Wcnw spring 2015

BusinessMatters SPRING 2015

WCNW

The Business Research Institute Understanding our region’s economic data West Cheshire & North Wales

Chamber of Commerce

Leading supplier

of office PHOTOCOPIERS and PRINTERS in wales 3 Multi-functional printing equipment 3 Desktop printers and copiers 3 Software solutions to monitor & control print 3 Photocopier service & maintenance 3 Interactive touchscreen TVs 3 IT hardware, inc. iPads, laptops & servers

Call: 01443 800 888

www.midshire.co.uk

MIDSHIRE partners the world’s leading office -technology brands including: Midshire Cymru: Unit 6C, Hepworth Business Park, Coedcae Lane, Pontyclun CF72 9FQ

News John Longworth at BCC Annual Conference: ‘We need a business plan for Britain’ The British Chambers of Commerce held its Annual Conference on Tuesday 10th February at the QEII Conference Centre in Westminster.

BCC Director General John Longworth addressed the business group’s Annual Conference along with other keynote speakers Senior Cabinet Ministers, Rt Hon Ed Balls MP, Chuka Umunna MP, Rt Hon Vince Cable MP, Rt Hon William Hague MP, John Swinney MSP and business figures including António HortaOsório BCC Director General John Longworth set out the leading business group’s General Election manifesto — entitled A Business Plan for Britain — and called on all aspirants to political power to embrace a pro-enterprise, progrowth agenda in order to generate wealth and prosperity for the United Kingdom.

The following extracts featured in John Longworth’s conference speech: ON BRITAIN’S PLACE IN THE WORLD: “The United Kingdom is a small country in a dangerous, competitive and uncertain world. Yet – in an increasingly specialised world – our size and these changed circumstances are not a problem.

Indeed, they are an opportunity.

“Britain is a niche player in a global market of constant change. Fleet of foot, flexible, and open, Britain is a great place to do business in the world of the 21st century.”

ON RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE REST OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY: “Our inadequate system of business finance stands in the way of a truly great economy. It is the key area we must address if we are to transform our economic ambition into reality.

“Long-term, patient, loan capital is what makes fast-growing small companies into the home-grown, mid-sized champions of the future.

Without it, too many are forced to sell out and lose control, eventually

and all-too-often to disappear into the clutches of multinationals.

“This is not a new problem. It is a chronic handicap at the very heart of our economy – and one that has been made worse by the great recession we have just experienced. So there is no doubt that fixing the relationship between business finance and the rest of the economy is the key to so many of our aspirations.”

ON BRITAIN’S FUTURE PLACE IN EUROPE: “Chamber members fundamentally support the Prime Minister’s objective: Britain in a reformed Europe. The next government must set out what it will do to protect the United Kingdom against the prospect of being in a club where all the decisions are made by, and for, the Eurozone.

“More than any repatriation of powers, businesses want to know that the UK has safeguards against being drawn closer to the Eurozone – especially as history tells us that currency unions inevitably fall apart unless there is real political, economic and social integration.

“Without true reform, business support for the European project is far from guaranteed. A new settlement for Britain in Europe is essential to achieving our economic ambitions – helping our businesses succeed here at home, and across the world.

“Above all, the debate over Europe must not be hijacked by political ideology. Economic pragmatism – what’s best for Britain, for British business, for our national growth ambitions – must win the day.”

ON A CALL FOR POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITY: “To those who say that the state should have no role in supporting the growth of UK businesses, I say that some of the most successful economies in the world are based on a true partnership between government and business. Attitudes on both sides need to change, and so

John Longworth

do attitudes in Whitehall.

“To those who believe the state is the answer, and that markets have run their course, I say that it is only business that can deliver the wealth and prosperity that the people of this country want. Without business, there can be no welfare state, and no NHS. “To those who historically stood for individual responsibility, but are now content to see curbs on aspiration, I say that it is the small percentage of risk-takers and the many hard workers in this country who create wealth and prosperity, in spite of the burdens imposed by the state – not because of them.

“And to those who believe that Britain is better served by disengaging, either from nearby trading partners, or from the pursuit of economic growth, I say that it is only if we deliver an open and enterprising economy that we will meet our aspirations, and it is only through growth that we will avoid becoming a Ruritarian backwater or a living museum.” www.britishchambers.org.uk

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED

3

cover story

BusinessMa tters

CONTENT

SPRING 20 15

WCNW

24

The Big Interview

The Bus Research In iness stitute Understan ding our re gion’s economic data

Professor Phil Harris dicusses his role in developing the Business Research Insitute.

West Chesh ire & North Wales

Chamber

of Commer ce

Family planning How do family companies start planning for succession? There are eight habits that strong entrepreneurial family companies have.

Nigel Oates of OTS Consulting explains all.

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

06

Colin Brew Riverside Innovation Centre 1 Castle Drive Chester CH1 1SL

ensure the accuracy of information contained in the magazine, neither the Chamber nor the publisher can accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies it contains.

T: +44 (0) 1244 669988 e: info@wcnwchamber.org.uk w: www.wcnwchamber.org.uk

WCNW magazine is published on behalf of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce by

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Chamber. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format (including, but not limited to, any online service, any database or any part of the internet), or in any other format in any media whatsoever, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Although every effort is made to

Advertising Nick Ackroyd T: 0161 661 4182 e: nick.ackroyd@excelpublishing.co.uk Printed by Buxton Press

@ChamberWCNW Excel Publishing Company Ltd 6th Floor, Manchester One 53 Portland Street, Manchester M1 3LD Tel: 0161 236 2782 www.excelpublishing.co.uk

/wcnwchamber West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

08

Treasure trove

A ceremony honouring The Chester Grosvenor’s treasured staff was held at the five star hotel’s Westminster Suite to announce the Employee, Apprentice and Hotel Personality of the Year 2014.

Exciting developments in Chester Central Business Quarter

20

18

Twenty four hours with Martin Page, General Manager of Chateau Rianfa, Anglesey

06 NEWS

34

A roundup of the region’s news

10

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Trading in the EU

12

GETTING STARTED

With Lynne Swinnerton, Managing Director and Personal Travel Advisor for Lomani Luxury Travel

14

HEAD IN THE CLOUDS Is cloud computing the right direction for your business?

22 EVENTS

Roundup of all the region’s recent events

26 APPRENTICESHIPS

There has never been a better time to employ one

31

GOOGLE LIKE A PRO We reveal some of the secrets to fast and efficient searching

32 NEW MEMBERS

A list of our new members

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED

5

News

Family succession planning

BY Nigel Oates, OTS Consulting RESEARCH has shown that some 80% of family owned companies have no succession plan in place.

This problem is well documented, many are aware of it and the percentage of non planners never changes. But to just keep on about lack of planning will not address the problem, we have to consider how we can change the mindset of family members to a mindset of planning for the future.

Families have to understand why it is not happening and what they can do to foster an entrepreneurial planning environment.

There are three key reasons for this: • A lack of communication • A lack of education and professional development • Difference can be seen as a weakness.

The convergence of the generations has always created a problem with continuity. It’s recognised that siblings in a family company often have different views on how the business should develop, but this difference of opinion can be nothing compared to the different viewpoints of a parent to their offspring. This difference alone can arrest any planning processes that will ensure the future sustainability for the family company. As advisors we are often faced with the problem of the younger generation not communicating with the elder generation and vice versa. However, this is not necessarily the problem of generational difference but of how the family members involved in the business have been developed, both educationally and emotionally. Family members will often arrive at the door of the family business straight from school or university and at this point the education and development process often stops.

Facts demonstrate the huge contribution that family owned companies make. They represent around 70% of the number of companies within the United Kingdom contributing about 60% of

6

GDP, clearly a substantial part of the UK economy.

The Business Family presents an alternative way of doing business, they are here for the longer term; they keep gearing low so that the businesses cost base is not stressed and preserve a strong a set of values and loyalty that has begun to disappear from the UK’s corporate world.

How do family companies start planning for succession? There are eight habits that strong entrepreneurial family companies have; in essence this is all about a mindset.

The Eight Habits of an Entrepreneurial Family: • Key decision makers are ‘open minded’ and recognize the value of sound external advice from people who have far wider experience of the matter in question – like this key issue • They focus on the family. This is a ‘family first’ attitude. It isn’t nepotism but it does mean that we all stand together. It also means

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

we communicate on a regular and clear basis • They spend time and money on family development both educationally and emotionally.

Continue a continuous professional development programme for all family members, whether they work in the business or not • They invest in family ideas and businesses. Just because you make widgets does not mean that the next generation want to make widgets, listen to their ideas and invest in them • They recognise and take opportunities. Every day in all businesses opportunity presents itself but all too often family company leaders are working so hard on the business they miss most opportunities • They create a portfolio of businesses, providing family members with choice • They welcome diversity, recognising the strength it brings • They never forget to enjoy themselves.

News Tourism chief urges businesses to ‘Keep it Cheshire’ BUSINESS meetings and conferences are big business for the visitor economy. The average spend for a day delegate is £43 but for an overnight stay it zooms up to £136 (source: EMTS 2014). So many organisations choose Cheshire and Chester in particular, for meetings and annual conferences because of the unique combination of great connectivity, elegant hotels and plenty to see and do.

However, this year Marketing Cheshire are launching an appeal to Cheshire businesses to make a focused effort to hold meetings in Cheshire hotels and conference venues and not elsewhere. And for those who aren’t headquartered here, to promote Cheshire as a great place to hold national and international company meetings.

With such a wide choice of venues from stately homes to luxury hotels to purpose built conference venues, virtually any type of meeting or conference can be accommodated.

In 2014 Cheshire welcomed international conferences in fields as diverse as manufacturing, nuclear science, local government and equine physiology.

Marketing Cheshire CEO Katrina Michel said: “We hope that Cheshire continues to attract large international business. However there is something every company can do to help grow our business tourism and that is to “Keep it Cheshire” by patronising local venues when they are organising meetings and by spreading the word on social media when they have had a good event. If every Cheshire

Company currently planning a 2015 event placed it in Cheshire, literally millions would accrue to the local economy.”

Marketing Cheshire offers a free matchmaking service for any company wishing to hold a meeting in Cheshire; more information can be found at www.meetincheshire.com.

The first ‘Keep It Cheshire’ event will be held on 19th March at Tatton Park showcasing the range of conferencing venues that Cheshire East has to offer, with future events planned for Chester and Cheshire West.

For more information about ‘Keep It Cheshire’ please contact Ashley Shacklady at a.shacklady@marketingcheshire. co.uk or 01244 405626.

Chester zoo celebrates record-breaking 2014 CHESTER Zoo visitor numbers reached 1,432,867 – the highest in their 84 year history. Membership also hit record levels at 57,835, up 7,827 on the previous year and 1,507 animal adoptions were taken out in December – the most ever for a single month, smashing the previous best of 1,185 in 2009. The figures come after the Zoo was named as the best zoo in the UK by users of travel website TripAdvisor.

Managing director Jamie Christon said: We’re thrilled that the zoo attracted such a huge amount of interest - locally, nationally and internationally - in 2014 , the highest visitor numbers in our history. As a conservation and education charity we very much rely on visitors to help fund the great work we do to protect species around the world and so our heartfelt thanks go to each and every person that has come here and supported us.The zoo is constantly evolving and looking to offer new and exciting experiences and with what we have in store later this year, we’re confident we’ll have even more to wow people with.

And they’re hoping the impressive numbers will be bettered again when our new £30m Islands development opens later this year. Islands, the biggest expansion in UK zoo history, will recreate habitats from the Philippines, Bali, Sulawesi, Papua, Sumba and Sumatra and showcase species such as Sumatran tigers, Sumatran orangutans, cassowary and

Sunda gharial crocodiles.

Jamie added: Islands is incredibly ambitious. It’s unlike anything ever attempted before in the UK and aims to bring conservation to life – taking visitors on an adventure where, for a few hours at least, they feel like they’ve been transported to South East Asia. We’re incredibly excited about the year ahead.

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED

7

News Ceremony honouring the Chester Grosvenor’s treasured staff A ceremony honouring The Chester Grosvenor’s treasured staff was held at the five star hotel’s Westminster Suite to announce the Employee, Apprentice and Hotel Personality of the Year 2014.

Kimberley Knapp, Assistant Events Manager was named Employee of The Year 2014. Kimberley joined

The Chester Grosvenor in 2007 as a casual waitress whilst studying at Chester University. She has been promoted twice since, most recently to Assistant Events Manager in 2012.

To honour Kimberley’s hard work and irrepressible positive approach, she has been awarded a two night break for two in Paris on the Eurostar, including dinner, bed and breakfast.

The Apprentice of the Year award was presented to Jack Gough who joined The Chester Grosvenor through Simon Radley’s Kitchen Academy in 2013. He has since risen through the ranks with dedication and hard work to become Demi Chef de Partie.

Jack’s prize is a trip to London where he will enjoy lunch for two at Dinner

by Heston @ Mandarin Oriental. He also received a chef’s knife.

Managing director Jonathan Slater presented the awards at a ceremony

that included champagne and a chance for the team to enjoy some of the Grosvenor’s famous afternoon tea delights. He said: “The team we have at The Chester Grosvenor are truly talented. They are dedicated and passionate about hospitality and I am proud and appreciative of every one of them. These awards are a chance to give back to them” Mr Slater also presented a new award, Personality of The Year voted for by the hotel’s staff. The prize went to Evelina Jablonska, Senior Receptionist. Evelina was nominated by her colleagues for her “lovely sense of humour..friendliness and kindness .”

Evelina will enjoy an all-expenses first class trip to London with bed and breakfast at the Shard and a gastronomic experience at Bob Bob Ricard.

BCC: Government must give clarity on future of apprenticeship funding EXECUTIVE Director of Policy and External Affairs, Dr Adam Marshall comments on the government’s response to the consultation on apprenticeship funding reform.

Commenting on the government’s response to the consultation on apprenticeship funding reform, Dr Adam Marshall, Executive Director at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “We have long argued that businesses want a bigger say over

8

how training funds are spent, but not all companies are ready to take full control over apprenticeship funding. Ministers have listened - and recognised that different companies have different needs when it comes to apprenticeships. It is now important for them to clarify how apprenticeship funding will work in future, with a focus on keeping the system simple.

At the same time, they must work to give companies who are ready a greater say in how apprenticeships are

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

designed, delivered and paid for.”

“It is important that the government provides clear direction to businesses on funding reform as soon as possible, so that firms have the security to invest in developing and training their workforce. We are concerned that this has already been an 11 month consultation, with an unclear outcome, and the general election could prolong uncertainty, potentially discouraging some firms from investing in apprenticeships.”

News BCC: Britain’s businesses need to be firing on all cylinders to achieve full employment BCC’S Director General, John Longworth responds to David Cameron’s manifesto pledges for jobs and enterprise.

Commenting on the David Cameron’s speech outlining the Conservative Party’s manifesto pledges for jobs and enterprise, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Full employment should be a goal for any government, but it can only be achieved when Britain’s businesses are firing on all cylinders. The best way to achieve full employment is to create the conditions that enable businesses to grow and take on staff, so the Prime Minister’s focus on infrastructure, access to finance and preparing people for the world of work is surely right.

“As an economy that relies on knowledge and skills, training our young people is as important as the infrastructure of our nation such as

our roads, railways and airports. Yet the quality of apprenticeships matters more to businesses than the number delivered, because excellent apprentices will mean more and more demand for them in firms across the UK. “Start-up loans are excellent, but the bigger prize is ensuring that growing companies – many of which have been around for years – can get the finance they need to grow. The long standing structural problems facing business finance, which successive governments have failed to address, desperately require a once and for all fundamental review. Until this takes place, we will continue to have an underdeveloped medium-sized business sector, since the current environment stifles the growth aspirations of small businesses. This is vitally important as medium-sized businesses have the potential to deliver significant jobs growth and fix our poor export performance.

The Regent welcomes Pertemps JUST before Christmas Wrexham-based offices The Regent welcomed a new long term client.

Pertemps signed a lease for the current Conference and Meeting rooms at the facility at 67 Regent Street.

What was previously The Regent’s conference and meeting space will be transformed into bespoke offices for Pertemps, who will move from their current offices on Regent Street to occupy the majority of the ground floor at The Regent, comprising the Wilberforce and Gladstone Suites leaving just a few offices remaining on the first floor.

Insignia Resourcing Limited awarded Investors in People INSIGNIA Resourcing are a resourcing/ recruitment company who provide their services mainly within the engineering industry covering a variety of sectors and disciplines. They have a registered office in Chester and offices in both North Wales and Manchester and have recently been awarded the Investors in People Wales Accreditation.

On speaking with Phill Jones, Director and one of the founders of Insignia Resourcing, Phill had this to say:

Phill Jones with Janet Webster

In the early months of 2014, I met Janet Webster an “Investors in People” Specialist of JWHR Consulting and WebStarHR at a seminar Janet was hosting in North Wales on Investors in People. I was hooked and from that moment on I felt it was the right time to put the business through the Investors in People standard. Janet managed to obtain funding for us from the Welsh Assembly Government which meant we could engage Janet as our Investors in People Consultant.

Gone are the days of lots of paperwork, reading an untold numbers of documents along with completing what could only be described as reams of official paper work, it is actually a very streamlined and smooth process. We actually found working towards the accreditation slightly easier than we expected as most of our company procedures and policies met the standard and in a number of cases exceeded them. From start to finish the process took around 8 months to complete which included frequent

meetings with Janet either in person or via video conferencing.

We had our final assessment in November 2014 which lasted a number of hours and I am pleased to say we achieved the standard expected by Investors in People Wales. As a company and for me personally we are extremely proud of what we have achieved and we believe it shows our professional standing and commitment to our clients and those within the company. As we completed the Investors in People through the Welsh Assembly Government we are able to display the accreditation bilingually, English and Welsh.

We are very grateful and thankful for the support of Janet Webster, also a Chamber member under WebStarHR and for the continued and excellent support of all the staff in the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce office in Chester. We look forward to continuing our journey with Investors in People to reach the ultimate standard.

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED

9

International Feature trade

Trading in the EU

T

he 28 countries of the EU make up a huge market of potential customers and suppliers for your business.

This market can be easier to access than other overseas markets as many of the trading practices, regulations and standards apply throughout the EU. Key tasks - such as accounting for VAT - have also been simplified to facilitate trade within the EU. If you conform to UK requirements, you will generally meet requirements throughout the EU. Trading with other EU countries offers a number of key benefits to businesses in the UK. The EU’s 28 member states include some of the world’s wealthiest and most productive countries. The EU is a huge market in which to sell your goods and services - it also gives you access to a huge source of suppliers.

At the core of the EU is the single market - the programme of freeing up the trade of goods and services and the movement of people between EU countries. The aim is that doing business with other EU countries should become increasingly like doing business within your own country.

The following are some of the measures which EU countries have introduced to make it easier to trade with each other: • Reduced bureaucracy and paperwork: for instance, trade with the EU can be recorded on your VAT form in the same way as any of your sales and purchases in the UK • Harmonised standards: EUwide technical and safety standards ensure that if you

meet UK standards you’ll also meet the standards of other EU countries • Movement of people: UK citizens have the right to travel, live and work in any EU country (you can also employ EU citizens to work in the UK) • The Euro: it has reduced the currency considerations faced by businesses trading in euros between Eurozone countries (we list the 17 countries that form the Eurozone further along in this guide).

Information about market conditions in the various EU countries is available from a wide range of sources: • Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) - offers support and advice to businesses across Europe and helps them make the most of the opportunities in the EU. You can consult the EEN on the European Commission website • Action Single Market - a UK Government initiative to help UK businesses make the most of the single market across the EU. You can read about making the single market more effective • UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) - read about services from UKTI on their website, and access country profiles for individual member states.

Other bodies will also be able to help you explore the possibilities open to you in the EU, such as your trade association, professional body, or your local Chamber of Commerce.

UK Trade and Investment have provided a full guide on trading within the EU here https://www. gov.uk/trading-in-the-eu.

10 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Everything under one roof at the Riverside Launched in September 2011 The Riverside Innovation Centre (RIC) is now an established commercial centre and venue for local start-up companies and the wider business community.

With the considerable support of our resident partners, RIC has created an environment that stimulates and encourages entrepreneurship providing a rich blend of business support to both new and growing businesses.

A

wealth of entrepreneurial talent is housed within the 15 on-site incubation and 8 acceleration units whose residents receive bespoke assistance and benefit from the opportunities to network, collaborate, and innovate with their neighbours and RIC guests. The ever-increasing demand for space within the RIC is a testament to its success.

Part of the University of Chester, RIC has become a magnet for inspiration, ideas and a catalyst for embedding entrepreneurship within the University community, and beyond and offers a route into this centre of academic and research excellence. The Venture programme has offered over 150 students, and graduates of the University the opportunity to ‘Create’ a business idea, to ‘Collaborate’ with professionals – to test and improve that idea – plus the skills, connections and confidence to ‘Accelerate’ it into reality.

In the last three and a half years RIC has connected with over 250 businesses: fledgling businesses, new start-ups and existing companies and has firmly established itself as a centre for the exploration and cultivation of ideas; enabling innovative businesses from across Cheshire & Warrington to flourish.

Big Heritage @ Riverside Innovation Centre “The success of Big Heritage, and the jobs we have created, would not have happened without the support of the

Riverside Innovation Centre, and the wider community at the University of Chester.”

These are the words of Dean Paton, Founder of the award winning social enterprise ‘Big Heritage’; a non-profit community interest company engaging schools, museums and communities with the past. Graduating in 2011, with a first class honours degree in Archaeology, from the University of Chester, Dean’s passion for creating the company was grounded in changing the perception of archaeology from a ‘hobby for the privileged’ to an inclusive and inspiring discipline, which connects communities across the UK. Having experience of delivering talks within schools, alongside his studies, Dean saw the opportunity to use the knowledge and skills gained throughout his degree to start up his own venture. Armed with his innovative business idea, Dean sought the support of the Riverside Innovation Centre (RIC) who provided him with ‘invaluable’ advice, support and connections.

Working relentlessly, Dean started up the company whilst in full-time employment, and became one of the RIC’s first ‘Accelerator’ residents, before converting a shop on the Wirral to house his growing team.

Big Heritage now employs five members of staff; four of whom are Archaeology graduates from the University of Chester. Dean employed a stringent ethos to his company

From left to right they are: Joanne Kirton, Robert Foulkes, Dean Paton, Gary Duckers, Karen Gavin

growth in order to maintain his vision for Big Heritage; to improve people’s lives through heritage. Seeking likeminded employees, Dean engaged with the University of Chester to recruit graduates, in addition to taking advantage of the Work-Based Learning and Santander SME Intern Programmes.

Faced with the need to re-locate, Dean said “The RIC was the natural choice, and main driving force for our return to Chester. We are exposed to and connected with opportunities through networking, events and the colocation of the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Team from the Local Authority. We are now based within an Incubation space, and after three days we are already growing our client portfolio.”

Big Heritage has received numerous awards for its work nationally, including a ‘Social Impact Award 2013’ which recognised the ‘Big Difference’ the company is making to communities, and the ‘Creativity Award’ at the Social Enterprise Network Powerful Together Awards, as a testament to the innovative nature of the company.

Further strengthening his connection with the University, Dean has recently been appointed as Research Associate within the Department of History & Archaeology, a three year role which will enable him to expand his research activities across Europe.

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED

11

Getting Feature started “Quite simply I want a business that is filled with people who are passionate about their job,”

Lynne Swinnerton Managing Director and Personal Travel Advisor Lomani Luxury Travel

“I

see business as a garden, and for someone who loves gardening the idea of taking a small seed and helping it grow bigger and stronger as time passes was a real attraction,” said Lynne Swinnerton, Managing Director and Personal Travel Advisor at Lomani Luxury Travel.

With a lifelong passion for travel, Lynne is set to celebrate her 29th year in the sector in June 2015, having set up her own company in late 2013. Lomani Luxury Travel aims to provide tailor-made, high quality holidays by coordinating travel, accommodation, excursions, restaurants and more into a comprehensive personalised itinerary for the very best value and customer service.

Lynne left school with the intention of becoming an air stewardess by the age of 18 and was presented with the opportunity of a two year apprenticeship at a local travel agency just prior to starting her A-levels; she accepted the apprenticeship and it lead to a career spanning 26 years with the same organisation, latterly holding the title of Business Manager.

In 2012 a new challenge beckoned and she began working on a consultancy basis with an established company based in Berkshire who specialise in worldwide travel planning and booking, she said: “Unknowingly this was the first step towards me launching my own independent travel company.

Through my years of experience, I

have realised that often these days the discerning traveller wants an honest, professional, personal and reliable service with knowledge to match.”

The idea for Lomani came about in late 2013 when Lynne’s husband (who is a qualified accountant), was working on some financial figures and delivered the news that it would be viable to set up on her own. Coupled with her business and travel experience both Lynne and her husband felt it made sense to put her ideas and energy into her own company.

After making the decision to go out on her own, Lynne’s next step was to apply for an accredited licence, she said: “A primary concern for clients booking expensive holidays is financial security; I chose the Travel Trust Association (TTA) as their financial structure ensures that clients money is the safest that it can be. After presenting my business plan, financial statement and strategy for taking the business forward, I was approved by the TTA in late 2013 and ‘opened for business’ on January 1st 2014.

“Systems were established quickly within the company which enabled me to focus on providing a tailored service that starts with a planning session to understand the client’s requirements. Draft proposals are offered that bring together all elements of the suggested itinerary ready for any fine-tuning, then concludes with booking their personalised itinerary. I am truly happy with the steady progress and

12 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

organic growth of the company, with the largest percentage of business coming in via existing client recommendation.”

Each new client with Lomani Luxury Travel receives a post-travel questionnaire for them to fill in anonymously. Each existing client is contacted by telephone after every holiday and Lynne combines the results from both aspects, giving a continuous and ‘real-time’ overview of service performance. Lynne considers her main achievement in the first year to be the positive client feedback. “When I look back at the client feedback for the entire year, 100% of those that responded to the questionnaire rated my company as excellent in the key areas of professionalism, service, knowledge, courtesy and efficiency.

“Suppliers, namely tour operators, have been particularly supportive, offering assistance with marketing, training and fundamentally offers that have sometimes been exclusive to clients booking through Lomani.”

Looking ahead, Lynne’s aim for her company is to grow the business by targeting niche areas of the leisure travel market and recruiting people who are progressive and bring new and fresh ideas to the company.

“Quite simply I want a business that is filled with people who are passionate about their job, the company and the travel industry. It would be fabulous to have a strong, respected business to hand over to my son, should he wish, in about 20 years from now.”

advertorial

Thank you for your support!

KPI Recruiting is celebrating its 1st birthday in Deeside and, after an amazing year of supporting local businesses’ recruitment drives, they are already seeking to move into larger premises and are in fact recruiting themselves!

■ Lee Bennett and Jon Cope with the new FC Nomads of Connahs Quay football kit recently sponsored by KPI Recruiting

210433-12-14 KPI EDIT.indd 1

KPI, currently based on Zone 1, Deeside Industrial Estate, recruits industrial, commercial and driving personnel for organisations of all sizes in both permanent and temporary positions.

Since August 2014 KPI Recruiting has placed over 600 people into employment in Flintshire.

Jon Cope, Branch Manager “I would like to thank the local business owners and managers for receiving us so well and giving us an opportunity to work in partnership to recruit new members of staff to their teams. We have found the local job market to be buoyant and opportunities for job seekers are plentiful, particularly in the warehouse and logistics sectors. Our current pool of personnel registered

available for work is of a very high calibre, with a broad range of skill sets and backgrounds. Our existing workers have been very reliable and hardworking and have helped us to quickly build an excellent reputation in the area for delivering a great service.”

KPI are keen to continue playing a key part of the local community, offering advice and services for those looking to re-enter the work place, whilst also supporting local events, charities and sponsoring local teams.

“I would like to think that anyone who has met us or had any experience with KPI Recruiting will say we are friendly, down to earth professionals that listen to our customers and deliver on our promises” Lee Bennett, Contracts Manager

If you are looking to further your career in recruitment, KPI has three vacancies for experienced recruitment professionals and offers excellent salaries and commission structure, recognised industry training and opportunities to progress within the company. They have created a relaxed and fun environment, with no sales targets! If you are interested in finding out more please contact jon@kpir.co.uk

Sift surf and selection

10/12/2014 12:29

We guarantee every time perfection!

Outstanding Recruitment Of Outstanding People

KPI found my details on-line.

Here I am now…in a permanent position, I’m glad they found me!

Charlotte Kettle - Administrator

“Its nice to feel valued. I am a happy driver and there are not many of us around!!”

Peter Batewood – C+E Driver

“Found me work quickly, paid on time and correctly and I have been taken on permanently. Good agency!”

“Really impressed with thier service. KPI have provided me with a regular job I really enjoy.

Alicja Wiczynska – Production Op

Craig Cope – Returns Operative

Providing both temporary and permanent recruitment services to companies across Flintshire

t: 01244 289800 w: www.kpir.co.uk 210433-12-14 WCNW KPI.indd 1

08/12/2014 10:57

Is Cloud computing right for your business?

C

loud computing means different things to different people and organisations, and what it means to you will depend on your unique perspective. Some organisations just see it as simple outsourcing, some will define ‘Cloud’ as any bought in service provided over the internet. Either way, whatever your definition, you’ve probably been using Cloud computing in some form for a number of years, and it’s certainly here to stay!

If you are a decision maker within your business, you will be relentlessly bombarded with information about the Cloud, and questioned why you haven’t taken your business there yet!

It’s worth noting that some Cloud providers don’t seem to live in the real world and don’t understand that there are genuine business considerations to be made before embarking on cloud technology.

In simple terms, Cloud computing is computing using the internet. When you are using Cloud computing, all the server hardware and software is usually provided for you as a service by another company and accessed over your internet connection. This is designed to be as seamless as possible so that exactly where the Cloud hardware and software is located doesn’t (or shouldn’t) matter to you.

Matt Kingsley-Williams, Commercial Director of MWL Systems, said: “Companies in North Wales and Cheshire can achieve huge benefits by embracing Cloud technology, both in terms of over business improvements and cost efficiencies. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages - it’s not just a case of a few tick boxes!”

Some potential drawbacks a) Higher ongoing costs b) Lack of control c) Legacy applications may not work d) Dependency of connectivity e) Privacy – having confidence that your data is secure “An approach many businesses are adopting is a hybrid solution.”

Matt continues, “This bridges the gap between local servers and the Cloud, and gives people a real world understanding of how it all works before they commit to a wholesale move to the Cloud. Businesses can achieve huge benefits by using virtual servers locally and selectively choosing which applications and services it make sense to be hosted in the Cloud. Many businesses choose their email to be hosted first, which makes sense, as people generally need their email wherever and whenever

What does the Cloud offer?

There are many obvious and compelling benefits to adopting a Cloud model for some of your business applications. They include:a) Low initial cost b) Rapid scalability – flex up and down as business demands c) Automatic hardware and software updates d) Flexible working e) Control, security and disaster recovery

14 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

they are. Part of the ongoing decision making process we help businesses go through includes carefully considering the trade-offs between data security, privacy, maintenance and overall costs.

Often the best solution which works for them is to come up with their own mix of on-premise and Cloud services.”

MWL Systems can provide Chamber members with purely impartial advice, taking a view of their businesses as a whole in order to create the best overall IT solution.

MWL Systems’ consultants’ friendly approach takes all considerations into account and encourages clients to consider their organisation’s culture, and how this is suited to different ways of working.

For more information about how Cloud technology can transform your business, contact MWL Systems on 01978 858100 or visit mwlsystems.co.uk.

Health & Safety Your fire safety responsibilities - information for employers

F

ire safety legislation in the United Kingdom applies generally to all non-domestic premises.

This includes all commercial premises and workplaces, including those managed by voluntary organisations and the self-employed, and all premises to which the public have access, including, in England and Wales, the common parts of multioccupied residential buildings such as flats and houses in multiple-occupation.

If you are an employer, then you will have a duty under the appropriate fire safety legislation to carry out a fire risk assessment. Similarly, if you occupy or otherwise have a degree of control over any non-domestic premises (or if empty and you own it), then you are likely to have this duty.

The fire risk assessment should be the foundation for all the fire precautions in your premises.

A fire risk assessment identifies possible hazards as well as the actions you need to take to keep the people on your premises safe. It needs to be kept up to date and reviewed on a regular basis, in particular when something changes that could affect fire safety or you have any other reason to suspect that it is no longer valid (e.g. a change in occupancy, in the building, in nature of contents or after a fire).

Duty holders – particularly in small or low-risk premises may be able to carry out their own fire risk assessment, using guidance available but know your limits and ask for help if you require it.

If you are an employer the below provides a summary of your responsibilities.

• You must carry out (and review regularly) a fire risk assessment • You must ensure that a record of a fire risk assessment is kept, if you employ five or more employees, have a license for the premises, are subject to registration, or have an alterations notice served on the premises.

• You must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the safety of your employees from harm caused by fire in the workplace and take reasonable measures to ensure their safety and that of others there, or in the immediate vicinity.

• You must ensure that the premises are equipped with

appropriate means of escape, means of detecting and giving warning in the event of fire, means of fighting fires, and arrangements for action to be taken in the event of fire.

• You must ensure that the premises, and any fire safety facilities, equipment and devices are maintained in good order.

• You must co-operate with anybody else who has fire safety If the enforcing authority is dissatisfied with the outcome of your fire risk assessment or the action you have taken, they may issue an enforcement notice that requires you to make certain improvements or, in extreme cases, a prohibition notice that restricts the use of all or part of your premises until improvements are made.

advertorial

This year Fire Service International celebrates its 21st year of operations

fire service international ltd

IN that time we are proud to have provided bespoke fire safety solutions to everyone from County Councils and NHS Trusts to small businesses and care homes both nationally and internationally.

Fire Risk Assessment

We provide the following services: Fire risk assessments and fire safety training in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Fire extinguisher servicing and provision as per British Standard: 5306-3:2009.

Fire Safety Training

Seven good reason to change provider • Our fire safety inspection officers are all Graduates of the Institute of Fire Engineers • Our training personnel are all qualified teachers or previously held training officer positions in the fire and rescue service • All of our fire extinguisher service personnel are BAFE certified • If you have multiple premises we will offer discounts based upon the total number of extinguishers, not on a site by site basis.

• No small print, our pricing is upfront, honest and competitive • Free fire safety health check of your premises • Fire Extinguisher servicing from as little as £2 per unit

Contact us for a no obligation quote on 01492 878880 Visit our website at www.fsiuk.co.uk Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Education and Healthcare Specialists Fire Safety Legislation Extinguisher Servicing

Contact us for a no obligation quote on 01492 878880 Visit our website at www.fsiuk.co.uk Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

212415-3-15 FSI QP.indd 1

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 15 25/02/2015 15:26

The Chamber of Commerce Network – The benefits of accreditation to YOU Chamber Accreditation What is BCC accreditation?

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) accreditation system is designed to evaluate and improve the performance of local Chambers of Commerce. The system entitles those Chambers of Commerce that meet the standard to become a member of the BCC accredited network of Chambers of Commerce across the United Kingdom.

Accredited Chambers are required to display a ’BCC Accredited’ mark, providing assurance to business users that they have met an important and continuously updated quality standard.

What are the benefits of BCC accreditation?

Accreditation defines the quality standard for the operations of the Chambers of Commerce who form the BCC network. Accreditation helps to identify and promote good practice.

The standard differentiates accredited Chambers of Commerce who provide all the products and support services required by their business members to be successful, from non-accredited chambers and other local business organisations, who do not offer the same level of business growth support.

The BCC accreditation system has also been used to help develop Chamber accreditation in other countries.

How does BCC accreditation work?

There are a range of criteria against which the performance of BCC Accredited Chambers of Commerce is assessed. This takes the form of an

independent external assessment every two to three years. Following a review, from 2012 future assessments will focus on three criteria: 1 Governance This covers the legal arrangements and procedural systems used by Chambers of Commerce to manage their business. It also ensures that Chamber governance follows the principles of member ownership and independence from external influence.

2 Resources A measure of how well Chambers of Commerce manage their budgets, finances, human and other resources.

3 Member Services Refers to the ‘product offer’ Chambers of Commerce provide to businesses either directly or indirectly. Services evaluated include international trade and the processing of trade documentation, networking and events, representation and lobbying, and the provision of other business support products and services to members.

How is evaluation of assessor accreditation reports undertaken?

The results of each external assessment is reviewed by the BCC Accreditation Board, comprising Chamber representatives from around the United Kingdom, including business non-executives, Chamber chief executives and a BCC board representative.

16 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

What are the likely results?

Each Chamber is provided with a comprehensive report back from the BCC Accreditation Board. The BCC Accreditation Board has the right to decide whether a Chamber should stay in accreditation or not. If a Chamber is removed from accreditation, then their territory (the area in which the Chamber has executive rights to recruit members, but no other special privileges) is opened to others in a competitive process, with the result of this process being determined by the BCC.

Chamber accreditation UK Accredited Chambers Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce

Liverpool Chamber of Commerce

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce

Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group

North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce

Black Country Chamber of Commerce

North East Chamber of Commerce

Business West Chambers of Commerce

Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce

Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce

Cornwall Chamber of Commerce

Plymouth Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce & Enterprise

Doncaster Chamber of Commerce Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Essex Chambers of Commerce Fife Chamber of Commerce & Enterprise Ltd Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Hampshire Chamber of Commerce

Somerset Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ltd South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce South Wales Chamber of Commerce St Helens Chamber Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce & Industry Ltd Suffolk Chamber of Commerce Surrey Chambers of Commerce Sussex Chamber of Commerce Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Wirral Chamber of Commerce

Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Shipping Inverness Chamber of Commerce Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

British Chambers of Commerce Accredited

Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED

17

Exciting developments in Chester Central Business Quarter If you’ve passed through Chester station and wondered what is going on beyond the Queens Hotel archway, you will soon be able to see for yourself.

C

heshire West and Chester Council’s “One City” plan set out a vision for Chester with three major projects. Alongside the Cultural Centre and Northgate projects, Chester Central Business Quarter is being redeveloped to improve commercial opportunities and allow greater public access.

Phase 1 of the plan is already complete with the old station car park relocated to the rear of the Queens Hotel, and now phases 2 and 3 are

underway with refurbishment of the Carriage Shed opposite. A new glass roof will be installed along with a “living wall”, planting and paving up to the new City Place building and towards the new footbridge leading to Waitrose on Tarvin Road.

18 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

The Council’s investment of over £1.5 million in the public realm has enabled the development of City Place, with the aim of driving further investment and employment opportunities into the City. City Place itself is due for completion in November 2015 and will create 70,000 ft2 of BREEAM Excellent office space with a 2 hour direct train service to London on the doorstep.

Councillor Stuart Parker, Executive Member for Culture and Economy said, “This is one of the most significant developments in Chester’s recent history. The Business Quarter will drive Chester’s commercial offer and economic growth.”

The Chairman of Chester Renaissance, Eric Langton added: “The Central Business Quarter is a major statement to the business world – to come and be part of the exciting One City journey that celebrates Chester’s past while changing our future.

“There is already a lot of interest from companies excited by the Central Business with the potential to create thousands of jobs.”

The project is supported with a grant of £617,550 from the European Regional Development Fund.

News

BCC Economic Survey: Business bounces back in Q4, but will it last in the New Year?

The BCC is publishing the results of its Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4 2014.

M

anufacturing and services firms reported strong growth to end 2014, according to the latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) published by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Shrugging off recent signs of a slowdown, the manufacturing sector recorded increases in the balances for domestic sales (+36%, up from +23% in Q3), export sales(+26%, up from +16% in Q3), recruitment intentions (+85%, up from +73% in Q3) and turnover confidence (+62%, up from +60% in Q3).

Key findings in the Q4 2014 Quarterly Economic Survey: • In manufacturing, both domestic balances increased substantially;domestic sales (+36%, up from +23% in Q3) and domestic orders(+38%, up from +24% in Q3).

However, these balances are still below the record highs recorded earlier in 2014.

• In services, balances rose in Q4 after stagnating in Q3; domestic sales (+38%, up from +35% in Q3) and domestic orders (+33%, up from +29% in Q3).

• An all-time high number of businesses have set out to recruit staff in the last three months, in both manufacturing (+36%, compared to +32% in Q3) and services (+32%, up from +28% in Q3).

• The balance of manufacturing firms operating at full capacity rose by one point to +41% in Q4, while the number of service firmsoperating at full

capacity remained consistent (+46%).

• All export balances improved in Q4; manufacturing export salesrose by 10 points to +26%, while service export sales increased by one point to +22%.

• A record number of manufacturers invested in training in Q4 (+39%, up from +32% in Q3) and a historically high proportioninvested in plant and machinery (+36%, up from +29% in Q3).

• In the manufacturing sector, the turnover confidence balance rose to +62%, five points below its last peak in Q1 2014. The servicesector turnover confidence balance increased by two points to +60%, a historically high level.

Colin Brew, Executive Director at West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce said: “The latest results support our view that UK growth will stabilise well above 2%, and that Britain’s medium-term economic growth will be slightly higher in the next few years than the recent OBR forecast predicted.“However, many balances remain below the high levels seen earlier this year, indicating that the overall pace of GDP expansion is easing. In the face of a weak eurozone growth and domestic policies aimed at stabilizing our public finances, a slowdown in economic growth may yet occur in 2015 and 2016, despite increased strength and

Colin Brew, Executive Director at West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

optimism from businesses.“Despite a slight improvement at the end of 2014, the current account deficit is unacceptably large. The UK needs a long-term push to rebalance the economy towards net exports and investment, rather than relying too heavily on consumer spending to keep growth going. With inflation likely to stay around 1% for much of the next year, the MPC must delay interest rate rises for the time being.”

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED

19

Name: Martin Page Job title: General Manager Based: Chateau Rianfa Age: 39 never previously used as a hospitality venue and so the position provided me a superb opportunity to be there at the start of a new journey for the business To begin, give us a brief overview of your job.

I am the current General Manager at Chateau Rianfa, a luxury hotel based in Anglesey.

I am tasked with running the Chateau on a daily basis ensuring the highest levels of service and standards.

My responsibility covers every aspect of the overall management of the venue with a key focus on sales, marketing and profitability.

How long have you been doing it for?

I have been based here for two years now although the time has flown by so quickly Tell us a little about your background and what brought you to Chateau Rhianfa?

I am Degree educated qualifying in Hotel & Catering Management. I have a background in working within come of the leading 5 star hotels across the UK. I saw an opportunity to join the Team at Chateau Rianfa and saw it as an exciting project as well as an exciting career opportunity.

The Chateau Rianfa is such an iconic building which was

24 hours

How do you begin your day?

I always like to meet with my Team to hear their thoughts on the day ahead and to ensure that every element of the Team, whether Housekeeping, Catering or front of house, has an understanding of the challenges ahead. After the Team meeting I like to analyse the new day arrivals list, find out about the guests who will be staying with us, understanding their preferences and ensuring that everything is in place to service their every need. Next I forecast the business for the day ahead and then I list my top 10 key priorities under one of three themes, those being People, Product and Profit – this helps me to understand the workload for the day ahead and how I need to allocate my time to manage it How do you get to work and do you have a long commute?

I live in Shropshire with my family and so it is a 2 hour drive to work every day. As this would prove a difficult commute daily I tend to stay at the Chateau 4 nights of every week which reduces my travelling and allows me to be on site at important times throughout the week.

This varies week by week dependent on what events we have on at the Chateau Are you based at the same place daily?

Yes. It’s essential that I am on site to deal with arising issues and I believe this installs a confidence in my Team. With me residing at the Chateau 4 nights a week it

20 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

helps me to have an on-going understanding of the day to day requirements of the business.

What does the rest of your morning involve?

I simply like to be available first and foremost. Whether for my staff or my guests it’s important to me to be there is they need me. I always ensure that I am at the door when guests are departing to thank them for their stay; it’s a great way of gaining feedback on what can be done better and, of course, is a nice way for them to end their stay.

After departures I spend time reviewing key activities and allocating them to my 30/60 and 90 day tracking system How many people do you work with and do you work with anyone especially closely?

I have a Team of 35 staff each in different departmental roles. I work closely with all of my Team but specifically with the e-Commerce unit, the Sales and Marketing Manager, the Finance Team and the HR Team. I am always ready to spend time with any of my Team as I believe that this instils an ethos of trust and understanding within the business Do you make time for a lunch break and what do you do on it?

I don’t have time! – I suspect that most hoteliers would tell you the same.

What does a typical afternoon involve?

Again, for me, it’s very much about making myself available – I have key trigger points through my afternoon such as departures, arrivals and hosting duties. In between these trigger points I focus on

my task list for the day.

Do you sometimes work in the evening for events etc.?

What type of thing does this involve?

I work most evenings, dependent on what events we are running. Evening work for me is very much about focusing on hospitality, making sure my guests are enjoying their experience and catering for their every need.

What types of people/ businesses do you work with at Chateau Rhianfa?

The Chateau caters for a wide range of guests and I never know who my customers will be. I enjoy the different mix of guests that stay with us. We cater for holiday makers, corporate guests, wedding and event guests, photo shoots and everyday people who are seeking a wonderful experience in unique surroundings. No day is the same as the last and the diversity of the people I meet and cater for is a hugely rewarding element of my job.

For me it doesn’t matter who the guest is, what’s important is how I can ensure their stay is of the highest standard possible What types of services do you offer?

Chateau Rianfa caters for a wide range of people and we offer a range of services which suit the diverse needs of our customer base. Conferencing, weddings and special events, and, of course, holidaymakers or weekend breakers. Having such a unique venue adds a real sense of excitement to anyone who visits and I hope that this, mixed with the high level of service offered by the Team ensures that no matter which of our services a

Feature

customer is seeking that they will always wish to return again in the future When do you generally finish work?

Most days I finish around 10.30pm/11pm. I like to wrap up my final emails say a quick goodnight to night porter and get straight to bed!

What are the best parts of your job and why?

I mentioned previously my key touch points through the day – these allow me interaction with my team and my customers. It is incredibly rewarding to see our efforts come to fruition, for example seeing a bride walk down the aisle to be married following months of discussion and

preparation is just a wonderful experience for me as the General Manager – that’s what makes my job so good Any particular challenges?

Most days are challenging and bringing a new business to market is always difficult but I believe in the venue, the business and the Team and so I relish the challenges that come with my job What plans or changes do you have in mind for the future?

To continue to building the reputation of the business and raise awareness to what we have to offer.

Any special memories or anecdotes?

Every function at Chateau Rianfa brings a different memory. I have had some wonderful days (and nights) meeting great characters. I especially like to see different cultures converging on the Chateau and sharing the experience together. The Chateau has an ability to bring people together for a common purpose and for me it means so much to see guests enjoying their experience.

What’s the best part about working in this sector?

It’s never going to be a 9 – 5 job but this is what I enjoy. In my industry you either love or hate the job. I am fortunate to love my job, the people I work with and the diversity that every day

How do you spend a typical evening and what do you do to relax? Hobbies etc.?

When I do get time to myself I love nothing more than to head back to Shropshire and spend time with my family. I have three children (Alex and Connor are twins (12 years old) and Katie is 10. All three demand my full attention and I love being able to just be a dad.

I have two dogs that also require my time, although I love the time I take to walk them when I am home. We are fortunate to live in a very scenic place and it’s good to take myself off with the dogs and enjoy some time to myself

Digital restructure kick-starts 2015 for Outwrite PR Outwrite PR has promoted Anthony Bullick to the newly-created role of head of digital as part of a restructure.

WE have also placed Lisa Appleby on the firm’s social media pathway after she successfully completed her apprenticeship.

Traditionally a PR firm, Outwrite’s skillset, combined with the increasing benefits of PR to online marketing such as SEO, has resulted in an increase in businesses requesting an integrated approach to their profile-raising and reputation-management.

Anthony’s appointment, which comes less than three years after joining the company in a junior role, will see him manage digital communications for Outwrite’s growing client base.

One of just 41 CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations) accredited practitioners in Wales, he is a monthly columnist for the Daily Post. He is also the company’s lead digital trainer delivering workshops and seminars across Wales and Cheshire.

He said: “It’s exciting times both in our

industry and here at Outwrite with the growing number of businesses seeking an integrated approach to marketing.

“I’m looking forward to spearheading the agency’s digital offering with our current clients, as well with new clients set to come on board shortly.”

Lisa joined Outwrite on an initial sixmonth Jobs Growth Wales placement in July 2013 and became its first apprentice in January 2014. She has now been rewarded with a place on the firm’s social media pathway, which will ready her for delivering social media campaigns.

She said: “The past 18 months have flown by and I’ve loved every minute. Being placed on the social media programme provides me with a fantastic opportunity to further my development in PR and I can’t wait to get started.”

Outwrite’s managing director, Tracy North, said: “Outwrite now carries

Lisa Appleby and Anthony Bullick

out more digital marketing activity than ever before and this restructure reflects the direction businesses are moving in.

“Both Anthony and Lisa have earned these roles and will play important parts in the next stage of the agency’s development.”

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED

21

Events round up Chamber lunch & networking with a Burns Night twist!

OVER 50 Chamber members celebrated the Scottish institution of Burns Night with lunchtime networking in Rossett. Held in the stunning surrounds of Llyndir Hall Rossett, West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce in partnership withLlyndir Hall Hotel marked

the annual celebration of national bard Robert Burns with a fantastic mix of food and networking on January 22nd.

To get in the time-honoured spirit master of ceremonies Dougie Eaglesham from Solvings Ltd addressed the haggis with some traditional Robert Burns poetry, after it had been brought in to the room accompanied by traditional piping music by the Head Chef of Llyndir Hall Hotel.

Guests then sat down to a delicious lunch of traditional haggis and tatties, followed

by Leek and potato soup, British turkey with honey glazed chipolatas, cranberry and fresh garden herb stuffing accompanied by roast potatoes and vegetables, finishing with hot sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce.

Karen Balmer from Groundwork North Wales was our special guest speaker for this event, giving delegates an opportunity to hear about the fantastic community work that the organisation does.

Chamber Round the Table networking at Craxton Wood a huge success AROUND 40 delegates recently attended a special networking event aimed at helping them build contacts and new relationships.

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce held its popular ‘Round the Table’ networking event at Craxton Wood for the first time on Wednesday, February 4th. The theme of the event gives guests a timed opportunity to meet

everyone on their table before moving to a different one.

Debbie Stokes, Chamber Membership Director: “I’d like to thank our colleagues from the team at Craxton Wood for all their hospitality in hosting the event and of course the refreshments they provided. We enjoyed a fantastic event with the Round the Table theme again creating a fantastic, lively atmosphere”

22 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Debbie Stokes, Membership Director of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce said: “With Burns Night just around the corner this event gave us a wonderful opportunity to experience the tradition that makes Burns Night such an important part of the Scottish Calendar. I’d like to thank the team at Llyndir Hall Hotel for being fantastic hosts as always and providing a wonderful lunch. I’d also like

to thank Dougie for being the master of ceremonies at this important event, and Karen Balmer for giving us some insight into the fantastic work that Groundwork North Wales does to help the Community.”

Phil Jones, Director of Chamber members Insignia Resourcing said: “The hospitality from all the staff at Llyndir Hall was exceptional and what a great place for an event.”

Cocktail party hits operatic note A Welsh rising operatic star is set to hit the high notes at West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce’s Summer Cocktail Party on July 9th.

Mezzo-soprano and Chester Music Society’s 2012 Young Musician of the Year Vocalist Winner Faye Anglesea will perform a range operatic aria’s at the Chamber’s showpiece event of the summer.

Faye became interested in singing whilst at school before being awarded a music scholarship at Moreton Hall, Shropshire. She was then awarded a

place at Chetham’s School of Music and has gone on to perform at Windsor Castle, the Barbican Centre and the Bridgewater Hall.

The annual celebration evening again takes place in the spectacular surrounds of the Eaton Estate, Chester, home of the Chamber’s President the Duke of Westminster.

Colin Brew, Executive Director of the Chamber said: “Operatic musical entertainment is a first for the Summer Cocktail Party and we’re absolutely delighted a singer of Faye’s calibre will be performing for the guests.

“The Cocktail Party is always a special event and this year promises to be no

North Wales Women’s Business Network inaugural meeting

NATWEST and Nelson Myatt Solicitors in association with the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce launched the North Wales Women’s Business Network on the 10th of February at Conwy Business Centre: Connecting Business Women in North Wales. This new group has been set up by the three sponsors to give women an opportunity to make new connections in the business world, promote their business, get to know other women and share good business practices in an informal atmosphere.

Over 60 women had the opportunity to network on arrival, then introduce each other to the ladies around their table. The speaker for this inaugural event was Jane Harrad-Roberts from

Marketing PRojects, an award-winning public relations and marketing agency based in Chester and London. Jane gave delegates an insight into the journey she and the business have taken over the years, she also gave those in attendance some helpful information and advice about the best way to approach marketing your business.

Debbie Stokes, Membership Director said: “Natwest, Nelson Myatt Solicitors and the Chamber are absolutely delighted with the fantastic turn out for our launch event, the feedback we have received has been excellent and we will be arranging further events throughout 2015, check the Chamber website shortly for future North Wales Women’s Business Network Events.”

different!”

Details of how to attend will be publicised in the coming weeks so mark the date in your diary!

Chamber summer cocktail party 2015

THE countdown is on to West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce’s Summer Cocktail Party at the Eaton Estate, Chester on 9th July 2015.The annual celebration evening again takes place in the spectacular surrounds of the home of the Chamber’s President, the Duke of Westminster.

On behalf of the President, Chairman and the Board of Directors, the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce is pleased to extend an invitation for you to join the members of the Chamber for its Annual Summer Cocktail Party. We look forward to personally welcoming you to this prestigious event.

The Summer Cocktail Party offers you the opportunity to network with our extensive group of Chamber members, both new and existing in this wonderful setting. As well as delicious food, sparkling drink and conversation, Welsh rising operatic star Faye Anglesea will hit the high notes as she entertains guests with a variety of operatic arias at this showpiece event.

Places are limited and we highly recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment.

To find out more or to book your place just contact the Chamber team on 01244 669988 or on info@wcnwchamber.org.uk.

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED

23

The Big Interview Professor Phil Harris WCNW: Where did the idea for the Business Research Institute come from?

PH: Whilst in my previous role as Dean of the University of Chester’s Business School one of the things that became very evident was the need to do some serious research on the regional economy, so I developed the Business Research Institute to aid that process.

WCNW: How have things been going so far?

PH: We’ve only been up and running for about six months really, but our aims are to look at sectors within the economy and do major research them.

So in our regional economy, automotive is big, the chemical industry is big, energy is big, aerospace is big, financial services is big; all of those need major studies into competitiveness of the economy to help underpin them. We’ve started looking at ways in which those can be developed and collaborate across the university and across the region with private and public providers.

We’ve then got other areas to do some work on, because you can’t do everything immediately and to do those on those huge sectors would involve a number of alliances and links with the Chamber, other professional bodies across the region and employers critically, because what this is about is building a skills base for businesses now and into the future.

Other areas we’re looking at is that we have some expertise on China and Chinese investment into the region. I think we’re supportive of a number of initiatives that aim to provide better connections between the region and China, whether it be inward

24 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

investment, supporting exports, collaborations, scientific development; the prediction is that by next year China will probably be the world’s largest economy and certainly if you look at the way it’s moved from being an agricultural society to an industrial society in such a short space of time and the amassing of wealth (and that wealth has to be invested), so we’re seeing major Chinese investment in places like Manchester Airport amongst others. You have to remember it’s two ways with the UK wanting to invest there and I think trade has been growing in that area; one immediate thing for us is the increase in dairy products in China in that the consumption patterns have changed; that’s quite good for us for cheese, milk products and foodstuffs.

The other thing we’re looking towards establishing is a family oblique/medium sized business research group. What you’ve got in the area is a lot of good medium sized businesses (a lot of them family-based), where in reality they are the real drivers of the economy. It’s easy to think of the large corporates, but sometimes these medium sized companies are the most innovative and robust to drive the economy forward; to some extent they were doing ok during the height of the recession and succeeding and thriving. The other thing we have quite a lot of are good companies who are growing a developing, but the other thing to consider here is that we have the whole sub-regional economy. That means the economy straddles both England and Wales and if you look at Flintshire alongside Cheshire, where does it start and where does it end in terms of business? Certainly people are moving around in terms of their jobs and employment; we have to recognise we have our own economic zone almost which is highly manufacturing-oriented, highly-technical, but the question is how we underpin it. So really my agenda over the next few years is to tease out some of those issues, with a view to aiding the economy, working with business and ensuring we have a bridge between the university, quality research, quality students and business – that’s really the focus.

WCNW: What areas do you believe businesses should be focusing on in 2015?

PH: I’d really like to see more companies exporting. Some of the most innovative companies around the country are our exporters, so the more businesses we can get exporting with the right margins, the better things will be for everyone.

One of biggest barriers for exporters, particularly at the political level is consistent policy and developing and enabling it. I believe we need to see all-party cross support for industry and export and export development, because inconsistency means you can’t plan as a business; you might be able to find ways around it, but that would be my biggest plea ahead of a general election to all political parties.

The other thing would be having more export clubs that people can attend and share basic good knowledge; you’ve got to remember entering a new country with a product or service on the other side of the world is hard, so the experience base needs to go up. The other thing being quality training to provide a consistent approach on how you export, how you approach it, how you grow, as well as looking at strategy. Some businesses get distracted by export, it has to be a facet of the company as a whole. I’m not just talking about manufacturing here, this can be services like banking and health too.

I believe Europe will always be the large market for the UK, what I call ‘home’ market; I get concerned about some of the political decision making around it as again I think you need consistent messages and I think we’re going through a phase of not being as consistent as we should be. Some of that is people being unsettled after the last recession of 2008 and I think the political parties are adjusting themselves to a new situation with the wider landscape beyond the two ‘large’ parties. We’re still in a situation where many people wish to protest vote, and many of those protest votes aren’t going towards the two main parties, so it’s likey we can expect further coalitions in the future. I think it’s all very positive, what we want is

good politicians and leadership, we have some of those, but in the changing circumstances it’s sometimes difficult to see it.

WCNW: What do you think would be the best outcome for business from the upcoming General Election?

PH: I believe a good outcome for business from the election would be a strong coalition, consistent policies not dissimilar from before, a relook at what austerity is and a strategic plan that can be agreed of investment in the economy and society to sustain it; that’s what I feel we’re all heading towards. We also have to look at a long term, consistent, devolved, federalist structure in the UK, as well as the our ongoing links to Europe.

The UK has become one of the most centralist states in Europe with more power concentrated in Westminster; the problem is getting that power out into the regions in Cheshire, North Wales, Manchester, Liverpool, so there needs to be genuine conversations about power transference and consider what groups are going to run them.

At the moment it’s all very cluttered and getting in the way of getting on with business, but I would say that living in the North West of England wouldn’t I?!

I think I’d like to see more MPs with business experience though.

The last set of stats I saw I believe showed that only 15% of MPs had business experience of any significance, many are life politicians or have made the jump from the public sector or third sector. I’m a great admirer of people who go into public service because they’re aiming to help or improve their society and economy, but I think you’ve got to have a balance of people with talents from all sectors.

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED

25

Skills & Training

There’s never been a better time to employ an apprentice Apprenticeships deliver real returns for businesses and the economy.

T

hey help businesses to improve productivity and competitiveness.

Nearly every employer that takes on an apprentice (96%) reports benefits to their business. Some 72% of businesses report improved productivity as a result of employing an apprentice. The average apprenticeship completer increases business productivity by £214 per week, with these gains including increased profits, lower prices and better products (Evaluation of Apprenticeships for Employers, BIS, May 2012 According to the British Chambers of Commerce, most employers say a wish to improve their skills base is the main reason for taking on an apprentice, and companies offering apprenticeships view them as advantageous to their long-term corporate development.

employers in England offer apprenticeships in 200,000 locations, covering over 170 industries and 1500 different job roles. Apprenticeships help employers attract new talent, up-skill their staff and tackle skills shortages.

Some businesses may be eligible for a £1,500 apprenticeship grant. These funds are to help smaller businesses recruit a new apprentice aged 16 to 24. Employers can claim support for as many as 10 apprentices (up until December 2014). The grants do not have to be repaid.

Employers receive dedicated support from the National Apprenticeship Service during the process of employing an apprentice, which supports, funds and co-ordinates the delivery of apprenticeships throughout England. And the apprenticeship

There are three levels of apprenticeships: • Intermediate – equivalent to 5 A*-C GCSEs; • Advanced – equivalent to 2 A-Levels; • Higher – A higher apprenticeship incorporates qualifications at Levels 4 and 5 (for example a Foundation Degree) and can extend to Levels 6 (BA/BSc) and 7 (MA/MSc). Higher apprenticeships enable apprentices to develop the knowledge and competence required to perform effectively in a specific management or professional role.

Employers may also like to consider offering traineeships, which give young people aged 16 to 24 the essential work preparation training, maths and English skills and work experience needed to get an apprenticeship or other job.

Developed in response to business needs, traineeships give employers an opportunity to help build a pool of high-quality future recruits for their sector.

Currently, more than 100,000

26 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

vacancies job site enables employers to advertise their apprenticeships free to a large number of potential candidates.

Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, says: “Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular option for businesses and it’s easy to see why.

They enable companies to grow their own workforce, providing highlyqualified and motivated employees.

Apprentice employers report real business benefits and I would encourage all businesses to consider how employing an apprentice can help them grow.”

To find out more about the business benefits of apprenticeships call 08000 150 600 or visit greatbusiness. gov.uk/apprenticeships

advertorial

Welcome to Aquarius Training & Development Ltd THE Company was incorporated July 2009, its founder having operated in the field of management and leadership training for more than 20 years, its training operations are based at the Deeside Enterprise Centre in Flintshire and also at Dallam Court in Warrington whilst reaching out to the UAE, Poland, Ghana, Russia and the South Atlantic.

Today the world puts huge emphasis on performance and demands more skills than ever before. Yet far too many managers don’t get the guidance and training they need to tackle their challenging roles. Aquarius Training & Development Partners helps managers to stop simply getting by… and to start excelling.

Taking people further: Our practical qualifications are ideal for managers and leaders at any level, across, the private sector, local government, health & care services, and the voluntary sector, all of them will be highly valued by employers, and boost your career prospects.

When you develop your management skills

with Aquarius Training & Development Partners you start a journey that will help you become more effective and more successful at what you do, increase your daily job satisfaction through more confident decision making and better results and so improve your career opportunities.

Helping organisations achieve more: For employers, we focus on developing your organisation by delivering the very best in management training.

Our services have helped numerous organisations tackle key issues such as talent management, employee engagement and managing change.

Our training and support offers greater success and a better return on investment.

Employee retention and engagement is a major challenge for many organisations, and investment in staff development is a key element in demonstrating interest in one’s employees by enabling them to gain greater knowledge and skills and so enabling them to better

deliver on organisational goals and objectives thus enabling organisations to thrive and grow.

Our programmes of Leadership and Management skills can be delivered as a part of an organisation business improvement strategy or be targeted at specific areas for growth. Many of our programmes are certified by the two leading Professional Bodies in Leadership and

Management namely the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)and the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).

Visit our website at www.aquariustd.co.uk for more information on the services we offer or alternatively contact us through enquiries@ aquariustd.co.uk or call us on +44(0)1244530734 for a no obligation consultation.

"Taking people further helping organisations achieve more.." › Full nationally recognised Management & Leadership and Coaching & Mentoring Qualifications. › Short one day sessions on management and leadership as well a personal development skills. › Bespoke development programmes to assist with proposed organisational changes › Our programmes are based upon the National Occupational Standards at the relevant level aimed at ensuring that you develop yourself for the roles you undertake and deliver the results your organisation expects and requires. › All programmes are a delivered and assessed through the medium of English and are supported by our Virtual Learning Portal.

+44(0)1244 530734 • enquiries@aquariustd.co.uk • www.aquariustd.co.uk TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED

27

Job spotlight

Svitlana Bulava Founder of The Green Pages Tell us a little about yourself and your experience.

Svitlana Bulava’s childhood was strongly influenced by her family’s ethos of green living and healthy eating, where traditional uses of herbs, organic gardening, health and wellbeing were a way of life. Sourcing green, ethical products and services before her idea of The Green Pages was conceived, she remembers as painstaking. “The lack of resources available to make ‘green’ purchases was frustrating. It took many hours of searching online to find the right information about healthy and green living in the regions that The Green Pages now cover.”

Motivated by her passion for healthy living and equipped with her background in business and economics, Svitlana decided to use her experience in Economics and commerce to start her own business. She was determined develop the ultimate online healthy living resource that was easily accessible, easy to use and prompt in highlighting the desired information, and The Green Pages launched in May 2013. Her determination and creativity rewarded her with external support to launch her business.

Tell us about your company and what services you provide.

The Green Pages is a networking business dedicated to offering health & wellness-oriented products and services. Our website provides essential up-to-date information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, wellbeing, sustainability and, critically, green living. We have business listings for health advisors, promotions, discounts and events. The Green Pages also organises and hosts events to promote healthy living and supports local businesses, including health and wellbeing fairs, conferences and monthly green networking meetings Why did you choose your career path?

My solid background in corporate business gave me the courage to pursue my passion about healthy lifestyles – I do what I love. My heart is

to make a difference, connect people and create community. I want to inspire people to be curious and ignite a passion for their own lifestyle so they too can live a health conscious, happy life.

Did you need any special qualifications, licences or certificates?

Specialist knowledge about the industry was essential and this was a steep learning curve, involving a lot of research. I attended many courses and workshops. It has proven to be a continuous learning process about business planning and management.

What do you spend most of your time doing?

My role involves a lot of planning, marketing, and networking. It’s paramount to the company’s success that our events are expertly organised and marketed to make sure everyone has the opportunity to attend.

My work takes me to meet inspirational people and to hear inspirational speakers – one of the best parts of my job.

What are your average work hours?

Running a business take most of your time. When I started it felt like 24/7, now the business is more established I am trying to have life-work balance – the reason why I started it in the first place.

What’s the most difficult part of your job and how do you deal with it?

I started my business with a lack of connections, so it was necessary to build those in the industry and create a local community, which didn’t exist before. This took several years and I feel very proud of that achievement.

What do your customers most value about the services you offer?

Feedback tells us customers most value our events – these are high quality, professional, and provide best experience for all – and our support for local businesses. We take a personal interest in the people behind the businesses and want to help to grow their business and see success.

28 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Svitlana Bulava’s

How are you planning to develop your role and organisation in the future?

We plan to build our brand by launching in new locations across North West and nationally. This expansion will grow our community, allowing more businesses to connect with each other and new customers.

We also have a sub-brand, Green Networking, the first networking group of its kind designed to target the green community What advice would you give to people looking at a working in a similar role?

Be authentic, be passionate, believe in what you do, believe in yourself.

Have a plan, know who your ideal client is, know why you want to do what you do is so important. Without clarity, it will be a lot harder for your business to succeed.

For further information visit The Green Pages’ website www.mygreenpages.co.uk or contact Svitlana Bulava at svitlana@ mygreenpages.co.uk.

Campaign for Welsh Business 2015-2020 The Chambers of Commerce in Wales have launched a new document entitled the Campaign for Welsh Business 2015-2020.

W

ritten as a guide to both the current and next Welsh and UK governments, the ‘Campaign for Welsh Business 2015-2020’ represents the views of businesses from across Wales for the first time as the South and Mid Wales Chambers of Commerce join with West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce to layout the measures they believe will foster economic growth, create jobs and a stronger, more vibrant economy for people across the whole of Wales.

The document calls for changes that will help make immediate improvements to the SME community, while also proposing initiatives that will have more of a long-term impact.

The ‘Campaign for Welsh Business 2015 – 2020’ calls on the next UK and Welsh governments to: • Build the transport network for the future by creating a national transport body for Wales, independent of all levels of government, to decide on transport infrastructure priorities and coordinate transport planning across

Wales • Develop communications for the modern world by working with business owners to maximise the takeup of the latest communicationsbased services and technologies • Improve the skills of the current and future workforce by putting in place a national workplace basic skills training programme that every adult can access and ensuring that secondary schools are assessed on employment outcomes to improve the way in which young people are prepared for the world of work • Encourage business ambition among Wales’ people by setting up a ‘National Entrepreneurial Challenge’ competition, open to groups of people of all ages, and work with financial and advice providers to ensure that those dealing with individuals starting a business are representative of the population at large • Help today’s businesses thrive by creating a National Bank of Wales with no shareholders, run with the sole aim of assisting Welsh businesses • Secure Wales’ energy needs to create a central fund for all

community benefits funding deriving from renewable energy projects • Increase how much Wales exports to the rest of the world by creating a new arms-length International Business Organisation with more input from internationally active businesses • Get the governance of Wales right by getting rid of the outdated Barnett Formula and introducing a fair funding system across the UK and encouraging action from the city regions created in South Wales.

Click the following link to read the document http://wcnwchamber.org. uk/wp-content/uploads/Campaignfor-Welsh-Business-2015-2020.pdf

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED

29

Building Jobs on Solid Ground Sanctuary Group’s considerable and on going investment in the region is helping to drive up the number of new roles and training opportunities for local people. The additional investment Sanctuary attracts from its sizeable supply chain partners is also significant, resulting in further jobs across Cheshire.

Addressing the skills shortage Helping people into work is about more than just the creation of new jobs – it’s also about providing the support and skills people need to make that vital move into the workplace.

One of the ways Sanctuary achieves this is through its contractors who are encouraged to recruit apprentices and create work experience opportunities.

Over the past 12 months, around 20 apprenticeships have been established

on Sanctuary’s Chester developments with more in the pipeline. Trainees include electricians, joiners, plumbers and bricklayers who gain on the job experience and achieve recognised qualifications.

Work experience placements are also a valuable way to help young people get a taste of life in the workplace and these are now a regular feature at Sanctuary developments.

Care home to create 70 new jobs A major recruitment drive will shortly be underway at Sanctuary’s new flagship care home in Upton Dene, Chester which is nearing completion.

More than 70 posts, ranging from managerial, admin and catering roles, to nurses and carers, will shortly be on offer in preparation for the opening of the 74-bed scheme this Autumn.

The new roles are on top of the numerous jobs and training opportunities created as a direct result of

construction work on this £8m residential, nursing and dementia care home.

Making the right connections

Andrea Peattie

Sanctuary has provided Cheshire Connect with a

year’s funding to cover the appointment of a new Business Connector.

Andrea Peattie, who took up the post in November, aims to match and connect businesses with voluntary groups and charities through skills sharing. The businesses donate their time and expertise to help create stronger, successful charities. By the end of the year Andrea hopes to have connected over 40 organisations.

30 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Development Manager Mark Birkin, left, discusses the Blacon Parade with work experience students from West Cheshire College

The pathway to success

People sometimes need a little extra help getting back into the workplace and recognising this Sanctuary provides programmes to help its residents and the wider community.

Many are held back by a lack of confidence or low skills, and to address this a team of five employees, through Sanctuary’s Pathways Team, is delivering job clubs, workshops, and training courses from community centres in Blacon and Lache, as well as from Chester Library.

Since October 2014, more than 250 people, including ex-offenders, have benefited from the

programme.

Courses on offer range from interview skills, confidence training, and CV and letter writing, through to vocational qualifications such as NVQs. The team works with a number of local partners, including Cheshire West and Chester Employment Mentors, the National Careers Service, Job Centre Plus, Cheshire Community Development Trust, and Avenue Services.

Having established a successful formula which allows jobseekers to flourish, the team are now looking to extend the programme other parts of the city.

Productivity

Searching Google Like a Pro Sometimes don’t you think it would be easier if Google could just read your mind?

W

hen you’ve spent hours trying to find certain statistics or an article that references something vital to your proposal, search after search can sometimes prove fruitless; don’t you just wish you could hand over the reigns to Google and say ‘can you please just find what i’m looking for’?

Whilst Google can’t read

your mind (yet...), many people don’t realise there’s a lot more to their search engine than just typing in ‘funny pictures of kittens’ and having done with it, there’s a host of tips and tricks you can use to obtain very specific results.

Here are some pointers that’ll save you Googling ‘how to Google’.

Search exact phrases: If you’re looking

for an exact phrase, use quotation marks, for example: “let them eat cake” Exclude a word: Add a hyphen before a word to exclude a search term. This is useful if you are searching for a word with several meanings. For example: inception –movie

particular location. For example: prince charles location:wales Search for a particular filetype Google will restrict results to pages that end in suffix. For example: annual report 2014 filetype:pdf Google Search Features

Search within a website: Get results from specific domains. For example: recipes site:theguardian. com

• Weather: weather chester • Time: time new York • Calculator: 91+4

Search similar: Find sites with similar content to a URL you already know. For example: related:visual.ly Find news related to a particular location Use this on Google News to find stories coming from a

• Sunrise and sunset times: sunset paris • Conversions: 10 miles to km • Dictionary: define jingoism • Translations: translate pomme to English • Flight Statuses: BA 117

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED

31

New Members Andrea Hall

ACT Ltd Wrexham Skills Centre, Bradley Road, Wrexham LL13 7SU T: 01978 265242 E: info@acttraining.org.uk www.acttraining.org.uk

Rachel Spur

Altamor 6 Daisy Bank Close, Wrexham LL14 4JB T: 07598 908689 E: rachel.spurr@altamor.com www.altamor.com

Mr Andrew Thompson

Anglesey Training Services The training Centre, Cefn Llongau, Gwalchmai, Holyhead, Gwynedd LL65 4SH T: 07796 341484 E: enquiries@ angleseytrainingservices.com www.angleseytrainingservices.com

Gavin Prideaux Williams

APS Legal Plas Celyn, Celyn Drive, Caergwele LL12 9LW T: 01978 761483 E: gavin@aps-legal-northwales.co.uk www.aps-legal-northwales.co.uk

Mr John Morgan

Aquarius Training & Development Partners Ltd Unit 7, Deeside Enterprise Centre, Rowleys Drive, Deeside, Flintshire CH5 1PP T: 01244 530734 E: enquiries@aquariustd.co.uk www.aquariustd.co.uk

Peter Ryan

B2 Business Systems Ltd The Smart Centre, Tenth Avenue, Zone 3 Deeside Ind Pk, Deeside Flintshire CH5 2UA T: 01244 837100 E: peter.ryan@btwo.com www.btwo.com

Jenny Price

Barclays Bank Plc 30 St Werburgh Street, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2DY T: 01244 584866 E: jenny.price@barclays.com www.barclays.co.uk

Sharon Shelbourne

Beehive Healthcare Willow Farm, Long Lane, Hargrave, Chester, Cheshire CH3 7RG T: 7973108188 E: sshelbourne@beehivehealthcare. co.uk www.beehivehealthcare.co.uk

Natalie Silverstone

Benders Paper Cups Gresford Industrial Estate, Chester Road, Gresford Wrexham LL11 8SZ T: 01978 857249 E: natalie.silverstone@benders.co.uk www.benders.co.uk

Debbie Slee

Blossoms Hotel St John Street, Chester, Cheshire CH1 1HL T: 0844 879 9113 E: general.blossoms@macdonaldhotels.co.uk www.macdonalds-hotels.com

Ms Nicky Nelson

Blue Leaf Event Hire & Catering Fieldside, Esless Lane, Rhostyllen, Wrexham LL14 4DG T: 01978 800214 E: hello@blueleafeventhire.co.uk www.blueleafeventhire.co.uk

Jane‌

Business Room 52 201 Cop Lane, Penwortham, Preston Lancashire PR1 9AB T: 07852 372048 E: jane@br52.co.uk www.br52.co.uk

Mr Nigel Brook

Cat n Mouse The Mouse Trap, Mountain View, Wrexham LL12 9NE T: 01978 760574 E: enquiries@catnmouse.info www.catnmouse.info

Andrea Peattie

Cheshire Connect Woodhouse, Church Lane, Alford, Chester, Cheshire CH3 6JD T: 07818 658357 E: andreapeattie@cheshireconnect.org www.cheshireconnect.org

32 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Angella Rawsthorne

Claire House Childrens Hospice Clatterbridge Road, Bebington, Wirral, Cheshire CH63 4JD T: 07917 813952 E: angellar@claire-house.org.uk www.claire-house.org.uk

Elen Rowlands

Glasdir Plas Yn Dre, Llanrwst Conwy LL26 0DF T: 01492 640640 E: info@glasdir.com www.glasdir.com

Elen Rowlands

Glasdir Skills Academy Plas Yn Dre, Llanrwst Conwy LL26 0DF T: 01492 640640 E: info@glasdir.com www.glasdir.com

Raymond Murray

Concept Building Solutions 8 Mill House, Chester, Cheshire CH2 1DH T: 01244 567610 E: chester@concept-solutions.co.uk www.concept-solutions.co.uk

Ms Niki Addison

Concert Networks Limited 3 Tabley Court, Moss Lane, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 0PL T: 0808 2082400 E: contactus@concertnetworks.co.uk www.concertnetworks.co.uk

Debbie Slee

Craxton Wood Hotel Parkgate Road, Puddington, Cheshire CH66 9PB T: 0844 8799038 E: general.craxtonwood@ macdonald-hotels.co.uk www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Mr Kevin Easterbrook

Green Energy Solutions (NW) Ltd Suite 9, The Technology Centre, Inward Way, Ellesmere Port, Merseyside CH65 3EN T: 0151 7928573 E: sales@greenenergysolutionsnw.co.uk www.greenenergysolutionsnw.co.uk

New Members Brian Loynton

Holywell Travel Ltd 46c High Street, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 7LH T: 01352 717680 E: brian@holywelltravel.co.uk www.holywelltravel.co.uk

Mr Ian Stockdale

Ian Stockdale Architect 61 Regent Street, Wrexham LL11 1PF T: 07725 555715 E: ianstockdale_isp@hotmail.co.uk

Mr Jack Sullivan

JS-PT JS-PT Studio, Maengwy Avenue, Connahs Quay, Deeside, Flintshire CH5 4UQ T: 07715 643062 E: jack@js-pt.co.uk www.js-pt.co.uk

Ms Claire Stephens

KPMG LLP Riverside Innovation Centre, 1 Castle Drive, Chester, Cheshire CH1 1SL T: 01244 515536 E: claire.stephens@kpmg.co.uk www.kpmg.com

Lisa Edwards

L.E. Sports Therapy 111 Grange Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire LL18 4DA T: 01745 799493 E: lisa@lesportstherapy.co.uk

Ms Emma Rogers

Merseyside Special Investment Fund 2nd Floor, Exchange Court, 1 Dale Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L2 2PP T: 0151 236 4040 E: emma.rogers@msif.co.uk www.msif.co.uk

Ms Fiona Joyce

Microvisk Ltd Innovation House, Unit 4 Fford Richard Davies, St Asaph Business Park, St. Asaph, Denbighshire LL17 0LJ T: 01745 584232 E: fionajoyce@microvisk.com www.microvisk.com

Wayne Taylor

The Mitchell Group Stanney Mill Lane, Chester, Cheshire CH2 4RG T: (0151) 3555555 E: wayne.taylor@lexus-chester.lexus. co.uk www.mitchellgroup.co.uk

Ms Barbara Sutton

Moneycorp 2 Slone Street, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 9LA T: 0207 8237400 E: barbara.sutton@moneycorp.com www.moneycorp.com

Ms Jo-Anne Prince

Limelight Grosvenor House, Grosvenor Street, Mold, Flintshire CH7 1EJ T: 01352 218210 E: hannah@limelightletting.co.uk www.limelightletting.co.uk

NFU Mutual Westview House, Whitchurch Road, Hatton Heath, Chester, Cheshire CH3 9AU T: 01829 771133 E: tattenhall_agency@nfumutual.co.uk www.nfumutual.co.uk/tattenhall_ agency

Mr David Wall

Gareth Pritchard

Ms Hannah Fargher

Mercer & Associates Wealth Management Ltd Linenhall House, 88-90 Watergate Street, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2LR T: 01244 409610 E: david.wall@sjpp.co.uk www.mercerandassociates.co.uk

Omega Bookkeeping Services 24 Kingslea, Heath Lane, Chester Cheshire CH3 5SW, T: 07840 344414 E: omegabookkeepingservices@ outlook.com

Mr Andrew Jones

Pomegranate Floor North Wales 2 Three Fairways, Lon Copner, Denbigh, Denbighshire LL16 3UT T: 0800 180 4803 E: andrewjones@ pomegranatefloornorthwales.com pomegranatefloornorthwales.com/

Clive Collett

Prosearch 39 St Johns House, Robinson Road, Ellesmere Port Cheshire CH65 5FH T: 0845 2697168 E: info@prosearch.org.uk www.prosearch.org.uk

Mr John Hunt

Pursglove & Brown Military House, 24 Castle Street, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2DS T: 01244 400315 E: info@pursgloveandbrown.co.uk www.pursgloveandbrown.co.uk

Ms Julie Lloyd

Qi Staff Solutions Dyoll House, Ffordd Fynnon, Dyserth, Rhyl, Denbighshire LL18 4HH T: 01745 570734 E: julie@qistaff.co.uk www.qistaff.co.uk/

Ms Sandra Donogue

Real People Professional Services Ltd 33 Crud Y Castell, Denbigh, Denbighshire LL16 4PQ T: 07748 528505 E: sandra@propelrecruitment.co.uk www.rp-ps.com

Miss Darren Waight

Route2Take Ollerbarrow House, 209-211 Ashley Road, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 9SQ T: 0161 9296550 E: darrenw@route2take.com www.route2take.com

George Phillips

The Safety Educational Trust 5th Floor, Horton House, Liverpool Merseyside L2 3PF T: 0151 6650009 E: admin@thesafetyeducationaltrust.org www.optimia.co.uk/C/Safety/ CONTINUED ON PAGE 34 ➞ TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED

33

Mr Stephen Halpenny

Simulity Labs Ltd Unit 8, Ash Court, Parc Menai, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 4DF T: 01248 679281 E: stephen.halpenny@simulity.com www.simulity.com

Mr Matthew Smith

Smiths Freight Solutions Windrush, 27 Kiln Lane, Hope, Wrexham, Flintshire LL12 9PH T: 01978 769090 E: msmith@smiths-solutions.co.uk www.smiths-solutions.co.uk

Mr Charles Piper

Startblock Ltd 5 Chapel Cottages, Moor Lane, Waverton, Chester, Cheshire CH3 7QP T: 07545 283536 E: admin@startblock.co.uk www.startblock.co.uk

Mr Richard Smith

The Wine School of Cheshire Suite 59, Friars Nook, 43 White Friars, Chester, Cheshire CH1 1AD T: 01244 940747 E: richard@wineschoolofcheshire.com www.wineschoolofcheshire.com

Claire Davies

Umbrella Marketing Team Riverside Innovation Centre, Castle Drive, Chester, Cheshire CH1 1AL T: 01244 515569 E: hello@umbrellamarketingteam.com www.umbrellamarketingteam.com

Ms Clara Hughes

Zebra Marketing & Communications Ltd 11 Speedwell Close, Huntington, Chester, Cheshire CH3 6DX T: 07702 736763 E: clara@zebra-comms.co.uk www.zebra-comms.co.uk

What Feature I’m passionate about Consumer Engagement in 21st Century Retailing RETAILING has been in a constant state of flux for decades, and the significant increase in car ownership fuelled a growth in consumer mobility and choice of shopping destination. A more recent powerhouse of change in shopping habits can be seen with the development of the internet, with the consumer becoming better informed via access to web based information, and online shopping giving the consumer access to even more choice of purchasing location.

The growth in the freedom of people to communicate across global boundaries on social media platforms has made a dramatic impact on the empowerment of the consumer in the product and service selection cycle. Retailers have an opportunity to truly engage with customers and noncustomers, sharing real-time experiences in twoway communication that has never been possible before social media applications came along. Companies have lost their dominance in pushing information out to the consumer, hiding behind corporate “gate keepers”, to a process of sharing and involvement in an online community, making it fun and rewarding for the consumer to engage with the brand.

The number of followers on Twitter or

‘likes’ on Facebook is not necessarily a reflection of loyalty to the brand.

Is developing relationships with customers’ online similar to face-toface contact? Without doubt social media has opened the door to a tremendous opportunity for retailers to develop close ties to their customers and a wider audience of prospects.

It can be argued that smaller independent retailers are best placed to reinforce their existing personal customer relationships by creating a virtual “trusted” community where customers talk to each other. Getting this right reinforces the retailer’s proposition. A social media strategy needs to be at the core of traditional marketing activity that leads to the consumer’s desire for the retailers’ products and then drive sales.

The traditional ways of managing brand identity through corporate press releases and public relation managers has long gone and been replace with the need for companies to be highly responsive, engaging and transparent to their audience and the world at large. The consequences of getting it wrong in an era of global consumer connectedness are severe, and likely to have a negative impact on sales, reputation and potentially long-term viability of the

34 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Phil Smith, Retail Expert www.philsmithassociates.com phil@philsmithassociates.com

company. Clearly the more recent developments in mobile devices have made social media connectivity more accessible and convenient for users.

Smartphone technology has ignited the omnichannel connectedness of the consumer in the offline and online shopping environment.

Travel Smarter Challenge March 2015

The Travel Smarter Challenge is back. Challenge your colleagues and compete against other workplaces by Travelling Smart and logging your commuter journeys by walking, cycling, using public transport or liftsharing. Workplaces can enter from the Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston areas. Log your journeys as you go and pick up prizes along the way.

Register now at: www.travelsmarter.getmeactive.org.uk Best very large team (1000+)

Most cycling journeys

Best large team (501-1000)

Most bus journeys

Best medium-large team (250-500)

Invite a Friend prize draw

Best medium team (91-249) Best small-medium team (21-90) Best small team (3-20)

Follow us:

Most walking journeys

twitter.com/itravelsmartuk Like us:

Best Story competition Most rail journeys Registration prize draw Compete on your own or as part of a workplace team. All you have to do is register and then start logging your journeys to get on the leaderboard.

facebook.com/itravelsmart Contact us to find out more on:

01244 973 528 or visit: www.itravelsmart.co.uk xxxxxx-3-15WCNW Travel Smart.indd 1

25/02/2015 15:33