ISSN 2396-8907
WINTER 2015
2015 has been a great year...
The Person Behind the Business Frankie Hobro West Cheshire & North Wales
Chamber of Commerce
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Executive Director’s Message
Chamber News
Welcome to the Winter Edition of WCNW Business Matters Magazine. ‘2015 has been a brilliant year for our Chamber’ ONE of our key goals for 2015 was to deliver an exceptional service by ensuring that we really listen to our members. 2015 saw the creation of our Member Focus Group, a committee of select Chamber members who act as a ‘sounding board’ and provide us with feedback from fellow members. We have also launched our ‘Startup Club’ for businesses and organisations in their first two-years of operation, allowing us to provide critical support to businesses in their infancy. In addition, we have also introduced a ‘Welcome Club’ for all new members to attend. It’s wonderful to see that our membership base is ever-expanding, our events continue to grow in popularity and our geographical reach now scales a national and international platform. The Chamber team is now the largest it has ever been having taken on four new staff members, including our very first Apprentice. I am confident that with a strong team behind us, we now have a strong vision of how the Chamber will grow and develop over the next five years. The Chamber Annual Charity Dinner at
Macdonald Craxton Wood was a brilliant success, having raised over £4600 for The Hospice of The Good Shepherd. Our attention now turns to our next big event the St David’s Day Annual Charity Ball on the 26th February 2016 at the Quay Hotel, Deganwy which we are sure will provide a wonderful night of entertainment, all whilst raising much needed funds for Ty Gobaith Children’s Hospice. In September, we were Accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce and successfully achieved the status of Chamber Excellence Model, one of only 52 Chambers in the UK who form part of a large UK business network. In line with this we are continuing to work closely with the UK Trade & Investment Department to expand our presence in the international arena. Looking ahead to 2016, we want to hear the views of our members and let them shape the future of the Chamber. We aim to keep expanding upon our portfolio of services that we offer, seeking to seal our reputation as ‘The Ultimate Business Network’.
Colin Brew Executive Director, West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
Meet Charlotte and Beth, the newest additions to the Chamber team!
L – R. Beth Gittins, Chamber Apprentice and Charlotte Maloney, Marketing & Communications Officer.
THE West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce has expanded its team with the arrival of two new fulltime staff members. Charlotte Maloney has joined the team as the Marketing and Communications Officer and Beth Gittins has joined the team as part of a two-year Apprenticeship program. Beth who has just recently completed her AS Levels in Psychology, Sociology and English Literature from Yale College will be undertaking a two-year Business Administration Apprenticeship. Beth will learn everything there is to know about the Chamber under the expert guidance of the rest of the team. Beth said ‘’Apprenticeships are a great way to enter a professional working environment whilst still being given the opportunity to continue learning.’’
Charlotte will be managing all things marketing, magazine and websiterelated in her role. After graduating with a degree in Law from the University of Manchester, Charlotte worked as a Marketing Assistant in Sydney for a year before travelling round Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. On her new role, Charlotte said ‘’I’m really excited to join the team; I hope to continue developing our presence in the area and look forward to getting to know our members at future events.’’ Colin Brew, Executive Director said ‘We are delighted to welcome Charlotte and Beth to the Team, this is the beginning of an exciting new stage in the life cycle of our Chamber and we are confident that both of our new Team members will bring a fresh quality to our work.’’
TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
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cover story
ISSN 2396-8 907
CONTENT
WINTER 20 15
2015 has b een great year. a ..
The Person Behind the Business Frankie Hobro
West Chesh ire & North Wales
Chamber
of Commer ce
The Person Behind the Business
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Chamber Charity Annual Dinner A night to remember
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
Frankie Hobro
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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
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The Quay Hotel, Deganwy St David’s Day Charity Ball, and a roundup of all the region’s recent events
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A roundup of the region’s news
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
NEWS
WCNW International Trade Forum & Launch of Member area of Website
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GETTING STARTED With Claire Davies, Marketing Manager, Umbrella Marketing TEAM
26 APPRENTICESHIPS The Big Interview His Grace the Duke of Westminster
Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Staffordshire celebrates the success of its apprentices and apprentice employers at prestigious awards
38 24 HOURS WITH... Paul Barlow, Avox Chief Operating Officer and Site Lead, DTCC Wrexham
39 TOP TIPS...
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Dougie Eaglesham, Director of Bodhi360 on travelling abroad.
40 NEW MEMBERS
A list of our new members
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Chamber News
Chamber Charity Annual Dinner was a night to remember! Taking place in the beautiful surrounds of the Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner held on Friday 9th October was a roaring success with over 160 guests attending the spectacular black-tie event. THE event was held in support of the Hospice of the Good Shepherd which helps support individuals with incurable illnesses from the North Wales and Cheshire region. Over £4600 was raised in total, a fantastic amount that will provide vital funds to the charity. Guests in attendance
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were greeted with a glass of sparkling prosecco on arrival before making their way through to the elegant grand dining room ready for the evening’s laughter and entertainment to begin, hosted by special guest host Ted Robbins. Guests were greeted by William Hogg, Chairman of
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce who led the introductions for the night. He was followed by Mike Spicer, Director of Research and Economics from the British Chambers of Commerce who delivered a wonderful speech on the ever-growing importance of local companies and
organisations on both a local and global level. Helen Nellist the VicePrincipal of Patron member West Cheshire College led the way in presenting the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce’s Award Ceremony. The award for Dedication to Innovation
Chamber News went to Josh Brown and Tom Howarth from TechnoSpark, two start-up graduate entrepreneurs whose company produces a selection of bespoke and innovative technology products such as USB’s and video brochures. The second award of the night was introduced by Matthew Kingsley Williams from Patron member MWL Systems Ltd who presented the Award for Commitment, Service & Dedication to local business. The worthy winner was Karen Balmer, Executive Director of Groundwork North Wales, an organisation that works works alongside local communities to create better neighbourhoods,
advanced job prospects and a greener way of working. As the evening’s festivities continued, dinner was then served as the staff at Macdonald Craxton Wood prepared a delicious threecourse banquet of poached salmon, braised shin of beef and homemade sticky toffee pudding for dessert. The night was still young as Ted Robbins hosted a special charity auction and raffle for a selection of special prizes during the dinner to raise money for the good cause. The lively auction raised thousands and would not have been possible without the generosity of those who donated the prizes; namely; Driveme,
Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa and Lomani Luxury Travel and Etihad Airways. Hassan Ramady, CEO of Optimus International Consultancy said he ‘‘thoroughly enjoyed the event and our thanks go to all those who made the evening happen, it was our pleasure to help towards the cause of the charity.’’ Kirsty Craig of Kirsty Craig Associates then shared with guests an insight into the great work the Hospice do on a daily basis, explaining her connection to the charity in her role as Trustee for the Hospice. As the band Le Funk took to the stage and brought the venue alive with their fantastic live music, guests made their
way to the dance floor as the night’s fun continued on. Colin Brew, Executive Director of the Chamber said ‘’We had such a wonderful evening and thank everyone who joined us, we cannot express how grateful we are to our Patron Members; Cheshire West and Chester, Sanctuary Housing, MWL Systems Ltd and West Cheshire College for their continuing support of the Chamber. We’d also like to thank Marketing Cheshire, Madonald Craxton Wood and Mike Spicer. Most importantly, we’d like to thank all our members who make the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner an event that’s not to be missed!’’
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British Chambers of Commerce News West Cheshire & North Wales Quarterly Economic Survey Quarter 3 – 2015 Results THE British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is the largest and most representative independent
business survey of its kind in the UK. Each quarter over 7,000 businesses from across the UK participate in the QES. The survey questions businesses on a wide range of issues,
including: home sales and orders, export sales and orders, employment prospects, investment, recruitment difficulties, cash flow, confidence and price pressures.
35% said cashflow had improved
To take part in the next QES, keep an eye out in the ‘Support’ section of the website.
28% said their workforce will increase over the next 3 months
expected turnover to improve over the next 12 months
BCC: UK recovery on course despite slower GDP growth GDP grew by 0.5% in Q3 2015, compared with growth of 0.7% in Q2 Services output increased by 0.7% on the quarter, production grew by 0.3%, but construction output plunged by 2.2% COMMENTING on the preliminary UK GDP figures for Q3 2015, issued today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at
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the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The main reason for the slowdown was the sharp fall in construction, a
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
sector which is traditionally volatile and erratic. However, our strong services sector continues to keep the recovery on track. “Our economic growth remains unbalanced. Although total production is slightly up, expansion in the extractive industries masked a further 0.3% decline in manufacturing output. The trade deficit also widened in this quarter, and we are
still heavily reliant on consumer spending. “Nevertheless, it is good news that real GDP is now 6.4% higher than the prerecession peak in early 2008. What we need now is further measures to boost growth to support the recovery, with particular emphasis on exports and infrastructure investments. Fixing the fundamentals will place the economy on a surer footing.”
Member News Outwrite PR’s managing director features on BBC’s Wales at Work OUTWRITE PR’s managing director Tracy North was invited on to a live BBC Radio Wales show to discuss issues and crisis PR. A specialist in crisis PR, Tracy appeared on the Wales at Work show to talk about how large companies should manage a crisis, in light of recent media coverage surrounding TalkTalk and Volkswagen. Wales at Work, which is presented by Brian Meechan, focuses on current business affairs in Wales during its 30-minute weekly broadcast. During a discussion with consumer behaviour
expert Henry Enos, Tracy commented that companies must be swift, honest and prepared in their responses. Tracy said: “I was more than happy to contribute to the show as crisis PR has long been an area of interest to me. “After recent wide-scale PR crises, it’s important to be aware of how PR can limit damage to a business’ image and rebuild public trust in a brand.” The broadcast was Tracy’s second recent radio contribution, following an interview on the 2015 budget in her role as Chairman of CBI North Wales.
Tracy North, Managing Director, Outwrite PR.
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TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
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International Trade “The support and information that we have received following on from the Forum has been quite overwhelming.”
WCNW International Trade Forum & Launch of Member Area of Website
T
he WCNW Chamber of Commerce held its second International Trade Forum (ITF) at the Riverside Innovation Centre on 23rd September 2015. The ITF offers potential and established exporters a place to develop their export knowledge, get tips from a range of expert speakers and a chance to network with like-minded business people. We greeted Neil McCluskey (UKTI – International Trade Advisor) who gave a presentation on UKTI and the portfolio of programmes available to potential and active exporters. This included “Passport to Export” which is a scheme to assist new exporters expand into overseas markets. Susana Cordoba (Overseas Business Network (OBNI) Northwest Advisor) delivered a presentation on the OBNI and how this collaboration between Chambers and UKTI can support companies looking to target emerging markets. They are currently working with Chambers of Commerce in 20 emerging overseas markets to develop market intelligence and support for British companies. Gordon Iddon (International Sales Director, Santander) highlighted to delegates the various support services available from Santander, including their Trade Portal. This gives exporters wishing to access new markets an online service to research information such as; trade statistics, details of companies importing products, trade shows, banking, shipping and information on establishing a business. A 30 day free trial is available at www.santandertrade.com.
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Finally Debbie Hancox launched the new International Trade Forum Member Area of the WCNW Chamber website. This area is exclusive to Chamber members who are part of the ITF and offers additional support to members who trade overseas. Members can create a biography which gives others an overview of their business and their exporting background and submit articles about their export activity. Dan Hassall from JM&D Ltd said about the Forum “As an established UK business and Chamber member, we have been keen to explore and develop the opportunities of exporting food and drink products abroad, however we have not really known where to begin.” “Speaking to the Chamber team, they recommended we attend the recently formed ‘International Trade Forum’ as this would provide a good introduction to Exporting.” “Having attended the Forum meeting in September, I found the meeting to be highly informative, especially in the format which involved several guest speakers from a wide range of organisations presenting their own knowledge and experiences of exporting.” “The support and information that we have received following on from the Forum has been quite overwhelming. Subsequently we have held a one to one meeting with Becky Stark from Stark Export Focus and have also been contacted by a U.K.T.I International Trade Advisor and have been recommended to join the ‘Passport to Export’ programme.” “Through the support and information
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
International Trade Forum, Member Area
we have received, we have been able to effectively begin planning our export strategy for the business and aim to be exporting products within 12 months.” For more information on the ITF or any of the services offered by the guest speakers, please email d.hancox@ wcnwchamber.org.uk. The Introduction of the Union Customs Code (UCC) The UCC is being introduced across the European Union on 1st May 2016. This will lead to several changes to how goods cross EU borders and some transitional arrangements will operate until 2020. The UCC will have an impact on import, export and storage procedures which will, in turn, affect many businesses across the West Cheshire & North Wales region. The West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce will be holding seminars on the UCC in early 2016 to help businesses prepare for the proposed changes. Be sure to keep an eye on our upcoming events if you want to know how the UCC will affect your business.
advertorial
Charity begins... at the start line! KPI RECRUITING the region’s leading supplier of Office, Industrial and Driving personnel, first opened its doors 7 years ago and continues to expand across the North West. “We pride ourselves on being a real part of the community, working with local employers and job seekers to give genuine support, advice and opportunities to match skills and experience. Extreme Warrior 10K Challenge In July 2015 the team discussed being able to This year we have donated support and give back to to the following charities: the community that has helped establish us as a • Misha’s wish fund leading recruitment partner • Mid Cheshire Hospital’s and from such time we Scanner Appeal have committed to giving • The Donna Louise a minimum of £1000 each Children’s Hospital month to charities and • Kids Physiotherapy worthy causes from the • Christies Hospice geographical areas we File: 214451 WCNW Winter 15 KPI Recruiting Ad • Cancer Research operate.” Ad size: BV 1/2L (181mm wide x 116mm high)
Pretty Muddy 5K Obstacle Course Our staff members also completed the Extreme Warriors 10K challenge and 5K Pretty muddy obstacle course to raise money for The Christie Charity and Cancer Research UK. To follow our donations or to donate yourself, please visit our news page on our website: www.kpir.co.uk
If you have a cause, event or charity that you believe would benefit from our support please let us know! lee@kpir.co.uk
Charity Donations
Mischa’s Wish Fund
July 2015 £1000
August 2015 £1000
September 2015 £1000
October 2015 £1000
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TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
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Getting Feature started “If you have the determination and the right support anything is possible.”
Name: Claire Davies Job title: Marketing Manager From: Umbrella Marketing TEAM To begin, tell us a little about yourself and your background. I am a Marketing Manager and did my 4 year Business Management degree at Leeds Metropolitan University. It was during my year placement (as part of my degree) that I fell in love with marketing, whilst working for Alfred McAlpine in their head office. This company gave me the best grounding for my first steps into business. I learnt so much from the directors and managers that ran the business at the time and very few companies have come on par. What made you set up the business? I truly believe that, when an opportunity comes your way you should grab it with both hands. I was approached via LinkedIn, (yes it does work) by Chris Airey to join him and help set up the company. At the time I remember thinking, am I being crazy and irresponsible?
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A year on and we have no regrets, we have doubled our work force, introduced new packages and it’s a great feeling coming in to work with a true purpose and sense of achievement. How and when did the idea come about? The initial idea for the business came from Chris, who approached me with the model and asked me to take the concept forward. Chris identified a real need for outsourcing marketing rather than companies being reliant on having to continuously up-skill their staff, expand their team at great expense or use specialist agencies. I was fortunate to have a great start in business, but all too many graduates aren’t given the opportunity to use and develop the knowledge and skills they have gained whilst studying for their degree.
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
Who are your target audience and what is the main aim of the organisation? We offer outsourced marketing to all industry sectors, our outsourced solutions mean that we can save businesses money, add value and business efficiency. We have recently launched new packages to start up businesses, as we were asked time and time again to put something together when networking at the chamber events. Our main aim is to ensure that our clients own their marketing goals, and we are the team to get them there. What have been your main achievements? Reaching our first year milestone is a great achievement. It has taken some doing to get our business model to reach its full potential. We have just launched our new branding, have won some great contracts and met some fantastic and inspirational people along the way. We have also recently taken on more staff and launched new services.
working on our client’s work that we left ourselves behind! However, it was important to deliver so market testing the proposition was the main priority. The other difficulty was networking – where on earth do you start as an unknown business – it can be so daunting being in a room full of people. I found it a revelation attending the Chamber of Commerce Start Up Club, what a great bunch of people! It is such a valuable resource and I am a true advocate! What message would you give to fellow entrepreneurs or people looking to get involved in setting up their own business or organisation? Do it! There is nothing worse than feeling that you could do something better. There is no hiding the fact that it is hard work, but if you have the determination and the right support anything is possible. Secondly, listen to the questions people ask you – they could be the sign that you may need to communicate your proposition more clearly – or even give you an idea for another services or product!
And difficulties? Believe it or not, marketing ourselves! We were so busy developing relationships, and
Last but not least – don’t forget your reason for doing this in the first place, it will always be your drive.
MWL Systems help address your IT ‘hot topics’ As patrons of the Chamber of Commerce and active members, we regularly get asked for our advice and options on a wide range of IT related issues. For this issue we’ve been asked to highlight the top IT topics for members, and give our impartial opinion. Firewalls – Why do I need one and which are the most effective? • In its simplest form, a firewall is a system designed to prevent unauthorised access to or from a private network. Increasingly, firewalls are being deployed that don’t just prevent unwanted access, but will scan web and email traffic for malware and viruses and even allow companies to control access to certain websites and monitor their staff’s internet usage. Many of the more basic features are common
across the different brands, but you find that the more functionality you need or the better support you require, then the more expensive the firewall tends to be. The old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ generally applies. Contingency plans – What factors need to be considered when putting a plan together? • When looking at a company’s Disaster Recovery plan from a data perspective, it’s important to understand the Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) of the organisation.
• (RTO) – The time the business can tolerate being unable to use a system for a given type of disaster. • (RPO) – The amount of data that the business can afford to lose for any given system or type of disaster. • In addition to putting in a robust backup solution to achieve your business’ RTO and RPO, you’ll need to consider things like email continuity (can you access your email while your systems are down?) and how you’re going to get access to main business applications in the event of a disaster. These factors are some of the reasons why people are finding moving to the cloud beneficial, as it’s ‘always on’ and can be accessed from anywhere you can access the internet Cloud Services and Office 365 – How safe is the cloud, particularly when holding sensitive data? • Every data centre will have different standards and approaches to data and physical security so it’s important to do your due diligence should you opt to use cloud services. For instance, Microsoft offer a financially backed SLA for system uptime, with the current quarterly uptime being 99.99%. They have also invested heavily in security, compliance and transparent privacy. You know where your data resides and who has access to it. This is not always the case with other providers. Ultimately you need to work with a reputable cloud partner to assess the expected level of service and cost to make your own
mind up if the datacentre you choose is right for your business. Online payments – How safe are they, what are the considerations when taking payment online? • Online payments are an increasingly common business transaction and are usually as an alternative to cash, cheque or direct debit. • Double check all details of your payment before confirming. • Before entering payment details on a website, ensure that the link is secure, in three ways: • There should be a padlock symbol in the browser window frame, which appears when you attempt to log in or register. Be sure that the padlock is not on the page itself ... this will probably indicate a fraudulent site. The web address should begin with ‘https://’. The ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’. If using the latest version of your browser, the address bar or the name of the site owner will turn green. Always log out of sites into which you have logged in or registered details. Simply closing your browser is not enough to ensure privacy. If you need clarification on any of these points or for more in-depth advice or help with other queries please call one of the team on 01978 858300 or email us on info@mwlsystems.co.uk.
TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
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West Cheshire College Apprenticeships: ‘Good for Business’ Apprenticeships at West Cheshire College are ‘Good’ for Business - According to Ofsted Following a recent inspection of the College by Ofsted, employer engagement activity through Apprenticeships and workplace learning was graded as ‘Good’. The report recognised the close working partnerships the College has with the region’s business community and found: • Highly effective planning with employers meaning that training in the workplace was high quality • Apprentices benefit from highly effective teaching, learning and skills development in the workplace • Apprenticeship programmes offer a range of specialist and additional options that meet the needs of individual employers and Apprentices • Apprentices are confident and articulate; they develop good personal, technical and employability skills that make them valuable and valued members of their workforce. Maria Davison, Managing
Director Business and Employer Engagement, at the College commented: “The College continues to support and underpin the Government’s growth and skills agenda and we are proud to deliver bespoke training programmes and Apprenticeships for some of the region’s largest employers and highgrowth SMEs.” For more information about how Apprenticeships and workplace learning can support your business, please call our employer hotline on 01244 656499 or email employers@ west-cheshire.ac.uk College launches series of short courses for businesses The new suite of short courses has been developed with small to medium businesses in mind that have various management and team leading functions to fulfil and limited time and resources to develop staff working in them. The courses are led by experienced trainers from industry and are designed to enable staff to be more effective in their job roles to improve the performance and productivity of the business.
Paul Mushrow, Associate Director Management and Professional Programmes, said: “We worked closely with the Chamber to identify the training requirements of new and existing businesses in the region. Using this feedback we have put together a suite of one and two-day programmes to enable small and medium-sized businesses the opportunity to train and upskill staff whilst minimising the time they are away from the business.” The training courses offered include: • Managing the Talent of your Team • Effective Management and Leadership Styles • Managing People - Skills for Managers • Managing Cash Flow, Keeping your Business Healthy • Budgeting for the Small Business • Essential HR for the Smaller Business • Making sense of Financial Documents • Finance for Non-financial Managers • Effective Delegation The courses take place at the College’s Ellesmere Port Campus from the 11 January 2016 and include a buffet lunch and refreshments. For further information on the courses, please call 01244 656371 or email p.mushrow3@ west-cheshire.ac.uk
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West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
Work experience students lay the foundations for a successful future West Cheshire College students Josh Fleming and Tony Stockton gave their career ambitions a boost by undertaking work placements with Balfour Beatty and Portakabin. The students, who are currently studying Site Carpentry and Plumbing, did their placements at live construction sites at Malpas and Tarvin Primary School and Bishop Heber High School. The two-week placements gave the students the opportunity to learn about health and safety in the workplace, use of personal protection equipment and roles and responsibilities within the organisation. They also observed what it is like to work on a construction site and completed on-site tasks under the supervision of mentors. Josh said, “Having completed my work experience and after having such a fantastic experience, I decided that I wanted to move forward into employment and so started an Apprenticeship with Adana Construction working on the Chester Theatre Project. I thoroughly enjoyed my work placement and learned a lot about working in the industry and the variety of roles that are available to progress to.” If you are interested in supporting a work experience student on a placement lasting from one to two weeks, please call Brian Rule on 01244 656329 or email b.rule@west-cheshire.ac.uk
TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
Sanctuary invests £5 million in homes Sanctuary is investing almost £5 million in homes across Chester as part of a programme to upgrade and enhance homes for hundreds of residents. DURING this financial year alone, more than 400 homes will have benefited from new bathrooms, kitchens and central heating systems. A further 228 properties will have new external doors, porches and cladding and 195 homes are set for electrical rewires, while £1.3 million
will be spent on adaptation and cyclical works. All work will be carried out by skilled operatives from Sanctuary Maintenance Contractors Ltd. This brings the total number of homes that will have benefited from improvements since CDHT joined Sanctuary to over 2,000.
Businesses move into Enterprise Centre Since it opened its doors in September, the state-of-the-art Enterprise Centre at The Parade in Blacon has seen its first business move in with several others looking set to follow. AVENUE Services, a joint venture between Sanctuary and Cheshire West and Chester Council, is talking to several local businesses who have shown a keen interest in the seven remaining offices, which are available to rent on low cost, flexible leases. Rent, utilities, broadband, meeting room access, cleaning, service charges for external repairs, car parking and business rates are all included in the package which costs £16 per sq foot. A free advisory service
is also offered to people looking to set up a new business or support those with young businesses that need help to grow. The conference and community rooms housed in the centre are available for the public to hire and these are already proving popular. Any businesses interested in the centre and the support on offer are welcome to contact Chris Leicester on 01244 972296 or e-mail chris.leicester@sanctuaryhousing.co.uk
Chris Leicester from Avenue Services hands over the keys to Cestrian Care, the first business to move into the Enterprise Centre.
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West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
Work is being carried out on homes by Sanctuary Maintenance operatives
Recruitment drive at care home Sanctuary is creating a raft of employment opportunities at its new £6 million care home in Upton Dene, Chester. MORE than 70 positions will be created when Upton Dene Residential and Nursing Home, built on vacant land near to the Countess of Chester Hospital, opens its doors this winter. A manager, deputy manager and administration staff have already joined Sanctuary Care and a recruitment drive for the remaining roles including nurses, carers and hospitality, is underway. Staff are chosen for their kind and compassionate
nature and will receive a variety of on-going training to ensure their skills are always up to date. In addition to residential and nursing care, they will also be providing dementia care to residents. Among other features, the new 74-bed care home boasts an on-site cinema, hair and beauty salon and sensory gardens. If you are interested in the new care home, please contact 0800 916 1499.
Upton Dene Residential and Nursing Home
Help shape the future of your neighbourhood and borough Cheshire West and Chester Council is currently developing the Council Plan which sets out our vision and priorities for the next four years. At the same time, we are also developing our budget plans for the next four years to ensure we can fund our priorities. CENTRAL government cuts are expected to lead to a £47 million gap that the authority has to bridge over this period - a 17 per cent cut to the Council’s net budget. This means difficult decisions will need to be made about our priorities and what we do differently. We want to encourage the business community to have their say on our plans and spending priorities before we finalise the Council Plan. A consultation is taking
place from October 2015 to early January 2016. How you can get involved – You can access a range of documents online including a ‘Let’s Talk’ Booklet which gives a flavour of our vision and proposals. http://www. cheshirewestandchester.gov. uk/your_council/consultations_ and_petitions/council_ consultations/lets_talk.aspx
• You can complete a quick questionnaire online • download the full ‘Let’s Talk’ Booklet • complete the quick online questionnaire • Request a printed copy of the booklet and questionnaire by email or phone • Try our interactive budget simulator, have a go at setting a virtual budget and submit it to us
The closing date for comments is Wednesday 6 January 2016. Your views are really important in helping shape future local services. We will consider all the feedback we receive and the results will be published in February 2016.
Or you can email us your views to us at: letstalk@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or tweet@Go_CheshireWest using #letstalkcwac
Growth Hub launches to drive business growth A NEW Growth Hub for Cheshire and Warrington has been established to drive business expansion across the region. THE Government-backed Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub was launched at a series of events taking place in Chester, Warrington and Tatton Park. The Growth Hub is a first stop shop for businesses of all kinds to easily access a wide range of advice, expertise and funding to accelerate their growth. It is now urging businesses to get in touch to discuss their advice needs. The Growth Hub brings together a comprehensive network of local, regional and national business
support services from both the public and private sector. It will aid the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP’s) ambition to make Cheshire and Warrington a £50bn economy by 2040. Christine Gaskell, Chair of the LEP, said: “The Growth Hub brings the public and private sectors together and will be a focal point for Cheshire businesses to support other Cheshire businesses, with grant funding becoming available next year to help pay for that support.
“Whether you are starting a new business, looking for funding or want to achieve increased competitiveness and growth, we can help your business to unleash its potential. “The Growth Hub is about offering a simple solution to those wishing to navigate the sometimes complex network of business advisory services which are out there and is a critical part of our ambitions to encourage enterprise and grow the local economy.” The Growth Hub, which is being overseen by the LEP’s Business Growth Strategy Board, expects to support some 2,500 businesses with advice over the next two years.
The Growth Hub will support and advise businesses in these areas: • Access to finance including grants and loans • Skills, training and employment • Exporting and new markets • Sales and marketing • Finding the right location • Growth mentoring and coaching • Starting a business Businesses looking for advice should call 03300 245007 or email support@ candwgrowthhub.co.uk. For further information go to www.candwgrowthhub.co.uk
TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
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Member News Residential Team Supports Community
Steve Povall, managing director of Residential Estates presents a cheque to Sheila Saner
AS part of its ongoing commitment to support Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), Residential Estates has recently made a £2000 donation to Sheila Saner, Regional Chairperson North West. Residential Estates, based in Chester for over 25 years, is one of Cheshire’s premier letting, sales, and property investment companies. The dynamic property company remains proud to be associated with such a worthwhile cause as the RDA, whose horses and
ponies provide therapy and fun to people with disabilities all over the UK. Following a recent move to new, prestigious Chester offices Managing Director, Steve Povall said, “I am delighted to be able to make this donation and pledge our ongoing support to such a wonderful charity. We hope the donation will be used to assist the great work being done by the kind hearted volunteers, giving RDA the opportunity to expand their volunteer network,
improving the life of people with disabilities across the UK.” Residential Estates continues to expand its operations across all disciplines and continues to solidify its premier brand position in Cheshire and UK . Speaking shortly after the formal, but fun, donation Saner commented, “We are thrilled Steve and the team at Residential Estates have selected the RDA as their company’s chosen charity and this donation will be a great benefit to our ongoing endeavours.”
Chester Businesswoman wins National BizMums Award JUST nine months into starting her own business, Chester-based Mum and businesswoman, Michelle Collins has won the national ‘Bizmums Networking
Award’ at a lavish ceremony in Alsager, proving that juggling a family and running a successful business is more than possible. The much-coveted Award was presented by Dr Emma
L – R: Michelle Collins of Pink Spaghetti and Dr Emma Sutton at the Bizmum Networking Awards
Sutton, owner of Naked Presenting, (also one of the Judges). Speaking of Michelle’s Award, Emma said ‘One of the reasons Michelle won the Award was because of what she has achieved in such a short time since starting her business, this really stood out in the judging process.’ Michelle herself said, ‘I’m absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious Award, it means so much to me that it was judged by fellow businesswomen who have proved the inspiration for me starting my business in the first place’’ Award nominees had to evidence how they had supported other businesses and grown
Detection Dogs Train at Local Self-Storage Facility THERE are a variety of goods stored inside the local self-storage facility Chester Self Storage, ranging from tarantula tanks to selfie sticks and on some occasions there are a few patrolling detection dogs. An award-winning company that specialises in detection dogs and dog handler training uses
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Chester Self Storage to help train their dogs. Chester Self Storage lets the company use their facility to practise detecting a wide variety of goods from illegal tobacco and drugs to bodies and bombs. Chester Self Storage provides the perfect place to train with over 350 private and secure units.
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
The four legged team have to use their noses to detect where the trainers have hidden the goods. James Matthews, the Store Manager of Chester Self Storage states ‘It’s our pleasure to provide somewhere for them to train their dogs. It’s exciting to be part of training that could potentially save people’s lives.’
their own via networking. Having developed networks within the community and the voluntary sector this is something that Michelle is passionate about and where she has excelled. At the heart of Michelle and Pink Spaghetti’s philosophy has been to find a balance between having a family and running a successful business, whilst also providing an impeccable service for their clients. As a result, much of Michelle’s work has come from recommendations and word-of-mouth as her organisational talents and expertise in Social Media promotion has earned her many accolades and much appreciation.
News
Linking the University of Chester with business and commerce. Paul Vernon is the Senior Executive Director of Commercial Operations for the University of Chester and CEO of Thornton Science Park. Paul joined the University from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) where he was responsible for the development of the UK Government’s National Science and Innovation Campuses at Daresbury and Harwell.
Paul Vernon, Senior Executive Director of Commercial Operations for the University of Chester and CEO of Thornton Science Park.
IT’S been a busy year for Paul Vernon. Paul arrived at the University just over 12 months ago, shortly after the University of Chester acquired Thornton Science Park, in Ince, from Shell. His role is to build a commercial foundation at the University, with particular emphasis on the Thornton Science Park site, and the RIC (Riverside Innovation Centre - the University’s innovationfocused business start-up support facility in the heart
of Chester) - to maximise the University’s opportunities to become increasingly business friendly. Significant development has been carried out at Thornton – a site comprising circa 66 acres – which allows the park to effectively accommodate both the newly formed Faculty of Science and Engineering and a large influx of commercial tenants. The site’s predicted expansion is expected to accommodate a further 2,000 jobs.
Paul explains more: “The difference I’ve tried to bring to Thornton, compared to other Science Parks is that it’s not about turning property into revenue. For us, it’s about our property enabling us to drive economic growth through our commercial interactions - through the University and the companies based on site. So it’s about the ease of transfer of intellectual property; the access to academia and to our Faculties, and the access to business support too.” Paul’s team ensures that all companies based at Thornton concentrate on four main fields of expertise: Energy, Environment, Automotive and Advance Manufacturing. “This focus means that any of the companies based at Thornton will have alignment with the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and we are extremely keen to encourage collaboration between the University and businesses. “All companies that we look after at Thornton and RIC, and at NowFood on the Parkgate Road Campus, Chester, engage with students for Work Experience, potential final year projects and it can even lead to recruitment. “Companies often complain to me about a lack of skills hampering their growth. As a University, we can impart those skills to employees; and work with businesses to ensure that we give students the skills they need. “And it’s not just about
Science and Technology, we work with all the Faculties at the University – and we provide business support beyond the bounds of the University too, to Chester, Ellesmere Port, and beyond.” Increasingly, universities across the UK are having to become more business minded. Paul believes that the University of Chester is ahead of the game: “In a very competitive market, universities are having to change the way they engage with individuals. At Chester, business and academic worlds are interlinked – we have the students and the science facilities to drive research programmes that companies may not necessarily have. We can make the student experience much more business oriented, and provide students with access to genuine case studies. “It means that we can work in partnership with companies – they may have real-life problems to solve, and we can provide students to work on those industrial applications – they get to experience the real world of work and companies get the benefit too. It’s a win/ win – companies get the outcome and students get the experience.” The commercial impact of the University goes beyond the individual companies it works in partnership with. As Paul explains: “The University’s annual financial impact to the region’s economy is not to be underestimated – our most recent figure is £386 million, which has increased from £298 million in 2012. “The commercial and social influence of initiatives such as Thornton Science Park is clearly recognisable within that significant growth.”
TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
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The Person Behind the Business With a background in science and conservation, Frankie Hobro travelled around the world through her work before moving to North Wales to continue her studies. She has since settled down along the North Wales coast and is now Owner & Director of Anglesey Sea Zoo and Marine Resource Centre. An overview of yourself and your current role. I did my degree at Lancaster University in Combined Science then specialised in island conservation and endangered species research. I spent years abroad working on research and conservation projects, learning and teaching fieldwork skills including ringing, tagging, tracking, climbing, abseiling, and diving. I worked in more than 15 countries, in remote and idyllic locations, in challenging conditions, with some of the world’s most critically endangered species. It’s a great lifestyle and on-the-edge research but terrible pay! It’s also challenging, being responsible for such rare animals, with constant vigilance against invasives, killing introduced predators and tackling poachers. You’re
training local staff to keep the projects running – so if you’re good at your job you put yourself out of a job and move on! It made me broad-minded and appreciative of the simple things in life. Working with incredibly poor people is very humbling, but I also rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous! I came to North Wales in 2001 to do my Masters in Marine Environmental Protection at Bangor University before working abroad again, then settled here when I bought the business eight years ago – it’s by far the longest time I’ve ever spent in one place since leaving school! The Anglesey Sea Zoo Is a native marine aquarium on the shore of the Menai Strait, unique in housing only British species, focusing on conservation
and sustainability. All the water in our tanks comes directly from the sea. I employ 12 permanent staff and 25-30 seasonal staff. We educate our visitors on the wonderful diversity of marine life found around Britain and run several research and conservation programmes. We were the first aquarium to breed the British short-snouted seahorse and we now house both British species in our seahorse breeding nursery. We also have a lobster hatchery, and breeding programmes for spiny lobsters and cuttlefish. There’s also a gift shop and a licensed café on site with locally and sustainably sourced produce, a crazy golf course and adventure playground and huge bouncy castle. What are your aims? To expand the business so we can open all year round, reduce the heavy influence of seasonal tourism and employ more permanent staff. To be recognised for our underlying sustainability and environmental credentials and as a centre for excellence in marine education, conservation and research, as well as a tourist attraction and a family day out.
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West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
Jordanian royal family on an exclusive yacht, with bodyguards, helicopters and patrol boats - like a scene out of Miami Vice! Tell us a bit about what you do outside of work to relax.
Was a role like this always what you aspired to? Describe your role. Director, Owner, General Manager - any hat which needs filling! If it’s nobody’s job it’s mine. There’s always too much to do so I have to be selective, and delegate. I oversee the daily running of the business and step in when I’m needed whilst covering all the essentials that only I can do. I can be carrying out an interview for the BBC one minute, negotiating deals with suppliers the next, then cleaning the customer toilets! What’s the best bit of having a job like yours? Living and working in a stunning location, on the seashore by the mountains with a view of Snowdon. I live on site, so no drive to work! I have autonomy, variety and I get a buzz from the unpredictability - no two days are ever the same.
No, it just happened but I wouldn’t change it for the world! I always wanted to run my own conservation and research project, something focussing on sustainability and environmental education but never envisaged owning a business.
I climb and do circuit training and I’m training for my black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I enjoy skiing, diving, wakeboarding, surfing and all water sports. I love being active and outdoors whatever the weather! I am a single mum with small kids and we really enjoy spending active time together. I go abroad on holiday twice a year, to escape and to get some sun. And I do love a good deep tissue massage! In an ideal world, what else would you like to be?
Any special memories to share? Too many to cover them all! Releasing hundreds of turtle hatchlings into the sea. Finding the first egg laid by one of the world’s rarest birds. Watching the sea get sucked away in front of my eyes just before the tsunami wave hit on Boxing Day in 2004. The acrid smell of guano after a tropical storm. Swimming with dolphins, diving with whales and snorkelling amongst a feeding frenzy of the world’s greatest sharks. Watching local staff finally swim unaided after hours of lessons. Accompanying King Abdullah and the
I‘d be an undercover agent in the secret service – a female Bond! “Shaken, not stirred!” What advice would you give to anyone starting out? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Stay focussed. Dedication and hard work pay off in the long run but don’t expect anything to happen overnight. Don’t beat yourself up over small things. Keep your finger on the pulse and know your business inside out and back to front.
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Events round up Fantastic turnout for Networking Lunch at Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester
THE sun was shining ready for the Chamber’s Lunch and Networking Event on the 15th September, generously cohosted and held in the beautiful surrounds of Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester. The event was a huge success with over 75 delegates joining us for a special lunchtime get-together for networkers from across the region, where the team at Craxton Wood ensured that
each and every guest received a warm welcome. Following a complimentary drink on arrival, attendees gathered in the reception area where they had the opportunity to chat with their fellow Chamber member’s as well as sample some of Hotel’s luxurious spa treatments. After greetings had taken place, guests made their
way through to the Dining Suite, where the autumnal sunshine lit up the traditional grounds of the venue. We were joined by Deputy Chief Constable of Cheshire Police, Janette McCormick who gave a brilliant and insightful presentation into the positive impact that business and economy has on the everchanging face of crime and how Cheshire Police will be focussing on a Business Crime Strategy moving forward. Guests were then treated to a delicious lunch of butter
roasted breast of chicken, saffron potatoes and seasonal green vegetables, followed by lemon posset, crunchy meringue and honeycomb with tangy raspberry for dessert. Debbie Long from The Gold Star Effect Training, who has just recently joined the Chamber said the event provided her with an opportunity to ‘meet lovely people, make valuable business connections and most importantly, have a great time!’ Chamber Membership Director Debbie Stokes said ‘I’d like to thank each and every guest who joined us for what has been a fantastic event, the team at Craxton Wood have been superb and we hope everyone has enjoyed themselves, we hope to see many more familiar faces at our future events.’
Networking Fun and Food at Luke’s Eating House & Gin Rickey’s CHAMBER members enjoyed a delicious spot of lunch for the monthly Chamber Lunch & Networking event, co-hosted by the team at Luke’s Eating House & Gin Rickey’s, Chester. The event was highly attended by over 45 Chamber members who came together for a sociable networking session. Lunch was served as guests enjoyed a delicious twocourse menu of cured salmon with beetroot and crème fraiche for starters and a tasty portion of rump steak, skinny fries and a cracked black pepper sauce for the main course.
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Guests also heard from our Guest Speaker, Paula Hanford from Children Today Charitable Trust who shared with us an insight into the humbling work they do to raise money used to provide specialised equipment and services for children and young people with disabilities across the UK. It was great to see lots of new and old members joining in on the networking fun. Angelo Deponeo from Tranceform Hypnosis said ‘as a new member, it was nice to come along and meet lots of other Chamber members.’ Darren Done of HSBC Bank PLC said the lunch was a ‘fantastic event, fantastic
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
food, I’d highly recommend.’ Debbie Stokes, Membership Director said ‘This is the first time we have hosted an event with Luke’s Eating House and Gin Rickey’s and the staff
and food and venue were absolutely brilliant. We’d like to thank all the lovely staff at the venue and all members who come along to our events.’
Events round up Round the Table Networking at West Cheshire College IT was an early morning start for a networking event with a twist as over 40 guests came together for a Round the Table Networking session, held in collaboration with West Cheshire College who kindly co-hosted the event. After enjoying a hot drink and a pastry or two, guests sat down ready to begin networking. The Round the Table Networking Events are one of the Chamber’s specialty events, encouraging individuals to connect with one another in a fun and friendly setting. Each table has an appointed Captain, two minutes to share their story and once the stopwatch counts down, guests swap seats and find new guests to network with.
Sarah Bailey, Relationship Manager at Natwest was in attendance and said ‘it’s an excellent event, ideal venue, giving me a great opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and develop new ones.’ As well as growing upon their business connections, guests also heard from Maria Davison, Managing Director Business and Employer Engagement at the College who spoke all about fundamental role of Apprenticeships and the importance of bridging the link between educational institutions and the world of work. Colin Brew, Executive Director of the Chamber said ‘our Members are such a
vital part of the Chamber, so it is great to see everybody come together in a friendly and relaxed setting. The events are always enjoyable but also provide a brilliant opportunity to foster strong
business relations and grow your network. We’d like to thank our Patron Members for West Cheshire College for co-hosting the event with us and providing their wonderful venue.’
You are invited to our St David’s Day Charity Ball! charity auction or raffle, please contact Jenny Davidson on j.davidson@wcnwchamber. org.uk. Any members who donate a prize will be included in the programme on the evening and in the next edition of the Chamber’s quarterly magazine.
THE Chamber’s Annual Charity St David’s Day Ball is back for the second time after this year’s event was such a wonderful success! The night begins at 7:00pm on Friday 26th February 2016, held in the stunning surrounds of
the Quay Hotel, Deganwy. The St David’s Day Charity Black Tie Ball event is generously being sponsored by Adam Butler Group, a long standing name in the recruitment business. The ball is being held in order to raise much needed funds to help support Ty Gobaith Children’s Hospice (part of Hope House Group.) The night will involve a Charity Auction & Raffle to help raise funds and
guests will be greeted with a complimentary glass of sparkling fizz on arrival, before sitting down to enjoy a delicious three-course meal, with hot beverages and mints served after. Following on from the three-course banquet and Charity Auction & Raffle, there will be music and live entertainment to ensure all guests have a magical evening! If you or your company would like to donate a prize for the
Tickets for this wonderful event are selling fast and cost £35+VAT for Chamber Members and £42+VAT for nonmembers. Tables of 8 to 10 people can enjoy a 5% discount
For more information or to book tickets, go to wcnwchamber.org.uk/events.
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The Big Interview Name: His Grace the Duke of Westminster Job title: Owner of the Grosvenor Estate
WCNW: As owner of the Grosvenor Estate what does it involve? HGDW: The Grosvenor family traces its origins back to 1066 with the arrival of William the Conqueror and we have documents proving that we have lived in Chester since the 1400s. So the North West is in our blood! Our core activities are property, agriculture and investing in food and energy related businesses. We own and manage all of our business interests through a number of Trusts and the Trustees, of which I am Chairman, hold all the assets for the benefit of current and future members of the family. My Executive Trustee Jeremy Newsum has overall responsibility for all of the activities. We have a lot of highly skilled and experienced professionals who are paid to make the day to day decisions. Our business philosophy stems from being family owned and this is underpinned by taking a long term approach and behaving with integrity – I am very proud to say that people
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tell me that Grosvenor Estate staff demonstrate these values which are very important to the business and to the family. I do not need to be involved in a day to day basis as we have employed professional managers since the 1950s. However, I take a keen interest in what is happening both on the rural estates and in the city. I am so pleased to see Chester beginning to look and feel more confident after a period when it felt at a low ebb. WCNW: What is the nature of the Grosvenor Estate activity in the Cheshire region? HGDW: We are a long term land and property owner in Chester and are actively involved in the economic, business and social life of the city and the villages on the Eaton Estate. If you own one building in a place you are a shareholder and you have responsibilities which must be exercised. We are currently refurbishing a prominent and historic building in
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
Chester, the former St John’s School, which will provide much needed high quality office to a thriving high tech business that might otherwise have had to move away. My family are long term stewards and each generation aims to hand over in better shape than the generation before with the aim of benefitting our tenants and the wider community at each stage. We believe in looking after the land and environment and where things can be improved we would like to repair them. WCNW: What is the Wheatsheaf Group? HGDW: The Wheatsheaf Group was created in 2012 with the ambition to create a new significant business away from property. It is a long term investor into businesses which can help lessen the demands on natural resources caused by a growing global population and life style changes. Wheatsheaf is investing in some amazing technologies which I find as amazing today as I would have done 40
The Big Interview
years ago, like recycling food waste into animal feed (by harvesting and roasting the larvae of the Black Soldier flies that feed on it and making them into animal feed!) and fertiliser. It is focused on animal breeding – which it does through the Cogent bull stud on the estate – nutrient recovery, aquaculture, alternative proteins and energy efficiency. WCNW: Which other areas of the estate are you passionate about? HGDW: At Grosvenor Farms we have built, I believe, one of the best farms in the world. It is a huge step forward in its development. All of these interests are very different but there are common factors which apply across them all and that comes back to honesty, integrity, and the standards that are required. If you are going to do a job you do the job properly. You treat people the right way and you do it right the way.
WCNW: Is conservation important to you? HGDW: I think all of our countryside has to be managed. On the Eaton Estate we set ourselves very high standards in the care of the environment and wildlife. The countryside that we all enjoy and we think is natural is in fact is the result of centuries of careful management. At Eaton, we encourage healthy wildlife habitats by planting trees, hedges and field margins, wild bird mixtures and game strips. WCNW: Outside of your business activities how else is the estate involved in the county? HGDW: It is really important to the family to support the community and through the Westminster Foundation, the family’s charitable trust, we make donations to registered charities that benefit the communities in and around Chester and the rural estates who are trying to offer crisis intervention and build long
term resilience to tackle some of the symptoms and causes of poverty. We are also active supporters of The Cheshire Community Foundation which supports many grassroots community projects in the county. The function rooms at the Courtyard are made available to registered charities and no charge is made for their use. The estate also hosts four Charity Garden Open Days a year which in 2015 raised more than £49,500 for local causes, shared between four local charities We also welcome dozens of school visits to the estate and the farm as part of the Country Trust; a national educational charity that organises visits for children from deprived urban areas who often have little or no experience of the countryside. WCNW: What aspects do you enjoy the most? HGDW: I am proud to be asked to be involved in such a wide range of projects in the region. I was recently asked to launch a memorial forest at the Countess of Chester Country Park for a charity which I was delighted to do and last year I was invited to re-open Chester’ Grosvenor Park following its refurbishment. The parks are something I feel should be protected at all costs. At Eaton we planted the Jubilee Wood which was established to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. Almost 12,000 saplings were handplanted throughout the autumn and winter with help from local schools and the community and it is very popular with families, joggers and dog walkers. Cheshire is our home and we are very fortunate to have our roots in this wonderful county.
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Apprenticeships
Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Staffordshire celebrates the success of its apprentices and apprentice employers at prestigious awards Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Staffordshire’s top apprentices and apprentice employers have been announced in the regional final of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2015. THE National Apprenticeship Awards, now in their 12th year, celebrate the success of the country’s most exceptional apprentices and apprenticeship employers. The winners and highly commended entries were announced at a high profile awards ceremony on 22 October at Lancashire County Cricket Club in Greater Manchester, organised by the National Apprenticeship Service. The awards challenge top
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apprentices and apprenticeship employers across England to come forward and show how apprenticeships have made a real difference to their careers and their organisations. Having fought off tough competition in this year’s coveted awards, the winners are: • McDonald’s Award for Intermediate Apprentice of the Year: Laura Broughton, Greater Manchester Fire &
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
Rescue Service; • Highly Commended: Zachary Keneally-Smith, Greater Manchester Police; John Jones, Keepmoat Regeneration LTD • EAL Award for Advanced Apprentice of the Year: Sophie Knight, IBM; • Highly Commended: Connor Stevenson, Raise the Youth Foundation; Ryan Atwell, Barclays Bank • The Nuclear Decommissioning Site
Licence Companies Award for the Higher Apprentice of the Year: Jade Aspinall, MBDA UK Ltd. • Highly Commended: Anna Schlautmann, MBDA UK Ltd; Sarah Herrington, United Utilities • Unilever Award for Small Employer of the Year: Adary Joiners. • Highly commended: Wardworth Ltd t/a Ladderstore • The E.ON in partnership with the National Skills Academy for Power Award for Medium Employer of the Year: Tangerine PR. • Highly commended: Heat Trace Ltd; UKFast • BAE Systems Award for Large Employer of the Year: KMF.
There are 1.1 million UK women in business – how many know what you do?
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Apprenticeships
• Highly commended: Aspire Group; Barclays RBB Technology • BT Award for Macro Employer of the Year: United Utilities. • Highly commended: Elior UK • EDF Energy Award for Newcomer SME of the Year: Metamorphic PR. • Rolls-Royce Award for Newcomer Large Employer of the Year: ao.com. Highly commended: AstraZeneca IT Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “A big congratulations to all the apprentices and employers in the Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Staffordshire areas who impressed the judges today. From local businesses to large household names, from intermediate to degree apprentices, all of
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today’s winners truly deserve this recognition. “The success of each winner reminds us of how crucial apprenticeships are in supporting our workforce, our businesses and our economy. This is why we are committed to delivering 3 million apprenticeships by 2020.” This year’s sponsor for the North West - Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Staffordshire Awards is The Co-operative Group. Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “Apprenticeships deliver for businesses, individuals and the economy. They enable people to gain the skills and knowledge they need
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
to succeed, in some cases up to degree level, while working and earning. And for businesses, hiring apprentices is a productive and effective way for them to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. “The National Apprenticeship Awards enable talented apprentices and committed employers to receive the recognition they richly deserve. They not only help celebrate the achievements of apprentices and businesses, allowing them to gain the credit for investing in their own futures, but they drive up quality and encourage others to get involved. “Today’s winners are the best of the best in the region and I would like to congratulate them on their achievements. They deserve
to be rewarded for their efforts. There has never been a better time to become an apprentice or employ one.” Following the regional ceremonies, the winners from each category in all 11 areas of England will have their entries sent for national judging, and three from each category will be selected as national finalists. The apprenticeship employer entries that were judged to be the very best of the best will have the additional honour of featuring in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list. The national award winners and Top 100 Employers will be revealed at a ceremony held in January 2016 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Search for apprenticeships on .GOV.UK or call 08000 150 600 to find out more about apprenticeships.
Member News Risk Services NW Ltd announce charity partnership with Children Today
L-R: Paula Hanford from Children Today and Steve Lowe, Managing Director of Risk Services NW
COMMERCIAL insurance brokers Risk Services NW Ltd have chosen disabled children’s charity, Children Today, to be their first charity partner. Chester based Risk
Services NW Ltd staff will volunteer and raise funds for Children Today, enabling it to improve the lives of disabled children and young people by funding life-changing
specialised equipment. The fund raising activities will be kicked off by the Managing Director, Steve Lowe, who will take part in a Sponsored Shark Dive on November 27th
at the Blue Planet Aquarium. Staff will also participate in various events throughout the year including the charities annual golf day and will take part in a sponsored firewalk; literally walking over hot coals! Risk Services NW Ltd have also donated a 5ft high cuddly bear called Bernard to assist Children Today in their fundraising activities. This is the first time that Risk Services NW Ltd have embarked on a charity partnership. Steve Lowe said, “We are delighted to be working with Children Today over the coming year. We chose Children Today as our first charity partner as they are locally based but help disabled children all over the country. We are really impressed with the work that they do and feel that they are an excellent and very worthwhile charity for us to get behind and support.” Aydin Djemal, CEO of Children Today said, “We are thrilled that Risk Services NW Ltd have chosen Children Today to be their Charity of the Year for 2016. Their support will mean that we are able to help a number of disabled children who are currently on our waiting list receive lifechanging equipment.”
Free business growth coaching and assistance raising finance from the Welsh Government THE Accelerated Growth Programme, funded by the Welsh Government and the ERDF, has set up a £20M fund to provide support to SME Companies incorporated in, planning to start up in or move to Wales. Expecting to
support 1000 companies over the life of the programme (2015 – 2021), companies with high growth, job creation and export potential are eligible for support. Assistance with raising finance is just one of the skills offered.
Niall is one of 22 specialist growth coaches in the N Wales region and can help you with any questions. If you are a suitable business or start up, your details will be passed on to the project office, who will allocate a coach with experience of
your sector and a programme of support. The business wales web site http://business.wales.gov.uk/ accelerated-growth-programme provides more details or feel free to contact Dr Niall Macfadyen at enquiries@macfadyen.net.
TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
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Chamber News
“I am really enjoying the role and I’m confident that my Apprenticeship will help me to develop so many additional skills to offer future employers.” L-R: Colin Brew, Executive Director, Beth Gittins, Chamber Apprentice and Sarah Jones, Finance Manager.
Chamber appoints its first Apprentice WEST Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce has expanded its team with the appointment of its first ever Apprentice through West Cheshire College. As part of a wider focus in the business community to enable young adults to enter into the workplace through Apprenticeship schemes, the Chamber began recruiting for their new Apprentice. Beth Gittins, 18, from Chester has joined the Chamber under a two-year Business Administration Apprenticeship scheme and applied for the position as
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she wanted to enhance her previous academic studies by gaining practical work experience. Beth has been in the role since the start of September and will learn all there is to know about the Chamber under the expert guidance of the team. The scheme has been structured so that Beth has the opportunity to work across all the Chamber’s departments including finance, membership, events, marketing and export. Beth said: “I am really enjoying the role and I’m confident that my Apprenticeship will
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
help me to develop so many additional skills to offer future employers.” Colin Brew, Executive Director at West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: ‘’We’ve been thoroughly delighted to welcome Beth to the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce team. We recognise how beneficial Apprenticeship schemes are as they provide young adults with an opportunity to enter into a professional working environment whilst allowing them to continue learning and developing their skills’’
“We’d like to express our gratitude to West Cheshire College who have played a central role in the recruitment process and continue to offer Beth on-going support and assessment, it’s an exciting new stage for our Chamber and a great time for Beth to join us.’’ At the end of her two-year apprenticeship, Beth will be awarded with a Level 3 NVQ in Business Administration as well as gaining vital professional and personal experience during her time in the role as an important member of the Chamber team.
Spotlight on...
© Crown copyright (2014) Visit Wales
North Wales: The land of Opportunity & Adventure Written by: Ashley Rogers, MD of Gill & Shaw Ltd, Chairman – North Wales Business Council Looking towards snow-covered summit of Snowdon from Llyn Llydaw
The rebirth of a Region NORTH Wales is world renowned for its natural beauty and imposing Norman castles but in recent years, the region has recreated itself as a commercial powerhouse and Adventure Tourism destination. The North Wales renaissance has begun and there’s plenty more to come! The North Wales region running east to west (from Wrexham to Gwynedd) has an economy valued at around £12.5bn, with growth estimated at a healthy 3.5% a year and it is an area that has long balanced a strong manufacturing / industrial base with a bustling tourism sector. From the Victorian origins of the resort town of Llandudno to 75 years of aerospace manufacturing at Broughton, the North Wales economy has never put all its proverbial eggs into the same basket. In the same vein, as a gateway to the Irish market and also the industrial North West of England, cross border trade and commerce are part of the region’s DNA and an integral part of its long history.
For Businesses in North Wales & West Cheshire, the more recent and also upcoming developments in the region, are certainly of interest and offer substantial opportunities, whether it be for winning new business and new customers or the possibility to expand their businesses into this growing region. There are 3 main areas to consider: Business Opportunities – £20bn of Investment The amount of investment into North Wales over the coming 3-5 years, is something seldom witnessed anywhere in the UK or even Europe for that matter. An exceptionally strong line up of projects across the region, are set to be truly transformational for our businesses and residents, with effects that will stretch no doubt deep into the heart of the Northern Powerhouse itself. The sizes of these transformational projects speak volumes for the potential for our wider region
and just a small selection of them is enough, to illustrate why local businesses should be getting involved: • £14 Billion - New Nuclear power plant on Anglesey Wylfa Newydd will see the construction of a new next generation reactor on Anglesey creating 8,500 construction jobs and 800
operational posts over the 60 year life of the facility. • £300 Million - Wrexham CCGT Power Station Wrexham combined cycle gas turbine Power Station is a joint venture between St Modwen and Glenfinnan Properties. The project will employ 1,200 within the construction phase plus 50 permanent operational jobs.
Mirror polishing process at the Glyndwr University’s National Facility for Ultra Precision Surfaces in St Asaph. The prototype mirrors are for the European Southern Observatory’s European-Extremely Large Telescope project
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Spotlight on...
Dr Louise Jones, the Centre for Solar Energy Research (CSER) at Glyndŵr University’s OpTIC Centre in St Asaph, which will test its flexible PV solar cells as part of the UK Space Agency’s second CubeSat mission
• £800 Million - North Wales Waste Project - Parc Adfer (Wheelabrator) Waste to Energy Plant in Flintshire. A new energy recovery facility for North Wales, using non-recyclable waste from 5 counties, to generate electricity. • £4 Billion - North Wales Tidal Barrage – Current plans are in process for a lagoon which could stretch from Rhos Point to Prestatyn and that would generate
energy using underwater turbines powered by tides. • £850 Million - Orthios Eco Park - A multimillion `pound biomass and aquaculture project on Anglesey. When fully operational, the plant is expected to generate enough electricity to power 300,000 homes and will create at least 500 jobs. A multitude of other projects are also in development
across the region e.g. the North Wales Prison / 21st Century Schools etc…and regardless of the area / sector of the project in question, local businesses should be looking into them for opportunities to win new business. Whether your business is Catering, Engineering or Logistics, either supplying the projects direct or finding Customers amongst the appointed companies within the projects supply chains, there is a huge amount of business to be won. Due to the large number and spread of these projects, for information on opportunities either contact the project owners direct for each project or visit: https://wales.business-events. org.uk/ - Useful for finding Meet the Buyer Events http://www.sell2wales. gov.uk/ - Info on Public Sector Contracts
Broughton Wing manufacture at Airbus, North Wales
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West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
As always your Chamber of Commerce is a very useful font of information, as is the
Economic Development team at your Local Authority. The North Wales Economic Ambition Board (the NWEAB is our equivalent of a City Region Board for North Wales) has a newly developed site which in the future should cover all the major projects in the region, so for future reference go to http://www. northwaleseab.co.uk. Room for Expansion Locating a business in North Wales North Wales is home to some 57,400 enterprises including many major international and leading UK businesses e.g. Airbus / Tata / Siemens / JCB / Toyota / Village Bakery / Moneypenny / Kellogg’s. With a diverse business base including the high profile Advanced Material & Manufacturing / Energy and Environment sectors but also the more traditional Tourism & Hospitality sector, the economy is relatively well balanced and well placed for future growth.
advertorial
Porsche put youngster’s career in the driving seat AUTOMOTIVE giants Porsche have welcomed their first office based apprentice to their Cheshire Oaks dealership as they continue to see the business grow. Molly Roberts, 18 from Hawarden, North Wales, was selected out of almost thirty candidates who applied for the sales administration position during the summer. She has since started her Business Administration apprenticeship through Cheshire based training provider Total People. Centre Principal, Carl Hazleton, enquired about taking on an apprentice to help meet the demands of the business and provide support to their current sales administrator. “We have employed apprentice technicians for many years but this was all
new to us,” admits Carl. “We have seen an increase in sales for both new and used cars meaning our current sales administrator was at her limit - I thought it would be a good option to bring in an apprentice so they could grow with the business and learn as they go along,” says Carl. An adviser from Total People initially met with Carl to discuss his requirements and created a job advert which was then posted free of charge on Total People’s website and on the National Apprenticeship Service ready for candidates to apply. Porsche undoubtedly advertised at a key time of year meaning Carl was able to choose from a high standard of applicants. Total People screened the applications and later arranged the interviews. “I was very happy with the
recruitment service from Total People,” adds Carl. They ensured the whole process was straightforward and nondisruptive for the business and kept me informed throughout. We have made a great choice in Molly - she is doing awesome. Our staff have been here for years so when we recruit someone we want to retain them. Molly
has already demonstrated commitment, stamina and wants to learn and be successful. Without question I would do it again if I ever need to,” says Carl. To find out more about how Total People can help your business please contact us on 01606 734032 or visit totalpeople.co.uk
Chill Out we’ve got this. Take the stress out of recruiting an Apprentice this winter. • Free recruitment service • Training in 30+ industries • Available across West Cheshire & North Wales Just get in touch, let us know what you want & we can get a vacancy advertised in the same day!
CONTACT
01606 734000
www.totalpeople.co.uk enquiries@totalpeople.co.uk
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Spotlight on...
© Crown copyright (2014) Visit Wales
Wales Coast Path near Bull Bay, Anglesey -
To grow of course, businesses need space and the region features more than 100 Business Parks and Industrial Estates (2 of the biggest in Europe) and 3 Enterprise Zones (http://business.wales.gov. uk/enterprisezones/). New and future developments include: • Kingmore Park – Wrexham Industrial Estate – Outline planning for 400,000 square feet of manufacturing and distribution space, sitting on a site of over 50 acres. • The Northern Gateway Project – Deeside - This massive project on the former RAF Sealand site has the potential to create 3 million square feet of industrial, retail and manufacturing facilities and hundreds of homes. • Menai Science Park – M-Sparc. – A multi phased £20 million development, within an easy commuting distance of Bangor University, close to the A55. The Parc’s focus will be on energy and clean technology and it plans to link academic research with commercial expertise, designed to create new jobs and support business growth.
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• The Snowdonia Low Carbon Technology & Data Park Trawsfynydd – Part of the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone and providing opportunities for the redevelopment of a 50 hectare site. Designated for development in the low carbon technology and digital / data sectors. Innovation features strongly in the focus of a number of these new developments and businesses have a raft a strong partners in the HE & FE sectors to support them on training staff and developing new technologies. The teams at Glyndŵr & Bangor Universities and Coleg Cambria & Grŵp Llandrillo Menai Colleges are well versed at partnering with local and international businesses, to support them in their growth plans. For details on support for locating a business in North Wales or finding suitable premises try https://business. wales.gov.uk or the new NWEAB website http://www. northwaleseab.co.uk/ is also useful. The NWEAB is the regional body for Economic Development which includes all 6 Local Authorities and from the private sector, the North Wales Business
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
Council (of which the WC & NW Chamber of Commerce is a key member).
• Bounce Below & Zip World – world class Adventure Tourism
Tourism, Events and the heart of Adventure In the last 5 years or so, the North Wales region has really stepped it up a gear, as regards its offering for the Tourism / Events / Hospitality sectors, for both residents and Visitors alike, giving it an unrivalled position in the UK. From Adventure Tourism and award winning Gastro pubs, to appearing in the Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist, North Wales businesses and destinations are making their mark. Arguably North Wales has a very solid base to work from with Snowdonia National Park - 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – a host of blue flag beaches the Wales Coast Path (the world’s first coastal path to cover an entire country) BUT the number and quality of new attractions / Gastro pubs / top flight Restaurants / World Class Events and award winning Hotels, is a thing to behold.
• Plas Heli, Pwllheli – New Welsh National Sailing Academy & Events Centre
Some of the many highlights for the Region: • Dylan’s – Multi award winning restaurant chain and Wales’s fastest growing hospitality business
• Black Lion Inn, Anglesey – Featured in The Times’ list of top 25 pubs in the UK • World Class Events Wales Rally GB / World Mountain Running Championships / The Tour of Britain etc… • Plas Bodegroes – Sawday’s UK Hotel of the Year Add into the mix, a burgeoning Cruise Liner Visitor market (docking via Holyhead), and this all spells very strong and sustainable growth in this sector. Major new developments/projects are also on the cards at Caernarfon and Holyhead. The ‘star’ performers of the Tourism sector though, are of course businesses themselves, and they need suppliers and partners, so a ready and growing customer base for our other companies and enterprises. In conclusion, whatever your sector or size of business, grab the opportunities North Wales has to offer! It does not get any better than this!
advertorial
Boulting Nuclear gears up for Wylfa AS MANY of the UK’s existing coal, oil and nuclear power stations reach the end of their useful generating lives nuclear power is well placed to help close this energy gap. The next generation of nuclear power stations are intended to generate secure affordable, low-carbon electricity over their 60-year lifetimes. Wylfa Newydd, on the Isle of Anglesey, is ideally situated for low carbon nuclear power production and Horizon Nuclear Power, a UK energy company, is developing a new generation of nuclear power stations. A wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. the company is planning to build UK Advanced Boiling Water Reactors (UK ABWRs), with first commercial operation expected within the first half of the 2020s. In conjunction with the vital infrastructure developed to support the existing station, Anglesey has a highly skilled nuclear workforce and direct access to essential seawater cooling facilities. However, since the completion of Sizewell B in 1995, there has been no investment
in new Nuclear Power Generation within the UK. At this stage the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is undertaking a review of all documentation with the main construction currently on schedule to commence in 2018/19. In 2013 Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy Ltd undertook a 6 month evaluation process for the method of construction for the build, comparing established Japanese methods and standards with those of the UK. This Joint Study (1) involved many contractors including Boulting Nuclear. Horizon intends to initially develop two nuclear reactors at Wylfa Newydd, with first commercial operation expected within the first half of the 2020s.
At the next Joint Study (2), Boulting Nuclear was invited with three other suppliers to be involved in the planning and execution strategies of Mechanical, E&I, HVAC and scaffolding work in a variety of locations within the proposed station. Together with the provision of detailed man-hour estimates, this phase took 12 months to complete. At the conclusion of Joint Study (2) Boulting Nuclear were identified as a potential Tier 2 contractor. Joint Study (3) which commenced in April 2015 and is currently ongoing, involves the evaluation of detailed design activities, a supply chain and procurement exercise and further enhancements of man-hour estimations. A large number of secondary and actual suppliers are involved, and an assessment of the proposed final stage of construction activities is taking place.
Boulting has over 20 years’ experience and knowledge of nuclear engineering and construction, in both the mechanical and electrical sectors. This includes working on UK nuclear power stations involved with fuel manufacturing, reprocessing and storage, together with other nuclear facilities. ‘We are delighted that we are being considered for this specialist work in the nuclear sector,’ commented Bob Bianchi, Business Development Director. ‘We have considerable experience working in this field and hope this will stand us in good stead.’
Boulting Group Boulting House, Firecrest Court Centre Park, Warrington WA1 1RG Telephone: +44 (0) 1925 446000
The senior Boulting Nuclear team (left to right) Howard Ireland, Business Manager, Terry Marston, Director, Bob Bianchi, Business Development Director, Ronald Watson, Nuclear Mechanical Estimator.
TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
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Outsourcing
A New Age of Outsourcing: How SMEs use outsourcing to gain market share from larger competitors WITH the year 2020 fast approaching, new trends and technology are truly changing the face of modern outsourcing. The industry is being reshaped dramatically, with radical process transformations and a significant shift from labour arbitrage to automation taking place. Luckily the National Outsourcing Association’s recent “Outsourcing in 2020” research indicates that the outsourcing industry will prosper as a result. Of the 160 outsourcing organisations
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polled, we found that over 70 per cent plan to increase their outsourcing activity over the next five years. Of all the buyers of outsourcing surveyed, only two organisations indicated that they will be scaling back their outsourcing activity. A little background Few are aware that outsourcing is the second largest aggregate employer in the UK, responsible for over three million jobs. The industry’s biggest customer is none other than the
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
UK government, with the Coalition investing £120 billion in outsourced public services during its five-year term. In its simplest form, outsourcing is the use of third party specialists to deliver a particular business function or process. Don’t confuse it with offshoring - many companies set up facilities of their own offshore, while plenty of outsourcing takes place without ever leaving Britain’s borders. The use of specialists makes eminent sense today, just as it did when the division of
labour was introduced as a theory thousands of years ago. They are experts in their fields and in addition to bringing process efficiencies – brought about through process excellence and technology investments – service providers today also bring productivity improvements and further innovations. In a 2014 survey conducted with the NOA corporate membership, 92 per cent of those on the buyside agreed that outsourcing delivers business value. Today, companies need to be
Photo courtesy of Number 10
Outsourcing
David Cameron
able to act in a 24-hour global environment – outsourcing helps them do just that. And it’s a misconception that outsourcing necessarily involves sacrificing quality in order to cut costs. There’s no doubt that in this modern world of social media and mass communication, organisations pay a high price for delivering substandard services. That’s why so much emphasis is placed on the need of “more for less” – the best outsourcing partnerships involve a delicate balance of improved services and reduced costs.
Why SMEs stand to benefit the most Outsourcing means that SMEs no longer have to follow doggedly in the footsteps of their larger competitors – quite the opposite, in fact. The majority of the biggest organisations are tied down by cumbersome brick-andmortar operations; they lack the versatility that can be found in abundance at many smaller businesses. The way in which the “business of tomorrow” is envisaged has changed emphatically, to the extent that Everest Group along with many other analysts are advising large enterprises to “think and act like startups” in order to survive. By partnering with the right service provider, you unlock the ability to focus on what is core to your business while an expert takes over an operation that they specialise in. This could be customer service, data management and analytics, finances, HR – there’s a huge range of possibilities. And thanks to advances in digital technology coming thick and fast, service providers are currently better than ever at delivering business value. Outsourcing can provide SMEs with a significant competitive edge, helping them leapfrog larger rivals with the quality of their service delivery and gain market share as a result.
• Never outsource a problem. The “your mess for less” attitude is in decline – don’t outsource a problematic operation and expect the service provider to magically resolve your issues without your input. • Focus on cultural affinity. It’s often the softer side of the partnership that’s most crucial to good outsourcing governance and relationship management. Make sure that the culture of your organisation aligns with that of your service provider. • Share business objectives. As 2020 gets closer, the popularity of contracts where the rewards for good business are shared is going to increase. Do everything you can to ensure that you and your service provider are striving to achieve the same goals. • Think about the exit. Some say going into a new business deal with an exit strategy is a demonstration of bad faith – they’re wrong. Make sure you always have an exit arrangement in place from the very beginning of each outsourcing partnership you embark on.
A changing industry If you are a new buyer considering your first ever outsourcing deal, there are some contemporary industry trends you should be aware of. Firstly, the NOA’s research into “Value beyond Cost” found that the popularity of outcome-based models is on the rise, outsourcing contracts where the service provider is rewarded based upon the business outcomes it provides for the client. Gainshare will also become increasingly commonplace, where buyer and service provider both reap bigger profits when the client’s business is more successful. Finally, the average length of an outsourcing contract is getting shorter – this is to account for the rapid technological upgrades occurring. No organisation wants to be tied into a contract lasting decades involving technology that will become obsolete in the near future! With the right contract, culture and expectations in place, an SME that starts outsourcing today could stand to make substantial cost savings – with the industry average standing at around 30 per cent – as well as improving the outsourced operation, be it customer service, data analytics or a whole host of other fields.
Kerry Hallard, CEO, National Outsourcing Association
Top tips for successful outsourcing The NOA trains organisations across both the private and the public sectors on how to build and maintain a prosperous outsourcing relationship, and we’ve found that there are a few golden rules that companies must follow in order to be successful in outsourcing:
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HOURS WITH...
Name: Paul Barlow Job Title: Avox Chief Operating Officer and Site Lead Company: DTCC Wrexham How do you begin your day? A Chester resident, Paul has a 20-minute commute to the office, which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary at Redwither Business Park. His first job of the day is to review emails that have arrived overnight from colleagues based in the U.S., where DTCC is headquartered, as well as from others across its 23 global offices.
North Wales workforce has come through the local college or university – this is quite an achievement in itself.” DTCC has struck-up a close partnership with Coleg Cambria by developing an apprenticeship programme and links have also been forged with Glyndwr University in the hope that graduate programmes can be built that specifically to provide the kind of skills needed to support financial services operations.
What do your mornings involve?
What do you do outside of work?
At 9.15am every morning Paul chairs a meeting with the Wrexham site’s leadership team: “This gives everyone the opportunity to highlight the day’s priorities, discuss any potential issues and ensure adequate project resourcing across the departments, if necessary.”
Away from the business, Paul says DTCC is passionate about growing local connections and is a keen supporter of the Caia Park Partnership, with thousands of pounds donated to fund this year’s summer camps and manpower provided for painting and landscape work at the children’s nursery. Added to that, the staff canteen is run and staffed by the neighbouring charity.
A brief overview: After a 26-year career with Barclays Bank, latterly as change director, Paul joined Avox, now part of The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC), as client services director in October 2006. How long have you been in the role? Paul has been with the company for over a decade and now serves as Chief Operating Officer. How many people do you work with? The firm’s employees have increased more than 10-fold and is set to surpass 500 by the end of the year – making it one of the largest employers in the town. At the time of going to print his team was actively recruiting for 90 open positions!
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What types of disciplines do you usually work with? “DTCC was the first full-time job for many among the current leadership team and it is hugely satisfying to see people grow into senior roles. Our relationship with local further and higher education establishments, including Coleg Cambria and Glyndwr University, has enabled us to offer excellent management skills training, which has been a key enabler of this professional growth. In fact, a third of our
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
What is involved in a ‘typical day’? “No two days are the same, which is how I prefer it. The challenge, as DTCC grows, is to continue to foster a relaxed working environment. We don’t want to be too corporate; people come in, work hard and are
doing a fine job – we want to keep it that way.’’ Do you work in the evening? ‘’I try to get out for a lunchtime run at least twice a week, aim to be home for 6pm and then keep away from the email throughout the evening. My wife will tell you that I fail badly when it comes to that! DTCC has a box at Wrexham Football Club and regularly we’ll invite colleagues to come and enjoy a match.” What are the best parts of the job and why? “It is not very often that you get to be part of a team that is growing a successful business. The best part of my job is helping people develop; I’ve had many opportunities to do this over the last nine years and things aren’t set to slow down any time soon. I look forward to working with the team in 2016 and beyond, and encourage your readers to get in touch about our various roles.”
Top Tips
Top Tips for Safe Business Travels Dougie Eaglesham, Director of Bodhi360 takes a look at some of the most useful tips that his team of experts have highlighted when travelling abroad. BUSINESS travel is an integral part of modern working life. Be it for research, for meetings or to work on longterm contracts abroad, being aware of the challenges of travelling in new and unfamiliar environments and cultures is crucial. The nineteenth century author Robert Louis Stephenson wrote, “There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign.” Keep it safe, keep a copy One of the necessary evils of foreign travel is the unavoidable accumulation of paperwork. To avoid losing vital documentation, such as hotel confirmation slips, Visa requirements, itineraries and passports, take paper copies of everything and make sure they are kept separate from the originals. To doubly safeguard these documents, it’s also worth uploading the most important ones onto a cloud-based storage system.
Trust your instincts When on a foreign business trip, beware the holiday mind-set. Don’t let your guard down and if a situation doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. If something feels too good to be true, it probably is. The brain takes in far more information than we’re aware. Trust your intuition and don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ – it could save your life. Sleep safe When it comes to personal security in hotels and other types of temporary
accommodation, some places don’t incorporate a room door safety chain. This prevents you from independently securing your room. Pack a door wedge – a cheap purchase from supermarkets or DIY stores – and jam it under the inside of the door. Even better, purchase an electronic wedge that emits a piercing alarm when entry is forced. Know your environment We have a tendency when we travel to expect that everyone else should think, act and look like us – which is of course the wrong attitude. You should make yourself aware of the cultural, social and political environment of the region or country that you’re visiting, and consider how best to behave.
Whatever the weather Also, think about the changes in climate and how that may affect your health and wellbeing. For big increases in temperature, it takes about seven to 10 days for your body to acclimatise. The risk of dehydration can be mitigated against by drinking plenty of water and eating high water content, cold foods, such as salads and fruit. Try to keep out of the sun during the hottest times of the day (particularly between 11am – 3 pm). If it’s part of your job to be outdoors in high temperatures, then keep an eye on other work colleagues, as they may not be aware of the risks.
TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
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New Members Bathgate Business Finance
Core Creative Coaching
Glyndwr University
Gordon Andrews The Loft, Brook House, Brook Terrace, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 4DY T: 0151 6257323 E: info@bathgatebf.co.uk www.bathgatebf.co.uk
Nicola Griffiths, The Attic, Organsdale Cottages, Kelsall, Cheshire CW6 0SR T: 07846 421639 E: coach@corecreativecoaching.com www.corecreativecoaching.com
Befesa Salt Slags Ltd
Kim Dimmick Plas Coch Campus, Mold Road, Wrexham, Wrexham County Borough LL11 2AW T: 01978 290666 E: reception@glyndwr.ac.uk www.glyndwr.ac.uk
Creative Aerial Services
Adrian Platt, Fenns Bank, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 3PA T: 01948 780441 E: adrian.platt@befesa.com
www.befesa.com Bennettbrooks Chartered Accountants Marie Dale Suite 3, Broncoed House, Broncoed Business Park, Wrexham Road Mold, Flintshire CH7 1HP T: 01352 751368 E: marie.day@bennettbrooks.co.uk www.bennettbrooks.co.uk
Ken Moodie 6 Barony Way, Chester, Cheshire CH4 7NP T: 01244 659265 E: creativeaerialservices@gmail.com www.creativegolfdesign.com
Dewis Architecture Dewis Williams Menai House, Holyhead Road, Llanfairpwll, Anglesey LL61 5UJ T: 01248 715006 E: info@dewis.uk.com www.dewis.uk.com
DTCC
Debbie Thomas Flintshire T: 07904 245751 E: debbie@grangewoodcopywriting. co.uk www.grangewoodcopywriting.co.uk
Hand On Heart Charity Victoria Burrows 62 Liverpool Road Cadishead, Manchester, Lancashire M44 5AF T: 0845 071 0822 E: victoria@handonheart.org www.handonheart.org
Adam Melia, Tower Road, Chester, Cheshire CH1 4JR T: 01925 593400 E: adam.melia@yourhousinggroup.co.uk www.yourhousinggroup.co.uk
Kerry Hogg Redwither Tower, Redwither Business Park, Wrexham, Wrexham County Borough LL13 9XT T: 01978 661813 E: kerry.hogg@avox.info www.avox.info/index.shtml
Hargreaves & Woods
Cardrews Media Limited
FHJ Computer Support
Hillyer McKeown Solicitors
Bridge Foyer
Mr Robert A-Wood Lleifior, Ffordd Gogor, Llansannan, Denbigh, Denbighshire LL16 5HR T: 07551 434357 E: robertawood@hotmail.co.uk www.cardrewsmedia.com
Faron Harfield-Jones 6 Queens Lane, Bromfield Industrial Estate, Mold, Flintshire CH7 1JR T: 01352 836596 E: faron@fhjcomputersupport.com www.fhscomputersupport.com
CCM Solutions Ltd
First & Last Events
David Fish HLB House, 68 High Street, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 0AT T: 07809 219849 E: info@ccmsolutionsltd.com www.ccmsolutionsltd.com
Gregg Harris 3 St Ann’s Church Yard, Manchester, Lancashire M2 7LN T: 07464 960511
Chirk Mill Antiques Tracy Butler Chirk Mill, Chirk, Wrexham Wrexham County Borough LL14 5BU T: 01691 777622
E: sales@seventh-heaven.co.uk www.chirkmillantiques.co.uk
E: gregg.harris@firstlast.co.uk Focus Group Ian Stokes North Wales T: 07876 753450 E: ian.stokes@focus-grp.co.uk www.focus-grp.co.uk
Global Horizon Skills GB Ltd Steven Lynch Regus House Chester Business Park, Chester Cheshire CH4 9QR T: 01244 893200 E: info@ghskills.com www.ghskills.com
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Grangewood Copywriting
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
James Hargreaves Cholmondeley House, Dee Hills Park, Chester, Cheshire CH3 5AR T: 01244 400219 E: post@hargreavesandwoods.co.uk www.hargreaveswoods.co.uk Justine Watkinson Gorse Staks House, George Street, Chester, Cheshire CH1 3EQ T: 01244 318131 E: enquiries@law.uk.com www.hillyermckeown.co.uk
Hospice of the Good Shepherd Kevin Taylor Gordon Lane, Backford, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 4DG T: 01244 851811 E: info@hospicegs.com www.hospiceofthegoodshepherd.com
Hydr Limited Nyall Williams Hafan Deg, Penygraig, Rhos, Wrexham, Wrexham County Borough LL14 1LR T: 01978 840063 E: nyall.williams@btinternet.com www.hydr.co.uk
John Holt Magic John Holt Clutton T: 07950 338093 E: john@johnholtmagic.co.uk www.johnholtmagic.co.uk
New Members Jones Environmental Forensics Ltd
Opsis Consulting Ltd
Seventh Heaven Antique Beds
Janet Jones Unit 3 Deeside Point, Zone 3 Deeside Industrial Park, Deeside, Flintshire CH5 2UA T: 01244 833780 E: janet@jones-environmental.com www.jones-environmental.com
David Williams Sibbersfied Hall, Sibbersfield Lane, Churton, Chester, Cheshire CH3 6LQ T: 07525 363961 E: david.williams@opsisconsulting.com www.opsisconsulting.com
Tony Butler Chirk Mill, Chirk, Wrexham, Wrexham County Borough LL14 5BU T: 01691 777622 E: sales@seventh-heaven.co.uk www.seventh-heaven.co.uk
Output Focused Consulting Ltd
Staingard Limited
Kat Hannon Photography Kat Hannon 1 Cranford Court, Chester, Cheshire, CH4 7LN T: 07743 856113 E: contact@kathannon.com www.kathannon.com
Linenhall Chambers Martin Griffiths 1 Stanley Place, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2LU T: 01244 348282 E: martin.griffiths@lhchambers.co.uk www.linenhallchambers.co.uk
MacFadyen Ltd Niall MacFadyen 49 Lache Lane, Chester, Cheshire CH4 7LP T: 01244 675583 E: enquiries@macfadyen.net
Mil Williams Mil Williams 33A Greenfields, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 1LL T: 07906 310070
E: miljenko@ole-ok.com www.betterbiz.me
Natwest Hugh Downer 48 High Street, Mold, Flintshire CH7 1BA T: 01352 750199 E: hugh.downer@natwest.com
Obsidian Offices Vicky Harris Obsidian Offices, Chantry Court, Chester, Cheshire CH1 4QN T: 01244 394200 E: vicky.harris@obsidiangroup.net www.obsidianoffices.net
Matt Dutton 45 Emmett Street, Barnton, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 4LP T: 07775 568582 E: outputfocused@gmail.com www.outputfocused.com
Paul Aiston Unit 9, Waverton Business Park, Saighton Lane, Chester Cheshire CH3 7PD T: 07725 865658 E: paul@staingard.co.uk www.staingard.co.uk
Peninsula Enterprise (Serco Citizen Services)
The Design Project
David Marnell c/o Groundwork Cheshire, Yarwoods Arm, Navigation Road, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 1BE T: 0371 6412119 E: info@peninsula-enterprise.co.uk www.peninsula-enterprise.co.uk
Geoff Griffiths The Attic, Organsdale Cottages, Kelsall, Cheshire CW6 OSR T: 01829 309052 E: info@thedesignproject.co.uk www.thedesignproject.co.uk
Pennysmart Money Advice & Training
Angelo Deponeo 25 Egerton Street, Chester, Cheshire CH1 3ND T: 07858 841560 E: tranceformhypnosis@gmail.com www.tranceformhypnosis.co.uk
Jayne Bellis Unit 61 Evans Business Centre, Minerva Avenue, Chester, Cheshire CH1 4QL T: 01244 651212 E: jaynebellis@pennysmart.org.uk www.pennysmart.org.uk
Plas Coch Holiday Homes Sue McClellan Llanedwen, Llanfairpwll, Anglesey LL61 6EJ T: 01248 711920 E: sue.mcclellan@parkleisure.co.uk www.parkleisure.co.uk
Products 4 Pools Ltd Alan Jackson Frodsham T: 0800 9774966 E: admin@products4pools.co.uk www.products4pools.co.uk
Tranceform Hypnosis
The Utility Warehouse Discount Club Tessa Catton 1 Nant y Coed, Glan Conwy, Colwyn Bay, Conwy County Borough LL28 5LX T: 07593 219000 E: tessa@utilitywarehouse.org.uk www.utilitywarehouse.org.uk/tessa
Wales Co-operative Centre David Madge Unit 2a Ash Court, Fford Y Llyn, Parc Menai, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 4DF T: 0300 1115050 E: info@walescooperative.org www.walescooperative.org
Regional Medical Services Ryan Bardsley Chester T: 01244 573666 E: ryan@regionalmedicalservices.co.uk www.regionalmedicalservices.co.uk
TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
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What Feature I’m passionate about Your opportunity to get to know: Richard Thomas, chairman of the North Wales Chamber of Commerce and partner in leading legal firm DTM Legal I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT… Working with North Wales businesses to help them overcome challenges, maximise returns and achieve their growth potential. Now is an exciting time for the North Wales business community. The wealth and variety of enterprise in the region means North Wales is starting to secure its place on the map as a business hub, with its own unique attributes and character. My roles as Chair of the North Wales Chamber and as Partner in fast-growing commercial law firm DTM Legal, advising all types of businesses, gives me a unique perspective on what the business community is achieving. It also gives me a perspective on the potential which might be reached if we create the right environment for business. I am passionate about getting government decision-makers to listen to what business has to say. I am passionate about ensuring North Wales has the right infrastructure to support growth. And I am passionate about ensuring the right kind of support and advice is available to the myriad of
SMEs which are the real engine room of the regional economy. We should be proactively seeking ways of enhancing those links so we can benefit from their growth and their international connectivity. I am passionate about what we can all do to promote inward investment into North Wales and want to see more focus on marketing North Wales not just as a place to visit to enjoy leisure time but as a place to start a business and to live and work. We have some fantastic assets in terms of our workforce and our educational institutions and I believe we must do more to promote these assets to external audiences.
In my day job as a commercial lawyer I meet many entrepreneurial, enterprising and creative people who are creating jobs and making a real difference to the communities in which they operate. Their working lives are challenging, occasionally stressful and usually involve very hard work. Their energy and determination to succeed, in this context, is admirable. In my view, this is what business is all about: the generation of wealth, the creation of opportunities and the building of communities. So like many of my clients (and many Chamber members) I am passionate not just about business, in itself, but about the benefits which business can and does deliver… to everyone.
@colegcambria