business matters 12
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Business Matters 12TRANSCRIPT
West Cheshire & North WalesChamber of Commerce
DESIGN FIRM COMES OF AGE
Quarterly Magazine of West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce ISSUE12 WINTER2012
BusinessMatters
BUSINESS AWARDS ENTRIES WANTED
FRAUD… A GROWTH INDUSTRY
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Comisiynydd y Gymraeg:cefnogaeth i fusnesau
Welsh Language Commissioner:business support servicesMany businesses choose to use Welsh voluntarily.
A good starting point for any business wanting to develop Welsh language services is to look at the range of services they provide, and ask themselves whether the Welsh language is treated less favourably than the English in each of those services.
After identifying any gaps in the Welsh language provision, they can plan carefully for introducing and including bilingualism in their business.
Businesses use the Welsh language in a variety of ways:
● By displaying bilingual signs
● By publishing a bilingual website and literature
● By proactively recruiting a bilingual workforce
● By providing ‘Cymraeg’ [Welsh] badges to help customers identify Welsh speaking staff
Operating bilingually is within the reach of any business. A relatively small investment now can contribute towards the success of the business and the benefi ts of bilingualism in the future.
The Welsh Language Commissioner was established by the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011, legislation which gave the Welsh language offi cial status in Wales. The Commissioner’s main aim is to promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language.
The Welsh Language Commissioner offers
● Free consultation on how to introduce and use Welsh in business, tailored to the individual needs of the business
● Advice on adopting a Welsh Language Policy
● Bilingual guidance for the following:
● Technology, Websites and Software: Welsh Language Considerations
● Bilingual Drafting, Translation and Interpretation
● Recruitment: Welsh Language Considerations
● Sector-specifi c terminology
● Advice on commissioning translation
● Free ‘Cymraeg’ badges to help customers identify Welsh speaking members of staff
For more information about the role of the Commissioner
0845 6033 221post@welshlanguagecommissioner.orgwelshlanguagecommissioner.org
Mae llawer o fusnesau yn dewis defnyddio’r Gymraeg yn wirfoddol.
Man cychwyn da i unrhyw fusnes wrth fynd ati i ddatblygu gwasanaethau Cymraeg yw i edrych ar yr ystod o wasanaethau y maent yn eu darparu, a gofyn iddynt eu hunain a yw’r Gymraeg yn cael ei thrin yn llai ffafriol na’r Saesneg ym mhob un o’r gwasanaethau hynny.
Ar ôl adnabod unrhyw fylchau yn y ddarpariaeth Gymraeg, gallant fynd ati i gynllunio’n ofalus ar gyfer cyfl wyno a chynnwys mwy o ddwyieithrwydd.
Mae busnesau’n defnyddio’r Gymraeg mewn amryw o ffyrdd:
● trwy arddangos arwyddion dwyieithog
● trwy gyhoeddi llenyddiaeth a gwefan ddwyieithog
● trwy fynd ati’n rhagweithiol i recriwtio gweithlu dwyieithog
● trwy roi bathodynnau ‘Cymraeg’ i helpu cwsmeriaid i adnabod staff sy’n siarad Cymraeg
Gall buddsoddiad cymharol fach nawr gyfrannu at lwyddiant y busnes a buddiannau dwyieithrwydd yn y dyfodol.
Cafodd Comisiynydd y Gymraeg ei sefydlu gan Mesur y Gymraeg (Cymru) 2011, deddfwriaeth a roddodd statws swyddogol i’r Gymraeg yng Nghymru. Prif nod y Comisiynydd yw hybu a hwyluso defnyddio’r Gymraeg.
Gall y Comisiynydd gynnig y canlynol i fusnesau:
● Cyngor rhad ac am ddim ar sut i ddefnyddio’r Gymraeg mewn busnes yn unol ag anghenion busnesau unigol
● Cyngor ar sut i fabwysiadu Polisi Iaith Gymraeg
● Dogfennau cyngor:
● Technoleg, Gwefannau a Meddalwedd: Ystyried y Gymraeg
● Drafftio Dwyieithog, Cyfi eithu a Chyfi eithu ar y Pryd
● Recriwtio: Ystyried y Gymraeg
● Terminoleg ar gyfer sectorau penodol
● Cyngor ar gomisiynu gwaith cyfi eithu
● Bathodynnau ‘Cymraeg’ i helpu cwsmeriaid i adnabod staff sy’n siarad Cymraeg
Am ragor o wybodaeth am rôl y Comisiynydd
0845 6033 [email protected]
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CONTENTSISSUE12 WINTER2012
TRADE BOOST PLANNED FOR UK AND UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
DESIGN FIRM COMES OF AGE
24 HOURS WITH .......
PRESTIGIOUS BUSINESS AWARDS - YOUR CHANCE TO ENTER
INTERNATIONAL TRADE - DISCOVERING THE BARRIERS TO EXPORTING
GETTING STARTED
AS I SEE IT
HOW TO? WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR WEBSITE GOES DOWN
BIG INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN WILLIAMS OF THE ATLANTIC GATEWAY PROJECT
EVENTS IN AND AROUND THE REGION
LET’S GET SOCIAL
JUST MORE THING
04 09 22
07 15 32
06 10 29
08 19
22 04
08 29 10
34 Chamber of CommerceRiverside Innovation Centre1 Castle DriveChester CH1 1SLTelephone: 01244 669988Fax: 01244 [email protected] Registered Company No. 173634
DisclaimerDistinctive Publishing or West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers
and West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce.
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Contributing EditorJohn Dean & Francis [email protected]
BusinessMatters
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
4
Business Matters
The UK/UAE Business Council met for the third time in Dubai, bringing together business leaders from both countries to further drive commercial ties between them.
UK companies are exploring opportunities to participate in the UAE’s £1.4 trillion of construction and infrastructure development programme and the development of its healthcare sector which will be worth £7.4 billion by 2015. The UAE is also a major investor in the UK, with over £5 billion invested in our critical energy, infrastructure and regeneration sectors throughout the regions.
Inaugurated one year ago in Abu Dhabi, the Business Council is co-chaired by His Excellency Nasser Ahmed Alsowaidi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Mr Samir Brikho, CEO of AMEC.
The industry and entrepreneur led Business Council supports the UK and the UAE governments’ commitment to strengthening trade ties through the Joint Economic Council under the chairmanship of Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint, UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment and His Excellency Sultan al Mansouri, UAE Minister of the Economy.
The Business Council discussed plans for a leadership development programme and cooperation between UK and UAE companies in third countries. The first example of this was the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between al Thani and Shell, witnessed by Lord Green and HE Sultan al Mansouri at the event.
UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment Lord Green said: “The friendship between
Britain and the UAE is very important and our commercial relationship continues to strengthen. The UAE has ambitious development plans, which British business and expertise can make a huge contribution towards and are already helping to realise.
“The UK is committed to making it quicker and easier for British businesses and Gulf States to do business together. Both countries are targeting a 60% increase in trade from 2009 levels, to reach £12 billion by 2015. I was delighted to hear about the progress that the Business Council has made in deepening the ties between the UK and the UAE.”
Samir Brikho, Co-Chair of the UAE-UK Business Council and Chief Executive of AMEC said: “With each Business Council meeting we are creating deeper relationships and developing broader opportunities for trade and investment between the UAE and UK. The Prime Minister’s endorsement of the Business Council’s objectives demonstrates the United Kingdom’s commitment at the highest level to the long lasting relationship between our two countries.”
His Excellency Nasser Ahmed Alsowaidi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development said: “The Council is a natural development involving two countries that for decades have enjoyed close cultural and economic ties. Good business opportunities and wider practical solutions to all kinds of challenges should result from this new Think Tank, and I am personally optimistic regarding its future.”
Trade Boost Planned for UK and United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates Business FactfilePopulation: 5.4mArea: 83,000 km²Capital City: Abu DhabiOfficial Language: ArabicGP Per Capita (PPP): $67,000
Source: FCO Economics Unit (2012)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is made up of seven Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain) that came together in 1971, with Dubai as the country’s business centre.
UAE is considered a high growth market and the UK’s 16th largest for goods globally. It is also the UK’s largest export market in the Middle East. Personal relationships are considered vital to doing business in the country, with exporters encouraged to meet face to face with importers. As a Muslim country, laws and customs are very different to the UK and if visiting you should be aware your of your actions at all times, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. For more information visit www.ukinuae.fc.gov.uk
Opportunities include:n Creative industries: retail, fashion, digital
media, video games, publishing
n Education and skills
n Finance and professional: banking, legal, insurance, capital markets
n Energy: oil, gas, renewables, power, nuclear energy
n Environment: Waste, green buildings, water treatment, medical waste
n Defence and security
n Infrastructure
For information on exporting to the UAE contact the Chamber or visit www.ukti.gov.uk
Plans to increase trade between Britain and the UAE to £12bn by 2015 are on track, businesses told Ministers from both countries recently.
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CHAMBER NEWS
Business Matters
5
The Chamber’s Finance Manager has proven you can bank on her after graduating from West Cheshire College with a highly respected accounting qualifi cation.
Sarah Jones from Chester completed her Level 4 Diploma in Accounting from the Association of Accounting Technicians in January, before being recognised for her success at a special ceremony in Ellesmere Port in September.
She was presented with her diploma by Olympic swimmer Mark Foster.
Sarah has worked for the Chamber for fi ve years and is responsible for managing all the organisation’s day to day fi nancial obligations, as well as organising and preparing events.
Sarah said: “I’d been studying for the qualifi cation for three years and I was thrilled to have completed the course successfully. When you put your heart and soul into something for so long like studying, having your work recognised and rewarded is extremely satisfying.
“My graduation day was a wonderful experience and being presented with my scroll whilst wearing my cap and mortarboard will go down as one of the proudest moments of my life.”
Colin Brew, Executive Director of the Chamber said: “We’re all very proud of Sarah for achieving her accounting qualifi cation and hard work. Her success is a fantastic illustration of the Chamber’s commitment to support and develop its staff to maximise their ability and potential.”
Hats Off to Sarah for Graduation Success
BitesizeNews
I’d been studying for the qualifi cation for three years and I was thrilled to have completed the course successfully. When you put your heart and soul into something for so long like studying, having your work recognised and rewarded is extremely satisfying.
UKTI and Barclays Team Up UK Trade and Investment and Chamber patrons Barclays have joined forces to help small businesses grow by offering export advice. The partnership aims to to help businesses trade abroad, from securing their fi rst international customer to setting up an overseas operation. For more information visit www.ukti.gov.uk
Progress in Exports Must be StrengthenedUK trade defi cit in goods and services was £2.7bn in September, compared with a defi cit of £4.3bn in August. David Kern, Chief Economist at BCC said: “Underlying export volumes rose by 4.1% in the third quarter, while imports fell slightly over the same period. Longer term comparisons show that exports rose more than imports on an annual basis, reversing the disappointing trends seen at the beginning of the year.”
OMIS Discount SchemeAs part of a wide programme of support being made available to UK companies by UKTI, substantial discounts will be offered on the Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS), which provides targeted market research to help businesses fi nd those crucial fi rst contacts overseas and to help them develop relationships in new, fast-growing markets. For more information, visit www.ukti.org.uk
Government Must Deliver on its PromisesJohn Longworth, Director General of the BCC said: “Ministers must listen to calls from businesses to help them get the fi nance they need, and provide support to help them fi nd new international markets for their products and services. Action needs to be taken immediately if we are to see the export-led recovery the government has been calling for, and investment in the UK’s crumbling infrastructure would allow businesses to transport their goods and people around the world.”
Sarah (right), with friend Sally Perry and Olympic Swimmer Mark Foster.
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MEMBERS NEWS
Business Matters
6
Partnership Design Comes of AgeChester based creative agency, Partnership Design Limited (PDL) has celebrated its 21st birthday.
Brace of Awards Show Firm Have IT FactorA Cheshire IT fi rm have enjoyed a double success aft er winning two top customer service awards.
PDL provides branding, print, exhibition, packaging and web design services to a diverse group of customers from local SMEs to global blue chip organisations. The company’s success story spans a range of sectors including food, leisure and healthcare. During the last 21 years PDL has worked with some of the UK’s most recognised brands including Shell, Nutricia, Princes, Premier Brands and Glen Dimplex.
PDL was set up by Liverpool born Malcolm Proudlove in 1991. Malcolm has a long background in design, having worked for Douglas & Co, Intergraphik and Robinson Lees Design Associates. PDL now employs a multi-disciplinary team of 12, consisting of design, technical and marketing specialists.
Malcolm said: “We are delighted to be celebrating 21 years in business, a real achievement in today’s challenging times. We have been lucky to work on some great projects over the years. I attribute PDL’s success to our ability to provide innovative solutions to our clients’ needs, at a realistic cost. And, of course, the loyalty and commitment of our team here at PDL.”
To celebrate its coming of age, PDL has launched a new identity and website, www.partnershipdesign.co.uk and is also offering companies a number of initiatives, including a free marketing health check and 21% discount for new projects started within 21 days. Anyone interested should contact the team at PDL on 01244 342600.
As well as recently celebrating a decade in the industry, Congleton-based Prism Total IT Solutions have won the ‘EA Technology Customer Focus Award’ in the Cheshire Business Awards and the British Chambers of Commerce’s ‘Excellence in Customer Service Award’, having previously also won the award in 2009.
During the last year Prism have focused their service around innovations in the industry, with a specifi c focus on aftercare and client satisfaction. The fi rm has also been praised for their extended opening hours, high net promoter score and their nationwide client base.
Both awards were presented based on a number of factors including client satisfaction, level of service provided and company growth.
Prism encourages their client base to view them as a proactive virtual IT department to differentiate their service from the reactive IT companies. The fi rm does this by providing a personal and managed approach to the way in which they interact with their clients. By focusing on managing and advising existing clients in their own business ventures, Prism designs solutions tailor made for each individual business or user. On top of this every call is answered and made personally by Prism employees to remove the use of call centres or automated messages.
Prism have also been recognised recently for their work in the community; they work closely with local charitable organisation Friends for Leisure, providing free support and IT equipment to all of the members of staff in their main offi ce. Local fi nancial management fi rm Franklyn Financial Management is also a close partner of Prism who served as main sponsor for their ‘Summer Swing’ charity golf day and Summer Ball. The event saw its biggest turn out yet, helping raise a massive £72,000 which went directly to charity. Prism has also has also developed a close relationship with other organisations such as the Congleton Learning Partnership, East Cheshire Riding School, Age UK.
Peter Neal, Service Delivery Manager at Prism said: “We are honoured and pleased to receive not one but two awards from two highly respected organisations. Prism as a whole has a culture centred on providing excellence in customer service, so it is rewarding to see this recognised.
“The awards are a tribute to the high quality of staff we have at Prism, where skills, knowledge, customer focus and positive attitudes are acknowledged as the cornerstones of our service delivery.”
We are delighted to be celebrating 21 years in business, a real achievement in today’s challenging times. We have been lucky to work on some great projects over the years. I attribute PDL’s success to our ability to provide innovative solutions to our clients’ needs, at a realistic cost. And, of course, the loyalty and commitment of our team here at PDL
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24 HOURS
Business Matters
7
24HOURSWITH‘Having an opportunity to build an organisation that makes a real difference to people living in Ellesmere Port…’ that’s the aim of David Maguire, Trust Manager of Stanlaw Abbey Development Trust.
The Trust is a registered charity with a goal of improving the economic prosperity of Ellesmere Port, principally through the running of Stanlaw Abbey Business Centre and reinvesting any surplus income generated by it into support for local people. The centre has 41 serviced offices and industrial units, conferencing and meeting space, business address and postal service, whilst simultaneously developing as a charity.
David, 35, from Deeside has been leading the organisation for 10 months, after eight years working in senior management for social organisations like ELECT and the Caia Park Partnership. David describes his role as ‘a rather strange mix of private and voluntary sector’, as he balances the commercial responsibilities of growing and maintaining the customer base of the business centre, whilst identifying and building new opportunities for the Trust to develop the local economy and support people.
David’s day begins at a fast pace, particularly thanks to his three sons aged seven, five and three, he said: “things are always busy at home early on, fortunately my wife is on hand to make sure everyone gets out on time and with the correct bags! Despite her organisation though, I’m convinced I’ll arrive at a breakfast networking event with a reading folder and lunch box one of these days...
“My journey from Deeside to Stanlaw Abbey usually takes about 15 minutes and luckily there’s always an alternative route if I come across traffic. I’m always based at Stanlaw Abbey, aside from the odd day working from home, but more recently I’ve been out and about networking to build relationships with businesses. When I arrive I have a quick catch up with our Business Manager Marianne Clare, before heading off to tackle my emails which these days has been made easier thanks to my smart phone; meaning I can check them earlier and have some thinking time before I respond.
“Typically I’ll dedicate time to sales and financial tasks like updating our CRM system and our website, or developing marketing materials or campaigns, as well as checking our online banking. I take responsibility for lead generation as the income from our meeting rooms and business accommodation is extremely important; providing as it does the core funding for our four staff and the centre’s day to day running.”
Lunchtime sees David get out of the office for some fresh air and exercise thanks to a power walk, giving him the opportunity to reflect and solve problems that may have arisen. On Thursdays he enjoys a spot of lunchtime networking which regularly creates a number of sales leads. Afternoons tend to be varied,
as he aims to schedule meetings across specific afternoons to save other time for strategic tasks like business planning or projects with other organisations. It’s not always straightforward though, as according to David the odd ‘curve ball’ can sometimes arise, he said: “just to keep me on my toes, recently our electronic front door decided to stop locking one Friday afternoon. With no locksmith available, I found myself at 5pm opening my trusty toolbox and successfully fixing the problem myself, much to the amusement of the staff and tenants!
“For organisations like us though you learn to expect the unexpected and that occasionally you have to break from the norm, roll up your sleeves and fix a problem yourself.”
Work officially finishes at around 5pm, but running a centre with many moving parts means occasionally he has to work later into the evening, David said: “I obviously aim to spend as much time as possible with my family, but sometimes I need to put in an extra couple of hours to complete
work if a tight deadline is approaching. I’ll always wait for the boys to go to bed before restarting, so I’m often typing away late into the night whilst my wife irons to Downton Abbey!”
Looking ahead, Stanlaw Abbey will begin piloting its new charitable activities in early 2013, which David describes as ‘a huge milestone for the organisation that will change our culture forever’. The main aims of this are to help more people start businesses in Ellesmere Port, support existing local businesses plus create jobs, whilst connecting residents to work opportunities in the area. David describes the variety of working with different companies allied with the chance to help people as one of the best parts of his job, he said: “the opportunity to be innovative and create solutions that make a real difference to people’s lives through new models of support unconstrained by particular funding regimes is inspiring.
“The biggest challenge for the leader of any business is how to effectively manage your time between tasks. I am always looking to improve the efficiency of myself and my team for the benefit of customers and clients, but the job satisfaction derived from establishing new ways to support others is very satisfying.
“If Lord Sugar could give any tips on how to build a complicated toy that’s missing batteries for three expectant children though, I’d love to hear them!”
David Maguire Trust Manager, Stanlaw Abbey Development Trust
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The Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce has described Lord Heseltine’s independent review of UK competitiveness as ‘compelling’.
The review was released in late October to wide ranging support from businesses across the country.
John Longworth said: “Lord Heseltine’s analysis of the state of the UK economy is compelling. Businesses will welcome his call for steady, long-term thinking to improve the UK’s economic performance. Yet Heseltine’s prescription for action focuses too much on institutions, rather than on the fundamental barriers to business growth.
“Ministers should think carefully before committing to a restructuring of government, and focus first on the key constraints facing the real economy: the availability of growth finance, practical help for our exporters, our creaking physical infrastructure, and an education and training system that responds to business needs. Government can best support enterprise by collaborating with business to get the basics right.”
On Lord Heseltine’s recommendation that Chambers of Commerce play an expanded role in business support and local growth:“We welcome the fact that Lord Heseltine has recognised that Chambers of Commerce are local, resilient, independent, internationally-focused and proactive in their communities. We are pleased that he believes Chambers can continue to play a central part in making local growth happen.
“Lord Heseltine makes a range of recommendations that, in his view, would help bolster Chambers’ ability to serve local business. We will be studying these recommendations carefully and discussing their implications with Chamber members, the government, and other business organisations in the weeks and months ahead.”
On business access to finance:“As long-standing campaigners for a British Business Bank, it is helpful that Lord Heseltine’s report acknowledges the fact that there is a
structural problem around long-term, patient loan finance in Britain and that the Business Bank offers a possible solution. This is a much more fundamental issue for UK competitiveness and growth than the structure of government.”
On exports:“Lord Heseltine argues that Britain’s competitors have a more systematic, joined-up approach to exporting and international trade, involving both government and business organisations.
“This is a critical issue for our global competitiveness, and we are working actively with Lord Green on ways to better use Chambers of Commerce at home and across the world to provide British exporters with the best possible support to break into new markets.”
On skills and training:“Lord Heseltine is right to highlight the fact that the education and training system doesn’t currently deliver to employers’ needs. Chambers of Commerce stand ready
to link employers to local schools and other training providers to ensure that British businesses can compete globally.”
On decentralisation away from Westminster and Whitehall:“Local businesspeople across England tell me they would like more influence over local growth and economic development. Many companies in the real economy will agree with Lord Heseltine’s view that England is over-centralised, and that power, money and real decision-making need to be rebalanced away from Westminster and Whitehall.”
CHAMBER NEWS
Business Matters
8
CHAMBER NEWS
Businesses across Cheshire have until January 3rd to submit their entries to the prestigious High Sheriff’s Awards for Enterprise 2012.
The awards are your opportunity to shine and demonstrate the outstanding nature of your business in Cheshire. If your company has a turnover of at least £500,000 and employs between five and 250 people you are eligible to take part.
The award categories include:n High Sheriff’s Award for Enterprise
2012
n Bank of America Award for Corporate Social Responsibility
n Mornflake Oats Award for Innovation
n Cheshire Business Leaders Award for the Outstanding Cheshire and
Warrington Business Leader
n Cheshire Business Leaders Award for the Cheshire and Warrington Young Entrepreneur.
The winners from five categories will be announced at a glittering ceremony at University of Chester next March.
Why enter the High Sheriff's Awards for Enterprise?
1. Raise your profileThe winner and finalists gain from regional exposure through a coordinated PR campaign, raising profile among some of the most influential people in business and government, many of whom will attend the award ceremony on 21st March 2013.
2. Acknowledge your team's effortsIn the busy environment of day to day business, achievements can be easily forgotten. The process of completing the entry form allows you to pause and consider what (and who) contributed
to your success and where you can go from here. A representative of all shortlisted finalists is invited to attend the award ceremony and dinner free of charge and you will have priority on table bookings so the team can celebrate their recognition on the night.
3. Impress partners, clients and investorsThe cachet and recognition of winning one of the High Sheriff’s Awards for Enterprise categories demonstrates a commitment to enterprise, innovation and corporate social responsibility.
The awards will host Cheshire’s leading entrepreneurs and business leaders to celebrate outstanding business achievement across private sector organisations of all shapes and sizes. The guest speaker for the ceremony is Ross Warburton MBE, Executive Director of Warburtons.
Entrants must:• Have an annual turnover of at least £500,000
• Employ between five and 250 members of staff
• Demonstrate outstanding performance and explain their strategy to ensure that the company will continue to expand and flourish in the future
You may include any relevant company brochures to support your entry.
To enter, please visit: www.chester.ac.uk/highsheriff-enterprise
If you meet these criteria, do consider nominating your business for the awards by completing the application form along with a supporting statement on no more than two sides of A4 paper. Entrants should include accounts and any other information to support their entry, for example business brochures.
For more information or to discuss your entry further, please contact Catherine Menzies on 01244 511844 or alternatively email [email protected]
BCC Reaction to Heseltine Competitiveness Review
Time Running Out to Enter Prestigious Business Awards
BM12.indd 8 23/11/12 16:07:47
CHAMBER NEWS
Business Matters
9
The results of a survey developed by the University of Chester and West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce have revealed a clear interest among businesses in the region to begin exporting, with a signifi cant number already adapting a product or service range to target overseas customers specifi cally.
The survey, Exporting Goods and Services from West Cheshire and North Wales, was developed and carried out by the University with the Chamber.The results show that the most popular export location for exporters in West Cheshire and North Wales is Europe and this refl ects the nationwide picture reported by the British Chambers of Commerce.
The report revealed 37% of potential exporters are currently adapting a product or service range focusing on overseas customers in particular.
The primary barrier for non-exporting businesses in the area is a belief that their product or service is not suitable. Other primary barriers identifi ed for current exporters and potential exporters were found to be linked to ‘overseas’ issues with the most signifi cant barrier the lack of overseas contacts, such as
customers, agents and distributors.
The results also showed that the fi nancial position of companies and domestic market conditions are highly infl uential factors in making export decisions. Concerns about payment risk may refl ect a lack of trust stemming from a lack of personal and professional contacts overseas.
Members of the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce were invited to complete an online survey about barriers to exporting goods or services. The survey and its results were developed and analysed by the University’s Centre for Labour Market Development and commissioned by the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce. The Centre is a specialist research facility that focuses on economic and development issues working closely with clients in the public, private and third sectors to provide a bespoke service and to tailor research to their specifi c needs.
The results of the survey were supported by several in depth written submissions by pre-identifi ed businesses. The businesses self-selected to participate and submitted responses between July and August 2012. A total of 140 across the region fed back, with 66% of respondents in micro-companies (less than nine people), 20% in small companies (10 to 49 people), 8% in medium companies (50 to 249 people) and 6% in large companies (more than 25) people. 57% of respondents stated they were based within Cheshire
West and Chester with 43% based in North Wales.
Simon Adderley Assistant Director, Centre for Labour Market Development, University of Chester, said: “The results of this report show that businesses in the region are keen to explore exporting, which can only be good news for the economy of West Cheshire and North Wales. The results will also help to pin-point the best way to help these businesses going forward to achieve their full potential.”
David Roberts, Export Manager for West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce said: “It’s great to see such a positive response to this survey, showing such clear will, interest and desire by regional businesses to trade internationally.
“No matter the size, shape or purpose of your product, exporting can clearly be of benefi t to your business. If you haven’t thought about trading internationally but would like to fi nd out more, visit www.wcnwchamber.org.uk today and allow us to help you achieve your goals.”
To read the full report visit www.chester.ac.uk/clmd
Discovering the Barriers to Exporting
Are you an amateur photographer looking for a way to showcase your talent? As part of the new look Business Matters, we want to give budding snappers the chance to have their work resplendent on the magazine’s front cover.
As Business Matters is a seasonal magazine, we want the cover to refl ect that, so for the next edition we’ll be looking for your best springtime pictures of West Cheshire and North Wales. They can be of local scenes, nature, buildings… you name it, we’d love to see it. If you can weave something business themed in too, all the better.
Our front cover for this edition was produced by the Chamber’s Finance Manager Sarah Jones…
Let Us Showcase Your Artistic Talent! Are you an amateur photographer looking
Watt Works Encourages Local Businesses to Mind Their Language
Over the last few years we’ve seen the recession cause organisations and the individuals working within them many problems. Or should we describe them as ‘challenges’?
Watt Works Consulting, a Cheshire based company whose expertise includes the fi eld of NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) would support the use of the latter term, and is encouraging the use of this reframing of language in organisations such as Co-op Financial Services, Shell and Waters in order to generate improved solutions.
Damian Hamill, Training Director at Watt Works Consulting says:
“We encourage clients to understand that the words you use to frame situations can have an enormous effect upon how people respond to them. Whether it’s enhancing internal communication between departments, or with your customers, NLP can provide instant improvements.”
Watt Works is making the secrets of NLP available to local businesses with the NLP for Business course, specifi cally designed for the application of NLP within a business environment. Brian New of Co-operative Financial Services says:
"The NLP for Business course was effective for me as it was not a “one size fi ts all” course – more a self-evaluating course that fi t the candidate’s needs.”
If you are in business, whether as a sole-trader or multi-national, and would like further information on how NLP techniques can enhance the results you’re getting, visit www.watt-works.com for further information or call 01565 759 893 to speak to someone about the challenges you are experiencing.
BM12.indd 9 23/11/12 16:07:51
GETTING STARTED
Business Matters
10
GETTINGSTARTED‘Gotta sell ‘em all! That was the aim of a young William Mason when challenged by his dad to make a profi t at a car boot sale aged just nine.
“Dad had a stall for the day,” said William. “He gave me a £1 and told me to go and buy something, so I bought a stack of Pokémon trading cards from another trader, returned to Dad then proceeded to sell four of the cards for £1 each… I made £17!”
Now 20, William is President of Chester Enterprise Society (CES), as well as studying Business Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Chester. CES aims to provide opportunities for students from across the university to help them develop skills such as pitching and networking that will help them when searching for jobs or setting up businesses.
Hailing originally from Huddersfi eld, he achieved distinctions in Business Studies and Finance at St Mary’s College, Blackburn, before coming up with the idea for CES, William said: “I wanted to put all the information, theories and models I’d learned to good use, but I and others agreed there weren’t any practical business activities for students at the university.
“I talked to my lecturer Connie Hancock about the idea and she supported it tremendously; in fact without her it may not have happened. I made as many contacts through the university as I could, constantly talking about the vision I had; in fact I think most people bought into it because of the amount of enthusiasm I showed them.
“We held our fi rst meeting last November and the rest is history.”
William now works with a team who run most of the day to day activities, which range from training events to socials. “Being a young society, it’s vital we continually develop new connections, which is primarily what I spend my time doing,” said William.
“I have three meetings a week with Kirsty Badrock, Innovation and Enterprise Coordinator from the Riverside Innovation Centre (RIC). Together we’re working on a project called Challenge 2013 Destination Rio which is taking up lots of time, but it’s very important to keep marketing our projects to get as many people actively engaged as possible. I
also have an interest in a company called Student Step (a professional networking site for students), for which I’m producing marketing strategies to gain interest and sign-ups from students in colleges and universities nationally.”
The response from businesses has been better than CES ever expected, with Chester Zoo, DTM Legal, Wilkinson’s, Tesco, Lush and Mornfl ake all giving their backing, William said: “this was one of the most surprising things for me as I assumed the recession would completely ruin our chances of securing sponsorship from local businesses. In truth supporting young entrepreneurs was something they felt strongly about and saw CES as a way of doing this.
“The fi rst time I felt success was when we organised an event called ‘The Ah-Ha Moment’ at the RIC, which was attended by 55 people. Attendees included infl uential business people, senior managers from the University of Chester and more, all to see James Headspeath; an Iron Man challenge competitor who was allergic to exercise!
“Conversely there have been diffi cult times too. Convincing people CES would work and was worth their input time and effort was hard work and I felt like giving up at times, but I pushed on. Cash fl ow was also an issue, in fact one time where I had to pay a bill using my own money and as a student it was a lot…”
Looking ahead, William hopes CES will continue to grow with support from the university and the Riverside Innovation Centre, as well as their business partners in Chester itself. Personally though, he hopes he’ll be able to continue producing ideas for many years to come, he said: “I’d like to be the kind of entrepreneur who has an idea, creates a business, makes it successful, sells it and then develops another. I want to be able to look back and say ‘I made a change’, to what scale will be revealed in time.”
William Mason President, Chester Enterprise Society
We held our fi rst meeting last November and the rest is history
BM12.indd 10 23/11/12 16:07:55
Business Matters
11
BM12.indd 11 23/11/12 16:07:59
Business Matters
12
Occupational Health Services
RPS offer specialist Occupational Health Services, tailored around the needs of your business. With a number of options available, including physician, nurse and technician led services, RPS can help you stay within budget without compromising quality of service. Services can be provided on-site or using mobile screening units to reduce the time employees are away from work.
RPS Group has extensive experience working across all industries. For information regarding our services, please click on the links below:
• Mobile Screening• Sickness Absence Management• Pre-Employment Assessment• Workplace Vaccination• Executive Health Screening
RPS are one of the fi rst companies to be accredited to the Safe Effective Quality Occupational Health Services (SEQOHS) standards, launched by the faculty of occupational medicine. The scheme defi nes the standards and minimum requirements that apply to occupational health services.
For more information regarding all RPS servicesplease visit our website www.rpsgroup.com/occupationalhealth or call one of our offi ces on
Warrington offi ce: 01925 846333 Ellsmere Port: 01513 [email protected]
08000 858384
BM12.indd 12 23/11/12 16:08:11
BARCLAYS
Business Matters
13
Lending Boost for UK BusinessesSMEs across West Cheshire and North Wales can get an instant cashback injection of 2% on loans as part of a new scheme from Barclays.
‘Cashback for Business’ follows Barclays cashback loan offered under the £1.5bn National Loan Guarantee Scheme (NLGS). As the NLGS cashback has been fully utilised due to strong demand, Barclays is continuing with cashback loans under the new Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS).
The reductions in the cost of borrowing are made possible by FLS and the current low base rate, meaning that the cost of borrowing is at its lowest level for 25 years for the average UK SME.
Dewi Davies, Head of Barclays Corporate Banking in North Wales, said: “The cost of borrowing for UK SMEs has reached very low levels. SME borrowing is at its cheapest since 1987 and the combination of FLS and low base rates is also pushing down the cost of borrowing for personal loans and mortgages with super-low rates.
“Barclays will pass on the whole benefit we derive under FLS to our customers and we are optimistic that people will take advantage of this cheap time to borrow, and make the investment decisions that they have been putting off.”
Barclays hopes that FLS will create one of the most competitive loan markets in recent history and expects the UK’s leading banks offer different cheaper lending products which will help fuel demand and competition. Barclays will actively manage its product offerings to respond to these market changes and will introduce new ways of channelling the benefit of FLS to customers.
Businesses that Export Grow by Almost a Third in Two Years
Carried out amongst 1,500 small businesses in the UK, the research reveals the rapid benefits of exporting, with 29% experiencing a positive impact on their bottom line within just six months of expanding into international markets.
Eight in 10 (82%) businesses experienced a positive impact on their bottom line after two years of exporting.
Nearly a third (31%) of businesses that currently sell overseas admit they have had to employ more people in the UK as a result of their exporting activity. These businesses on average have recruited an extra 15 people each as a direct result of their exporting activity; this includes many smaller SMEs employing a few extra members of staff, and a small number of fast growing SMEs taking on much larger numbers. This equates to an estimated average of around 336,000 more people being employed across the UK as a result
of businesses exporting or selling to overseas customers.
31% of those who currently export are planning on branching into new markets in the next year and a further 24% in the next two years. And, with continuing uncertainty in the Eurozone, businesses are looking for export opportunities further afield. Nine out of the top 10 countries listed as targets by businesses exporting for three years or more are outside of Europe, with Hong Kong, India, China and Australia topping the list.
Beyond business growth, almost nine in 10 (87%) businesses claim there are other benefits to exporting, including having greater confidence in the longevity of the business (44%), increased productivity (37%), stronger innovation (28%) and a longer lifespan for their products and services (27%).
Julie Campbell, Barclays Business Banking Area Manager for North
Wales said: “Winning business overseas is a vitally important way for SMEs to prosper and help the economy grow out of recession. Our new research shows that in the challenging domestic market, exporting provides attractive new revenue growth for businesses of up to a third, boosting the bottom line and supporting job creation.
“We are committed to helping UK SMEs take that step to winning new trade around the world, and have experts in place across the globe ready to lend their support and advice.”
For more information visit www.barclays.co.uk/barclaysabroad
Businesses generate an average growth of 30% after exporting for just two years according to new research from Barclays.
BM12.indd 13 23/11/12 16:08:12
Business Matters
14
Have you ever asked yourself these questions?How well do you know your Computer or Data you hold on your computer?
How well does your computer know you or your customers?
Do you have any of the following a central data server, archive and backup?
How many visits do you pay to your archive, to improve or understand your business?
Do you need any of the above?If any of the above does not interest you we can still assist your business
Which of these challenges do you face in your business today?
Financial ImpactsToday’s business owners need to be more aware than ever of the financial impacts of running a business, and what not addressing these costs could mean. With increased operating costs, decreased revenues and heavier regulations leading to greater levies imposed on them, companies and their bosses need to keep everything up to date, accurate and secure. Should they choose not to, they could face downturns in their financials, unnecessary outlay and possible cessation of trade.
Risk And ComplianceThere are a huge amount of risks in busi-ness nowadays. Many of them involve compliance, financing, potential investments and competitiveness. Tackling these risks can seem like a minefield but is so important. Not doing it
can leave your business at risk from fines, fraud, loss of credit worthiness and even closure.
Managing risk in all forms is easier with the right systems in place.
Productivity ImpactsThere’s a higher demand on businesses to be able to produce high quality, value-for-money products quickly. Business owners like you are finding they’re having to work longer hours, keep costs down and still end up with a brilliant end product. And if your IT systems aren’t up to scratch, that becomes very difficult.
Increasing throughput, coping with longer hours, making your processing more efficient and maintaining quality control on your finished product’s a lot easier with the right IT systems.
Confidence And SatisfactionTrust and confidence when dealing with a company is really important. Knowing, trusting and liking an individual or business is what makes consumers use them.
So if that confidence is undermined in any way, the consequences can’t be underestimated. Customers will look elsewhere, suppliers will desert you and your previously loyal staff may leave your organisation
Scenarios like this are often down to inaccurate or out-of-date information. Many businesses don’t have a proper system to keep their business information in. This is where SDRS-UK Ltd can help.
How do you Investigate and Identify possible solutions ?SDRS has vast knowledge and experience of dealing with Business Process and IT Systems improvements.
Our expertise are in managing and analysing Business information in Databases and Spreadsheets.
We can ensure all your data is securely stored centrally. There is no reason to keep outdated and inaccurate information again. When your current data needs Archiving, we know how to store it in a compressed format. To go and revisit the gems and nuggets of information later.
The Data Systems and Analytic reports we build, help you stay aware of and control every aspect of your business. So that the risks to your business become easier to manage.
Our aim is to consult and advise you on the best practice of IT Infrastructure. (We consider your operational and IT infra-structure processes.)
Anything is possible in the Database and IT world, we ensure we are aware of industry developments, and make sure we listen to our customers.
We also offer Database Administration, Business Intelligence Systems, and Software Development.
Contact SDRS-UK Ltd today to schedule an initial consultation.
Please phone James our Technical
Analyst on 01244 940 835
Regus House, Herons Way, Chester Business Park, Chester, CH4 9QR. Telephone 01244 940 835Email [email protected] ~ Website http://sdrs-uk.cloudapp.net/
Software development & reporting solutions
BM12.indd 14 23/11/12 16:08:15
NEWS
Business Matters
15
ASISEEITFlicking through your new copy of Business Matters, I’m sure you’ll have noticed things are a little different around these parts! Together with our partners Distinctive Publishing, we’ve worked to give your magazine a fresh, contemporary feel that we hope you really like.
Throughout you’ll see new articles, features and ideas, as well as a sprinkling of old favourites like the Big Interview. Ultimately though, our aim has been to bring the spotlight of Business Matters firmly back on the people who matter: you, our members.
Business Matters is your magazine, so we need your help to make it vibrant, colourful, opinionated and relevant to the world we find ourselves in today. We want to hear the stories that shape your experiences in business, no matter the size or shape of your organisation and use this publication as a means to show the rest of the country and the world at large that our regions are the place to be for business.
Submission details are included in the contents page, but we want to hear from you. So if you’ve got a story, contact the Chamber on 01244 669988 or email [email protected] and get involved.
In future, this column will see local business leaders having their say on issues that they want to address in their own words, so you can look forward to a host of regional characters having their say on issues that matter to them in their own words.
These days, fraud is obviously big business for the unscrupulous types who practice it. John Dean’s article to your left highlights this, but I want to take the opportunity to add a few extra points. Firstly, if you’re signing a new contract ask a legal representative to review it and give their opinion. The cost of doing this at an early stage will outweigh anything you may find yourself liable for at a later date if things don’t work out.
Secondly, make sure you know who you’re dealing with. Yes, the representative who comes to see you may be the public face of the company, may answer the phone and make promises to you, but can you be sure what they’re telling you is the entire story? Are you sure everything you’re being told adds up? If you feel things aren’t quite right, tackle this at an early stage.
On a much more positive note, 2013 promises to be an exciting and important year for businesses across the region and country as a whole… but before that the festive season approaches, so may I wish you and all our members, their families and staff a happy and safe Christmas and a happy and profitable 2013.
Colin Brew
Whilst it’s easy to take heart from the recent fall in published crime rates, there is one area of crime which is enjoying a boom: fraud.
The National Fraud Authority Reports indicate that the estimate of fraud loss to the UK had risen by more than 90% in just the last 12 months. Importantly for Chamber members, most of this (£45.5bn) relates to the private sector.
These are big numbers but smaller ones sometimes carry more weight; for example, one in four UK SME businesses have experienced fraud in the past 12 months and the cost of those frauds averaged at 1.3% of the victim company’s turnover.
Businesses have long understood the need to be protected from theft of physical property but, perhaps due to an untested faith in their
defences against fraud, very few have insurance protection against fraud.
We are all aware of the dangers of responding to emails requesting personal information. But, for example, will our internal procedures recognise a carefully constructed fraud that ends in a simple request to change a supplier’s bank account before the next payment is made?
Now is a good time to review your security procedures and to consider the value of Risk Transfer to an insurer; your insurance adviser will help to in arrange the right policy for you.
Please call John Dean at Risk Services (NW) Limited on 01244 354846 for more details.
Fraud… A Growth Industry
By John DeanRisk Services
BM12.indd 15 23/11/12 16:08:17
Business Matters
16
01978 854123 www.edgetransport.co.uk
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Put simply, there are three main categories of Cloud service:-n Software as a Service (SaaS) – clients rent
software on demand and may be billed for it as a utility
n Platform as a Service (PaaS) – developers and non-developers can collaborate on projects
n Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) – includes the most familiar Cloud service, STaaS, or Storage as a Service
Like everything in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to using the Cloud. These include: -
n A range of applications is available without sizeable downloads or time-consuming installations
n Applications can be accessed from any computer, anywhere
n Flexibility and scalability is built into the model: you only need to pay for what you need at the time
n Offsite back-up is made easy
Conversely:-n Your data is out of your hands – but you are still
legally responsible for it
n There is a risk of employees sharing data unwittingly, in a way that breaches the organisation’s statutory duty
Personal or identifying client information remains your responsibility so if you are using Cloud services it is in your best interest to retain such data on your own computers and servers. Minimise the risk of data loss by ensuring you have adequate physical storage and ensure your hardware is maintained to the highest level.
That’s where we come in. Our clients agree we offer the best value-for-money desktop and server support in the North West and beyond. Why not call us on 01244 677752 or visit repairmyit.com or www.integerdata.co.uk/repairmy.htm to see if you agree?
Rolling Back the Mists from the CloudThe Cloud: what is it?
Part One
BM12.indd 16 23/11/12 16:08:20
Business Matters
17
Enjoy the tranquillity of meeting at Gladstone’s Library. Appreciate a choice of home-cooked food in our Food for Thought coffee shop, or take advantage of our comfortable and stylish bedrooms, if your delegates are travelling from afar.
A choice of conference facilities and meeting rooms available for day or evening hire
Did you know?As well as the larger conference rooms at Gladstone’s Library (for up to 36 delegates) there are also three smaller rooms available ideal for small meetings of 2-6 people.
So if you need a room away from the office to work on a project or to meet colleagues or contacts - Gladstone’s Library could have the perfect solution.
Ask for our Conference Pack for more details
Inclusive rates available including a special half day rate• Free parking• Free WiFi
Contact usGladstone’s Library, Hawarden, FlintshireTel: 01244 532350 Email: [email protected]
Are you looking for a meeting venue with a difference?
BM12.indd 17 23/11/12 16:08:28
HILL DICKINSON
Business Matters
18
James, who was based in the firm’s Manchester office, is now focusing on working in the Chester market. James will work with the existing corporate team to grow its client base in the region. He joins a team that has recently been recognised as a leading provider of corporate and commercial legal advice in industry bible, The Legal 500. Placed in tier one in the directory, the corporate team were noted for their expertise, with Sally Wightman, head of corporate in Chester referenced as; “giv[ing] superb M&A (mergers and acquisitions) advice and mak[ing] complex issues appear less so’.
James, who has been with Hill Dickinson since 2005, is a qualified
member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. His clients range from individual shareholders to large publicly listed corporate entities. James provides advice on all tax aspects arising from corporate transactions: including mergers and acquisitions, private equity and joint ventures. James has particular expertise in advising upon the tax and commercial aspects of employee incentives and share schemes and regularly assists clients in the preparation of the documentation to implement such share schemes. He has also represented clients on investigations, enquiries and disputes with HM Revenue & Customs and is an expert in stamp duty land tax and VAT.
James said: “We have a very accomplished corporate team in Chester and I look forward to working with them to further enhance their market-leading reputation.”
Sally Wightman said: “The Chester office is committed to providing regional clients with the full spectrum
of commercial advice on their doorstep. By having a dedicated tax lawyer on board we are able to provide a unique package of easily accessible legal support to the local market.”
The Government has recently issued a consultation paper on proposals announced by the Chancellor for a new type of employment status ‘employee-owner’, under which employees would give up some of their employment rights. In exchange the employee will be entitled to shares in the employer company worth between £2,000 and £50,000. Any growth in value of these shares will not be subject to capital gains tax on the employee.
This is not the first initiative by the Government to encourage employers to give shares to their employees. Respective governments have introduced a number of tax favoured schemes to help employers incentivise employees. These are collectively known as employee share schemes.
Employee share schemes whilst used by many publicly listed companies are also available to, and generally more
beneficial and easier to implement for private companies.
Employee share schemes enable employers to transfer shares to employees in the most tax efficient manner, with the advantage in some cases of the employee paying less than the market value for the shares. Employee share schemes and incentives can take the form of either the grant of options to acquire shares in the future or simply a direct issue of shares to employees.
The main benefits of employee share schemes are that they:
n Assist an employer recruit, retain and motivate employees and seek to align the interests of employees with those of the shareholders
n Incentivise employees to meet either key business of financial targets by the implementation of performance conditions which if not met the employee will not be able to acquire the shares
n Achieve tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) savings
n Assist with succession planning if the majority shareholder wishes to transfer shares to key management to take over the business it can do so through a
tax efficient share schemes as opposed to having to seek an outside third party buyer
n Assist the company in conserving cash by issuing shares or granting options as opposed to paying cash bonuses.
Employee share schemes can be separated into two different types, either tax favoured or approved schemes, or non-tax favoured or unapproved schemes.
Tax favoured employee share schemes offer a tax advantage to the employee. However, such schemes have strict requirements in the taxes legislation, relating to the employer, employee and shares, which must be complied with in order to obtain the tax advantage.
Unapproved share schemes (whilst they do not offer the same tax advantage) do not have the same strict conditions and are a lot more flexible. It’s common for employers to offer a combination of both approved and unapproved share schemes.
The structuring of such share
schemes can overcome certain concerns that relate to employee shares schemes:
The issuing of shares with non-voting rights, options to acquire only a small percentage of shares or creating exit only schemes will mitigate the concern that the major shareholders will lose control of the company
The creation of an employee benefit trust can be used to acquire the shares from employees that leave the company, overcoming the concern that there is a lack of a market for the employee’s shares.
Employee share schemes whether in the form of the new ‘employee-owner’ shares or the current approved or unapproved share schemes still have a legitimate place within the incentive and remuneration packages of employees and should be considered fully when an employer is looking at incentivising their employees.
For more information please contact James Cashman [email protected] or Saad Ahmed [email protected]
Corporate Tax Lawyer Brings Unique Offering to Hill Dickinson Chester Team
Employee Share Schemes: A Good Idea
The Chester office of leading law firm, Hill Dickinson LLP, has welcomed corporate tax law specialist James Cashman to its team.
by James Cashman and Saad Ahmedtax lawyers
Sally Wightman and James Cashman
BM12.indd 18 23/11/12 16:08:31
HOW TO?
Business Matters
19
FactFile
7593: Number of responses
3785: Number of exporters
Exports fell in both manufacturing
(+8%, -16pts) and services
(+15%, -4pts)Net export balance
+13% from 31% in Q2
61% Service sector firms attempting
to recruit new staff
38% manufacturing firms attempting
to recruit temporary staff
Service sector confidence in profitability rises to
+14%Manufacturers’ confidence in
turnover improvements falls to
+32%61%
of manufacturers say raw material costs contributing to price rises
British Chambers of Commerce Q3 2012 Quarterly Economic Survey
The devastating path of destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy across the eastern seaboard of the United States caused untold disruption to lives, homes and businesses in late October/early November.
The destruction hit parts of the internet too; a number of popular sites from the Gawker network like Gizmodo and Kotaku went dark, as well as Reddit, Foursquare and Pinterest. Frantic tweets were sent telling people not to worry and that sites would be up and running asap, but despite all the warnings of the impending extreme weather, many web-based companies were caught with their pants down when disaster struck.
The Chamber is no stranger to web problems either, as our site (www.wcnwchamber.org.uk) suffered intermittent problems through the autumn which affected our service. Marketing blog Hubspot (blog.hubspot.com) have issued some marketing tips on how you can prepare if the worst ever happens to your business.
Create a branded ‘site down’ pageWork with your web team to create a ‘site down’ page more descriptive and relevant to your brand than the internet’s standard ‘HTTP Server
Error 503’. An image or piece of text relevant to you stating you’re aware of the problem will be far more effective!
CommunicateIn any situation where people might be disappointed, communication is key... even if it isn't your fault. Thing is, you know you have no control over a third party's outage... but your customers either don't know, or don't care. Or both. If your website is down, you have to be both creative and effective in how you communicate with people. Posting a message on your homepage isn't enough, make sure you have multiple approaches to communication at your fingertips. This allows you to identify those that aren't working, and focus your energy where it will make an impact.
Remember Your CustomersIf customers are impacted by an outage, you’re better off proactively letting them know than letting them find out on their own. Discuss the severity of the situation and figure out what kind of response is necessary. Sometimes social media outreach is enough, but if the problem is more severe, you might want to consider emailing your customers to let them know.
Have a Sense of HumourThings go wrong... it just happens sometimes. Balance a sense of humour and understanding for what your customers are going through in your communications and messaging (unless the internet is down because of something dangerous, safety really isn't a laughing matter). In general, keeping a light-hearted tone will help those affected to respond better and keep the outage in perspective.
Prepare for the Next OutageWhen everything's up and running like normal, ask the right questions and make sure you are prepared for the next time. Some questions to discuss with your IT team might be:
n What caused the outage and could it have been prevented?
n Do we have the right kind of backup systems?
n Should we look into better redundancy?
n Can we improve our responses when something like this happens again?
Your Website Goes Down... What Next? HOWTO?
Microsoft launched their brand new Windows 8 operating system (OS) on October 26th to a collective ‘hmm’ from consumers and businesses alike.
On the face of things, Windows 8 wipes the slate clean and does away with the beloved Start Menu in favour of a new primary interface using ‘tiles’ containing the now ubiquitous ‘apps’.
Microsoft acknowledged the change may be jarring for users, especially
those still using Windows XP some 11 years after its launch. Speaking to Information Week, Erwin Visser, senior director for Windows Commercial said: “We did usability tests with thousands and thousands of people. We that if you have novice users and you give them a touch-based device, you have to show them you have to swipe the display from the edges [to bring up the Start and other menus]. And if you have a non-touch device with mouse, you have to go
to the corners. When you give them those two tips, we see that people pick up Windows 8 relatively easy.”
For businesses, it may be worth waiting until the initial excitement has died down and Microsoft have a clear idea of how the software will be used to benefit your computing experience. Only then can businesses judge whether the cost to switch technology, perform training and sync with extraneous systems will create a positive return on investment.
Windows 8 Launches, Is it Worth it for Your Business?
BM12.indd 19 23/11/12 16:08:32
Gwnewch gais yn awr i gychwyn ynIonawr, Chewfror a Medi 2013
Apply now for January, February and September 2013 start
eich DARGANFYDDWCH PRIFYSGOL your DISCOVER UNIVERSITY
Business at Glyndŵr University is changing radically. We are passionate about enabling businesses to prosper and grow. We now o�er a wide spectrum of �exible training programmes and collaborative services to make this happen. Glyndŵr can help make a di�erence to your bottom-line.
Our foundation degrees are designed and developed with employers to meet their needs and provide students with skills to meet the dynamic demands of the economy.
Creative Technology and Digital Media – start in January 2013, course topics include Media Technology and Digital Media for Creative and Performing Arts.
Industrial Engineering – limited number of fully ESF funded places available on this course, which o�ers �ve pathways such as Mechanical, Electrical and Automation and Instrumentation, Plant Maintenance and Mecha-tronics.
We are also part of Elevate Cymru a pioneering, work-based learning project providing both employers and employees access to funded training courses designed to meet the needs of Welsh businesses.
In April 2013, we are set to launch possibly the most exciting Executive MBA Programme available in the UK. That’s a bold statement but it is endorsed by a number of globally recognised blue-chip organisations that are working closely with us to create something truly special.
New from January 2013 - Certi�cate and Diploma in Marketing, accredited to CIM! Did you know Glyndŵr University has three of the region’s leading experts in Marketing and consistently achieves 100% nationwide CIM pass rates? For details of other Professional courses including ACCA and CIPS please visit our website.
To get on board with our revolution and become part of a winning collaborative business community, visit www.in-business.org or to discusss anything we can do to make a signi�cant di�erence to your enterprise call us on 01978 293 439.
01978 293 439
www.in-business.org
facebook.com/GUInBusiness
@GUinBusiness
linkedin.com/company/glyndwr-university-in-business
Mae Busnes ym Mhrifysgol Glyndŵr yn newid yn llwyr. Rydym yn frwd iawn ynghylch galluogi busnesau i �ynnu a thyfu. Rydym yn awr yn cynnig sbectrwm eang o raglenni hy�orddi hyblyg a gwasanaethau cydweithredol er mwyn gwneud i hyn ddigwydd. Gall Glyndŵr helpu i wneud gwahaniaeth i’ch llinell-isaf.
Mae ein graddau sylfaen wedi’u cynllunio a’u datblygu gyda chy�ogwyr i gwrdd â’u hanghenion a darparu myfyrwyr gyda’r sgiliau i gwrdd a gofynion deinamig yr economi.
Technoleg Greadigol a Chyfryngau Digidiol – cychwyn yn Ionawr 2013, pynciau cwrs yn cynnwys Technoleg Gyfryngol a Chyfryngau Digidol ar gyfer Celfyddydau Creadigol a Pher�ormiadol.
Peirianneg Ddiwydiannol – mae nifer gyfyngedig o lefydd a ariennir yn llawn gan Gronfa Gymdeithasol Ewrop ar gael ar y cwrs yma sy’n cynnig pum llwybr megis Mecanyddol, Trydanol ac Awtomasiwn ac O�eryniaeth, Cynnal a Chadw Peiriannau a Mecatroneg.
Rydym hefyd yn rhan o Elevate Cymru, prosiect dysgu arloesol, seiliedig-ar-waith sy’n darparu mynediad i gy�og-wyr a chy�ogeion i gyrsiau hy�orddi wedi’u hariannu a gynlluniwyd i gwrdd ag anghenion busnesau Cymreig.
Yn Ebrill 2013, byddwn yn mynd ati i lansio’r Rhaglen MBA Gweithredol* fwyaf cy�rous yn y DU o bosibl. Mae hwn yn ddatganiad beiddgar, ond yn un a gymeradwyir gan nifer o gyr� o’r radd �aenaf a gydnabyddir yn fyd-eang sydd yn cydweithio’n agos â ni i greu rhywbeth gwirioneddol arbennig.
Yn newydd o Ionawr 2013 ymlaen – Tystysgrif a Diploma mewn Marchnata, wedi’i achredu i CIM! A wyddech chi fod gan Brifysgol Glyndŵr dri o arbenigwyr blaenllaw’r ardal mewn Marchnata ac yn cy�awni graddfeydd pasio CIM cyson o 100% yn genedlaethol. Am fanylion cyrsiau Pro�esiynol eraill gan gynnwys ACCA a CIPS, ewch i’n gwefan.
Er mwyn bod yn rhan o’n chwyldro a bod yn rhan o gymuned fusnes gydweithredol lwyddiannus, ewch i www.in-business.org neu i drafod unrhyw beth y gallwn ei wneud i wneud gwahaniaeth sylweddol i’ch menter, �oniwch ni ar 01978 293 439.
*Yn amodol ar gael ei ddilysu
BM12.indd 20 23/11/12 16:08:35
Gwnewch gais yn awr i gychwyn ynIonawr, Chewfror a Medi 2013
Apply now for January, February and September 2013 start
eich DARGANFYDDWCH PRIFYSGOL your DISCOVER UNIVERSITY
Business at Glyndŵr University is changing radically. We are passionate about enabling businesses to prosper and grow. We now o�er a wide spectrum of �exible training programmes and collaborative services to make this happen. Glyndŵr can help make a di�erence to your bottom-line.
Our foundation degrees are designed and developed with employers to meet their needs and provide students with skills to meet the dynamic demands of the economy.
Creative Technology and Digital Media – start in January 2013, course topics include Media Technology and Digital Media for Creative and Performing Arts.
Industrial Engineering – limited number of fully ESF funded places available on this course, which o�ers �ve pathways such as Mechanical, Electrical and Automation and Instrumentation, Plant Maintenance and Mecha-tronics.
We are also part of Elevate Cymru a pioneering, work-based learning project providing both employers and employees access to funded training courses designed to meet the needs of Welsh businesses.
In April 2013, we are set to launch possibly the most exciting Executive MBA Programme available in the UK. That’s a bold statement but it is endorsed by a number of globally recognised blue-chip organisations that are working closely with us to create something truly special.
New from January 2013 - Certi�cate and Diploma in Marketing, accredited to CIM! Did you know Glyndŵr University has three of the region’s leading experts in Marketing and consistently achieves 100% nationwide CIM pass rates? For details of other Professional courses including ACCA and CIPS please visit our website.
To get on board with our revolution and become part of a winning collaborative business community, visit www.in-business.org or to discusss anything we can do to make a signi�cant di�erence to your enterprise call us on 01978 293 439.
*subject to validation
01978 293 439
www.in-business.org
facebook.com/GUInBusiness
@GUinBusiness
linkedin.com/company/glyndwr-university-in-business
Mae Busnes ym Mhrifysgol Glyndŵr yn newid yn llwyr. Rydym yn frwd iawn ynghylch galluogi busnesau i �ynnu a thyfu. Rydym yn awr yn cynnig sbectrwm eang o raglenni hy�orddi hyblyg a gwasanaethau cydweithredol er mwyn gwneud i hyn ddigwydd. Gall Glyndŵr helpu i wneud gwahaniaeth i’ch llinell-isaf.
Mae ein graddau sylfaen wedi’u cynllunio a’u datblygu gyda chy�ogwyr i gwrdd â’u hanghenion a darparu myfyrwyr gyda’r sgiliau i gwrdd a gofynion deinamig yr economi.
Technoleg Greadigol a Chyfryngau Digidiol – cychwyn yn Ionawr 2013, pynciau cwrs yn cynnwys Technoleg Gyfryngol a Chyfryngau Digidol ar gyfer Celfyddydau Creadigol a Pher�ormiadol.
Peirianneg Ddiwydiannol – mae nifer gyfyngedig o lefydd a ariennir yn llawn gan Gronfa Gymdeithasol Ewrop ar gael ar y cwrs yma sy’n cynnig pum llwybr megis Mecanyddol, Trydanol ac Awtomasiwn ac O�eryniaeth, Cynnal a Chadw Peiriannau a Mecatroneg.
Rydym hefyd yn rhan o Elevate Cymru, prosiect dysgu arloesol, seiliedig-ar-waith sy’n darparu mynediad i gy�og-wyr a chy�ogeion i gyrsiau hy�orddi wedi’u hariannu a gynlluniwyd i gwrdd ag anghenion busnesau Cymreig.
Yn Ebrill 2013, byddwn yn mynd ati i lansio’r Rhaglen MBA Gweithredol* fwyaf cy�rous yn y DU o bosibl. Mae hwn yn ddatganiad beiddgar, ond yn un a gymeradwyir gan nifer o gyr� o’r radd �aenaf a gydnabyddir yn fyd-eang sydd yn cydweithio’n agos â ni i greu rhywbeth gwirioneddol arbennig.
Yn newydd o Ionawr 2013 ymlaen – Tystysgrif a Diploma mewn Marchnata, wedi’i achredu i CIM! A wyddech chi fod gan Brifysgol Glyndŵr dri o arbenigwyr blaenllaw’r ardal mewn Marchnata ac yn cy�awni graddfeydd pasio CIM cyson o 100% yn genedlaethol. Am fanylion cyrsiau Pro�esiynol eraill gan gynnwys ACCA a CIPS, ewch i’n gwefan.
Er mwyn bod yn rhan o’n chwyldro a bod yn rhan o gymuned fusnes gydweithredol lwyddiannus, ewch i www.in-business.org neu i drafod unrhyw beth y gallwn ei wneud i wneud gwahaniaeth sylweddol i’ch menter, �oniwch ni ar 01978 293 439.
BM12.indd 21 23/11/12 16:08:36
BIG INTERVIEW
Business Matters
22
The Atlantic Gateway project has brought together private and public sector partners to create the most significant opportunity in the UK to attract investment, accelerate growth and rebalance the economy.
Headed by Susan Williams, who was appointed its Executive Director in May, the project aims to create the potential for 250,000 new jobs in the Atlantic Gateway area, in and around Manchester/Salford and Liverpool, by 2030.
It is envisaged that about 140,000 of these jobs will be associated directly with Atlantic Gateway projects, involving £14 billion of new investment.
Based around a series of major initiatives, the project is driven by an ambition to achieve a level of growth that has not previously been seen in the UK outside of London.
Susan comes to the job having been Director of the North West Rail campaign since January 2011, a job which saw her primarily involved in calling for rail investment that has a direct economic benefit, for example the interventions for the Northern Hub and ensuring that High Speed Rail is delivered.
She also has thirteen years’ experience in Local Government, having been a Councillor from 1998- 2011 and leader of Trafford from 2004- 2009. She has also been a leading figure in sub-regional governance as leader member of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities during the period 2004- 2009 and its vice chairman from 2007- 2009.
Susan brings a strong business background to her latest challenge. She was a member of Manchester Enterprises, latterly the Commission for the New Economy, from 2005- 2009, and has served as a non executive director of G Mex Ltd and a member of the Greater Manchester Police Authority. She also served as a board member of the North West Regional Development Agency from
2007 to 2011, helping to oversee investments that have contributed to the prosperity of the North West.
She says that Atlantic Gateway is also securing similar success and is particularly pleased that many of the jobs being created by that investment are going to local people.
Susan said: “The Atlantic Gateway can be defined as a series of projects in the North West that have region or national, or even international in some cases, significance in terms of jobs and growth.
“The projects are well under way, with Media City in Salford now completed as a focus for the creative and digital industries, the most notable being the BBC.
“That development has created 15,000 jobs from construction to operation and 75% of those jobs have gone to people residing in the North West with 50% going to people residing in Greater Manchester.
“Another successful project is Liverpool 2, at Seaforth, which is the Post Panamax deep water container terminal and has recently secured £150m from the European Investment Bank.
“It will begin construction early in the New Year and has recently taken on record numbers of apprentices in engineering, all local to the area. “Five thousand jobs will be created from this project and its scope is truly international with the trade routes that it will open up.
“Another project is The Western Gateway Infrastructure Scheme, which is the access route to Port Salford and is again another project that is about to begin construction.
“Also, The Northern Hub, which unlocks capacity and connectivity across the North’s railway network, has been given the go ahead by Government. This is a priority scheme for the Atlantic Gateway. “The key targets in all these projects are jobs and growth and the Atlantic Gateway wants to see this happen at an accelerated pace.
“Those jobs will be achieved by focusing on several growth sectors, namely transport, logistics, science, energy and the developments of the low carbon economy.”
Susan believes that the key to success for the Atlantic Gateway is the way that success begets success by breeding confidence.
She said: “The timescales we have set out for achievments are realistic. Just look at what has happened so far.
“There is now a momentum building up that will be unstoppable before too long and there is interest from as far afield as China, which is investing in the International Trade Centre at Port Wirral.
“The beauty of the Atlantic Gateway is that much of its investment is from the private sector and the Atlantic Gateway board is private-sector led. “Its projects undoubtedly need public sector support and funding, but with jobs and growth as a Government priority, this is achievable.”
Project Seeks to Transform the North West
Those jobs will be achieved by focusing on several growth sectors, namely transport, logistics, science, energy and the developments of the low carbon economy.
THEBIGI
NTERVIE
W
BM12.indd 22 23/11/12 16:08:37
Susan WilliamsExecutive Director of the Atlantic Gateway
23
BM12.indd 23 23/11/12 16:08:41
WREXHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL
Business Matters
24
Everyone needs a ‘thing’. A talent or skill they’re known for. Something that makes them stand out. “That’s my thing. That’s what I do.”
So what’s Wrexham’s thing? The answer could be ‘innovation.’
Wrexham has always played its part in pushing the world forward with new ideas and technology. We can’t help ourselves. It’s in our blood.
From the radical techniques used by Thomas Telford to build Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (now a World Heritage Site) over 200 years ago, to groundbreaking work going on right here and now at Glyndwr University.
An example? The university is helping to develop the world’s biggest telescope. Helping to unlock the secrets of the universe. That’s a massive thing to be involved with.
You see, Wrexham has always been kind of obsessed with the future. Obsessed with new ideas. New thinking.
So there’s a little insight into Wrexham’s ‘thing.’ But we digress. Aside from being an innovative sort of place, you want to know why Wrexham is a good place to do business. Right?
Try this.
The right placeA central location and great road and rail links mean one third of the UK population is within 90 minutes’ drive.
We’re also just 45 minutes from two major airports (Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester International) and a major sea port (Port of Liverpool).
The right skillsBut it’s not all about location. Skills pay the bills. And we’ve got the skills to help your business grow.
Wrexham is within 50 miles of nine universities, including its very own – Glyndwr. Plus our great transport links help people from across the UK – many with highly specialised skills – commute here.
The right environmentThe final point is that we’re built for business.
Wrexham Council maintains almost one million square foot of commercial property and the area is serviced by state-of-the-art fibre optic networks that allow you to harness the most advanced communications technology.
To see how much Wrexham has to offer, find us on www.rightmove.co.uk
Helpful peopleInterested? Any company thinking about expanding, relocating or setting up a new venture should talk to the council’s Assets and Economic Development Department.
You can talk to a group of dedicated professionals who will do their very best to offer you all the support you need, including:
n Help identifying and applying for possible sources of funding and grant assistance.
n Site and building searches and liaison with local property agents and developers.
n Confidential business advice without cost or obligation.
n Free information on all matters relating to starting or developing an operation in the area.
n A named contact who will deal with all your queries, ensuring you receive practical help tailored to your needs.
So if you’re thinking about Wrexham as a potential business location – now or in the future – call us on 01978 667000 or e-mail [email protected]
All you need to do is pick up the phone and start the conversation. Wrexham is saying ‘hello.’
www.wrexhamsayshello.co.uk
Wrexham says ‘hello’
BM12.indd 24 23/11/12 16:08:53
Assets and Economic Development Department
Assets and Economic Development Department
tel: 01978 667000
Adran Asedau a Datblygu Economaidd
ffôn: 01978 667000
Adran Asedau a Datblygu Economaidd
BM12.indd 25 23/11/12 16:08:55
Business Matters
26
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T 01606 336200E [email protected] www.concise.co.uk
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Get the powerful collaboration features you need, with anywhere access to:
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To find out more about our services and solutions, or to trial Microsoft Office 365 for yourself, contact us today.
BM12.indd 26 23/11/12 16:09:01
T 01606 336200E [email protected] www.concise.co.uk
Take the first steps...Start your journey into the Cloud with Microsoft Office 365 from Concise Technologies
With Office 365, Concise Technologies accompanies you and your business into the cloud, helping to ensure that you get the maximum benefit and cost savings from a solution that’s designed to suit you.
Get the powerful collaboration features you need, with anywhere access to:
available and secure so that you can concentrate on driving your business forward.
To find out more about our services and solutions, or to trial Microsoft Office 365 for yourself, contact us today.
BM12.indd 27 23/11/12 16:09:18
Business Matters
28
Employee ownership could help your business grow
Gallai perchnogaeth gan ygweithwyr helpu eichbusnes i dyfu
Employee ownership is proven to:+ Improve productivity+ Reduce absenteeism+ Drive innovation+ Focus commitment
The Wales Co-operative Centre has beenworking with businesses and employeegroups for over 30 years developingapproaches to employee ownership andsupporting co-operative development.
To find out how employee ownership canhelp you grow your business or aid youin your succession planning, call one ofour expert advisors for a no-obligationdiscussion.
Profwyd fod perchnogaeth gan y gweithwyr:+ Yn gwella cynhyrchiant+ Yn gostwng cyfraddau absenoldeb+ Yn sbarduno arferion arloesol+ Yn rhoi ffocws i ymrwymiad
Mae Canolfan Cydweithredol Cymruwedi bod yn gweithio gyda busnesau a grwpiau o gyflogeion am dros 30 mlynedd i ddatblygu dulliauperchnogaeth gan y gweithwyr a rhoi cymorth i ddatblygu mentraucydweithredol.
I gael gwybod sut y gall perchnogaethgan y gweithwyr eich helpu chi i dyfueich busnes a rhoi cymorth i chi gyda’chproses cynllunio olyniaeth, ffoniwch uno’n hymgynghorwyr arbenigol ar gyfertrafodaeth heb rwymedigaeth.
0300 111 5050 | www.walescooperative.org | [email protected]
walescoopsbusmat[FP]1.11.12_Layout 1 01/11/2012 14:17 Page 1
The biggest change in Payroll/PAYE since the introduction of PAYE nearly 70 years ago. Employers will be required to provide detailed information about Tax and NIC deductions each payment date.
This will help HMRC to have up to date and accurate details of employees thus helping to reduce End of Year under or over payments. RTI has already started for large employers and all employers will be using the service by October 2013. HMRC will advise each employer of their commencement date, then all employee payments must be made on or before each payment occasion where the employee is paid more than the lower Earnings limit. Prepare for RTI implementation now. There are major changes to data items to be reported, from basic items, d.o.b. gross pay etc to passport numbers for foreign employees. HMRC will align records
of employees held on their NIC and PAYE systems and the records held by the employer.
National Employment Savings Trust (NEST)Another change to the workplace practice. A compulsory scheme for all employees to be enrolled to provide a retirement pension in addition to the State Pension. Employers must automatically enrol employees between 22 and the state retirement age who earn more than £8105 per annum unless they already run a pension scheme with comparable benefits. Employers will initially have to contribute at least 1% of salary to the scheme increasing to 3% by October 2018 and employees will make similar contributions. Employees will be able to opt out of the scheme if they wish.
Real Time Information (RTI)Are you ready? Are your clients ready?
For more information on either RTI or NEST contact David Jones FCA, [email protected] or www.hmrc.gov.uk/RTI
David Jones
BM12.indd 28 23/11/12 16:09:22
EVENTS/DIARY DATES
Business Matters
29
EVENTSEVENTS
Dates for Your Diary Together with our partners we’re busy planning our 2013 events calendar with a host of meetings, training and networking we just know you’ll enjoy… but we’re not quite ready to reveal it all just yet!
In the meantime, below you’ll fi nd the dates for Business Social Network events throughout the new year, so keep an eye on Business Matters and the
Chamber website at www.wcnwchamber.org.uk/events for up to date details.
If you’re interested in speaking at a Business Social Network, contact us on [email protected]
FEB 07 APR 04 JUN 06 SEP 05 NOV 07MAR 07 MAY 03 JUL 04 OCT 03 DEC 058am, Atlantic Gateway Presentation
4pm, BiG Storage Presentation (TBC)
8am 4pm 8am 4pm 8am 4pm 8am 4pm
Annual Dinner, September 28th
BM12.indd 29 23/11/12 16:09:44
CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER
Business Matters
30
Have Your Say on the Northwich Gyratory SystemThe trial gyratory system in Northwich Town Centre started in January 2012 and Cheshire West and Chester want your views.
This trial one way system is a signifi cant change for Northwich. It is designed to increase capacity of the road network to support regeneration projects that are being implemented over the next few years (with nearly £100m of investment over the next four years, with the associated jobs).
It has been forecasted that the system would reduce overall queue lengths and the overall delay would be reduced by approximately 15%. It is felt that this system will cope better with the potential increase in traffi c volumes which will be generated by these new developments. The proposed new developments such as Barons Quay, Memorial Court and The Marina (Hayhurst Quay) will enhance the town’s reputation, benefi t all residents and help attract more investment.
A full evaluation will take place around January 2013, albeit the system is being reviewed on an ongoing basis and improvements have been made already based on feedback from residents and businesses.
Your views are really important to us and will be fully considered as part of the evaluation process prior to a decision being taken on its retention.
To take part in the survey questionnaire, visit http://bit.ly/cwacnorthwichsurvey.
If you prefer a hard copy of the feedback form they are available at Northwich Information Centre, post offi ces at Rudheath. Hartford, Castle, Weaverham and Barnton, Kingsmead Tesco store, Cuddington Community Centre and the Hall at Delamere Park. Once you have completed the feedback form, please post it using the freepost envelope provided.
The events targeted the local business community providing services to the construction industry, whether general building, plumbing, electricians and groundworks, Cheshire West and Chester Council is committed to increasing supply choices and promoting the value of our procurement spend to the local economy.
A representative of one of the companies whom attended said: “this was the best trade exhibitions that I have attended in many years, and every council in the UK should take this lead in helping to put small companies in front of the bigger organisations at a local level.”
As part of the government's initiative to implement e-procurement, you can now register free to an electronic procurement system which will allow you to tender for public sector contracts.
Benefi ts:n Make buyers aware of your presence
n Receive pre-qualifi cation questionnaires, requests for quotes and invitations to tender electronically
n Submit your quotations and tenders electronically almost instantly
n All you need is an internet connection and an email account
n Reduce your paper and associated printing costs
n Benefi t from proven added security and knowledge that your submission has been delivered.
Connected to Construction
this was the best trade exhibitions that I have attended in many years, and every council in the UK should take this lead in helping to put small companies in front of the bigger organisations at a local level.
Over 200 businesses attended the event held at Northwich Memorial Hall to meet over 25 of the framework providers for Cheshire West and Chester Council to explore trading opportunities, network and expand the opportunities for the local supply chain.
To fi nd out more about doing business with the council, visit http://bit.ly/cwacprocurement If you’re interested in fi nding out more about the council’s construction framework providers, please email [email protected] and we can forward a contactor list.
BM12.indd 30 23/11/12 16:09:45
RIVERSIDE INNOVATION CENTRE
Business Matters
31
Barry has 20 years of background in corporate and commercial banking where he had been responsible for business development, treasury and structured corporate deposits across three branches and the Northern Region.
We don’t know what that means either, however we do know that he has managed large sales
teams on a national basis and held responsibility for client portfolios of up to £750m. Barry runs the program of events and manages our knowledge transfer, commercialisation and business support activity.
Contact Barry on [email protected]
Need a Venue?Space for business start-ups, conferencing facilities, meeting rooms, access to academic expertise and support is all available from Riverside Innovation Centre (RIC).
Opened in 2011, the RIC is part of the University of Chester and offers a host of state modern facilities for businesses, with rooms that can be tailored to hold from two to 200 people.
All rooms have state of art AV and IT facilities and free WI-FI throughout. The main conference room is backed up with six cameras and a full editing suite to fi lm your event and stream it online. In addition the RIC has a video conferencing suite.
Anthony Price from the RIC said: “We offer fl exible delegate rates from a cup of coffee to a full conference; tailoring the packages on offer to match your exact requirements. We can offer favourable rates at convenient hotels if you require an overnight stay. Our Business Networking Lounges are available and we encourage people to drop in and use our Hot Desk areas.
“Call and let us work with you to plan your event and make it a success.”
Startup businesses can benefi t from:n Bespoke one to one support for
businesses in a variety of areas such as innovation, product development and reaching new customers
n Incubation units for new companies
n Free workshops and seminars on a wide variety of topic areas
n R&D support through contracted research at the University of Chester with expertise in computer science, food technology, healthcare, leadership and management, psychology, biotechnology and various applied sciences
n Access to University of Chester Business School and the RIC’s partners, including the Chamber, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Blue Orchid.
Entrepreneurial students from the University of Chester have collected the £10 investment they hope will launch them on a route to Brazil.
As part of the Challenge 2013: Destination Rio project, 12 groups of aspiring teams came together on October 24th at the Riverside Innovation Centre (RIC), Chester, to generate business ideas, network and learn from team mentors ahead of the fi rst challenge.
Destination Rio aims to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs and will see the teams of four attempt to turn an initial investment of £10 into the profi ts necessary to fund travel to the Global Entrepreneurship Congress taking place in Rio de Janeiro in March 2013. The project is being run by the University of Chester, the RIC and is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Starting during Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 12th to 18th) and running to February 2013, the students will face a series of challenges designed to test and develop their enterprise skills, foster an entrepreneurial spirit and equip them with valuable business and employment knowledge for the future. The will be supported and mentored by people already in commerce and education acting as team advisors.
Paul Keenan, a Destination Rio Team Mentor and Operations Director of LearnerVerse said: “I think Destination Rio is wonderful! As an entrepreneur I have always felt that it should be an essential part of the curriculum in schools, colleges and universities and all credit to the University of Chester for launching this exciting initiative.
“As a mentor I am delighted to say that the team I am engaged with have been fi rst rate. They are enthusiastic and keen to learn; I can honestly say that the whole experience has been of a high quality. The atmosphere at the launch event was electric and I am really looking forward to guiding ‘my team’ towards success and a place in Rio. Well done to the University of Chester! Well done to the students!”
The Riverside Innovation Centre also welcomed Santander Universities to the event; their business advisors will support teams throughout the challenge, in addition to providing business banking facilities to the teams. Northenden Diamond Travel, who are making travel arrangements on behalf of the University, were also available to offer travel information on Brazil.
Kirsty Badrock, Innovation and Enterprise Coordinator at the RIC, said: “This new initiative provides students with a well-structured and planned series of opportunities to learn about the realities of starting up an enterprise in a fun and engaging way.
“Equally, the ultimate aim of the opportunity to attend the GEC2013 in Brazil will allow them to network with entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and policymakers from across the globe.”
The student business organisation Chester Enterprise Society (CES) has working with the RIC to support the project and promote it to their peers. Will Mason, President of CES said: “The level of engagement was outstanding during freshers fair and students were very excited about Challenge 2013: Destination Rio.
“Students, across all faculties, showed incredible enthusiasm for getting involved with the challenge to both gain new skills, and get to know like-minded people, which will ultimately give them the edge when they leave university. In order to achieve this, it’s no surprise that students want to participate in extracurricular activities to enhance the overall student experience and this is it.”
The Riverside Innovation Centre is working alongside the business community and with a number of partners regarding the Challenge. If you would like to fi nd out about becoming a sponsor or getting involved as a mentor, please contact Kirsty Badrock on 01244 512252 or [email protected]
Can £10 Take Students to Brazil?
Meet the Team
Barry Hodges-White, Centre Manager
BM12.indd 31 23/11/12 16:09:49
LETS GET SOCIAL
Business Matters
32
LETSGETSOCIALWe read Twitter so you don’t have to...
@MktgCheshire Chester Skyfall gala screening shows stars, cars and charity a great evening bit.ly/Y5EKbe #cheshire
Marketing Cheshire Thursday, November 1st
@The_FBP Starbucks UK bosses asked to explain before Parliamentary committee their tax position. Bout time too! Now for Amazon and Google too!
The Forum of Private Business Thursday, November 1st
@BCCAdam #Heseltine call for gtr local decision-making on #growth will be welcomed by many ‘real economy’ biz. Q: how / will Whitehall allow?
Adam Marshall, BCC Wednesday, October 31st
@Chestertweetsuk Good morning #chestertweets - let’s get social and share our #chester businesses http://www.facebook.com\chestertweets pls RT
Chester Tweets Wednesday, October 31st
@lifehacker If you’re always stressed at work, no matter what job you’ve got, it’s probably because you’re trying to be perfect: http://lifehac.kr/cjgu1D
Lifehacker Thursday, October 25th
@danowen Daily Post: Retail chains close 93 stores across Wales in six months: Retail chains are shutting shops at a rate... http://bit.ly/R10KPL
Dan Owen, Daily Post Thursday, October 18th
@UKTI Recent UKTI Taste of Britain event in Dublin highlights opps for UK food & drink companies across the Irish Sea http://bit.ly/T0dZCX
UK Trade and Industry Wednesday, October 17th
@Gizmodo How the hard drive crisis forced a cloud company to buy 55 petabytes of Costco drives: http://gizmo.do/jfXASN
Gizmodo Tuesday, October 9th
@simonadderley If you want to promote exporting then build personal contacts @uochester @UKTI@ChamberWCNW Exporting survey out today: http://www.chester.ac.uk/sites/fi les/chester/ExportingSurvey2012.pdf …
Simon Adderley, University of Chester Monday, October 8th
@MerseysideLegal Dont miss Shelley Thomas of Hill Dickinson on the pit falls of drafting the key terms to commercial agreements http://linkd.in/QFpjmI #in
Adam Jones, Hill Dickinson Wednesday, October 3rd
Daniel Shires
Can Chester based businesses benefi t from the city’s new theatre?
October 15th
John Arnold
I often fi nd myself looking at tours of various people who I would quite like to see live. Many of them go to Pocklington Arts Centre… I don't even know where Pocklington is, but I suspect it doesn't have a Cathedral, a population of over 80,000, it's own prime-time TV soap-opera, or a Zoo of international importance.
What it does have is a venue and the absence of such in Chester is a massive hole in our city's appeal to visitors. After so many failures to produce such a venue, this simply must succeed or Chester is going to continue to slide down the table of UK cities to visit and indeed shop in. I very much hope there are ways for City businesses to get behind this vital development. Then we really could have a Chester Renaissance.
October 16th
Peter Moore Dutton
The new theatre is quite unsuitable. It is much too small and I believe has no fl y tower. The former Gaumont Theatre/Cinema, now the Bingo Hall in Brook Street would be much more suitable.
It had seating for almost 2000 people, large stage, orchestra pit, and restaurant and is readily accessible as well being built. As Chester Rocks demonstrated huge numbers will come for the right events.
October 16th
Colin Brew
British Chambers of Commerce have released the results of a survey of more than 5,000 businesses, which found that 94% of fi rms have been paid late, with one in four reporting that over 40% of their payments were not received on time.
October 1st
Joseph Spurling
My favourite solution is phasing out the cheque as fast as possible. I don't think the kitemark scheme would help many small businesses.
October 1st
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NEW MEMBERS
Business Matters
33
MOVERSANDSHAKERSNEWMEMBERS
Risk Services (NW) LtdFirst Floor171 BoughtonChesterCH3 5BH01244 351724Mr John Dean
Stanlaw Abbey Development TrustStanlaw Abbey Business CentreDover DriveELLESMERE PORTCH65 9BF0151 3565896Mr David Maguire
Grant ThorntonRoyal Liverpool BuildingLIVERPOOLL3 1PS0151 2247200Mr Rob Richardson
Display Recycling LtdUnit 6Antelope Industrial EstateRhydymynMOLDCH7 5JH01352 741 841
BQMC33 Marford HillMarfordWREXHAMLL12 8SW0808 1084 875Mr Steven Burgess
West Cheshire Credit UnionHenry PlaceNewtownCHESTERCH1 3HY01244 399006Mr Neil Jay
ATR Solutions Limited10 The BoulevardHollingworthHYDESK14 8PL078135 62921Mr Sebastien Modelly
Convivio29 Grosvenor StreetCHESTERCH1 2DD01244 400029Mr Thanasis Spinoulas
Edwin C Farrall Transport LtdAshton Lane
Ashton Nr
CHESTER
CH3 8AA
01829 751558Mr Paul Mather
The Big Let CompanyFindeg View
Village Road
Cadole
MOLD
CH7 5LL
01352 810883Mr Mike Barley
Auditel30 The Yonne
CHESTER
CH1 2NH
01244 346555Mr Chris Doble
Mentor.NWTyn CelynARTHOGLL39 1YT07989 628204Mr David Hooper
Tandex Limited1-2 Glan Yr AfonHOLYWELLCH8 9BL07970 982185Mr David Holihead
Gill & Shaw Ltd8 The PaddockPRESTATYNLL19 8NB0800 9755829Mr Ashley Rogers
Bloor Homes2-4 Whiteside Business ParkStation RoadHolmes ChapelCW4 8AA01477 536550Mr Stephen Barlow
The Welsh Language Commissioner was established by the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011. The principal aim of the Commissioner is to promote and facilitate use of the Welsh language. This entails raising awareness of the official status of the Welsh language in Wales and by imposing statutory Standards on organizations. The Commissionber also provides advice and support for businesses to increase their use of Welsh on a voluntary basis. welshlanguagecommissioner.org
As a result of winning several major contracts for offshore wind farm developments, Mold-based Reynolds International Ltd, the UK’s leading engineering geophysics consultancy, is looking at more than a threefold increase in turnover this year. Professor John Reynolds, the Company’s MD, said “This expansion is a result of providing niche leading-edge services.”
Meri Huws Welsh Language Commissioner.
Reynolds International Engineering Geophysics Consultancy
BM12.indd 33 23/11/12 16:09:58
Business Matters
34
1. What brought you to your current job?I have worked in the media for 25 years, 10 as a journalist on regional newspapers and business magazines and 15 in PR in the private, public and charity sectors.
2. What inspires you?I am inspired by creative people who make things happen with their relentless energy and optimism. I also feel inspired in a stimulating environment, whether that is in the vibrancy of the city or the peace and quiet of the countryside. I have some of my best ideas whilst walking my dogs on the beach!
3. Who do you admire? I admire people who have achieved a better life for themselves in the face of hardship or adversity. I particularly admire single parents who manage to earn a living or run a business whilst bringing up children alone.
4. What advice would you give someone aiming for a job like yours?I believe that a journalism background is very useful when working in PR as you can draw on that experience to understand how best to promote your clients. It’s valuable to understand how journalists work and the requirements they have. It’s also useful to gain some work experience in a PR agency and in-house for a company or
organisation to get a feel for what’s required. There are also some excellent degree courses in public relations.
5. Tell us about your most memorable moment or greatest achievement in life.My greatest achievements are my three children.
6. What was your childhood ambition?When I was six it was to work in a sweet shop. As I got older I would have loved anything to do with horses. A desire to work in the media hit me when I was around 17 as media degrees were starting to become available. Despite being much-maligned now, my degree helped to put me on the path to an interesting career.
7. If you were Prime Minister, what one change would you make to help business?I would do more to help and encourage more women into business. I would ensure start-up services were tailored to appeal to women, rather than a one size fits all approach that characterises many services that are out there.
8. What are you listening to, watching, reading or playing at the moment? I listen to a wide range of music but am particularly enjoying folk and acoustic bands. On my iPod I also have Green Day, my all-time favourite band The Smiths and Kate Bush. I’ve just read ‘The Thread’ by Victoria Hislop and enjoy novels by Kate Atkinson. My guilty pleasure is reality TV and I love comedy shows such as Alan Partridge.
9. What couldn’t you live without?Pinot Grigio, scented candles and my radio (mainly tuned to BBC Radio 2 and 4).
10. Describe a perfect Sunday...Reading the papers... uninterrupted! A long walk with my dogs, a pub lunch and no school uniforms to iron.
December 20027th Two Van Gogh paintings are stolen from a museum in
Amsterdam. Coming shortly after a large diamond theft in The Hague, it casts doubt on the high-tech security systems
9th Sports Illustrated name Lance Armstrong their Sportsman of the Year
13th The EU invites Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Cyprus and Malta to join
19th After reviewing a 12,000 page Iraqi weapons declaration document, US officials state Iraq has failed to account for all its chemical and biological agents and the country is in material breach of a United Nations Security Council resolution
January 20034th Clonaid announces the birth of a human baby clone to
a pair of Dutch parents
10th The Pentagon orders 62,000 US troops to the Persian Gulf
12th Bee Gee Maurice Gibb passes away
20th Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon announces that 26,000 British troops and equipment will be sent to Kuwait, joining the 5,000 troops already on their way there
30th Would-be shoe-bomber Richard Reid is sentenced to life in prison for trying to destroy American Airlines Flight 63. Reid had previously pleaded guilty.
February 20031st The Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrates over Texas
on its final approach to a landing on its final mission. All seven crew members are killed in the disaster
4th MPs vote to reject all seven options presented for the reform of the House of Lords
8th Sections of a dossier issued by the UK government, which purported to present the latest British intelligence about Iraq, and which had been cited by Tony Blair and Colin Powell as evidence for the need for war, are criticised as plagiarisms
14th Dolly the sheep, the world's first cloned mammal, is euthanized due to a progressive lung disease
17th Congestion charging begins in London
26th President Bush commits to post-invasion democracy in Iraq, whilst the House of Commons sees the largest rebellion of MPs from the governing party for 100 years. 122 Labour MPs from 199 from all parties voted to add the phrase ‘[This House] finds the case for military action against Iraq as yet unproven’ to a government motion.
JUSTONEMORETHING…Sue OrmesherPublic Relations Consultant
Outwrite PR
REWINDThe world as it was 10 years ago…
BM12.indd 34 23/11/12 16:10:11
HAS provides Accounts , Bookkeeping, Tax advice and Payroll (compliant with HMRC RTI requirements) to small businesses
in the Chester and North Wales area.
Tel: 01244 674823Handbridge Accountancy Solutions 19 Eaton Mews, Chester CH4 7EJEmail: [email protected]: www.handbridgeaccountants.co.uk
BM12.indd 35 23/11/12 16:10:26
Buses WalesBysiau Arriva Cymru
Advert - Business Matters magazine NOV 12.indd 1 20/11/2012 11:27:34BM12.indd 36 23/11/12 16:10:27