Business News Extra September 2013

Falling unemployment is just the job for county 3 Bid to improve town’s trade gets off to a flyer 4 Further improvements in Surrey’s economy 6 Is cloud computing right for your business? 8

Sept 2013

getsurrey.co.uk/business in association with

Businesses back heathrow Businesses in Surrey say they have a real economic advantage from their proximity to Heathrow Airport and need to campaign for it to remain the flight hub of the UK

By Tim Harris

tim.harris@trinitymirror.com

An artist’s impression of the proposed Heathrow expansion.

Surrey’s future economy is in a holding pattern regarding plans for Heathrow Airport.

MORE emphasis has been placed on the critical nature of a government decision on UK airports for the future of Surrey’s economy.

The airport debate is in motion after proposals were recently submitted to the Davies review on airport capacity.

There are a number of options on the table, but it has been suggested that only an expansion of Heathrow Airport’s capacity will have a positive outcome for Surrey.

Those within the Surrey business network have backed Heathrow as the only viable option and argue it is one of the main reasons many firms are based in the county.

Business group Enterprise M3 Partnership appointed economic development consultants Regeneris to carry out a study entitled Help shape the future of Heathrow Airport, which concluded in August.

The results are yet to be released.

Enterprise M3 also hosted a recent meeting in Woking that was attended by more than 25 key business figures from the area.

The partnership has adopted the firm stance that maintaining and developing Heathrow's position as an international airport hub is vital to the economic success of the Surrey area.

“This was an incredibly important meeting of minds,” said Geoff French, chairman of Enterprise

M3. “Businesses have been repeatedly telling us how critical the access and the status of Heathrow is to their success.

“We will be continuing to champion the need for aviation capacity and I would encourage all companies whose business is impacted by this issue to make your voice heard to government, either individually, using business organisations or through the LEP.” Businesses at the meeting voiced concerns about the airport debate and the future of Heathrow Airport.

“I would encourage all companies whose business is impacted by this issue to make your voice heard to government either individually, using business organisations or through the LEP” This included the view that big businesses in the area are here because of the proximity to Heathrow, and there is genuine concern that if it is no longer the UK’s hub airport, many businesses may then move out of the area.

They also said the current debate is creating ‘a generation of uncertainty’ over the future of Heathrow, resulting in business opting to locate to other global centres whose long-term future is known, and that any change in hub status would result in a loss of jobs from the area.

Finally, businesses recognised that the area had real economic advantage through close proximity to both Heathrow and Gatwick and pressed for infrastructure improvements to enable easier access for all residents and businesses.

Business leaders in the area were able to hear from Heathrow directly why it is proposing it should be the only hub airport in the UK. Speaking at the meeting, Nigel Milton, director of policy and political relations at the airport, said: “Our belief is that if the UK government wants to expand its airport capacity, the fastest and most cost effective way to do this is to expand Heathrow.

“By doing this, they will be building from a position of strength, boosting airport capacity that is already there and, thus, connecting our country to the growth we need.”

Surrey Chambers of Commerce has also backed Heathrow as the UK's hub airport, with the message that it is ‘key for businesses in Surrey’ and could both create and save jobs at Heathrow.

It has been said that a new hub airport elsewhere, as suggested by London mayor Boris Johnson, could spell the end – or at least the significant downsizing of Heathrow – and a mass loss of jobs.

Heathrow has ruled out a fourth runway until 2040.

A decision by the government will not be made until 2015 and any final approval would be unlikely before 2019.

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September 2013

My first job A COMPANY headed by a business women from Shalford has agreed to sponsor Aldershot Football Club and a new stand at their stadium.

The newly-constructed stand, which accommodates up to 250 new spectators, has been adopted by Elm Ltd, who form part of the RHLA Group, of which Lorraine Collis is chief executive.

“The Elm Community Stand will make available around 250 free seats for local charities, disadvantaged community members and those people who may not have previously had the opportunity to engage with football at a local level,” Lorraine said.

“It’s is such a positive move and something we’re keen to be a part of.”

THREE new international trade advisers (ITAs) have been employed by the government’s UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) body to help Surrey firms.

John Goldsbrough, Francis Kenyon and Andrew Mapstone have more than 50 years of export experience between them and will provide advice for exporters based in the county.

Lewis Scott, South East regional director for the UKTI, said: “The South East is the strongest exporting region in the country.

“However we need more firms exporting if we are to reach the targets set by the Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Green, of 100,000 new exporters by 2020.”

NEARLY two thirds of workers in the South East work late up to five days a week.

A survey by the Co-Operative analysed the food choices, lifestyle habits, fitness levels and working environments across sectors.

More than a third of workers in the South East agreed that work gets in the way of healthy eating and nearly a half said it gets in the way of exercise.

Around 40% of workers have a takeaway evening meal once a week.

Across the country builders were found to be the healthiest by eating packed lunches and doing physical work in the fresh air. Call centre workers fared worst for unhealthy eating.

Nick Roylance is the co-ownermanager of Genesis Publications in Guildford. Genesis is an independent publisher of signed, limited edition books with recent authors including David Bowie and Eric Clapton What was your first job?

My first full-time job was in the family business. My father gave me responsibility for a book charting The Beatles’ formative years, with contributions from George Harrison and Paul McCartney. It was a welcome development. My first after-school job was cleaning the company offices, and I was the worst cleaner we ever had.

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

Today, my sister Catherine and I are leading the company.

Our team is creating some of the most exciting limited editions in Genesis’s 39-year history. We are able to do this

thanks to the vision and hard work invested by my late father, the passion of Genesis’s readers around the world, and the exceptional creativity of our authors.

What has your career so far taught you?

A career in publishing has taught me, above all, about entrepreneurship. Whether it is in creating a sell-out series of art prints for David Bowie, an interactive ebook for Ringo Starr, or the next signed limited edition book with Yoko Ono, all Genesis projects are a first, in one way or another.

Everyone at Genesis shares a love of originality and inventiveness.

Nick Roylance, co-owner-manager of Genesis Publications.

What does the future hold?

In the next month we will see the fruition of a collaboration between musician and poet, Lou Reed, and the legendary photographer Mick Rock.

Between them, they have co-

created some of the most enduring images in rock ‘n’ roll history. In fact, Mick is coming to Guildford to tell this particular story in person, at G Live on September 9. Why not join us?

Teenager delighted to win Apprentice of the Year award

By Tim Harris

tim.harris@trinitymirror.com

Editorial Director Marnie Wilson Group Deputy Editor Mark Miseldine Business Reporter Tim Harris Commercial Manager Amanda Ducas Regional Sales Manager Sarah Firth

A

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A TEENAGE apprentice at a Haslemere travel firm has won an apprentice of the year award.

Chelsea Cooper, 17, who is an apprentice at independent travel agent Haslemere Travel, has been named the Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) Apprentice of the Year.

Chelsea received her accolade from Dame Tessa Jowell MP at a special ceremony at the House of Commons, in July.

The award rewards an apprentice for hard work and dedication to their job role as well as their NVQ qualification over the past 12 months, giving special recognition to apprentices who the ITT believe have excelled during this time.

Chelsea said: “I am thrilled with this award, as it is my first ever. I love working in travel and with the great team at the agency and it is my ambition to work full-time in the profession and also travel the world.”

Chelsea has set her initial sights on travelling to Dubai and the USA. “Having heard so much about it from the team when they travel there, both destinations sound wonderful,” she added.

Chelsea was accompanied by Haslemere Travel’s managing director and manager when she was presented with her trophy at the ITT event.

Chelsea joined the travel agent in July 2012 as the agency’s first full-time apprentice. She lives in Bordon, Hampshire.

Gemma Antrobus, managing director of Haslemere Travel, said: “We are so very proud of Chelsea’s achievements. She is a vital part of

Susie Atkinson, apprentice Chelsea Cooper and Gemma Antrobus from Haslemere Travel.

the team at Haslemere Travel and we all know how hard she has

worked, so to be recognised for her efforts is just amazing.

“She has a very bright career ahead of her.”

September 2013

Falling unemployment is just the job for county

By Tim Harris

tim.harris@trinitymirror.com DESPITE the announcement of 100 new jobs in Surrey during the last couple of months, as well as a further 40 potential roles, there is no room for complacency when it comes to unemployment, warned a business leader.

The most recent injection of employment in the county arrived through driving recruitment agency Blue Arrow, which announced 50 drivers for 7.5 tonne lorries will be needed from the local area.

A large proportion of the new recruits will work for retailer John Lewis, in Weybridge.

Michael Watson, head of driving at Blue Arrow, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to get 50 local people into local jobs, with a large number of them working with a well-respected and wellloved national company.”

The 50 roles were confirmed

just days after news broke that a further 50 jobs will also be created in Cranleigh through the opening of a care service.

Mulberry Living, in Bloggs Way, was recently signed off by the Care Quality Commission after being formed in the village in February.

The service will have more than 50 new jobs for people in care support assistant roles, which will be a mixture of part-time and fulltime positions.

Despite these announcements, Louise Punter, chief executive of Surrey Chambers of Commerce, pointed out that while 100 new jobs is positive for Surrey, the county still has around 10,000 unemployed people.

“That is still quite a lot of people when everyone should be employed really,” she said.

“We still have high unemployment in Surrey.

“It is a significant number of people so we have to get these

people into work. However, any new jobs coming into the area are very welcome.

“I think things have looked positive for the last couple of months, we seem to be gradually pushing upwards.

“Unemployment has reduced, which is good. That is always a good sign going forward.”

The number of unemployed has fallen in Surrey from 12,000 in recent months to around the 10,000 mark. Mrs Punter said this showed signs the county is moving away from recession despite still suffering.

The promise of 100 jobs also comes shortly after another 40 possible vacancies were announced in the county.

As many as 30 roles are on the cards in Send if Vision Engineering’s plan for a new facility at its Send Road base is approved by Guildford Borough Council.

Just a month earlier, the Hogs Back Brewery, near Tongham announced a potential 10 positions as it prepares to double in size as part of a major development of the facility.

Mrs Punter added: “It is very positive to hear about the potential for jobs.

“It shows how important it is to encourage businesses to expand and provide these jobs.

“I hope we will continue in the same direction, creating jobs. For that we have to, as a community or a number of communities in Surrey, be supportive of growth and expansion.

“Everyone has got a part to play in this. That goes for all of the public sector organisations. Local residents have also got to accept that there could be developments in their vicinity.”

For more information on the Blue Arrow jobs, call 01753 693008 or visit www.bluearrow.co.uk.

3

The Hogs Back Brewery has announced 10 potential new jobs under its expansion plans.

PR firm sends out positive message with nomination

Waterstones staff Peter Cole and Alex Rayner with manager Shelley Carver at the opening of the new bookshop, which has returned to a permanent site in South Street, Dorking. Picture: Steve Porter. (Ref: SA134810_4)

A new leaf for bookshop is good for store turnover JUST a few weeks since moving its location in Dorking, the Waterstones bookshop in the town is flourishing.

Dorking Waterstones, which moved to South Street at the end of July, has enjoyed a successful start to life in its new, but also rather familiar setting.

The shop had originally been based in South Street before moving to a temporary home in St Martin’s Walk for a couple of years, and has now returned to its old road by moving into the former Millets site.

The official opening event took place shortly after the move on August 10 and store manager

Shelley Carver has confirmed Waterstones Dorking has got off to a flyer.

“We have been busy from the word go,” she said.

“It has been a confident start, there has been a good flow of customers coming in here. It is a good part of the town to be in as we get a lot of passing trade.

“We are in a really successful part of town, we have got a prime location where we are and we have also managed to expand the store from what it used to be.”

Miss Carver said it is a good feeling for the business to have a permanent home after being in a temporary spot for some time.

She added: “It is nice to finally be somewhere permanent. It is lovely for the customers as well, who care greatly about keeping the bookshop open in Dorking – the customers are very passionate about that.

“We do really feel like a part of Dorking, we feel like we are at the heart of the community. We are really proud to still be here.

“We knew we wanted to stay in Dorking and it is good to keep the local economy going. Although we are a national chain, it has always felt like we are kind of an independent store and an independent book supplier. We have a great rapport with the customers.”

A MARKETING and public relations firm in Walton on Thames has been shortlisted for an industry award.

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has recognised the achievements of Padua Communications and shortlisted the company for the outstanding consultancy award in the Home Counties South region.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the CIPR PRide awards, which will be held at Hilton Brighton Metropole on December 4.

Nicky Rudd, managing director of Padua Communications, said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted in this year’s CIPR PRide awards. It’s a real commendation of the work the team does for our clients.”

The CIPR is the professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK, and with more than 10,000 members it is the largest body of its type in Europe.

The Institute’s president, Sue Wolstenhome, said: “The CIPR PRide Awards celebrate the very best in public relations from across the UK’s regions and nations.

“This year’s entries were all of an incredibly high standard,

Nicky Rudd, managing director of Padua Communications.

highlighting the industry-leading work that is taking place right across the UK. I would like to congratulate all of those who have been shortlisted for an award.

Their success demonstrates their exemplary achievements in such a thriving profession, and recognises the impact they have made in their region and beyond.”

Barometer points towards investing A BUSINESS expert has warned of the disadvantages of companies in the South East holding back from investment.

A survey by Close Brothers Business Barometer has shown that less than one-in-five of firms in the region are planning to raise finance in the next 12 months.

Regional director for Close

Brothers Invoice Finance in the South East, Robin Goddard, said: “While we can understand a conservative approach, it may mean that businesses are missing out on opportunities for increased commercial activity, thus impeding on the pace of recovery.

“Almost half of businesses surveyed in the South East admitted

the situation has not improved in the last 12 months, while 18 per cent claimed that trading conditions have deteriorated in the last year.

“If their economic outlook is to improve, it’s important that businesses raise their ambitions and reconsider their financial strategy.”

4

September 2013

BID to improve town’s trade gets off to a flyer Earlier this year a new business improvement district (BID) was launched in Guildford. The woman at the helm, general manager Amanda Masters, talks to Rebecca Younger about its progress so far SIX months ago a new and exciting project was launched in Guildford in a bid to boost the town centre’s economy.

Experience Guildford is one of hundreds of business improvement districts (BID) that are popping up across the country as local leisure and retail firms join together to improve the environment they work in.

Originating from Canada in the 1970s, BIDs are relatively new schemes in the UK – the first being established in Kingston upon Thames in 2004.

A BID is a defined geographical area in which business rate payers vote to invest collectively in local improvements in order to enhance their trading environment.

Experience Guildford, which was voted through with an 83% majority, sees the 589 retail and leisure businesses within its

boundary pay a compulsory 1% levy, which is then invested into the town centre.

Over the five-year term that the scheme will be in place, £2.5 million is expected to be raised.

General manager of Experience Guildford, Amanda Masters, said the scheme is already making great strides in the town in the six months since it has been launched.

“What’s great about the BID in Guildford is that this is already a very proactive borough,” Amanda said.

“There are lots of groups and business organisations that want the town to be as successful as it can be.”

Among the projects that have already been put in place, one of the most prominent is the three uniformed Blue Caps.

These full-time employees of

Experience Guildford are described as the ‘eyes and ears of the BID’ and can be seen out on the High Street most days promoting local businesses to shoppers and reporting feedback and comments on issues such as the repairs required in the town.

A privilege card was also launched for BID members and their staff, and former police officer Stuart Craggs has been employed as a night-time economy manager to help make Guildford a more attractive place to visit in the evening.

“Guildford has such a great night scene and although there is little trouble here, we want to do what we can to make sure people enjoy it safely,” Amanda said.

Voting has also just closed for the inaugural Experience Guildford Customer Service Awards for retailers, cafes, bars and

restaurants and leisure venues in the town to enter.

Amanda added: “We’ve received thousands of votes and it’s great that the public and businesses have really got behind it.

We’ll be announcing the winners on October 1.”

Among the many ideas Amanda and her team are working on for the future are ways to improve parking and securing a Pop-Up Britain store in the town to showcase local entrepreneurs and small start-ups.

But as well as these larger projects, Experience Guildford is also on hand for the everyday difficulties town centre businesses might face.

“We literally get calls about anything and everything," Amanda added.

“It certainly makes for an interesting and varied job.”

Amanda Masters, general manager of Experience Guildford. (Ref: SA132622)

Award win will be jewel in Diamond’s crown...

• • • • • •

Location: Nokia HQ UK, 2 Kingdom Street, London, W2 6BD Date: Thursday 17th October Time: 9.30 – 1pm To register your place, please contact Katherine Iggulden e: katherine.iggulden@one-point.co.uk t: 01372 619 000

A GUILDFORD-BASED entrepreneur has been nominated for a national award.

Kate Lester, managing director of Diamond Logistics, which is based at the The Pines Business Park, in Broad Street, will join more than 1,000 business owners at the ICC in Birmingham this month for the National Entrepreneur’s Convention.

Kate will find out on Friday September 27 whether she has scooped the main prize in the Entrepreneur of the Year Category at the awards ceremony, hosted by television star Alistair McGowan.

Speaking about being shortlisted, Kate said: “Receiving national recognition will aid further development of the national network, be a door opener for the recognition of Diamond as a brand and facilitate growth and the enhancement of opportunities for myself, my team, clients and suppliers.

“It will further engender a sense of pride in my team and reassure my new franchisees what a great choice they have made in following my leadership and direction.

“After 21 years, to get this kind of recognition from my peers and industry luminaries would mean the world to me and my family.”

Over the past six years Kate has created six new franchises in the UK, doubled her employee numbers and returned Diamond Logistics, which specialises in a same-day courier service, back into profit.

Kate Lester, managing director of Diamond Logistics.

The National Entrepreneur’s Convention takes place on Friday September 27 and Saturday September 28, and is dedicated to small businesses and entrepreneurship. All business owners

can enter the awards for free, with the closing date for applications being Monday.

Anyone wanting to enter can do so by visiting www.entrepreneurs convention.co.uk/awards.

September 2013

Apprentices bring companies Winner of a new outlook on workplace BID summer competition ‘delighted’

YOUNG apprentices can be a real asset to businesses in Surrey, and bring a different perspective to the workplace.

That was the view of the chairman of the Guildford Business Forum after teenagers across the county collected their A-level and GCSE results in August.

Keith Churchouse, who heads up the forum, has given his full backing to companies taking on young apprentices, and went as far as to say firms who overlook the opportunity could miss out in a big way.

“The important thing is to recognise there is great potential in the generation coming through,” he said.

“We, as employers, have to realise they are the future.

“I think it is a great opportunity that is often overlooked. Those employers who do overlook apprentices do so at their own loss.

“It is very easy not to embrace new ideas but apprentices come along with new ideas. Apprentices bring a different perspective to the business. They bring youth to the business and a different angle – and that is vital.

“The future is the younger generation and we are seeing many individuals rejecting the opportunity to go to university to come

and work in an office instead.”

Mr Churchouse explained the experience works both ways and can be beneficial for the apprentice as well.

He said the apprentices get the chance to have a business environment wash over them, so they can absorb the ethos and learn how an office works.

Mr Churchouse is a financial planner and the creator of Guildford firm Chapters Financial, and took on an apprentice himself in January last year. His then apprentice Jack Bishop is now a permanent member of the team.

Mr Churchouse praised Jack and said: “He has been extremely successful, he has done very well.

Jack has grown significantly over the course of the last year or so.

“Taking on an apprentice has been a very beneficial option for us. We are just in the process of looking at organising a second apprentice.”

A special team called Service to Business, based at Guildford College, has also supported apprentices to help boost Surrey’s economy.

Angie Denyer, head of employer engagement for the group, said: “There is an incentive for Surrey employers because young people tend to be really committed when

Woking is one of the South East of England’s premier business locations; a place with ambitious plans for economic growth.

To help local companies to thrive and grow in the Borough, a new website has been launched to support the local business community –

Apprenticeships benefit the young person and the company.

they get an employer wanting to invest in them. Young people are a growing talent and they give so much back. The opportunities and advantages are endless.

“While we have had a bit of a lull in local businesses wanting to expand and develop, I think now is the time for them to understand about keeping their skills up-todate. A young person is very much up-to-date with their skills.”

Earlier in the year Mr Churchouse released a book entitled The Recession is Over...Time to Grow, in which he suggested the UK economy is on the mend and explained businesses must be ready for the transition.

He added that as the UK comes out of recession, demand will increase and suggested apprentices could fill the gaps in Surrey firms' business models.

GUILDFORD’S business improvement group has announced the winner of its summer competition.

As part of the Guildford Summer Festival, Experience Guildford Business Improvement District (BID) offered visitors to the town the chance to win money to enjoy the summer. The winner was named as Barbara Bowen, who said she was ‘delighted and surprised’ to have taken top spot in what was the first competition she has ever won.

Entrants had to describe their favourite bits of Guildford Summer Festival, such as the annual Raft Race, the castle grounds or the hanging baskets dotted around the town centre.

To take the victory, Barbara spoke of her enjoyment of the range of activities across the town centre throughout the festival.

Amanda Masters, general manager of Experience Guildford, said: “As it is our first year as a company, we wanted to build on the fantastic events calendar that we already have in Guildford, and this competition seemed like a great way to do so.

We loved reading through the

“We loved reading through the competition entries” competition entries to see the different bits of the festival that people enjoy, and think the money has gone to a very worthy winner.”

Mrs Bowen said she will spend the money on a dress for her granddaughter’s wedding and a new bed for her daughter’s imminent visit from Australia.

The website offers a range of free services, including:

Start Up Woking – Are you an ambitious entrepreneur or growing business?

Get free business support delivered by our network of expert advisors.

Do Business in Woking – Already in business? Join our network to keep up-to-date with local business initiatives, support packages, offers and events.

Locate in Woking – Looking to relocate or expand your business premises?

Find out how we can support your company.

Find your competitive advantage today at: www.wokingworks.co.uk

www.wokingworks.co.uk Follow us on: Twitter: @WokingWorks

5

6

September 2013

Further improvements in Surrey’s economy showing Surrey Connects aims to double the county’s economy to £52bn by 2030 by leading activities that embed sustainability to enable them to weather economic storms in the long term.

The number of young people unemployed is on the increase.

SURREY RESIDENTS CLAIMING JOB SEEKERS ALLOWANCE (JSA)

By Tim Harris

tim.harris@trinitymirror.com THE economy in Surrey has shown further improvement according to the Surrey Connects Surrey Economic Prospects, released at the end of August.

The prospects reveal that unemployment has fallen in Surrey in the last month, as the data showed the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) benefit has dropped once again.

The number of Surrey claimants in July stood at 9,779, a drop of more than 260 from the figure the previous month, which was 10,043.

In addition to the monthly decrease, the Surrey JSA claimant figure for last month represents an annual drop in those claiming the benefit.

In July 2012 as many as 11,722 people were claiming JSA in the county, nearly 2,000 more than the figure for last month.

The Surrey Connects Economic Prospects report read: “The most up-to-date way of measuring unemployment is by using JSA claimant data.”

Surrey’s claimant count rate

1.6%

12,000

11,722

11,000

1.4%

10,000

9,779

9000 8000

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 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.

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

6000 5000 4000

Percentages denote the ratio of all claimants in that given data range who are aged 24 or under.

GE

20.5% 2,005

1000

3,880

16.1%

14.9% 580

July 2012

July 2013

715

July 2012

July 2013

%

2.1

Data source: Nomis Courtesy of Surrey Connects

JSA

Fig 3

CLAIMANTS

BY DISTRICT OR BOROUGH JULY 2013

1.7%

3.5 %

ST SOUTH AEGAE AVER

39.6%

4,415

2,720

2000

UK AVERA

37.7%

23.2%

3000

Surrey’s economy is improving.

ALL CLAIMANTS OF WORKING AGE

1,940

7000

point this year. Finally, the Surrey Connects Economic Prospects revealed which boroughs and districts in the county had the highest and lowest levels of people claiming JSA last month.

Spelthorne remains the area with the largest percentage of residents at the working age claiming JSA, with 1.7% in July.

While the number in Reigate & Banstead has fallen to 1.5%, the area does claim second place and has stretched above other areas.

The areas which had the smallest percentage of working age residents claiming JSA was joint between Mole Valley and Waverley, which both had 1.1%.

There has also been movement on the percentage of working age people in Guildford claiming JSA, which has fallen to 1.3%.

KEY

...OF WHOM CLAIM JSA FOR 6 MONTHS OR OVER Fig 1

13,000

has remained consistent this month (1.4% of residents at working age), and also continues to be low relative to the South East (2.1%), England (3.4%) and the UK (3.5%).

The report continued: “The Surrey count also remains low relative to economic comparators: Oxfordshire (1.4%), Buckinghamshire (1.7%), Cambridgeshire (1.8%) and Berkshire (2%).”

There was bad news, however, for Surrey’s youth unemployment in the Surrey Connects Economic Prospects, as more people aged 24 and under are claiming JSA. The number of JSA claimants aged 24 and under in July stretched above the 2,000 mark, at 2,005, which compared to the 1,950 the month before.

This represented a jump of 55.

The figure had been falling consistently over the last few months until now.

However, youth unemployment has fallen in the last 12 months, showing annual improvement in Surrey.

In July 2012 there was 2,720 JSA claimants aged 24 and under, which means there has been a fall of 715 claimants by the same

SURREY AVERAG E

1.4 %

1.5%

1.4%

1.4%

1.4%

1.4%

1.3%

1.3%

1.2%

1.1%

1.1%

23.1%

21.6%

22.2%

21.6%

21.8%

21.4%

18.6%

20%

17.9%

20.5%

20.1%

SPELTHORNE

REIGATE & BANSTEAD

TANDRIDGE

SURREY HEATH

EPSOM & EWELL

WOKING

GUILDFORD

RUNNYMEDE

ELMBRIDGE

MOLE VALLEY

WAVERLEY

September 2013

Investment watch

7

Keeping an eye on the markets

Is low interest rate pledge from Governor misguided?

By Philip Scott

Head of Advisory Stockbroking at Simple Investments UK Overview The Bank of England Governor (Mark Carney) has continued to make the case for low rates possibly until 2016. This is bad news for savers but potentially good news for dividend yield hungry equity (shares) investors. Four per cent plus annual income yields from good quality blue chip companies are easily located.

Citing ongoing significant slack in the economy and imbalances in the structural growth profile of the UK, he has also guided the markets into not expecting an interest rate rise until the unemployment rate falls to 7% (and even then he may not raise rates). It will likely be three years before this metric is seen in his opinion. In contrast, market analysts seem to be taking a somewhat different view of the UK in the face of consistently decent economic news updates.

The housing market is strengthening with historically low interest rates translating into associated significant improvements in mortgage completions. Some are going as far as worrying about a new housing bubble. Data relating to both manufacturing and services

Philip Scott of Simple Investments.

sectors are gaining traction showing consequent improvement and inflation is running above 2% target and may run higher. GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.7% in the second quarter of the year; annualised this is near 3%.

As recently as March, the OBR were forecasting 0.6% growth for the year. While still somewhat behind pre credit crisis levels of growth, what we appear to be seeing is still encouraging and 1.3% annual growth is now not an unreasonable projection. An added positive is that the Eurozone is starting to emerge from the mire of austerity and this will not do the onward progression of the UK any harm.

At the very least traders are expecting a rate rise in 2015 if not before. There is some talk that Carney and co at the MPC should drop their new policy of “forward guidance” as it may be flawed and misguided. Market events can have a rapid change upon the economic landscape and this may force the Governor to go back on his word sooner than he thinks.

Market As measured by the index, August has traded sideways on low volume which is the norm for this time of year.The threat of military action in Syria is a risk to

sentiment and we have seen a marked appreciation in the price of gold (as a perceived safe haven) and oil. A market event of note has been the sale of Vodafone’s 45% stake in Verizon Wireless in the third largest corporate transaction in history with a value of £84 billion. The shares have rallied over 20% in the past two months as the market started to believe that a deal was in the offing.

Where Vodafone ventures next (re-investing the proceeds) remains to be seen. Will itself end up being taken over? One thing seems clear, that the dividend payout will be less so income focused investors could be a little disappointed.

Investment Possibilities Since May when the US Central Bank signalled that QE Bond buying stimulus may be reduced, there has been significant relative weakness in the EM (emerging markets) and currencies alike. I have been adding Indian exposure, taking a medium term view for recovery. The Bombay Sensex is down 9% in three months and the Indian rupee is at all time lows as the country grapples with slowing growth and a large current account deficit.

Whilst contrarian and with risk, I expect to see the authorities and central bank act further to manage

and stabilise their current problems. Company valuations are naturally at a low ebb but many are financially strong and growing profits. My suspicion is that India’s fortunes in time will turn (structural changes in India are likely) and an investment trust such as JP Morgan India (285p) trading on a 15% discount to underlying asset valuelooks attractive to play this recovery theme. Gearing is low on the fund and with market leading companies like Infosys (the Trust’s largest holding) set to benefit from a weak rupee, I see upside potential over the medium term.

British Land in commercial property is also back on my radar paying near 5% income yield at current prices (550p). UK assets and rental income can improve with onward UK general economic progress.

Down from 660p in May, shares have fallen 16.5% in short order.

With quality City of London and West End space and blue chip retail tenants on long leases, I do not see excessive risk in the business mix.

This report was written by Philip Scott, Head of Advisory Stockbroking at Simple Investments on 2/9/13 when the FTSE 1000 was trading at 6520.

Businesses need to embrace social media, says industry expert

By Tim Harris

tim.harris@trinitymirror.com BUSINESSES in Surrey that do not embrace social media are putting themselves at a disadvantage, according to an expert in the field.

Social media trainer Nicky Kriel has warned companies about the perils of ignoring social media as a key tool for business in the modern time.

Ms Kriel, who is from Guildford, recently published her first book, How to Twitter for Business Success, and has organised a social media conference to be held later this year at Horsley Towers, in East Horsley, at which she will spread her message.

“I think social media has got to be a must for any business at the moment,” said Ms Kriel.

“You are putting yourself at such a disadvantage if you are not embracing social media.

“A lot of business owners are reluctant about using it, but their customers are not. You have to be communicating with your

customers in the way they want to communicate.”

Ms Kriel said the conference is aimed at small business owners, of which there are plenty in Surrey.

The social media conference will feature a number of guest speakers, including David Byrne, from Google.

Ms Kriel said: “The conference will give a good overall sense of how social media works and the aspects of it.

“There is a lot of smoke and mirrors with social media so it is important to know how it works.

“Surrey has got so many small and medium sized businesses, people who have got a wealth of experience behind them but they don’t necessarily know how to use social media.

“I want to help people to come on board and understand social media as a whole new point of view.”

Ms Kriel said she understands the apprehension business owners have, as only 10 years ago social media was barely on the

scene. She described growing up without a computer and said the internet was almost unheard of.

Ms Kriel’s book, which she began writing last October and launched in March, explains what a vital role social media can play in business.

“The book is aimed at business owners who want to learn how to use Twitter to grow their business,” she said.

“It is an easy read, it focuses on people using twitter for business rather than following celebrities.

“The book talks about the advantages and benefits twitter can provide. I wrote it with the mindset for someone who has just started on Twitter and wants to know how to get the best out of it.

“People haven’t changed.

Technology has changed but people haven’t changed.

“I have been getting feedback from around the world from people reading the book.

“Every day I get a tweet from someone I do not know saying they are enjoying my book, which

Nicky Kriel is now planning to write a book about Facebook.

is really lovely.”

The social media conference will take place on November 1 at

Horsley Towers.

For more information visit www.socialmediasummit.biz.

Following on from her first book, Ms Kriel now plans to write a book about Facebook.

8

September 2013 Sponsor’s feature

Is cloud computing right for your business?

Cloud computing is often heralded as the ultimate goal for firms looking for IT systems that are both robust yet flexible, says Andy Houston of Arcom IT. So what are the benefits it offers?

Cloud computing is the most exciting development in technology in recent times and is becoming widespread.

There are many benefits associated with accessing your data and applications via the Internet – otherwise known as ‘the cloud’ – and these are increasingly being adopted by Surrey businesses.

The benefits of cloud computing Many of Arcom IT’s customers are already storing and accessing data via the cloud.

The potential to reduce a firm’s expenditure on computer hardware is a compelling argument for cloud computing.

With a traditional IT set-up, the purchase of a database server is quite often required, as well as a separate email server.

Any costs related to installation, maintenance and support typically come on top of these initial expenses. In addition, most firms will need to either upgrade or replace at least some of this hardware every three years, again at considerable cost.

Store and access data in the cloud.

Keeping your business IT infrastructure afloat isn’t a job for one or two people!

In the midst of new legislation,economic turbulence and environmental challenges it’s important that the 21st Century doesn’t leave your business in a jam.

At Arcom IT we have an unrivalled team of friendly experts who can supply and support robust, tailor-made solutions that evolve to keep you on the straight and narrow.

And since our main office has been in Surrey since 1998... we’re just down your road!

• Server & Desktop Virtualisation • Storage Virtualisation • Application Virtualisation • Infrastructure Services • Cloud Services • Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity • Workforce Mobility • VoIP Telephony & Internet communications • 24/7 Monitored & Managed Support

W: www.arcomit.co.uk | E: info@arcomit.co.uk | T: 01483 505055 Arcom IT Ltd, Export House, Cawsey Way,Woking, Surrey GU21 6QX

Arcom IT Sussex Office, 2 Tarmount Lane,Tarmount Studios, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6DA,

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Smaller firms embrace the cloud Cloud computing has proved to be very popular with smaller firms, as the speed and cost of implementation is much lower than those involved with traditional IT infrastructure.

For smaller firms, scalability is another plus when it comes to cloud computing, since additional users/licences (or even offices) can be added to a cloudbased solution easily, without the need for additional hardware, local installation and set up. This same benefit applies when software needs to be updated.

C l o u d computing also makes remote access much easier, as the your data is available from

anywhere via a simple Internet connection, whether access is needed by multiple offices, from employees working at home, or travelling on business.

Downtime and disaster recovery With data held in the cloud, replicated across multiple data centres, a firm is no longer responsible for application availability or the consequences of disruption whether it be it from power, networking, hardware or software failure.

Firms using cloud computing will simply continue accessing t h e i r applications.

In the unlikely event a business were to loose access to its physical office the employees

can work from another office the next day, indeed Arcom IT offers emergency office accommodation for clients as a provision.

Is the cloud secure?

Is it really any more or less secure to access documents via the cloud than from a firm’s own server? It can be said that Cloud Computing is more secure , due to economies of scale and the fact that data is held centrally at secure anonymous locations where enterprise grade solutions protect your data/applications..

The future As anywhere/anytime/any device access to important business data gathers momentum, the whole idea of ‘your computer’ is slipping away, and being replaced with ‘your data’.

In other words, you will be able to get your data from any computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone etc, whenever and wherever you choose.

Or if you just want to work from out of the office, now it's easy!

Tomorrow’s new telephone system today

Arcom IT has been pioneering internet telephony advice .

Setting up an office system used to be a logistical nightmare.

Buying or renting a PABX (private branch exchange) system was a costly and complicated affair. Also, you had to know, or more likely make an educated guess, the future size of your company, and estimate how many telephone lines you might need for your system.

Buy too few initially and you would be having to spend money upgrading the system, and buying too many you would be wasting money.

Arcom IT has been pioneering installation and advice on Hosted VoIP (internet telephony) systems in the past few years and

has installed many for Surrey businesses. Hosted VoIP systems give users complete flexibility over their phone systems, and adding more users is a breeze. It’s a continuation of the virtual office service which Arcom provides whereby the firm looks after a client’s complete technology requirements. Yet another example of where experts can come in, save you time and money, and let you get on with what you know best ... running your business!

An internet-based phone system gives a company complete flexibility, calls can be forwarded to other land lines or mobiles. This is perfect for a small business

owner who perhaps wants to work at home or have some of the team work remotely. And of course, if there’s snow or transport problems you don’t have to struggle into the office to answer the phones.

All you need to implement an Internet phone system is to buy the number of handsets you need (this is easily upgradeable) and a good quality internet connection, which is commonplace nowadays as virtually all businesses already have a fast broadband connection.

More details are available at www.arcomit.co.uk or call 01483 505055.