business in wrexham - september 2011

An Essentiallyours publication. Delivered free to over 3,000 businesses in and around Wrexham County Borough.

ISSUE ONE SEPTEMBER 2011

Brought to you by

Company No. 6048593

CONTACT USEssentiallyours Limited

Bridge House, Station Road, Rossett LL12 0HE

Telephone

01244 571 [email protected]

www.essentiallyours.co.uk

Front cover image © Ian Williams Photography 2011

@wxmbusinessmag

Welcome to the first edition of business in Wrexham, well Wrexham County Borough to be exact.

Ever since I have been in business in Wrexham there has been a noticeable lack of communication channels for local businesses in terms of information, help, advice and support and also a medium for businesses to promote their services to other businesses. There is always a lot happening out there, but the difficulty is finding out about it and the problem of this information being individual and separate. So the idea with business in Wrexham is to bring information, help and advice straight to you in one convenient place.

Carol and I have been working as a small business in Wrexham since 2005 so feel that we may just have an idea about the type of info and things you’d like to hear about. You may even have heard of us and our community magazine, Essentiallyours Magazine,

serving the residential communities of Rossett/Marford /Gresford and Bangor on dee/Overton area. We are well received by the locals in these communities and work well for our local businesses getting their names out there and getting them work in these areas. We’re hoping to do the same with our business magazine for the local business community.

I hope you enjoy the read and it goes without saying for you to please feel free to contact us with any information you feel would be useful to appear in the magazine or to enquire about advertising.

All the best, Jill

An Essentiallyours publication. Delivered free to over 3000 businesses in

and around Wrexham County Borough.

ISSUE ONE SEPTEMBER 2011

We won’t reach every single business within Wrexham County Borough straight away but

bear with us and eventually we hope to.

Call us on 01244 571602 if you’d like to advertise your business in our next edition

The new business magazine for Wrexham County Borough

Carol Hartnell

Jill Preston

2 BUSINESS IN WREXHAM Sept/Oct 2011

i an w i l l i ams photography

07999 500 021www.ianwilliamsphotography.co.uk

Commercial • Products • Industry

Events • Promotions • People

Give us your design work or the

kid gets it!

MAKO creat ive solut ions creat ive by nature - results by design

Mako Creative Solutions Ltd Unit 1 Pinfold Lane Llay Wrexham LL12 0PX

Tel // 01978 856456 Info@makocreat ive.co.uk

www.makocreative.blogspot.com

marketing corporate branding pr int retai l development

i l lustrat ions point of purchase webdesign exhibit ions

The top 10 mistakes companies make when putting their marketing materials together:

1. I want to save money so I will design my logo myself.Do I really need to go into detail here? Enough said.

2. I have my own digital camera” The kiss of death for any marketing material, � ne for the kids on the beach or Spot the dog, but not for your product shots. Make sure all your images are taken by a professional photographer. This will re� ect on your business big time.

3. What is it you’re selling again?So make sure you explain clearly what you do, why you do it and why this is helpful to your customers. You’ll be surprised how often people leave this out!

4. Walk the talk.If you sell eco friendly products, make sure that all your literature, packaging and delivery methods re� ect the business and your culture, don’t use tons of bubble wrap just because it’s cheap!

5. Timeless doesn’t date.Few things date faster than clothes, hairstyles and particularly mobiles,so make sure any imagery you use is up to date.

6. It’s a what?You might be delirious that your trans re-enactor encribulator device, which uses twelve hydrophonic zorf valves and an reticular sub atomic particle decombobuliser to prevent unwanted polydermatcicosis, but really… do your customers care, or even understand what the heck you are going on about?

7. Where are you? Sounds simple doesn’t it, but you would be surprised how many companies leave o� their email and telephone numbers.Put them on everything you send out.

8. It’s boring...Cut out all the unnecessary � owery language, and make it interesting and more importantly make it relevant. This is where you need to employ a good copywriter.

9. I will use Clip art, it will cost less.Argggh! So many people know what this is, and using it will really lessen the impact and cheapen your material. Step away from the clip art. Get a professional to create something.

10. First impressions count.Make sure you get your material professionally printed. If you are selling luxury products, you can’t expect a lea� et printed at home to work for you. Similarly if you are selling into a price sensitive market, over the top super glossy brochures aren’t going to work either.

When you are looking for a brand design, � yer, brochure, sign, web site, or any other type of marketing material, there is a mode of thinking that will place you far ahead of your competition because most people focus on the wrong priorities. The mode of thinking is simple, yet profound.

Simply ask yourself this question, “Will this cause people to buy from me?”

Remember it costs just as much (and in some cases a whole lot more) to get good design as it does to get bad design.

So speak to the experts, to make sure you don’t just have the visual appeal, but also the marketing principles behind it to get the results you need.

Alan Jones [email protected]

good design The importance of getting it Right!

Times are tough so you need to get smart!You only get a few seconds to grab your customer’s attention, and in that time you need to communicate how your business stands out from the crowd. Aim for a design solution that conveys how unique your business is.


RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

BUSINESS GRANTSUnder the Rural Wrexham Grants project which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development programme (EAFRD and the Welsh Assembly Government), a series of grant schemes have been launched aimed specifically at micro enterprises located within the Rural Wrexham area.

The grants are geared to create and safeguard employment opportunities while also encouraging new company formation, capital investment within the Rural Development area. It is a scheme which forms part of a larger advice and financial support service to local business in Rural Wrexham – a partnership of public and private sector organisations working together to enhance existing levels of support.

TARGET AREAThe Rural Wrexham Grant covers the communities of Bronington, Brymbo, Bryn Cefn, Ceiriog Valley, Chirk North, Chirk South, Coedpoeth, Esclusham, Gresford East and West, Gwenfro, Gwersyllt North, Holt, Llangollen Rural, Llay, Marchwiel, Marford &

Hoseley, Minera, Overton, Penycae, Ponciau & Ruabon South, Rossett and Ruabon.

WHAT ARE THE GRANTS?It is a programme offering discretionary grants of up to 50% for Marketing, Information Technology, Capital Equipment and Environmental projects for those qualifying companies.

Anyone looking at grant aid should first contact other local support agencies for schemes of additional assistance which may be available from the Welsh Assembly Government, Finance Wales, and Venture Wales.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?Micro enterprises (a business which employs less than 10 full time equivalent employees and has a turnover and balance sheet of less than €2 million), located within the designated Rural Wrexham area. Most manufacturing sectors and some service sectors are eligible.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK WOULD QUALIFY?Qualifying projects would typically include expansion, modernisation or the restructuring of an existing

business or the setting up of a new business.

Expenditure would normally be seen as new investment in capital assets such as capital equipment and more specifically, in the development of a marketing strategy, or implementation of IT technology to enhance existing business. Other costs may include professional fees and other one-off costs.

Fixed assets can be new or second-hand but must be bought outright and no lease or hire purchase or extended credit agreement is eligible. The seller of any second-hand equipment must state its origin, and confirm that at no point in the previous seven years, has it been purchased with the aid of national or community grants.

Working capital does not qualify as eligible expenditure. The grant cannot be used to refinance company liabilities.

All these schemes are geared to create or safeguard employment opportunities, therefore, should a successful project lose jobs as a result of assistance, the grant may be reduced or recovered.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WREXHAM COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL • TEL: 01978 667300

Business Advice

Business Plans

Marketing Advice

Marketing plans

Marketing Schedules

Cashflow Forecasts

Profit and Loss

Breakeven Analysis

Balance Sheets

Depreciation

Invoice Chasing

Bad Debt Advice

Start-up Advice

Funding Advice

IT Advice

Website Advice

Audits

Ecommerce

E-marketing

E-shots

Social Marketing

Whether you choose a night with

Take That Again, Born to Boogie 70’s Disco Band, Back to Skool 80’s Tribute Band, The Big Beat or Dixi Tuckeryou’ll definitely be in for a cracking Christmas party with us! All party nights are hosted by the ever popular, fabulous Dixi Tucker, Cabaret Drag Artiste as seen on Shameless, Hollyoaks, The Street and Life on Mars.

Prices from £26 per personIncluded in all party nights is a 3 course choice Christmas dinner plus coffee and mince pies, interactive DJ, live entertainment/tribute act, crackers and Christmas novelties.

Party nights run from 25th November until 18th December.

Special offer for Business in Wrexham readers:Book a minimum of 10 places on any party night and the organiser will receive a complimentary 2 course Sunday carvery for 2 people

in Ciro’s Brasserie!

Offer available on new bookings made before 31st October 2011. Meal voucher will be issued on full payment of booking.

For more information or to make a booking please call the Events Office on 01244 570560 or email [email protected]

Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, Wrexham Rd, Pulford, Chester, Cheshire CH4 9DG Tel: 01244 570 560 [email protected] www.grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk

Owned and operated by Nelson Hotels www.nelson-hotels.co.uk

Conference in Confidence • High standard facilities for small or large conferences• Function rooms for private dining, formal dinners or celebrations• Outdoor and indoor facilities for team building events• Superb selection of bedrooms• Wireless internet access throughout• Complimentary parking• Luxury Spa• Golf course adjacent to the hotel For further information please contact the Events Team on 01244 570560 or email [email protected]

Christmas Party Nights!Celebrate your works Christmas do in style

at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa.

5BUSINESS IN WREXHAM Sept/Oct 2011

• Business Accounts and Taxa� on• Self Assessment Tax Returns• Bookkeeping, VAT and Payroll• Construc� on Industry Scheme• Business Start Ups• Fees Fixed in advance • Mee� ngs at home or your

business premises

01978 310 [email protected] • www.simplytaxandaccounts.co.uk

Call Shona Hambleton for a freeinitial discussion without obligation on

Local business changes name to

SimplyTax&AccountsShona Hambleton set up in business in 2006 as TaxAssist Accountants off ering tax and accountancy services specifi cally for small businesses and private individuals in the Wrexham area. Now in its fi � h year of business, the business has changed its name to SimplyTax&Accounts, which coincides with it opera� ng independently of the TaxAssist Accountants network.

The SimplyTax&Accounts name was born out of the ‘Ronseal’ idea i.e. the business does what it says on the � n. It also refl ects that SimplyTax&Accounts take a simple, straigh� orward, no jargon approach to the way that they do business with their clients. Each member of the team (4 in total) has been carefully selected to fi t in with this.

Apart from the change in name, it is very much business as usual. There is always a watchful eye on reducing your tax bill where possible. Over the years they have built up a reputa� on for providing a personalised service, taking � me to get to know your business and tailoring the service accordingly and that is s� ll the case.

Catering for sole traders, partnership, limited companies and private individuals, the services that they provide include prepara� on of annual accounts, self assessment tax returns, payroll (PAYE), VAT returns, forming a limited company, cashfl ow projec� ons and bookkeeping services.

With tax revenues down HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have introduced a number of ini� a� ves to increase their income:-

• Plumbers Tax Safe Plan – launched on 1 March 2011 this off ers reduced HMRC penal� es to people working in the plumbing industry who need to get their tax aff airs in order and decide to do so by 31 May 2011.

• Poor records - a le� er is about to be sent by HMRC to 50,000 small businesses advising them that they may be subject to a check on their records which may well mean that small businesses will require even more help.

36

The first ‘proper Budget’ from the coalition Government was on 23 March 2011. A lot has happened since then. However, as this is the first edition of the Wrexham Business magazine it is an opportunity to recap on the key announcements affecting small business owners which were as follows:-• Corporation Tax for small

businesses (profits of up to £300,000) reduced to 20% from 21% effective from 1 April 2011.

• Taxes on self-employed rose, national insurance (NI) up 1%. This gives a combined rate of tax (NI plus income tax) of 29% for basic rate and 42% for higher rate for the current tax year.

• Taxes on employment rose, employees NI up 1%. This gives a combined rate of tax (NI plus income tax) of 32% and higher rate of 42% for the current tax year

• Employers NI also rose by 1% to 13.8% from April 2011 (not good news for job creation)

• VAT registration threshold up to £73,000 from £70,000

• The Approved Mileage Allowance Payments rate increased from 6 April 2011 to 45 pence from 40 pence for the first 10,000 miles of business use in the tax

year. This helps those using their own car for business purposes and also self-employed businesses with an annual turnover of up to £73,000.

• Small business rate relief holiday will be extended by one year from 1 October 2011

• Micro-businesses and start-ups exempt from new domestic regulation for three years from 1 April 2011

• IR35 (provision of services through intermediaries), unfortunately the Government does not agree that IR35 should be abolished. However, it has promised to improve the way HMRC provides guidance to businesses who are trying to operate IR35.

• Furnished Holiday Lettings - from 6 April 2011

~ Loss relief is restricted to being carried forward against future profits on the letting, and not available against other incomes

~ Capital allowances still available, so long as the letting still qualifies.

• Tax avoidance crackdown - this complements HMRC’s recent announcements of Business Records Checks, ‘Plumbers Amnesty’ and the ‘VAT initiative’

BUDGET UPDATE

TAX TIPSTrading Losses - If you operate as a partnership or sole trader and you incur a loss in a trading period, you can claim tax relief for this loss against other income in the year, or preceding tax years. There are varying conditions that have to be met and you should ensure that losses are relieved in the most tax efficient way.

Falling profits - If you are a sole trader or partner in a partnership and your profits are falling, you may be able to reduce your income tax payments due on 31 January and 31 July next year.

Make recording your business mileage easy - use a free route planner calculator (e.g. RAC and AA websites). Put in your start and destination postcode to get the mileage for the route. Much easier than keeping a mileage log in the car or the van.

The Revenue has announced that it is going to start targeting tax evasion by online traders, private tutors, personal trainers and life coaches.

In order to find out who is failing to pay tax on all their income the Revenue is to send out ‘web robots’ (automatic search programmes), to trawl the internet for data on sales and services advertised by UK residents. This data will then be compared to sources the Tax Office holds.

If you declare all of your profits and earnings on your tax return you have nothing to fear. But you may have friends or family members who earn a little bit by selling stuff or advertising their services online, so please pass on this information.

A common misconception is that if no profit is made the income source does not need to be declared. Unfortunately

the Revenue is unlikely to agree. Where the costs are not recorded any income will be treated as profit, and thus will amount to taxable income.

Online traders or private tutors who have not declared this source of income to the Revenue and who are not registered for self assessment, should contact the Tax Office by 5 October 2011 to notify them there is income received during the 2010-11 tax year.

WEB ROBOTS

Articles submitted by Shona Hambleton - SimplyTax&Accounts01978 310600


www.blueprintarchitectural.comTel: 01978 356 500

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RESIDENTIAL

NEW BUILDING • PLANNING & BUILDING REGULATIONS

Hafod Road I Ruabon I Wrexham I LL14 6ET I [email protected]



THE changes in Wrexham town centre over recent years have put the town in an excellent position to compete on the retail front. Shoppers have a wide range of goods available with excellent choice from large national names through to well-established small family businesses.The town has seen a number of vacant or derelict sites developed into retail areas in recent years. The Island Green, Central and Border Retail Parks are now well-established as part of the town’s retail offer. The new Central Station built as part of the Island Site improved the town’s image and public transport facilities, as did the new bus station.The opening of the Eagles Meadow development in 2008, on the site of the derelict Asda store and car park, was the largest of the town’s retail developments, bringing Debenhams to the town and giving the opportunity for some established retailers like Marks and Spencer, Boots and Burtons to move to improved premises. The site also transformed the town centre’s entertainment offer, with the Odeon cinema being brought back into the heart of the town and more variety being added to the offer, particularly for young people and families with the addition of Ten Pin bowling.Local family firms, such as jewellers, bakers and butchers are, along with the three indoor markets, a vital part of the wide range of retail facilities in the town. Wrexham’s bustling outdoor market on Queens Square is now held twice per week on Mondays and Thursdays and helps to attract footfall to the town centre.The night-time economy offers an extensive range of venues for music, food and

Wrexham town centre

Wrexham has good reason to be

optimistic about the future

01978 846 173 • 07795 480 278

On-Site training in book-keeping and Sage Help with cashflows and budgets

Daily or hourly rate

Find my profile on email me: [email protected]

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drink in a safe environment for customers as businesses have signed up to the ‘Nightsafe’ scheme which ensures that there are standards in place. The Year of Culture events will bring additional visitors to the town in 2011 and boost the economy in the same year that sees Wrexham seek city status.There are still plenty of challenges ahead for the town centre. While the former Woolworth’s store in Regent Street is now re-occupied

by Discount UK, following a vacancy of two and a half years, some other prime sites remain empty. The former Boots and Burtons shops would welcome new retailers in order to enhance the appearance of the town centre. The vacancy rate in Wrexham is below that of most town centres, there are still a number of small units, vacated by independent stores who have suffered in the economic downturn in recent years.

Almost all of the vacant units in the town are privately owned by property companies, insurance or financial institutions, The council liaises closely with property owners in an effort to attract new occupiers. However, rental rates are in the hands of the landlords, while business rates are another major factor for consideration by new businesses.The surprise closure of The Wynnstay Hotel in July showed

that the leisure and corporate industry is equally at risk as the retail sector. However, it is hoped that this famous landmark in Wrexham will have a successful future.Despite some difficult economic times, both nationally and locally, Wrexham has good reason to be optimistic about the future and is in a good position to take advantage of the upturn in the economy in the future.

10

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is alerting taxpayers in Wales to a surge of fake ‘phishing’ emails sent out by fraudsters in the run-up to the tax credits renewal deadline.The email informs the recipient they are due a tax rebate, and provides a click-through link to a cloned replica of the HMRC website. The recipient is asked to provide their credit or debit card details. Fraudsters then try to take money from the account using the details provided. Victims risk having their bank accounts emptied and their personal details sold on to other organised criminal gangs.Since the beginning of April, when the first tax credits renewals forms were sent out to claimants, more than 46,000 phishing emails have been reported by customers. During the same period of time HMRC helped shut down more than 150 scam websites.Joan Wood, Director of HMRC Online and Digital, said:“We currently only ever contact customers who are due a tax refund in writing by post. We don’t use telephone calls, emails or external companies in these circumstances. If anyone receives an email claiming to be from HMRC, please send it to phishing@

hmrc.gsi.gov.uk before deleting it permanently.” HMRC thoroughly investigates phishing attacks and works with other law enforcement agencies in the UK and overseas. In the last two years, scam networks have been shut down in a number of countries, including Austria, Mexico, the UK, South Korea, the USA, Thailand and Japan.HMRC strongly advises customers to: • Check the advice published at

www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/index.htm to see if the email you have received is listed

• Forward suspicious emails to HMRC at [email protected] and then delete it from your computer/mail account

• Follow advice from www.getsafeonline.co.uk

If you have reason to believe that you have been the victim of an email scam, report the matter to your bank/card issuer as soon as possible. If in doubt please check with HMRC at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/fraud-attempts.htm

Don’t get hooked by ‘phishy’ email scam

As part of a campaign launched today aimed at VAT rule-breakers, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will be sending letters informing businesses how to register to pay what they owe. The new campaign focuses on individuals and businesses trading above the VAT threshold of £73,000 turnover but who have not registered for VAT.More than 40,000 letters will be sent out over the next few weeks. Under the terms of the VAT Initiative, those who have not registered to pay VAT can come forward any time up to 30 September to tell HMRC that they want to take part. If they make a full disclosure, most face a low penalty rate of 10 per cent on VAT that has been paid late. They will also be invited to disclose any other tax arrears. Where they have to pay a penalty on undeclared tax other than VAT, this will be lower than the customary penalty of up to 100 per cent charged to those who fall outside the opportunity. After 30 September, using information pulled together from different sources, HMRC will investigate those who have failed to come forward. Substantial penalties or even criminal prosecution could follow. Mike Wells, HMRC’s Director of Risk and Intelligence, said: “This is our third campaign, raising more than £500m from voluntary disclosures and a further £100m so far from follow-up activity. “Our campaigns are designed to ensure tax is paid so that the money is available to spend on public services used by everyone.“The aim is to make it easy for individuals and businesses to contact us, make a full disclosure of their income and face a reduced penalty on any tax owed. “I urge people who have not registered their businesses for VAT to get in touch with HMRC and get their tax affairs in order simply and on the best available terms.” To use the VAT Initiative people and businesses must:• Register with HMRC by 30 September to “notify” that

they plan to make a voluntary VAT disclosure ;• Tell HMRC about VAT due and make arrangements to pay it, as well as any penalties due, by 31 December.

How to let HMRC know of the intention to make a tax disclosure: • Online by completing a notification form at http://

www.hmrc.gov.uk/ris/vat/• Ring HMRC on 0845 600 5217A dedicated team is available to give information and advice. Previous HMRC campaigns have targeted offshore investments, medical professionals and people working in the plumbing industry.


fulfil your potential

We have a range of business and professional courses:

Come along to our open day on 15 October 2011, 10am-3pm.

th

Business Management, Festival and Events Management, Human Resource Management, Professional Education and many more

Full and part-time options as well as professional and short courses

cyflawnwch eich potensial

Mae gennym ystod o gyrsiau busnes a phroffesiynol:

Rheolaeth Busnes, Rheolaeth Gwyliau a Digwyddiadau, Rheolaeth Adnoddau Dynol, Addysg Broffesiynol a llawer mwy

Opsiynau llawn a rhan-amser yn ogystal â chyrsiau byrion a phroffesiynol

Dewch draw i’n diwrnod agored ar y 15 Hydref 2011, 10am-3pmeg

01978 [email protected]

These days, you will probably recognise how your IT Systems have become the central point of your company and we know how frustrating and often critical it can be when anything goes wrong.For many companies it is not feasible to have a full time internal IT support team so a maintenance contract with an external IT company could be just what you need.Maintenance contracts are all about forgetting your Computer and IT issues, allowing you to concentrate on running and developing your business.Your disaster recovery strategy is also a crucial part of your business plan. With many options available on the market, from a simple plan using external backup drives to a fully automated remote backup solution, there should be no excuse for any loss of your company data.

An experienced and established external IT support company will also be able to assist you with input for online services such as websites, domains and email hosting to ensure you are getting the best possible options to support your business. Having the peace of mind that a reliable IT Support organisation can bring will mean that you will be able to concentrate on running your business, while they concentrate on keeping your company IT systems up and running.

RUN YOUR BUSINESS Not your IT Systems !


TAKING A STANDDon’t Make an Exhibition of Yourself Deciding to exhibit at a show – whether it’s a trade fair or a local business event – is a big decision and has huge time and money implications. With this in mind, it’s amazing how many companies will invest in booking the stand space but then not make the same investment in getting everything right on the day. Maja Kenney from North Wales-based Black Iris Exhibitions gives us some insights into the pitfalls of exhibiting and how to avoid them.

Preparation, preparation, preparationAfter deciding that the exhibition is right for you, the first things you need to clarify are ‘why are you attending the exhibition?’ and ‘what are your objectives?’ Are your priorities going to be existing or new customers? And what are your key messages? These needs must be reflected in your stand and graphic design as these will help you to stand out from the crowd and differentiate from other exhibitors. Information packs are useful, but not always essential and care must be taken with lighting and layout, making your stand look attractive, interesting, informative and most of all approachable.

Don’t keep your stand a secretInvite your current and potential customers to visit

you on the stand. Remember this is an opportunity to engage with your customers face to face and gain instant feedback, especially if they are not in your locality and you don’t get to see them often. It’s all about building relationships. On the dayWhile the design of your stand is important to create the first impression and draw potential clients, don’t forget to properly train the people who will be staffing the stand. Ensure that they have a clear idea of projecting the right messages to prospective clients and that they record the leads accurately. Nothing is more infuriating than hastily scribbled down, illegible or incorrect contact details. Getting the aesthetics of the stand right is a huge part, but this can be undermined if your staff on the day don’t give off the right first impression. Make sure that both the stand and staff reflect the company image that you are portraying as a business. • Ensure staff know why they

are there and what they are to do

• Ensure they know why your business is exhibiting and what you are hoping to achieve

• Ensure they understand the ideal outcome (i.e. to generate new leads and business, or to sell your product)

It is also useful for staff to ‘know their lines’. Take the time to conduct a rehearsal session

before the show, to familiarise your staff with how to approach, engage and disengage with people. Ideally, they should be approachable, relaxed, positive, enthusiastic, engaging, motivated and attentive to what is being discussed. Their general demeanour, such as smartness of dress and positivity, can be enhanced by simple behavioural attitudes, such as smiling, nodding, tone of voice, body language and stance. Follow-upWhat makes a successful show? It is easy to leave a show deeming it a success when you have spoken to lots of people, but that’s usually not enough. Make sure that you follow-up your leads – consider not giving literature away on the day, but instead make a note of attendees’ contact details and mail any additional information out to them afterwards.And on to the next oneExhibiting at shows, conferences and exhibitions requires an investment of time and resources, but can pay huge dividends when done properly. To make the most out of these opportunities, make sure you plan ahead. This way you can achieve the wow factor with a customised stand that can be reused for several shows as well as plan your marketing strategies rather than leaving it to the last minute. The key thing to remember is: don’t make an exhibition of yourself!

About Black Iris Exhibitions Maja Kenney is the owner of Black Iris Exhibitions, based near Wrexham in North Wales.

With a client base of national and international clients, Black Iris Exhibitions has the expertise and experience to manage all of your exhibition requirements.

This can include negotiating and booking space, coordinating contractors such as graphic designers, lighting, AV requirements, managing transport, and ensuring a smooth set-up and dismantle – UK or internationally.

The company specialises in creating bespoke exhibition stands, and can also supply the best in modular systems when required.

For further information contact Maja on 01978 780421, email info@blackir is-exhibit ions.co.uk or visit the website www.blackiris-exhibitions.co.uk


BUSINESS WEEKFlintshire

Flintshire • open for business

11-19Oct

BUSINESS WEEKFlintshire

Flintshire • open for business

11-19Oct

Make sure you have the dates in your diary! Flintshire’s first ever two day business exhibition at ConvaTec on Deeside Industrial ParkThe Business Exhibition on 12 & 13 October has attracted over 60 exhibitors from across North Wales and North West England. Visitors can expect a vibrant business environment, with opportunities to acquire new business techniques, listen to inspiring keynote speakers, seek expert advice, gain knowledge from other delegates and exhibitors and improve business contacts through networking.The Supply Chain is the theme for presentations on day one. Guest speakers include the Chair of Wales CBI and leading academics. The afternoon session takes a closer look at

tendering opportunities in the public and private sector.The Business Exhibition continues on day two and the morning session spotlights Manufacturing Excellence with the participation of leading companies and organisations in a Q&A session, and presentations by two of Deeside’s major manufacturers. Networking is the focus of the afternoon sessions with excellent opportunities for businesses on Deeside Industrial Park and Wrexham Industrial Park to get to know their neighbours.The full programme of events includes seminars, presentations, networking events and factory tours. It is available to download via the website or can be requested by phone or email. The majority of the events are free of charge but you do need to register as places fill up quickly.

Don’t miss the largest business to business event in North Wales

Flintshire Business Week 11 - 19 October 2011

For further information or to book your place:Email: [email protected]

Call: 01352 703219Visit: www.flintshirebusinessweek.co.uk

Day 6 | 18 OctoberA day for SMEs at Springfield Hotel, Holywell

• Shaping leaders• Marketing seminar• Unlocking hidden sales opportunities• Join Neil Ashbridge, the Bank of

England’s Agent for Wales for lunch• Access to finance• Hot topics in employment law• Networking opportunities

Day 5 | 17 October Directors - Join us at Days HotelChester North

• Directors’ duties – Ignorance is not adefence

• International trade and finding newinternational markets

• Institute of Directors’ seminar andlunch

• An opportunity to put questions toFlintshire County Council’s Directors

• Networking opportunities

Day 7 | 19 October Flintshire Business Week goes to Westminster

Join Lords, Ministers of State and MPs at thismost prestigious event. Table your questions tothe Secretary of State for Wales, network withcaptains of industry. Places Limited, Book Now.

Flintshire Goes to London, 19 OctMP Question Time, 14 Oct

Flintshire Business Awards, 14 OctTwo-day Business Exhibition, 12 & 13 Oct

For further information or to book your place:Email: [email protected]

Call: 01352 703219Visit: www.flintshirebusinessweek.co.uk

Day 6 | 18 OctoberA day for SMEs at Springfield Hotel, Holywell

• Shaping leaders• Marketing seminar• Unlocking hidden sales opportunities• Join Neil Ashbridge, the Bank of

England’s Agent for Wales for lunch• Access to finance• Hot topics in employment law• Networking opportunities

Day 5 | 17 October Directors - Join us at Days HotelChester North

• Directors’ duties – Ignorance is not adefence

• International trade and finding newinternational markets

• Institute of Directors’ seminar andlunch

• An opportunity to put questions toFlintshire County Council’s Directors

• Networking opportunities

Day 7 | 19 October Flintshire Business Week goes to Westminster

Join Lords, Ministers of State and MPs at thismost prestigious event. Table your questions tothe Secretary of State for Wales, network withcaptains of industry. Places Limited, Book Now.

Flintshire Goes to London, 19 OctMP Question Time, 14 Oct

Flintshire Business Awards, 14 OctTwo-day Business Exhibition, 12 & 13 Oct


At Hadlow Edwards we offer a distinctive approach to our clients and their financial affairs. You get all the benefits of personal attention and years of experience, from an approachable, friendly team of professionals. We take care of the details and take away the frustration of financial planning.

• Mortgages • Investments• Retirement Plans • Insurance • Tax

65 Regent Street, Wrexham LL11 1PFTelephone: 0800 652 8175

Fax: 01978 311 633email: [email protected]

web: www.sjpp.co.uk/hadlowedwards

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Contributed by Warren Hadlow & Medwyn Edwards, Hadlow Edwards Ltd.Telephone: 0800 652 8175 – e-mail [email protected]

Hadlow Edwards Limited represents St. James’s Place Wealth Management Plc, which is authorised and regulated by the

Financial Services Authority.

NEST stands for National Employment Savings Trust which will become an increasing feature for most employers over the next few years. It’s the Government’s new national workplace pension scheme designed to meet the needs of low to moderate earners and encourage more workers to save for their retirement. Many will be aware of the fact that some people are not taking personal responsibility for retirement savings and NEST is the latest scheme to deal with this issue.

All employers will have to set up a scheme if they have workers who meet a minimum earnings requirement unless they already have a qualifying scheme in place at the moment. All employees will be Auto – Enrolled in to the scheme and employers will have a duty to do the following:

• Enrol workers in the scheme

• Choose the qualifying scheme

• Make a minimum of 3% contribution to the scheme

• Maintain pension provision for workers already members

As you will have noted there is a minimum employer contribution to the scheme of 3% which in addition employees will have to pay 4% themselves and 1% from the government by way of tax relief, making a

total contribution of 8% per annum.

The intention is that Auto – Enrolment will commence on the 1st October 2012, starting with companies with more than 120,000 workers and continuing until 2016. The actual start date will depend on the number of employees and PAYE reference numbers and further information can be found at www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/pensions-reform where you will be able to work out your own start date. It is also proposed that minimum contribution rates will be phased in over a period of time starting at 2% in 2012 and raising to 8% from October 2017.

NEST is likely to have a major impact on employers over the next few years, particularly those currently with low pension membership rates and will undoubtedly involve additional administration and possibly costs. Employers will also have to decide if they continue with any scheme they have in place at the moment and if this is compliant with NEST as a qualifying workplace pension. Whilst employees can opt out, the government is expecting this to be low particularly as they will lose the employer contribution.

We have a number of factsheets available on NEST if you wish to contact us by email or phone.

NESTs are not just for the birds


Network She is thrilled to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2011 awards which will take place on Friday 18th November at Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Since their launch in 2008 the Network She Awards have become recognised as the platform to celebrate the success of women who mean business.

This glittering gala black tie event presents the ideal opportunity to recognise and reward the inspiring achievements of business women and women in business, who have succeeded and continue to succeed in their chosen field during such difficult, turbulent and unpredictable times.

For further details on the Network She awards nominations and to book tables and tickets for the awards gala event please contact Julie on 0845 0095080 or email [email protected]

network like there’s no tomorrow!

Business networking is an effective low-cost marketing method for developing sales opportunities and contacts, based on referrals and introductions - either face-to-face at meetings and gatherings, or by other contact methods such as phone, email, and increasingly social and business networking websites. A business network of contacts is both a route to market for you, and a marketing method. Business networking offers a way to reach decision-makers which might otherwise be very difficult to engage with using conventional advertising methods.Business networking also brings with it the added advantage of recommendation and personal introduction, which are always very helpful for developing business opportunities.Business networking is a way for you to make the maxim, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know..” work for you.Here are a selection of great local networking groups to get you started.

We all know we should network like there’s no tomorrow, you can never know enough people to help your business. This is not just the usual networking event where people get together in a room to interact. buzz tuesday provides you with a speaker to talk on a topic that is interesting, educational and inspiring and more importantly relevant to help grow your business. And a bit of decent food never goes unnoticed!

So if you’d like to meet like-minded professionals from the Chester and Wrexham area in an informal and relaxed setting, and also learn something new while networking visit www.buzztuesday.co.uk

NEXT EVENT November 2011

for more details see buzztuesday.co.uk

Business 2 GoRosset Hall

WrexhamLL12 0DE

t: 08443 57 57 38e:[email protected]

New Standing Order Instruction

To Bank

Please set up the following standing order and debit my/our account accordingly

1: Account details

Account name: ___________________ Account No: ___________

Account holding branch: ___________ Sort code: ____________

2: Payee details

Name of person or organisation you are paying: BUSINESS 2 GO

Payment reference: ____________________(This will appear on the bank statement of the recipient account)

Sort code: 55-81-42(Of the person/organisation you are paying)

Account number: 90581695(Of the person/organisation you are paying)

3: About the payment

How often are payments to be made: Monthly

Amount details Date Amount

Date and amount of first payment: __________ £_______(Please allow 3 working days for receipt)

Date and amount of ongoing payments: ___________ £_______

Choose from one of the two following options

1: Date and amount of final payment ____________ £______

2: Until Further notice (tick)(Payments will be made until you cancel this instruction)

4: Confirmation

Customer signature(s): ______________________________________________

Date: _____________________

WEEKLY - THURSDAY 6.45am - 8.30amBusiness2Go is a young, friendly, growing business networking group. We meet for breakfast at Rossett Hall Hotel every Thursday to talk business, give each other referrals and provide advice and business support.Business networking is a great way to help grow your business. By meeting regularly with other local companies and generating leads from them, this is a great way of establishing your company in the area.For more info visit www.bus2go.net

FORTNIGHTLY - FRIDAY 7am - 8.30amMembership of your local group offers much more than just business opportunities. As well as the natural support that the regular meetings provide, every member has the opportunity to present to the group on a regular basis. This is excellent practise for those all-

important business pitches to potential clients.Meeting St David’s Hotel, Ewloe every other Friday.For more info visit www.bforb.com

Describe you and your business concisely and impressively.

BNI WREXHAM every Thursday at the

Cross Lanes Hotel, Marchwiel from 7am to 8.30am

www.bni-wrexham.co.uk

North Wales WiRE Women in Rural Enterprise

For more information Contact Caroline

Sanger-Davies 07854 835171

3rd - 7th October

SME Week

in Wrexham Businessline in association

with Europe Direct of Wrexham County Borough

Council will this year be co-ordinating a programme

of events to take place between 3rd - 7th October 2011 to celebrate European

SME Week. For more information

www.wrexham.gov.uk/businessline

If your employees are faced with a childcare issue that prevents them from coming to work it can be inconvenient for the business and both frustrating and costly for employees.

We have the answer for those emergency childcare needsActive Childcare works with local businesses to provide occasional or last minute childcare for children under school age or up to the age of 11 during the school holidays so that parents can carry on with their work as usual.

No fuss, easily administered and cost effective.Children receive the very best care in a safe, secure and friendly environment and benefit from outstanding facilities, parents can leave their child in the knowledge that their children are in safe hands, and employers benefit by having important members of their staff team available for work.

Care is provided by our well qualified, experienced team of childcare professionals at The Centre for the Child, Family and Society, Glyndwr University, Wrexham.

We will always try to help even at the last minute.

Emergency Childcare to support BusinessesActive Childcare is pleased to announce the introduction of a new service for businesses and their employees

Find out [email protected]

01978 661189Active Childcare Ltd, The Centre for the Child, Glyndwr University, Mold Road, Wrexham LL11 2AW

business in wrexham - september 2011

Documents

wrexham septoct

single business

edition of business

small business

development i

local business community

local businesses

i ams photography07999