSP, has partnered up with squash court and sports flooring specialist Ryan Leisure Activities.

The partnership will involve Ryan Leisure Activities sponsoring the Surrey Sports Park squash club, backing them for success in county leagues and competitions, while supporting a number of events and tournaments held at SSP throughout the season.

Based in Woking, Ryan Leisure Activities has been a

squash court maintenance and sports flooring company for more than 30 years, servicing hundreds of courts and sports floors each year, across the country, including at SSP. Jesse Engelbrecht, head squash coach at the park, said: “We at SSP are very happy to welcome Ryan Leisure Activities on board as our title sponsor for the coming season. “We have an active and growing squash club and with this partnership we look forward to continue to grow our squash section, as well as giving the Ryan Leisure Activities brand recognition.

“We have hosted a number of successful senior and

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Surrey Sports Park’s squash club’s new kit sponsored by Ryan Leisure Activities.

junior events over the last 18 months and now with a sponsor on board, we are excited to take these events to the next level.”

Colin Dickinson, managing director of Ryan Leisure Activities, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering Surrey Sports Park and supporting their squash initiatives and players over the coming year.

“It’s a very exciting time for squash following the positive coverage from the Commonwealth Games, and we want to play a part in helping to raise the profile of the game however we can.

“As a local, long-standing

client of ours, and the England Squash & Racketball centre of excellence for London and the South East, we’re looking forward to working closely with Surrey Sports Park and developing our relationship further.“ A formal launch of the partnership took place on September 9, as the SSP squash club revealed its new kit for the next session, incorporating full branding from Ryan Leisure Activities.

SSP’s University of Surrey owned multimillion pound facility attracts international and national events and teams, bringing tworld class athletes to Surrey.

October 2014

Enterprise group calls for building plan acceleration

By Jennifer Morris

jennifer.morris@trinitymirror.com SOUTH West Surrey’s Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) wants up to 11,500 new homes to be built in the region – with Guildford designated as a ‘growth hub’ – to aid economic expansion over the next 10 years.

At a time when Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils’ local plans are still in a state of flux, along with others, Enterprise M3 has an over arching aim.

The group, covering South West Surrey and mid- and north Hampshire, wants to create ‘one of the premier locations in the country for enterprise and economic growth, with an excellent environment and quality of life’.

It aims to bring together leaders from the business, public and not-for-profit sectors to provide the vision, knowledge and strategic

leadership needed to drive sustainable private sector growth.

The partnership has already secured £118 million in funding from central government to pursue its target and has the likes of Surrey Research Park director Malcolm Parry on its board.

Rachel Barker, project manager for infrastructure, said: “What has become clear from speaking to businesses is the importance of housing to the local economy.

“In the area we have some world class sectors, some really talented people and high performing businesses.

“But their success is being eroded by a number of issues, including skills shortages, traffic congestion and a need for housing.

“These have a potential to stall growth and success.

“Businesses need to attract people with the right skills, for example younger graduates, and this can be hindered if

the area is having to compete with places like London and there is not enough housing for them.”

Earlier this year Enterprise M3 agreed the principle that it wants to accelerate the delivery of housing by up to 25% above the baseline, meaning thousands of new homes could be available more quickly, and the LEP has signed a growth deal with the Government.

Green belt campaigners are fearful that the projected 11,500 figure for the region far exceeds the various district authorities’ combined totals for housing numbers.

However, Enterprise M3 insists its aim is not to increase the number of homes being built but, after the local plans are finally agreed, to accelerate the delivery of the agreed numbers.

The land and property group’s terms of reference state the group ‘seeks to engage and influence planning

and economic policy strands at both the strategic level and through the local delivery process, at a time when the national planning policy is undergoing major change’.

“We are focused on the delivery side of things,” said Ms Barker, adding the proposed allocation of 11,500 homes across the Enterprise M3 region has not been agreed.

“Enterprise M3 has made it very clear in its growth deal that this target is about the acceleration of housing delivery compared to what was actually achieved by local authorities between 2003 and 2013, and that this acceleration should be achieved without an increase in local plan targets.”

The Local Growth Deal also makes it clear that key to achieving the housing aim will be infrastructure funding it bids for along with support for strategic transport interventions.

Antonia Rainbow with model Sarah Knott in the From Me to You bridal studio, in Craddocks Avenue, Ashtead.

Save a fortune on a designer wedding dress The launch of a wedding dress shop with a difference, in Ashtead, will allow brides to walk down the aisle in the best designer dresses without spending a fortune to do so.

From Me To You, in Craddocks Avenue, claims to be England’s first designer wedding dress hire company.

Antonia Rainbow, who launched the business after spotting a gap in the market,

has turned the top floor of her house into a bridal studio, with dozens of dresses kept in a separate room.

“The average amount spent on a wedding dress is now £1,340, which means many brides are spending a lot more than that to get the ultimate dress,” said Mrs Rainbow.

“The other costs of a wedding are also increasing yearon-year, which means many

couples are getting into debt to afford their big day.

“From Me To You offers brides-to-be a great way to cut costs but still feel amazing.

“It’s the norm for grooms to rent their outfits for the big day, but until now there hasn’t been an option for brides to hire a wedding dress from a premier bridal designer.”

Mrs Rainbow’s designers include Vera Wang, Jenny

Packham, Sassi Holford, Alice Temperley, Maggie Sottero and Pronovias. All the dresses originally cost a minimum of £1,000 and the hire prices begin at £329.

The idea is that brides-tobe can save hundreds of pounds, save on dry cleaning and a boxing service.

The lenders receive 50% of the rental profit each time their dress is hired out.

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Rachel Hobbs, of Guildford, last year reached the final stages of a body building/bikini fitness competition and was pictured with her trophy and son, Finnley. This year she has progressed through to the next stage of the Life Fitness 2014 Personal Trainers to Watch competition.

Life’s lessons give personal trainer a healthy perspective A SURREY Sports Park-based entrepreneur and sports champion has been shortlisted for a global fitness award.

Rachel Hobbs, 24, a personal trainer and performance and health dietician who runs Body Brains Beauty at the Guildford venue, has made it through to the next round of the Life Fitness 2014 Personal Trainers to Watch competition.

The contest recognises and rewards trainers who demonstrate a passion and commitment to their profession.

In the next round, a panel of judges will select the top 10 finalists who will compete in a grand final in New York this month to win the title and receive $5,000 towards their personal training business.

Miss Hobbs, said: “I’m incredibly lucky to have a career in an industry that I am so passionate about.

“Winning the award would be incredible, a pat on the back for all the late nights and early mornings to ensure my clients get the best possible training and support.”

Miss Hobbs was 17 and preparing for her A-levels, as well as working part-time as a fitness instructor, when she fell pregnant with her son, Finnley. Yet, despite the stigma of being a teenage mum, she was determined to have a career and pursue her love of fitness, health and nutrition at the same time as raising a child.

She said: “I have always loved sport and was a county gymnast as a teenager.

“I didn’t let having my son stop me continuing with my exercise training, and a few months later I ran my first marathon. I had to learn to balance looking after my son while putting myself through an education.

“I decided to pursue a job that combined my love of sport, fitness and health with helping individuals gain the monumental physical, psych-

Rachel Hobbs with Finnley at her degree graduation ceremony.

ological and emotional benefits that exercise training has on people’s health.”

Since the birth of Finnley, Miss Hobbs, who lives in Guildford, has gained a BSc degree in nutrition and dietetics, and other qualifications.

She also took up power lifting and was selected for Team GB, going on to achieve a gold medal in the European Championships in the Czech Republic. In August she won the British Championships and broke the British records in the squats, bench press and deadlifts categories.

Alongside her business, Miss Hobbs offers specialist training with people who have mental health conditions in their own homes.

“The main challenge I face is when clients struggle to

believe that they will reach their goals,” she said. “I make sure to keep training tough but fun, to maintain motivation and ensure continual progression. I also try to empower all clients to see themselves as athletes, to fuel appropriately and focus on the weight on the bar rather than the weight on the scales.

“Having the ability to support recreational athletes through unique dietary manipulations and training to make lifelong changes, as well as supporting performance athletes achieve their sporting goals is extremely rewarding.”

Miss Hobbs aspires to open a training venue that has a gym, studio, kitchen, café and seminar rooms where members can train, eat well and socialise.

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October 2014

Scotland has spoken, now we must act Further Scottish devolution must be matched by more financial autonomy for the rest of the UK Scotland’s historic decision to remain part of the United Kingdom will be a relief to many business people and a disappointment to others.

The companies we speak to are clear that this cannot simply be the first in a series of referenda, until one side or the other gets the result it wants. Business and investment prospects across the UK would be deeply hurt by a Quebec-style ‘neverendum’ – a lesson that politicians must heed.

Yet business people all across the UK have long known that the referendum would be the start, rather

than the end, of a process of change.

Businesses will now expect Westminster and Holyrood to reach a devolution settlement that is clear, fair to both sides, and swiftly executed.

Businesses want greater devolution of power to be accompanied by greater devolution of finance so that Scotland, and the rest of the United Kingdom, take responsibility for their respective tax and spending decisions.

English, Welsh and Northern Irish businesses and taxpayers should not be subsidising support or incentives for their Scottish

counterparts – nor the other way around. Any devolution deal for Scotland should trigger a new debate on local autonomy in England, where business people in many areas want more freedom from Westminster and more influences over how their taxes are spent.

Local businesses deserve a say in how a new, less centralized UK is governed in future.

Our United Kingdom now has the opportunity to define a future direction that stimulates growth and prosperity as never before – and for us together to make our way in the world, firmly on our own two feet.

The Scottish independence referendum result was met with joy and relief by Unionists.

Stronger links will be forged between business and schools

October

8 Wed

State of the Nation, The Refectory, Guildford Cathedral. Members Free, non-members £10;

7.30am

10am

9 Thu

Open 18 Hole Golf Competition at Burhill Golf Club, Walton on Thames. Members £66.67, non-members £80;

8am

5.30pm

10 Fri

Badminton Networking Event, Lightwater Leisure Centre, Lightwater.

Members £10, non-members £15. In partnership with projectfive;

6pm

8pm

14 Tue

Chamber Connections – Spelthorne Breakfast, Kempton Park Racecourse, Sunbury on Thames. Members £10, non-members £20;

8am

9.30am

16 Thu

Chamber Connections Surrey Heath, Café Bar Restaurant, Camberley Theatre, Camberley. Members £10, non-members £20;

8am

9.30am

17 Fri

Guildford Book Festival – Breakfast with Lord Howell ‘Old Links and New Ties’, The Refectory, Guildford Cathedral. Members £15 nonmembers £25;

7.30am

9.30am

21 Tue

President’s Dinner, Foxhills Resort and Spa, Ottershaw. Members £55 non-members £80. Sponsored by Aldershot Football Club;

7.30pm

11pm

23 Thu

Chamber Connections – Elmbridge Breakfast, The Hilton Hotel, Cobham. Members £10, non-members £20;

8am

9.30am

24 Fri

Chamber Connections – Guildford Breakfast – Pensions Auto Enrolment with Bessler Hendrie, The Mandolay Hotel, Guildford.

Members £10, non-members £20;

8am

9.30am

29 Wed

Chamber Connections – Redhill and Reigate Breakfast, Reigate Manor Hotel, Reigate. Members £10, non-members £20;

8am

9.30am

30 Thu

Members Networking Evening, Farleigh Court, Tandridge. Members Free, non-members £30.

6pm

8pm

To book, visit www.surrey-chambers.co.uk or call 01483 735540 (All prices are exclusive of VAT)

Back in August we congratulated students and teachers in Surrey for achieving high academic results.

The county has some of the country’s best schools and, once again, students’ hard work and efforts have achieved outstanding results.

However, despite strong academic results, youth unemployment remains persistently high and action must be taken to ensure young people are attractive candidates for employers looking to hire.

Young people should leave the education system with a career direction that is relevant to them and the skills and attitude that employers want.

Surrey Chambers, working with our new Patrons, the University of Surrey Business School, is looking to build the bridge between students and employees with the intention to provide the future workforce with the expertise they

Students and mentors who took part in last year’s Mosaic mentoring programme.

need for employment in today’s world of business.

This will not only be beneficial for the students when applying for jobs, but the new partnership will also allow businesses to have an input about the skills they require from higher education and graduates.

With the 2014/15 academic year beginning, we are also gearing up to go back to school as part of the Mosaic mentoring programme.

We will be looking to recruit business people interested in giving up a few hours of their time to mentor young people from schools in the

Woking area.

Volunteer mentors will act as role models, with the aim to bridge the aspirationsattainment gap by working with young people to help boost the students’ confidence, self-efficacy and longterm employability.

Some of the Surrey Chambers team are already signed up to take part in the Apax-Mosaic Challenge, however more mentors are still needed.

If you think you could help support the businessmen and women of the future, contact Ella on ella.parkes@surreychambers.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

October 2014

5

Satellite company’s export deals please ministerial guest Cypriot agreement adds to £500m SSTL order book

By Jennifer Morris

jennifer.morris@trinitymirror.com The out of this world growth experienced by a satellite firm in Surrey received high praise when a government minister visited last week.

The minister for defence equipment, support and technology, Philip Dunne MP, took a tour of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) on Wednesday September 24.

SSTL, based at Surrey Research Park in Guildford, delivers operational space missions for Earth observation, science and communications. It designs, manufactures and operates high performance satellites and ground systems, and employs more than 500 staff.

The minister met with Professor Sir Martin Sweeting OBE to discuss potential export opportunities.

He was also told that SSTL,

Philip Dunne MP (left) took a tour of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd at Surrey Research Park last week and met with Professor Sir Martin Sweeting OBE (right).

which is backed by the Government, has current export orders of £500 million for satellite missions delivering space data for disaster relief, flood monitoring, agricultural management and deforestation.

Mr Dunne said: “I was

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd delivers operational space missions for Earth observation, science and communication.

pleased to visit SSTL today following my meeting with company representatives at the launch of the National Space Security Policy in April.

“SSTL is a showcase of British ingenuity, ambition and engineering expertise – from humble beginnings in the 1970s the company now employs more than 500 people delivering cutting edge technology.

“I am pleased to support SSTL’s increasing success in export markets.”

SSTL and Kypros Satellites (Kyprosat), based in Cyprus, have signed an agreement to collaborate on a turnkey, low-cost telecommunications satellite system.

The offering is based on SSTL’s small GMP-T geo-stationary (moving in a circular orbit) satellite platform, which delivers up to 5.5Kw of power alongside asset management services provided by Kyprosat.

The framework agreement between the two companies heralds a new approach to delivering solutions to the satellite market.

Traditionally, satellite operators are also the orbital slot ‘owners’, where they also undertake the complex process of engineering a solution that meets their requirements.

The signing of the agreement took place in Limassol on Friday September 5 and was attended by the Cypriot minister of communications and works, Marios Demetriades, together with representatives from SSTL, Kyprosat, and Joerg Kreisel – the chief executive of JKIC. After the ceremony, Dr John Paffett, director of telecommunications and navigation for SSTL, said: “SSTL’s small geo-platform is perfectly placed to address the Kyprosat needs and to offer smaller domestic telecoms operators in emerging markets an affordable entry opportunity to an indigenous capability.

“At the same time it offers established global commercial satellite operators opportunities for cost-effective and rapid upgrade or replacement of capability.”

Since 1981, SSTL has built and launched 43 satellites as well as providing training and development programmes, consultancy services and mission studies for the European Space Agency, NASA, international governments and commercial customers with its innovative approach.

Tony Carr shows off a patriotic lining to one of his jackets, which are catching the eye of City executives looking to have a bit of fun in the corporate business world.

Bespoke tailor-made suits allow top City executives a silver lining, among others The world of sober tailored suits is likely never to be the same after a businessman added a touch of rock ‘n’ roll glamour to his products.

After a distinguished career in retail, including a directorship with Mothercare, Tony Carr set up Suit the City, supplying bespoke suits to high-earning executives.

He is now collaborating with Business Punks, whose linings beneath the Saville Row fabric of the jackets depict musicians, movie stars and psychedelic patterns.

From a studio in Shackleford, Mr Carr will travel to his customers wherever they want to talk suits.

“The people who buy my suits don’t want to be traipsing around shops on Saturday mornings with their family and they want to be at the golf course on a Sunday,” he said.

“The money in the corporate world has allowed me to offer a service like this.”

Mr Carr’s favourite lining features The Beatles, but there are a number of colourful and

psychedelic options from skulls and poppies to Jim Morrison or Amy Winehouse.

“Nothing makes you feel more confident in the business world than a made-tomeasure suit, but you usually have to follow a dress code of classic styling in sober shades,” he said.

“However, if you are like one of my clients, a hedge fund manager with an irrepressible fun side, a dramatically-lined suit is the best way to conform on the outside and rebel on the inside.”

Awards selection is a mighty achievement for small ethical firm SUPERFOOD company Creative Nature has been selected as a regional winner for the Small Business of the Year category in the Chamber Awards 2014.

The West Molesey firm is one of 80 businesses selected in nine categories from hundreds of entries across the country. Julianne Ponan, the company’s chief executive, said: “I am so pleased Creative Nature was chosen. It’s amazing to have its achievements recognised – with just a small team you can still achieve

something mighty.”

Creative Nature describes itself as a young, ethical organisation established to promote health, creativity and respect for the environment by increasing awareness of environmental, social and health issues, and by providing the highest quality natural products. All its products are sourced from some of the most remote corners of the Earth, where the soil is rich in nutrients and has not been damaged by over-farming and the use of agro chemicals.

The company ensures the product is of the highest quality and has been sustainably farmed, ethically traded and that the packaging is 100% recyclable.

The Chamber Awards were set up to showcase the talents and achievements of businesses across the UK. Creative Nature will next represent its region at the national finals on Thursday November 27, in the Pavilion at the Tower of London, where the winner will be awarded a £10,000 cash prize.

Creative Nature chief executive Julianne Ponan and operations manager Matthew Ford are celebrating after the company was selected as a regional winner in the Chamber Awards 2014 Small Business of the Year category.

6

October 2014

Researchers aim to turn their minds to money Six researchers have been selected to take part in a programme to turn their ideas into profitable technology start-ups.

By Jennifer Morris

jennifer.morris@trinitymirror.com

THE age old challenge of turning research into profit is being taken on by the University of Surrey.

Following a successful pilot last year, SETsquared, a business incubation programme run by the universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey, has

Researchers and staff from the University of Surrey.

now launched its 2014 Researcher to Innovator programme.

Research to Innovator, or R2I, is designed to help researchers with promising ideas and projects.

The competitive course will equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to become entrepreneurs.

It is aimed at stand-out postdoctoral researchers, in any discipline, from across the participating universities, and sees them put through their paces with training over six months.

The University of Surrey researchers deemed by SETsquared as some of the most promising in the south, who have been given places on the course, are PhD physicist Niki Bardi; Madeleine Busseaker who is completing a PhD in chemical and process engineering; Ciaran Fisher, undertaking a postdocurate with the School of Biosciences and Medicine; Val Kosta who is taking a PhD in mobile communications; Armin Mustafa who is doing a PhD in vision and speech signal processing and Tom Wantock who is carrying out a PhD in electric propulsion.

Sarah De’Lacy, director at SETsquared’s innovation centre at the University of Surrey, said: “We’re very proud of the

researchers who were chosen out of so many, and it shows evidence of the fantastic research talent in Surrey.

“We can’t wait to see what ideas they come back with.”

A total of 34 people will take part in the programme, which began with a three-day residential course last month.

Mr Wantock said: “Given that researchers are employed to generate ideas on a daily basis, I think that it’s a hugely useful skill for a researcher to be able to identify when an idea represents a genuine commercial opportunity. I’m taking part in the R2I programme in order to develop entrepreneurial skills and attitudes in parallel with my PhD studies, so that I am well equipped to deliver highimpact research.

“I was keen to find a simple system which would allow me to evaluate the commercial potential of my ideas.

“I therefore took a huge amount from the session covering the business model canvas, which was introduced as a powerful technique to iteratively develop a business model from an initial concept.

“I am hopeful that taking part in the R2I programme will help me to generate commercial success and significant societal impact through

my future research.”

Simon Bond, innovation director at SETsquared, said: “Lean, innovative start-ups are vital in creating jobs and wealth in the UK and this programme is likely to create some exciting technology start-ups that could go on to huge success.”

SETsquared provides mentoring, access to investors and incorporates and a wide range of industry experts through its network and training programmes.

Its business incubation programme is ranked the best in Europe and second in the world and over the last decade it has developed more than 1,000 high tech start-ups that have generated £1bn in investment.

A spokesman said the aim is for the start-ups to remain in the area, to help boost the economy. “As most participants are researchers, working for a number of years, they are often tied to the area.

“As such, many of the startups launch where they are based, and this is certainly the aim here.”

The Surrey Technology Centre is a stone’s throw away from the university, providing space for small technology companies, focusing on research, development and design.

Why visiting an exhibition offers business benefits Many people in business do not realise the many benefits of visiting an exhibition.

When asked formally, they will probably say ‘to see the latest products and services that are available’, and this is a perfectly good reason. This is even more relevant at a local event like Woking Means Business. Businesses are beginning to appreciate the advantages of working with local suppliers – such as quicker delivery, easier to contact, closer control and getting to know the people they deal with.

Asked in general conversation, then the answer is as likely to be – to network. In other words to meet up with colleagues and friends, to meet new people they might like to do business with, to see and be seen. In other words, to be out there and an important part of the local business community.

Visiting exhibitions is also

a very good way of finding out what’s going on – maybe with your competitors, in the area of business you operate in or in the town and surrounding areas you are based.

In this respect, The Woking Borough Council Breakfast Forum that takes place on the morning of the show is an ideal example. The Chief Officer, Ray Morgan and the Council Leader Cllr john Kingsbury will update attendees on the regeneration of the town, how the Council is handling its budget and what the Council is doing to help attract businesses into Woking and what they are doing to help them once they are there.

This event has been oversubscribed for the last two years and is already on the way to being fully booked.

Here’s another good reason. To learn something new that will help you run your business more effectively and

more efficiently. Woking Means Business offers some excellent seminars, all of which are free to attend.

The keynote speaker is Chris Lane, renowned for the work he did founding and leading the Chris Lane Tennis and Health Centre where customer care was the byword. His subject ‘The link between management, customer care and an outstanding customer experience’ is of vital importance to any company that wants to be outstandingly successful.

The three master classes are ‘Influence’ by Warren Cass, an excellent marketer and speaker and the founder of Business Scene, ‘Lead Generation’ with The Telephone Assassin, Anthony Stears and ‘Leadership’ with local businessman, Sujit Basu. Sujit makes it clear that this session applies just as much to small businesses as to leaders of larger

Anthony Stears will be providing a master class seminar at Woking Means Business.

corporations.

Finally, for start ups, there is plenty of advice available.

The Woking Borough Council Start Up team with

their sponsors, Barlow Robbins and Menzies, will all be on hand with help, support and advice.

Woking Means Business

takes place on Wednesday 15 October, from 9.30am to 4.30pm at HG Wells Conference & Events Centre, Church Street East, Woking.

You can book your free admission to the exhibition and the seminars by visiting www.wokingmeansbusiness.com.

October 2014

Investment watch

7

Keeping an eye on the markets

Insulate returns as an autumn chill nears for the market

By Philip Scott

Head of Advisory Stockbroking at SI Capital

Philip Scott of SI Capital.

This report was written by Philip Scott, Director and Head of Advisory Stockbroking at SI Capital on 30/9/14 when the FTSE 100 was trading at 6620.

A FALL in the market during September has been the result of negative sentiment at the macro level paced by a combination of factors.

Dire events in the Middle East have demanded military action from the West, continental Europe remains in an economic mire and anxiety is rife regarding the potential effects of impending transatlantic interest rate rises.

At a sector-specific level, weakness has largely been seen across supermarket and mining stocks but few areas have performed.

Tesco has continued to trade lower, now reeling further from shaving £250 million off profit guidance owing to accounting irregularities.

Astonishingly, some analysts are now questioning the investment case viability of the once-major UK retail success story.

How the mighty have fallen. Having witnessed a halving in the value of BP four years ago, I was not expecting to see another behemoth of the London market do the same. Testing times indeed.

Sainsbury’s has, unsurprisingly, also been a noteable decliner on the month, with obvious read across

apprehension taking hold. If Tesco has been struggling and flattering profits, the logic then points to who else in the sector could be under pressure. A challenging update imminently looms from Sainsbury’s and a heavy dividend cut seems almost a certainty. Once an appetising mixture of defensive earnings and property asset backing for investors, the whole sector has unwound with remarkable speed.

Fund managers are only now starting to appraise the merits of whether this group is starting to offer value; views are predictably mixed.

Furthermore, the all-important Christmas trading period is now not that far away.

Turning to the mining space, iron ore is trading at five-year lows and Rio Tinto, in particular, has been implicated, with 80% of profits derived from iron. BHP Billiton and other majors have not been immune.

Some question marks regarding China’s appetite for metals has also waned.

With huge scale and low relative costs of production, however, these two companies in particular are well placed to weather difficult periods. Smaller players, however, are going out of business.

Adding further angst to the negative mix here

is a strongly valued dollar (supported on upbeat US projections), which is not assisting traders’ moods for ing directly relatively expensive dollar denominated commodities (metals).

While these ongoing pressures cannot be ignored, the contrarian in me is now focusing on valuation and I have been adding selectively the bigger sector names to portfolios eyeing recovery.

October – historically a volatile period for equities The US market is trading just shy of all-time highs but it is important to note volatility in both equity and bond markets has been increasing.

Whether markets are complacent is debatable but some would argue that in a general sense, valuations look full and with QE in America coming to an end next month and with the value of the dollar on the rise, multinational corporate profit growth will become harder going forward. Even if UK listed companies are less ‘expensive’, if the US starts to correct, our market will not escape any malaise.

High-yielding shares (those that pay above-average dividend returns) have historically been defensive companies such as utility or tobacco firms.

More often than not in

these cases, the dividend return is the prime focus of the investor, as often the underlying business is (reliable) low growth and thus material moves higher in the actual share price are unlikely. Thus a distinction between a capital growth share (often low dividend yielding) and an income share is made.

However, over more recent times, a diverse range of companies have learnt the importance being placed on dividends by investors, both private and institutional, and at times of volatility in markets especially, high yielders can protect returns relatively well. In fact, some would argue yielding stocks make decent investments anyway...

Of paramount importance when selecting a yielder is to thoroughly research the level of (growing) profitability a company has to ensure the proposed dividend payment is secure (adequately covered by earnings).

A company may, at a headline level, appear to be paying dividends at a certain level when, in fact, a dividend cut is just around the corner; such situations, known in some cases as ‘value traps’ need to be avoided.

An important point to make is that a robust dividend yield on a stock can also help limit downside on the share price as the attached

yield will ultimately act as a price support.

Simply speaking, a stock is probably unlikely to fall much further than where it yields, say 6%, unless a weak trading statement or dividend cut is on the cards!

Analysis should help in avoiding such scenarios. A good example of a value trap, with hindsight, would be Tesco where until recently, shares seemingly paid a 5% income yield; the dividend is now hugely reduced, if not to be scrapped completely.

Alternatively, a possible yielder worthy of consideration right now might be drugs giant GlaxoSmithkline, which has a forecasted dividend yield of 5.7% for 2015.

High yielding collective investments, such as equitybased investment trusts, would give an exposure to a range of different companies and so reduce individual stock specific risk.

A word of advice: high (income) yielding shares may best be purchased in the name of a lower income tax paying individual, for example a non-working spouse.

Recall also utilising the tax free ISA allowance now set at £15,000 per year. No (additional) tax is paid on any investment held within an ISA or SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pension) account for that matter.

IT specialist provides the answers to company’s searching questions Outsourced expertise complements in-house team

By Jennifer Morris

jennifer.morris@trinitymirror.com IT service provider ramsac has been called upon for help by the largest independent property search company in England and Wales.

The STL Group has appointed the Godalmingbased firm to provide network management and IT support.

Ramsac describes itself as delivering stress-free IT support, and it has been established since 1992.

As well as a range of residential and commercial property searches, STL Group offers company searches, an anti-money laundering solution and indemnity policies.

For more than 40 years it has supported solicitors, licensed conveyancers, estate agents, mortgage lenders and local authorities with such

information.

Ramsac claims STL is at the forefront of search technology with its online ordering system, allowing users to receive property searches straight to their inbox within seconds.

For a business like STL, with a workforce spread across the UK, a reliable, secure and well managed IT system is deemed crucial.

STL decided that outsourcing would provide a solution that removed the reliance on any one individual, and would provide cost-effective access to a broad skill-set and specialist knowledge.

As such it has developed a combined approach, with an in-house junior IT and development team along with the team at ramsac.

STL also receives regular visits from ramsac’s dedicated network consultants who

concentrate on supporting and improving the network infrastructure, security, resilience and productivity.

As well as day-to-day management, the IT company was also tasked with planning and implementing a major system upgrade.

Ramsac relationship manager, James Neville-Towle, said: “STL was faced with the need to upgrade an estate of Windows XP machines, which were no longer being supported by Microsoft.

“We were able to establish the varying needs of the STL user base and developed a plan to replace their traditional environment with a solution which enabled them to upgrade the functionality for all users, without the expense of replacing all of the physical machines in the various offices.

“Implementing a new Citrix server environment, we’ve been able to standardise technology across the organisation, provide greater support for their mobile and remote work force and simplify the ongoing management and provision of technology. In addition we’ve worked to improve the resilience of the system, providing improved security and less reliance on single points of failure.”

Simon Cox, of STL, outlined the benefits of outsourcing IT as an addition to an inhouse team.

“Working with ramsac has taken away the headache of covering holidays and staff absences,” he said.

Ramsac’s senior leadership team: Paul Mew, Robert May, Sally Cooper and Dan May. “It has also enabled us to “We have avoided the need and can access specific exper- have never tried the hard sell, carry out specific projects in on the contrary, they have addition to regular network to pay for expensive one-off tise only when we need it.” training for specific projects He added: “They [ramsac] been consultative.” maintenance.

8

October 2014

Bankers ensure donations fill a pot of gold for Rainbow Trust

By Jennifer Morris

jennifer.morris@trinitymirror.com Employees at Deutsche Bank UK were joined by celebrities on the trading floor last week as the staff donated a day’s salary to a Leatherhead-based charity.

Workers at the bank – one of the world’s largest – took part in a special fundraising event on Thursday last week, with all the money raised going towards its two chosen charities of the year – the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, in Leatherhead, and Malaria No More UK. The bank’s Charities of the Year programme is part of its new UK corporate citizenship youth engagement strategy, Born to Be, which gives young people the chance to reach their full potential.

Now in its eighth year, the One Day Campaign is Deutsche Bank UK’s annual fundraiser, which last year raised more than £652,000 and sees salary donations matched by the institution.

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, in Cleeve Road, provides expert social palliative care to families when their child has a life-threatening or terminal illness. Offering emotional and practical support, assistance is available 24 hours a day.

Amy Chambers, corporate partnerships manager at

Hugo Taylor with Bungle on Deutsche Bank UK’s trading floor.

Rainbow Trust, said: “We are so grateful for Deutsche Bank’s support and the money raised today will go towards providing support for families caring for a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness.

“We are a national charity relying almost entirely on fundraising, so events like today’s will help us to continue providing vital support for those families when they need it most.”

A number of celebrities walked the trading floor of the bank’s London office to help encourage the bankers to give

up their salary on the day.

The stars included British boxer Frank Bruno, Made in Chelsea star Hugo Taylor, Samia Ghadi, who took part in Dancing on Ice and who plays Maria in Coronation Street, Gillian Wright, who plays Jean Slater in EastEnders, as well as ITV News presenter Mary Nightingale and musician Aloe Blacc.

Lareena Hilton, global head of brand communications and corporate citizenship at the bank, said: “Deutsche Bank’s Charities of the Year programme works to champion two charities each year,

EastEnders actress Gillian Wright joined Bungle, Zippy and George in encouraging staff at Deutsche Bank UK to donate to Leatherhead’s Rainbow Trust.

voted for by employees and sharing our Born to Be mission to help young people fulfil their potential.

“The One Day Campaign gives the two charities access to employees and fundraising that can be transformational.

“It lets us be a part of the impact, raising vital funds to help children and families in the UK and Africa,” Mr Blacc, who is a special ambassador for Malaria No More UK and who travelled to Ghana to see first-hand

the charity’s programmes in action, explained why malaria is an issue close to his heart.

“As a parent I can’t even contemplate the agony of losing a child,” he said.

“Tragically, in Africa, thousands of parents are going

through that pain every day as a child dies every minute.

“This is all the more tragic as it costs less than £1 to treat a child for malaria. We can stop this and staff at Deutsche Bank are helping make a huge difference today.”

Sponsors invest in runners’ wild idea Two fundraisers who are taking on a 65-mile charity challenge in one day this weekend, have been put on the road to success thanks to the sponsorship of a Surrey solicitors firm and specialist running shop.

Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) ranger James Herd, 31, from Wisley, and trust volunteer Ben Habgood, 29, from Woldingham, will commence their gruelling run tomorrow (Saturday), which will take them across 28 of the charity’s reserves. The pair will set off at Staffhurst Wood and finish at Puttenham Common with the aim of raising money for conservation research projects carried out by SWT, such as helping harvest mice, otters and dormice. They are also hoping to highlight Surrey’s ‘living landscape’ and the variety of habitats the trust looks after.

Barlow Robbins Solicitors, which has offices throughout the county, is sponsoring the run and has provided funds to cover medical supplies, food and drink provisions and a tracking device for both runners.

Guildford’s specialist running shop, Fitstuff, has also leant a hand, providing the clothing and equipment the pair will need for the day, and their training leading up to it.

Ali Dolphin, from Diamond Logistics, with the halow project’s head of fundraising, Ann Kenney and staff from the Guildford-based charity.

Diamond company leads the way in commitment to local charities Ben Habgood and James Herd are taking on a 65-mile run in one day for Surrey Wildlife Trust. They have been supported by businesses Barlow Robbins and Fitstuff.

Mr Herd and Mr Habgood have been preparing hard for the past four months, already running each section of the route plus a 31-mile ultra marathon.

“Training has been pretty tough, covering increasing distances each week, and now we are finally winding down as we get closer to race day” said Mr Herd.

“This is going to be the toughest physical and mental

challenge we will have ever put ourselves through, but the money will go towards crucial conservation research projects in Surrey, which could have positive implications for wildlife and habitat management throughout the UK. “None of this would be possible without the invaluable support of local companies like Fitstuff and Barlow Robbins, and the

enthusiasm and generosity of Surrey residents.”

The route will take the two fundraisers, who met two years ago, through reserves such as Bay Pond, The Moors, Newlands Corner and Bagmoor Common. They have set themselves a target of collecting £5,000 and still have some way to go, but those who want to support the cause can visit www.justgiving.com/raceforwildlife.

A COURIER and logistics firm that gives £250 to a different charity each month, is calling on other businesses to do the same.

Staff and customers at Diamond Logistics nominate the charities, which are normally small ones and for which £250 represents a significant donation. Recent charities to receive cash include Skillway, a Godalming trade learning project that motivates students in a workshop environment; Mulberry House, a project for vulnerable single women with support needs; Women’s Aid, combating domestic violence against

women and children; MPD Voice, which carries out research into myeloproliferative disorder; and the halow project, which creates opportunities for young people with learning disabilities.

Kate Lester, chief executive and founder of Diamond Logistics, said: “What we do is to give a little and often to charities. I made a commitment that we would do this every month, and often we support micro-charities for which our donation is a meaningful one.

“I call on other businesses to do likewise, it’s a great way of putting back into your local

community and it can motivate your staff and customers.

“If more SMEs donated just £250 per month, just think how much more these charities would be able to do.”

Ann Kenney, head of fundraising at the halow project, said: “We are delighted that Diamond Logistics has supported us.

“As a small charity delivering a wide range of support in Surrey, it is key to us that local businesses and employers recognise the value of our work supporting people to live fulfilling independent lives. Many thanks to Kate and all the team.”