business matters march april web version low res
TRANSCRIPT
BusinessMattersThe Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce magazine
www.lancaster-chamber.org.ukMarch-April 2011
Sailing away Leisure and tourism - our £300m industry
England legend speaks page 10
Philosopher’s tome page 8
It’s a family affair page 16
The next millennium bug? page 18
Business MattersBusiness Matters
Odd,but not everyone knows wedo offices insurance.
We do right by youAgent of The National Farmers UnionMutual Insurance Society Limited.
We do.
Call 01539 722422 for aquote or pop into the officeat Prospect House, Meadowbank Business Park, Kendal LA9 6NY
Email: [email protected]
Kendal Offices Ad_1109:Kendal Offices Ad_1109 04/12/2009 16:12 Page 1
Business Matters 3
BusinessMattersThe Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce magazine
Executive EditorAnn Morris01524 [email protected]
EditorJulian HealeySpringtide Marketing01524 [email protected]
Editorial BoardAnn Morris, Chief Executive, Chamber of CommerceJulian Healey, Director, Springtide MarketingVicky Lofthouse, Events and Membership Officer, Chamber of CommerceMichael Gibson, Managing Director, Fat MediaJudith Coyle, Judith Coyle EditorialMark Beeching, Director, Printing.comMarianne Turner, Director, PrintingPlusRachel Gibson, Director, Quay Creative
Lancaster District Chamber of CommerceCommerce House, Fenton Street, Lancaster LA1 1ABTel: 01524 381331 www.lancaster-chamber.org.ukPresident: Jon PriceCompany Secretary: Gill GardnerChief Executive: Ann MorrisFinance & International Trade: Janet AskewEvents & Admin: Vicky LofthouseMembership & Marketing: Kirstine BondBusiness Liaison: Mike Ashton
Designed & Published by:PrintingPlus7 Woodgate Park, White Lund Industrial EstateMorecambe LA3 3PS01524 [email protected]
AdvertisingPeter FletcherFletcher Sales and Marketing
The Slack, Windermere Road, Grange over SandsCumbria LA11 6JT07800 974 607 [email protected]
You can see an e-version of Business Matters by logging on to www.lancaster-chamber.org.uk and following the links.
In order to make the most of Business Matters we need your input. Please email a few lines outlining your story or a press release with corresponding photographs if you have any.
Would you like to be featured on our Business Profile page? Get in touch and we will arrange for a member of the editorial board to come and interview you for the feature.
Our Viewpoint page is open to all readers. If you feel strongly about a local issue and would like to share your views with other businesses, send us an email and we will endeavour to include it in Business Matters.
Please contact Ann Morris at the Chamber on 01524 381331
Front cover: image courtesy of Morecambe & Heysham Yacht Club Training Centre
How to feature in Business Matters
The recent announcement from the Justice Ministry to remove prison services from Lancaster’s historic castle ended speculation about when such a move might take place, but has created new uncertainty about its future. In our last issue, local solicitor Gill Gardner gave her view about the enormous tourism potential a change of use could have for this district and the need for openness and collaboration to deliver that vision.
It will be interesting to see what types of proposals come forward. The Chamber is currently talking to other interested parties with a view to forming a Trust where those parties can work together to protect our heritage and ensure the castle’s future as a visitor attraction.
Leisure and tourism is a major contributor to our local economy, worth an estimated £300 million per year to the district, and we focus on this sector in our feature pages 11-14. Hotel Manager Tim Bell from Lancaster House acknowledges the challenges of current economic conditions for the hospitality trade and his strategy for dealing with the impact. From a different angle, English Lakes Hotels Group is focusing on a local procurement policy which aims to meet the growing demand for quality local produce.
Keeping it in the family is the secret of success for Pilling Pottery and Northern Kilns, manufacturers of pottery and kilns for pottery, ceramics, glass and jewellery. Rachel Gibson interviewed Adrian Cross, who talks about his passion for the business founded by his father Jim over 40 years ago (p16).
There are two major internet issues at the fore in this issue. Glyn Jones gives his advice on IPV6 (p18) - the techies amongst you will understand that one no doubt! - and Julian Healey provides his views about new regulations on advertising standards for online communications coming into force on 1st March (p22).
My sincere thanks to all contributors to this issue, including the hard working editorial and publishing teams.
Chamber ViewsBy Ann Morris, Chief Executive
Ann Morris
Lancaster lawyer and Chamber of Commerce director Gill Gardner has joined law firm Brabners Chaffe Street as a Partner in its expanding corporate team. She previously headed up the corporate department at Oglethorpe, Sturton & Gillibrand.
Gill has specialist expertise in mergers and acquisitions, bank and venture capital financing and company structures and shareholdings. With over 20 years’ experience, she has practiced in the City and spent time working in Sydney for one of Australia’s top law firms. She is also a Council Member of
Lancaster University.
She joins a corporate team comprising more than 40 lawyers. Ross Shine, a Partner in the firm’s Preston office, comments: “Gill will bring a wealth of experience to our corporate team. She has an excellent reputation and brings with her a proven track record of success.”
Business Matters
news
4
Lancaster planning officers have given the thumbs up to a multi million pound redevelopment of a prime city centre site to provide landmark student accommodation and retail units.
CityBlock, a provider of high quality, purpose-built, city centre student accommodation, teamed up with award winning architects Union North for the redevelopment of Victoria Court, a largely empty retail and office unit in Penny Street, Lancaster.
Planners have voted in favour of the scheme which will comprise private, en-suite, study bedrooms, shared communal spaces and individual townhouses centred around an attractive internal private courtyard. Work is scheduled to start in May this year and the development will open in September 2012.
Trevor Bargh, who founded CityBlock in 2003, said: “We are absolutely delighted the City Council has given the go-ahead. This is a challenging development and I have appreciated the robust and professional approach of Lancaster planning officers.”
“This will be our flagship development with a choice of five different room types to suit all requirements and budgets. Our research shows students benefit from a city centre location and prefer the en-suite, all-inclusive package that encourages independent living.”
Both Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria have expressed their support for the proposal with the former welcoming the provision of ‘good quality, well managed accommodation.’
Union North proposed a unique design solution for Victoria Court which retains important features of the original building and introduces exciting new architecture to ‘simultaneously evoke an engaging past and an engaging future.’
English Heritage commented that the development will preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area while design advisory panel Places Matter describes the development as a ‘sophisticated and clever scheme which will provide a strong architectural statement for the historic city of Lancaster.’
A team of Lancaster students were involved in a consultation period which has informed the design for the building, originally constructed in the 1930s as a car showroom.
This proposed design will mirror the highly successful CityBlock sites in Lancaster and in Leicester, where construction is currently underway on an additional site due to open in September 2011.
Business Matters
Six of the bestA major new source of finance for
businesses in the north west has been
launched. The North West Fund is the
umbrella name for six funds totalling
£185m that are now available to SMEs
in the north west in the form of debt,
equity and quasi-equity.
The Fund is one of the largest public
sector funds of its kind in Europe and
the largest in the UK. It comprises six
specific funds with an initial investment
period from now until 31st December
2015.
Six Fund Managers, under contract
to North West Business Finance Ltd
(NWBF), will manage the Fund and will
operate from 13 offices across the north
west. The Fund is made up of a £92.4m
European Regional Development
Fund (ERDF) grant, making it the
biggest ERDF project of the 2007-13
programme, and a £92.4m loan from the
European Investment Bank. The fund
managers have also been targeted with
securing over £200m of co-investment
capital from a wide range of sources.
Specific funds are: Development
Capital (£45m), Business Loan (£35m),
Venture Capital (£30m), Biomedical
(£25m), Energy & Environmental
(£20m) and Digital & Creative (£15m).
Boosting prosperity Business Minister, Mark Prisk said:
“Along with the Government’s £1.4bn
Regional Growth Fund and other
economic development initiatives,
this fund will play an important role
in boosting the prosperity of local
businesses, creating new private sector
jobs and driving economic growth
across the north west.”
The Fund is expected to support 800
businesses, create or safeguard almost
14,000 jobs and improve the economic
performance of England’s north west
with an estimated GVA (gross value
added) increase of £700m.
More details at
www.thenorthwestfund.co.ukGill Gardner and Ross Shine of Brabners Chaffe Street
An artist’s impression of the proposed new development at Victoria Court, Lancaster.
Lancaster lawyer’s new role
CityBlock development approved
Lancashire’s manufacturers can play
a vital role in leading the county to
economic recovery, according to a
leading business advisor. After figures
revealed UK manufacturing output hit
a 16-year high in December, Rachel
Marsdin, director at Moore and Smalley,
said she believes Lancashire’s economy
can benefit from its larger than average
manufacturing base.
The UK’s manufacturing sector has been buoyed by growth in export markets, helped by increased demand from overseas and the weak pound. The monthly survey from Markit/CIPS showed the manufacturing index rising far ahead of economic forecasts.
Rachel Marsdin said: “While manufacturing alone will not offset job losses in the public sector, these latest figures suggest that it can at least play a role in the recovery by encouraging growth and confidence elsewhere in the economy.”
White Lund-based Design Plus Packaging, is one business that’s
benefiting. The company, which has 38 staff, makes sachets and impregnated wipes, as well as contract filling of tubes and bottles, and has recently opened up new markets in Canada and the US.
MD Andrew Appleyard said: “Our American markets are still relatively new, but we’re growing there and receiving new enquiries all the time from large multiple retailers. The weak pound has undoubtedly made it more appealing for us to trade overseas.”
The north west manufacturing sector is the largest in the UK, generating £20.3 billion and employing over 400,000 people.
Closer linkThe Heysham M6 link has moved a step closer after Lancashire County Council’s funding bid received the green light. Changes to the design have cut the cost of the scheme from £139m to £123m. The Department for Transport (DfT) will contribute £111m, with the county council to fund the remaining £12m.
Changes include raising the height
of the road in places to avoid large excavations; slip roads redesigned to avoid altering two bridges; lighting to be provided only at junctions; and length of construction reduced from three and a half to two and a half years.
The new road has long been the council’s highest priority major infrastructure project.
County Councillor Tim Ashton said: “The M6 link will generate thousands of jobs during construction, promote
ongoing economic growth in the
region and reduce traffic congestion
in Lancaster City Centre.” Over 3,000
construction workers will be needed,
with at least 100 local unemployed
people receiving training and jobs.
An amended Planning Application
will now be progressed and an
inquiry timetabled to hear objections
to Compulsory Purchase Orders.
Construction could begin in late 2012
with the road opened to traffic in 2015.
Business Matters
news
5
Model shown is Yeti Elegance 1.2 TSI 105bhp at £18,780 RRP, including metallic paint at £410 RRP, optional front parking sensors at £270 RRP and optional Model shown is Yeti Elegance 1.2 TSI 105bhp at £18,780 RRP, including metallic paint at £410 RRP, optional front parking sensors at £270 RRP and optional silver roof rails at £105 RRP. silver roof rails at £105 RRP. Official fuel consumption in mpg (litres/100km) for the Yeti range: Urban 28.0 (10.1) – 42.8 (6.6), Extra-urban 40.9 (6.9) – 60.1 (4.7), Combined 35.3 (8.0) – 52.3 (5.4). CO60.1 (4.7), Combined 35.3 (8.0) – 52.3 (5.4). CO2 emissions for the Yeti range 189 – 140g/km.
Škoda. Manufacturer of happy drivers.
Yeti is fun… combining all the rugged strengths of a traditional 4x4 with the practicality and running costs of a hatchback. Yeti is a true crossover vehicle and is available from as little as £14,645 RRP.
Yeti.Happy everywhere (even award ceremonies).
For more information or to organise a test drive contact: David Ian Limited, MiddlegateWhite Lund Industrial EstateMorecambe, Lancashire LA3 3BNTel: 01524 844666Email: [email protected]
Lancs makes good
Business Matters Business Matters6
news
Happy anniversaryIn a double celebration, 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of The Dukes’ summer shows in Williamson Park and the 40th birthday of the Lancaster theatre itself. The venue is also celebrating an increase of 30,000 in attendances.
Dukes director Joe Sumsion said: “People travel from across the country and from abroad to see Lancaster’s outdoor theatre and you would be hard pressed to find any other city of this size
producing work that’s so nationally recognised. Twenty-five years ago, outdoor theatre was a new idea which The Dukes championed and now it’s an institution.”
The anniversary show will be Merlin & The Legend of King Arthur, from 8 July to 13 August. Local solicitors Joseph A Jones & Co are again the main sponsors.
World premiereThe Dukes continues to champion original work such as the world premiere of Quicksand, a new play set on Morecambe Bay. And its enthusiasm for plays rooted in the North is reflected in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (March 24-April 16). A former director, the Olivier Award winning David Thacker, returns with Arthur Miller’s The Price (May 3-7).
“The growth in audiences generates more money at the box office, we’re finding more sponsors and encouraging more people to join our Friends scheme,” says Joe. “The Dukes is a charity and the more people who invest with their time or donations, the better we will be able to deliver for our audiences.”
Trading placesTrading placesTradingMorecambe’s Festival Market is offering special introductory rates during March to encourage more traders to start their own business or relocate to the busy site. The market is looking to attract
new types of stalls rather than direct competition for existing stallholders.
Trades being sought include sportswear, ladies OS wear, foam products, gold and silver, health foods, cycles, denim wear, fishmongers, cobblers, tableware, motor accessories, lighting, fashion footwear, toys, army surplus/camping, dry hairdresser,
dressmaking services and decorating.
The Market will be running a number of events to attract customers such as discounts for pensioners and a ‘Where’s Eric?’ competition. An Easter Eggstravaganza is also planned for April. More details from Tracey Bruce on 01524 414251.
Call 01254 297870 www.lancashirebusinessview.co.uk
The magazine for commerce and industry
the must-read magazine Written, produCed and printed
at the heart of the County We understand the issues that matter
Curtis Cole (Leo) and Cristina Catalina (Elka) in the Dukes’ production of Quicksand Photo: Darren Andrews
Business Matters 7
advertising feature
Would you like a ‘Green’ Lease?Alison Kinder is Head of Property Services at Oglethorpe, Sturton and Gillibrand, specialising in commercial property. In this issue of Business Matters Alison takes a look at how new ‘green agenda’ initiatives could shape the future on environmental issues for commercial property owners.
Alison, who has been a Partner in the practice since 1999, is an expert in property development and landlord and tenant law and enjoys guiding her clients through all the issues relating to property transactions.
Two new ‘green’ toolkits could encourage property owners and tenants to work together to shape best practice and, potentially, future legislation.
The Better Buildings Partnership (BBP), a collaboration of London’s leading commercial property owners and organisations, published a ‘Green Lease Toolkit’ in 2009 and more recently a ‘Green Management Toolkit‘.
The initiatives are supported by both the Mayor of London and the London Development Agency,
The publications are designed to sit along side each other. It is hoped they will encourage landlords and tenants to work together on environmental issues, allowing them to put ideas into practice,
which will prepare the way for eventual new law.
The BBP believes it is essential for property owners and occupiers to work together to improve sustainability and reduce the environmental footprint of commercial buildings.
The toolkits includes a set of best practice recommendations and a suite of model clauses for inclusion in new and renewal leases. To avoid having to wait for leases to be renewed, the toolkit also includes a Memorandum of Understanding between the landlord and the tenant. This Memo is not legally binding and does not change the lease terms but is an express agreed action plan between the landlord and the tenant. It is designed to represent cooperation and understanding between the parties.
The Management Toolkit is designed to provide guidance to the ‘Green Building Management Group’, which would be collaboration between the building management, owners and occupiers on environmental issues.
One key principal and foundation of this best practice and green clauses, is that neither the landlord nor the tenant should be penalised for trying to improve the energy efficiency of the building and reduce the energy consumed within the building.
On the sale or grant of a lease, a landlord must obtain, at its expense, an Energy Performance Certificate and this new guidance encourages owners and occupiers of commercial property to share data on energy consumption.
The Green Lease Toolkit suggests some initiatives which could be adopted and installed in commercial buildings. Some of the initiatives would be expensive and impractical for listed or period buildings.
Whether leases will ‘go green’ without a change in the law remains to be seen and the success of this voluntary code will be assessed in the future.
Critics of the scheme believe that it may well be better to wait for a change in the law, which would make these measures compulsory, rather than implementing something which is not legally binding. Others have also commented that implementing the ‘toolkits’ in London is one thing but adopting them across the rest of the country will be much more difficult.
If nothing else, these kits will hopefully get landlords and tenants thinking about environmental issues and working together on new sustainable initiatives. It will also be an opportunity to put new ideas into practice, to see if they really make a difference prior to any consultation on a change in the law.
www.osg.co.uk
Andrew Royce Head of Corporate Services
Alison Kinder Head of Property Services
David Park Head of Employment Law Services
David Gillibrand Head of Litigation Services
If you have a query or an issue we can help you with, call us on 01524 846846.
16 Castle Park, Lancaster, LA1 1YG
High value service for clients who demand the bestAs well as giving expert, specialist legal advice, we go that extra mile and really understand our clients’ businesses.
This personalised, pro-active approach enables us to deliver results and add real value.
The search is on to find the cream of Lancashire’s entrepreneurial talent with the annual BIBAs (Be Inspired Business Awards).With nominations for the fifteen categories due to close at 4pm on 24 March, the BIBAs 2011 are on target to achieve a record number of entries.
Organisers are looking for businesses that are ‘exceptional, fast growing and a household name of the future.’
To qualify, businesses must be based in or have an office or franchise within the county of Lancashire. Shortlisted companies will be announced week commencing 26 April, with the awards ceremony itself on Friday 10 June at Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom. www.thebibas.co.uk
Among Lancaster’s famous sons, the philosopher John Langshaw Austin has his centenary this year. Chris May, Professor of Political Economy at Lancaster University, believes a blue plaque is in order.
John Langshaw Austin is best known as the originator of the idea of the ‘speech act’, set out in his book ‘How to do Things with Words’ (1962). It used to be common among philosophers
and linguists to focus their theories of language exclusively on statements that convey information. However, as Austin demonstrated, there are many other kinds of speech act.
Businesses in Lancashire and Cumbria will have the opportunity to bid for contracts in the new Rhyl gas field in the East Irish Sea. Centrica Energy (operating as Hydrocarbon Resources Limited) has applied to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change to drill the well, which lies approximately 25 km west of Walney Island, near Barrow.
Subject to necessary consents and approvals, drilling operations are due to start in July 2011, with gas being transferred by pipeline to the
Morecambe North platform. A new pipeline to onshore terminals at Barrow is planned for the third quarter of 2012. If all goes to plan, the rig is expected to be on site at Rhyl field for 43 days. Centrica have also applied to drill two exploration wells at the nearby Bootle and Whitehaven fields.
Likely contract opportunities include drilling, pipeline and route survey services, building facilities management, project support, light well intervention services and provision of supply and anchor-handling vessels.
Expressions of interest are being sought from senior representatives of Member businesses interested in helping to contribute to the future development of Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce. This is a voluntary position and not
remunerated. It presents an opportunity to shape the strategic objectives of the Chamber in its role representing the interests of the local business community. If you would like to know more, please contact Ann Morris, Chief Executive, 01524 381331 or e-mail [email protected]
Often, speaking is intended to ‘perform’ an action rather than just convey information. For example, when I say “I promise ...”, I am not just conveying information about myself, I am making a promise. More generally, Austin urged philosophers to look carefully at the ordinary uses of words, and the different contexts in which they’re used.
In April the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion is holding a commemorative conference, where Austin’s work will be discussed. The City Council, the city’s Civic Society and the owner of the house in which Austin was born have all agreed that a blue plaque on the house in Hillside, near to the castle, would contribute to Lancaster’s historical character. However no funding is currently available.
If any Chamber member is willing to donate £250 to sponsor the production and fixing of the plaque as a contribution to the continuing recovery of Lancaster’s unique history, they should contact: Brian Garvey [[email protected]].
Chris May
Business Matters
news
8 Business Matters
Inspired awards
Philosopher’stome
Field of dreams
Interested in becoming a Director of the Chamber?
John Langshaw Austin, Philosopher
LMC BusinessBig Opportunities for your BusinessLMC Business is here to help you find the solutions for your businessissues, BIG or small – give us a call to see how our investment in yourworkforce can lead to BIG improvements in your business.
We can offer training solutions in the following areas:
• Health & Safety• Catering, Retail & Hospitality• Computing, IT, Business &
Management• Hair & Beauty• Construction, Engineering & Gas• Teacher Education & Child Care• NVQs in the workplace
For more information regarding any of the above, please contact01524 521511 or [email protected]
Business Matters
news
9
Lancaster district’s arts sector is taking centre stage in the local economy, boosting it by £50 million annually, a new report reveals. Some 600 businesses and organisations in the district are directly or indirectly involved in the arts and cultural sector, supporting up to 2,400 jobs.
Lancaster Arts Partnership (LAP) commissioned the report, whose findings provide evidence for funders faced with difficult decisions and suggest ways in which the arts can further improve their contribution to the economy.
Partner companies of LAP are The Dukes, Storey Gallery, Litfest, More Music, Ludus Dance, Live at LICA (Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts), folly, and Green Close Studios. Between them they generate £7.5 million annually, produce £800,000 worth of media coverage outside the district, and provide more than 20,000 separate activities for young people each year.
Audience research shows that of visitors attending arts events in the district, 85% The arts take centre stage
Photo courtesy of More Music
Fine arts said it was the event itself which was the prime reason for their visit. According to the report, LAP offers good value for money for its core funders – the Arts Council England, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council – who together provided £1,651,155 of funding in 2009/10.
Nationally recognised
Joe Sumsion, Chair of Lancaster Arts Partnership, said: “Long-term investment in a small cluster of excellent arts organisations has paid off. The Lancaster and Morecambe district has become nationally recognised for arts and culture and it’s no coincidence that there are now so many other artists and arts businesses making such a strong contribution to the local economy.”
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), part-funded the study with a £30,000 grant in 2010.
Lancaster district is the third largest recipient of funding from Arts Council England NW, behind Manchester and Liverpool. This recognises its excellence and innovation, particularly in dance, digital media, visual arts and live performance.
LAP now hope that there will be more recognition of the value of the arts sector in Lancaster, especially as the report has identified opportunities for both local businesses and for the image of Lancaster generally.
According to the report the district has 114 visual artists, 29 potters and glass or ceramic artists, 19 dance schools or classes,13 entertainment and stand-up artists, 53 live music venues, 43 bands, 31 musicians, 18 professional actors, 18 theatrical companies, 10 digital arts companies including film studios and production companies.
Business Matters
news
10
Showing off around the UK
You’re hired
A business school in the North West is on a drive to grow small and medium businesses across the UK. With the launch of its 12-month programme in March, Lancaster-based Showing Off Academy aims to educate business owners on how to boost their profits and grow sustainably, putting wealth and jobs back into their local community. The course, which covers the fundamental elements of growing a profitable business, including finance,
Employers celebrated the launch of Lancaster & Morecambe College’s 100 in 100 campaign during National Apprenticeship Week in February. This new initiative will recruit 100 apprentices in 100 days for the mutual benefit of employers and those becoming an apprentice. Guests heard from current apprentices and their employers, learning more about what the programme entails and how it is of real benefit to businesses.
According to the college, taking on an apprentice is a cost-effective way to develop highly skilled, productive and motivated employees.
sales, marketing, technology, time management and planning, differs from most training as it is delivered by business owners with expertise in their specific topic areas, rather than an academic. James Brown, Director of AWOL Recruitment Ltd, who completed the course last year, said: “It’s developed every aspect of our business. The quality of the speakers and the information given was such that it all fed into what we do, giving our business the ability to grow and improve.” Joanne Allday, Director of Showing Off Academy, said: “We’ve been amazed at the results we’ve achieved and are thrilled we can now open the course to
Marianne Turner from Printing Plus employs two apprentices: “For us embracing apprenticeships has worked really well, and everybody wins,” she said. “The apprenticeship programme has enabled Printing Plus to get the skills we need and a motivated team at an affordable cost, allowing us to operate in an extremely competitive market with confidence.”
The college is also holding an ‘Apprenticeship Jobs Night’ which will be advertised in the local press and by direct mail to all local school leavers. The event on Tuesday 15 March will be an ideal opportunity for businesses to place apprenticeship vacancies with the college and promote their company to potential future employees.
business owners across the country.” The Academy gives 10% of its profits to the ‘Ambassadors in Sport’ charity in support of its work in South Africa.
On the night, businesses will be encouraged to hold one to one discussions with potential candidates for apprenticeship vacancies. For businesses contemplating training courses for apprentices there will be the opportunity to take a tour of the training facilities on the campus.
For anyone unable to attend the event the college is offering to advertise their apprenticeship vacancies on the night. A ‘Vacancy Matching Service’ will then be offered and potential candidates lined up for interview.
More information from Lancaster & Morecambe College on 01524 521511 or [email protected].
Business Matters
Saint Matt is the star
The inaugural Globe Arena Sportsman’s
Dinner, sponsored by The Bay, proved a
real winner, with a sell-out crowd of local
businessmen (and women!) and fans
alike.
Guest speaker was former Southampton
and England legend Matt Le Tissier,
who entertained guests with memories
and witty anecdotes from his 18
year professional career, and signed
autographs throughout the evening. He
was ably assisted by local comedian and
Master of Ceremonies, Lester Crabtree
who kept the crowd laughing until late.
Up for auction on the night were a framed and signed Steven Gerrard shirt and photo, and a framed and signed Ryan Giggs shirt and photo, accompanied by a 2008 Champions League Final programme (Moscow). Both lots raised very tidy sums for The
Friends of Morecambe Football Club.
Raffle prizes included a Southampton
shirt signed on the night by Matt Le
Tissier, vouchers for Morecambe
Football Club Matchday Hospitality and
24 bottles of Shrimps wine!
Well trained - Joanne Allday (2nd from R) with a group of AIS workers at a recent training session.
Pictured at the Sportsman’s Dinner are (l to r): Rod Taylor (Chief Executive, Morecambe FC), Dave Salmon (The Bay), Mark Dixon (Commercial Director, MFC), Matt Le Tissier, Lester Crabtree, Mark Lillis (Assistant Manager, MFC), & Sammy McIlroy (Manager, MFC).
A trip is advised page 12
Hotel will invest page 12
All aboard page 13
Local sourcing page 14
Supporting the visitor economy
Leisure & Tourism review
Business Matters 11
Each issue of Business Matters features a special review section focusing on a specific business sector, and we encourage Chamber members to submit relevant articles for publication.
The May-June 2011 issue will feature Legal Services, so if you are involved in this area of business and have something to say, why not say it in Business Matters? Articles should be topical and impartial, and can be up to 750 words in length. Copy deadline for this feature is 31 March.
For advertisers, the special review section provides an ideal opportunity to run an advert
alongside highly relevant editorial.
Our thanks to all those who have contributed to the current issue.
For editorial, contact:
Ann Morris on 01524 381331, or [email protected]
For advertising, contact:
Peter Fletcher, Fletcher Sales & Marketing, on 07800 974607, or [email protected]
July/Aug Web and IT
Sept/Oct Financial Services
May/June Legal Services
Future features for 2011
Andrew Dobson, Head of Regeneration and Policy at Lancaster City Council, urges businesses to work with the City Council in attracting visitors to the area.
The leisure and tourism sector is of key importance to our local economy, with the visitor economy currently worth over £300 million to our district and bringing in more than six million visitors annually. The sector also plays a key role in economic development and regeneration, supporting over five thousand jobs locally.
Supporting the visitor economy is one of Lancaster City Council’s key priorities for 2011-2012, and our strategic objectives are to develop the local tourism product, actively market the district, and provide high quality visitor services.
Our district is blessed with a fantastic location on Morecambe Bay and a fascinating history and heritage. And of course a stunning array of beautiful countryside. The sheer variety and contrast between the three main areas – Morecambe and the Bay, Lancaster Heritage City, and the Lune Valley, represent both a huge opportunity and a challenge in terms of promotion of the district.
The recent draft Cultural Heritage Strategy highlights the need for improvements to the public realm and heritage offer, including Lancaster’s Georgian architecture, development of the castle as a must-see attraction, and raising the profile of the city. The strategy also recognises the value of heritage to the identity of Morecambe and the district as a whole.
The ongoing regeneration of Morecambe and the work being done through the Morecambe Area Action Plan will provide further opportunities to improve the town’s attraction to visitors. The Council is also working with its partners around Morecambe Bay to provide a consistent approach to interpretation and marketing.
Of course, this sector is not just concerned with bringing visitors
to the district, it is as much about providing facilities and opportunities for those of us who live here to enjoy a good quality of life and a place that we can be
proud to call home.
Many local businesses have a strong role to play in attracting visitors and providing leisure opportunities for residents, and the council is dedicated to helping support businesses in the sector to provide a product that will take our district forward to become both a competitive visitor destination, and an attractive and vibrant place to live.
To appreciate the district’s offer and future potential you need only look at the national acclaim received by various arts and culture projects, the district’s programme of year-round festivals and events, the plays and concerts in Williamson and Happy Mount parks, the sheer number of people on Morecambe Promenade on a sunny weekend, the eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes and restaurants serving some fantastic local produce, our extensive cycling network, and the opportunities
for young people including holiday activities and sports development.
We would encourage any business in this sector to get involved with our plans for taking the district forward and to take advantage of the help and support available.
Accommodation providers can get help with the national quality assurance scheme, there is currently funding for rural businesses to develop their tourism offer, or even for provision of basic facilities such as cycle storage for those cyclists passing through on the new coast to coast route, Way of the Roses.
The city council and its partners, including the local business community, increasingly recognise the benefits
of and are actively working more closely together to collectively develop the tourism and leisure offer today’s customers are looking for, and really put our district on the map as a must see place to visit
and do business.
Andrew DobsonHead of Regeneration and Policy
“Many local businesses have a strong role to play
in attracting visitors and providing leisure
opportunities for residents”
“Our district is blessed with a fantastic location on Morecambe Bay and
a fascinating history and heritage.”
Business Matters12 Business Matters
Leisure & Tourism review
Now in its twentieth year, Lancaster House Hotel, adjacent to Lancaster University, continues to uphold its status as one of the region’s leading accommodation and events venues. But with the impending cuts in the public sector and more regional competition than ever, the hotel, which is part of the English Lakes group, faces new trading challenges in a fast-moving and diverse market-place.
“We know that 2011 will be a difficult year” says Tim Bell, General Manager. “Our core midweek customer base will be affected by the national spending cuts, and there’s nothing
really we can do about that. If anything, it urges us to seek out new customers and work twice as hard to attract business to the area.
“Lancaster has an enviable location as a conference destination with its excellent transport links, and many of our
existing clients choose Lancaster as the location for their national events. We simply need to convince more companies in the private sector that they should choose our great city over the more obvious conference locations such as Manchester, Birmingham or Liverpool.”
But an increase in sales and marketing activity is not the complete answer to addressing the long-term implications of the public cuts and any future economic downturns, according to Tim. “Invariably, the hotel industry will cut its cloth accordingly when times are hard, and this will ultimately affect the quality of what the customer receives. I’ve learned
of many drastic cost-control policies being put in to place by well-respected hotel chains and I passionately believe that this is the wrong strategy to maintaining your customer base.
“We’ve just got to ride this storm out, accept the fact that the profit margins may not be equal to those of recent years and keep investing what we can in the product and customer service. We intend to continue our re-investment plans throughout 2011 with the primary aim that our customers will see and appreciate the improvements. So when the economic climate becomes more buoyant, we will have a hotel which will far out-shine our direct competition for many more years to come.”
Visitor numbers to Lancaster could be set to increase, according to the latest Economic Activity Report from the City Council. The city has been voted in the top ten of emerging holiday destinations by TripAdvisor.com, the world’s largest travel website. Lancaster was named as seventh in its poll of the Top 10 fastest growing, up-and-coming hotspots.
The results were based on an increase in popularity by holidaymakers browsing the website over the past 12 months. The site lists top hotels, B&Bs and restaurants, with customer reviews and ratings. It also lists the most popular attractions and things to do in the city. Most popular activity was visiting the Castle, followed by Williamson Park, the Cottage Museum on Castle Hill and the City Museum in Market Square.
Centre of attraction
Business generated by tourism is vitally important to the Morecambe Bay area, bringing in about £283 million annually. And it offers real potential for growth as long as businesses are prepared to respond to market changes and opportunities, says the chairman of Bay Tourism, Roger Carter.
“One major change is that visitors no longer come to resorts such as Morecambe as a destination where they will stay for most of their holiday, but will now visit the surrounding area or region.
“For this reason we should not be promoting individual towns or centres but marketing the attractions of the area as a whole. In our case we need to be selling the city of Lancaster, the coast of Morecambe Bay, and the surrounding countryside which between them offer a complete holiday package.”
Higher standards
“The main bed bank for the area is in Morecambe. Visitor expectations of the standard of accommodation on offer are increasing and most visitors are now looking for better facilities than they have at home.
According to Roger Carter there is a shortage of tourist accommodation in the rural areas of the Lune Valley, so there are real opportunities for farming and other rural businesses to diversify into providing tourist accommodation.
“I’ve heard many people say they wouldn’t be going abroad for their
A trip is advised
“We’ve got to ride this storm out …and keep
investing what we can in the product and customer
service.”
Hotel will continue to invest
Lancaster House HotelTim Bell, General Manager, Lancaster House Hotel
Top attraction – Lancaster Castle
holidays this year. These people, I would guess, were mostly aged over 50 and represent a major opportunity for us. But we must move now or miss out,” he said.
A total of 126m holiday and business trips were taken by UK adults in 2009 and 398m bednights. Of these trips, 13.7m were taken to the north west and 38.1m bednights were spent here.
Amongst UK regions the north west was the third most popular destination for British tourists after the south west and south east. (Source UK Tourism Survey (UKTS)
2009 – www.visitbritain.org)
Our thanks to Neil Ryder for help in preparing this article.
Business Matters 13
Leisure & Tourism review
All aboardGood bet for business
Up for the cup
After a successful first season teaching people to sail on the bay, the Training Centre at Morecambe & Heysham Yacht Club is busy preparing for its second year. The north west is believed to be the fastest growing region in the UK for new marinas and sailing centres, and the new season sees the club keeping pace with more developments planned. John Parlane, the Training Centre Principal and main instructor, is hoping to attract plenty of new devotees.
Richard Falk, Chief Cruising Instructor for the Royal Yachting Association, has congratulated John on the positive feedback he has received for his sailing courses. With every one of their hundreds of clients saying they would recommend the course to someone else, and 100% of them rating the instruction as good or very good, the feedback could not have been better.
The Training Centre has just announced the launch by the RYA of a new ‘e-learning’ facility which means anyone can easily take a beginner’s theory course in navigation and seamanship online. Telephone and email support will be provided but candidates can study at a time and place to suit themselves.
Despite disappointment over the cancellation of this year’s Liverpool Boat Show, John hopes that many people who have only ever dreamt of sailing will want to experience for themselves the sheer thrill of gliding across the water, powered only by the wind. “Sailing has to be one of nature’s freebies and pretty ‘green’ too,” says John. “It’s a great way to get away from it all, creating some balance for us in the hectic lives many of us lead.” www.bayseaschool.com
Nearly 72,000 people attended Cartmel races in 2010, an increase of 23% across the seven racedays compared to the previous year. Now the management team, part of the Holker Estate Group, is preparing for an even busier season.
Bank holidays provide the bulk of racedays, comprising the May Festival (28 May to 1 June), and the August Festival (25 to 29 August) with a BBQ themed raceday in-between on 14 July. Every raceday features a range of family entertainment in addition to the races and almost everyone takes a picnic to enjoy within the scenic parkland enclosures.
Managing Director Jonathan Garratt says “Cartmel races is becoming more and more popular as a holiday destination. In addition to a healthy local
crowd, we receive a huge number of visitors who stay in the area overnight, stimulating the local tourism industry. It can become quite difficult to find hotel accommodation at race weekends and the economic impact of the races is reaching the wider region. Business so far this season has been very brisk; we are well ahead on ticket sales and the Grandstand Restaurant has already sold out on a couple of days.”
Race sponsorship and corporate hospitality packages are available for most racedays. Garratt says “We create bespoke packages for each of our sponsors, to ensure that every pound they spend is working as hard as it can – sponsorship can be a very cost effective way of promoting a range of products and services.”
Morecambe’s Globe Arena has another top team to be proud of. Three of its chefs returned from the 2011 Football Club Hospitality awards at the NEC with a barrow load of top prizes.
First up to the plate was Commis chef Sam Schofield, who won silver in the traditional pasta dish section. He impressed the judges with his crab and shrimp ravioli, buttered spinach and beurre blanc sauce. And Sam’s great result would prove to be just the confidence boost for Head Chef Graham Aimson and acting Sous Chef, Doug Fishwick, to rattle the big boys later in the competition.
Graham and Doug excelled in the food knowledge and hygiene section, winning gold medals, and their lamb dish came 3rd in the Major Football
Stadia Hospitality Award, beaten only by Premier League giants Everton and Aston Villa. Some of the premier league kitchens have up to 30 chefs working every day.
They also won the salver for best team on the day and the ultimate accolade of the best overall team trophy.
Every dish the chefs entered into the competition is available to order through both match day hospitality and function and banqueting. Graham Aimson said: “For our first entries in top flight culinary competitions under the Morecambe FC name, we have had a tremendous result and certainly exceeded our expectations. As a team we’re determined to put Morecambe FC on the map for food as well as football.”
Students at play on the bay
Head chef Graham Aimson (c) with Sam Schofield (l) and Doug Fishwick. Photo courtesy of The Visitor.
Sourcing from local suppliers with a leaning towards family run businesses is one of the key policies of the six four star properties in the Cumbria based English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues group. The company also says that they welcome approaches from potential new suppliers, especially those offering high quality speciality products.
Existing suppliers include many local farms. While the company has a central purchasing office, each property has a great deal of autonomy in dealing directly with suppliers.
Operations Director Douglas Dale has spent over 30 years with English Lakes, and is closely involved with sourcing local produce. “We are a family run business and believe strongly in supporting local suppliers wherever possible,” he says. “Our hotels vary greatly in character from a traditional coaching inn to a large Georgian mansion, from predominantly tourist
hotels to more business orientated venues. Wherever possible we prefer to use and support local businesses and suppliers.
“What do we need from our suppliers? A quality product with assured supply. The product must be delivered when needed while meeting any special conditions for that product, such as temperature and shelf life requirements,” he said. “The supplier must be prepared to work on account
and we are also looking for an assured price or a price with little change for about a three month period.
“A menu will usually run for about three months and we need to know the price of the ingredients used. If the supplier has the right product then the price paid is, to a large extent, irrelevant. All our properties are four star, so our guests are looking for high quality, which includes top of the range local food, and expect to pay a fair price for this,” said Douglas.
“Attitudes are changing. People used to expect certain foods all the year round such as strawberries at Christmas. At English Lakes we only serve food that is in season, for instance we only use locally grown asparagus starting around Christmas and it is taken off the menu
when the season finishes.
“We found one of our hotels was serving Dutch shrimps even though it was overlooking Morecambe Bay which has the best shrimps in the world. I found a small, family run business that catches the shrimps and processes them by hand. We now take all the shrimps produced by this business. These Morecambe Bay shrimps are considerably more expensive, but are a better product and, most important, local,” he said.
“We are always looking for new suppliers, especially for speciality products, and welcome any ideas.”
A good example of these policies in action is the four star Wild Boar Inn, Grill & Smokehouse, near Windermere. The inn, which was extensively refurbished and reopened last year, has enhanced how it actively uses the best local produce. The onsite smokehouse offers the opportunity to produce different flavours and create some special
dishes. The corridors of the inn also display photographs of many local producers and suppliers to The Wild Boar.
This is an edited version of an article for the NFU’s Farmer and Grower magazine, and is reproduced here with their kind permission.
The following Chamber members provide leisure and tourism services. For full contact details and websites please see the Chamber website.
Hotels/Restaurants/Pubs and ClubsBay Horse InnCafe Bar ElevenCraigwellCrofters HotelHeadway HotelHoliday Inn LancasterLakes Bistro LtdLancaster House Hotel Lancaster Lounge & Bars Ltd Mitchells of Lancaster (Brewers) Ltd Nice Bar and Restaurant Pizza Margherita Lancaster Ltd
Quite Simply French Strathmore Hotel The Borough The Clarendon Hotel The Gatehouse Restaurant The Longlands Inn & Restaurant The Lothersdale Hotel The Midland Hotel The Mill Inn The Stork Inn The Sun Cafe Restaurant Verdes
CafesBridge House Farm Tea RoomsDigglesJC Country Juicafe Ltd Lewis’s Coffee Shops The Old Bell Coffee House White Cross Cafe & Sandwich Bar
Cinemas/TheatresApollo Cinema Lancaster Grand Theatre The Dukes Playhouse Ltd
SportCartmel Steeplechases (Holker) Ltd Heysham Golf Club Ltd Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Club Lancaster City Football Club Morecambe & Heysham Yacht Club Training Centre Morecambe Football Club
Visitor AttractionWyreside Lakes Fishery
EntertainersDavid Lancaster EntertainmentThe Two of Us
Business Matters14
Leisure & Tourism review
Local produce is bestNeil Ryder looks at how one major leisure and tourism business in the area has implemented a local procurement policy for ingredients and food.
“What do we need from our suppliers? A quality product
with assured supply.”
“Morecambe Bay has the best shrimps in the world.”
Tasty and local - the Wild Boar Grill, with chef Marc Sanders
Business Matters
It’s a family affairPilling Pottery has enjoyed success for over 40 years. Originally established by Jim Cross, the business is now run by his
son Adrian. Jim’s other son Dylan also works in the family business as does Adrian’s 19 year-old son, Adam. Rachel Gibson
of Quay Creative finds out how keeping it in the family has enabled the company to continue growing.
more, they are built to last so also offer a more environmentally-friendly option.”
Adrian came into the business when he left school. “I actually wanted to be
a truck driver when I was growing up,” he says laughing. “But because we offer a nationwide service I get to do a fair bit of driving too as I like to deliver and install the kilns myself. It gives me an opportunity to meet and connect with the customer. If you care for them they will stick with you.”
His role at Pilling Pottery had always meant working with his hands until he took over the
running of the company when his father became ill. “At first I found it really hard to sit in the office and pick up the phone. I missed the hands-on work of building the kilns, but these days I really enjoy it. I realised that all I needed was to improve my sales skills to gain the confidence and now I love
generating sales. For some people buying a kiln is a dream they’ve had for a long time. Knowing that I
can supply exactly what the customer wants and help them achieve their dream is a real privilege and extremely motivating.”
Adrian was born in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, and moved up to Pilling when his father was offered a teaching job. He lives in Preesall with his wife and two children Adam, 19, and Jenny, 17. “Adam now works in the business too. He is very skilled at kiln manufacturing but I’m not sure he has any ambitions to take over the family business just yet. Jenny comes down and
Sitting in pride of place at the centre of a small village, the modest exterior of Pilling Pottery disguises the hive of activity that takes place when you walk through the door. The shop at the front is crammed with hand crafted pottery, mugs and crockery and in the workshop at the back the company’s ten employees are busy manufacturing kilns that are delivered and installed around the country.
Jim established the pottery in 1968 and he was busy creating pieces on the potter’s wheel the day I visited. Jim also runs workshops and evening classes for those itching to have a go themselves.
The company manufactures kilns for pottery, ceramics, glass and jewellery, under the brand name Northern Kilns. Kiln manufacturing and refurbishment is the expanding side of the business today and the area that Adrian has built since taking over from his father. All the equipment is designed and created on site to meet a customer’s required size and end use.
“We have gained a reputation nationwide for our customer service and the quality of the kilns we supply,” explains Adrian. “Some modern frames will only last a few years but our products are still manufactured to the quality they were in the 1950s or 60s. We use thick steel and although they may cost a bit
helps out but her career aspirations lie elsewhere too,” he says.
“I love this area. It’s my inspiration really. If I have a problem with the business or need to work something out I just go for a walk with the dogs. It helps clear my head and the answer always comes to me – usually near the sea.”
Adrian is passionate about Pilling Pottery and would love to continue building on its success. “The business and premises play an integral part in the village community and we have a lot of school children who come from further afield to learn more about pottery. The building was once the village tea rooms,” he says. “At some stage in the future I would love to be able to expand the pottery and kiln business into new premises nearby and turn this back into a café. There would
be facilities to teach children the simple things in life such as making butter as well as continuing the pottery, glass and
enamelling classes,” he says wistfully.
“I’m a sucker for self-help audio books. They help me keep a positive attitude when I need a little extra motivation. But I think some professional management training might be required if I really want to see those dreams become a reality!”
“Jim also runs workshops and evening classes for
those itching to have a go themselves.”
“It helps clear my head and the answer always comes to me – usually near the sea.”
“I like to deliver and install the kilns myself.”
Business Matters16
Out of hoursAudio book : The Dome by Stephen King, great for long journeys
Book: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
iPod: The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale
Dinner companions : Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Johnny Cash, Winston Churchill and Jeffrey Gitomer (author of The Little Red Book of Selling)
Holiday: South Africa
Live act : Michael Buble
profile
Adrian Cross
Unit 7, Woodgate Park,White Lund Industrial Estate,
Morecambe LA9 7HA
T 01524 888509 F 01524 841288
www.printing-plus.co.uk
Promote your business with PRINT.
Positively Dependable
brochures
business stationeryall superbly designed and skillfully printed
Business Matters 17
viewpoint
A Dragon’s Den-style initiative, devised by management consultancy Charter Solutions to help regional businesses grow, has been hailed as ‘invaluable’.
Charter recently held its fifth Lancashire Investment Panel to help growing companies access the right kind of
Lancaster University Management School (LUMS), recently hosted a Social Media Workshop Series for 25 regional businesses as part of its Innovation for Growth (IFG) Programme. The four workshops provided an interactive introduction to social media, with a specific focus on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
The workshops were designed to help businesses and organisations take advantage of emerging social media platforms and technologies which are creating new opportunities to engage with audiences. After learning the
finance and advice. The consultancy partnered with Enterprise Ventures to get the project off the ground. The five-strong panel was chaired by Charter’s CEO Trevor Bargh, with six companies taking part.
“It was extremely useful,” said Sarah Goodall, the Managing Director of Clitheroe-based ‘The Athena Programme’, which offers consultancy and training to help organisations with safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
Sarah is looking for funding and advice
essentials of tweeting and poking, delegates were taught how to use these tools strategically within their overall marketing activity and what benefits and opportunities they can bring.
Amongst the course tutors were Nikki Garnett of Apparatus, Andrew Armitage of Armitage Online, Linda Merrills from Business Link, and Rachel Keller, currently a PhD student at the university.
IFG aims to improve processes and practices within regional SMEs. The programme develops innovation through practical, interactive management workshop programmes and access to student resources. IFG provides SMEs with a network of like-minded businesses and world class
to help her launch a new web-based learning programme to support and expand her consultancy work. She said the panel members were very supportive and encouraging in a relaxed and friendly environment.
“The advice is going to be really invaluable as I move forward,” said the former social worker.
The next Lancashire Investment Panel session is lined up for April 7 2011 when another four companies will be invited to make a pitch.
research from the Management School.
LUMS has delivered business support to more than 1,250 North West companies over the past ten years. Upcoming programmes include Family Business Communication, Project Management and Customer Focus.
Delegates tweeting at the Social Media workshop
Panel is invaluable
Poking fun
Business Matters
advice
18
4. It may not be obvious that you have a problem Your computer will not stop operating totally but any network connectivity may not operate at full capacity and will diminish over time.
The upgrade to IPv6 has been progressing in the background for some time as the backbone of the internet is prepared. It is now the turn of the leaf nodes on the network, i.e. you and me, to understand the impact and plan for the
changes required. A UK wide initiative called 6UK was launched to industry in November 2010 (www.6uk.org) and
World IPv6 Day is planned for 8 June 2011.
In brief the steps you need to take are:
1. Review your understanding of IPv6 and its implications
2. Carry out an internal and external technology audit
3. Look at training and awareness for technical staff
4. Review the options for upgrades
5. Select the appropriate actions to take
6. Develop a project plan including acceptance criteria and a testing scheme
7. Execute the plan
8. Review your project
9. Promote your success.
If you use the internet for business and rely on it for customer contact you must act now. IPv6 software applications need to be tested and deployed, hardware needs to be upgraded or replaced.
At Savant we have completed our IPv6 upgrades and are ready to help organisations develop and execute their plans. A brief survey is available at www.savant.co.uk/ipv6.
Glyn Jones Business Development Manager, Savant
Addressing a major internet issueWill you disappear off the Internet? Is IPv6 – the next millennium bug? Glyn Jones of Savant warns of the dangers of not keeping up with the latest online developments.
Business Matters
Glyn Jones
The internet is used by the majority of people in their work and leisure activities. This isn’t just at home and at our desks, as mobile access means we’re never out of touch. Losing our internet connection for a short while would be annoying, frustrating and possibly costly. A long term break in communication is unthinkable but is now a real threat.
Everything connected to the internet needs an address. In 1981, there were over 4 billion addresses available (under what was called IPv4). The rapid global growth of the internet over the last 10 years has resulted in the available addresses running out, and yet demand is still increasing.
Current predictions see the IPv4 addresses running out by March 2011. An upgrade of the internet address system (to IPv6) will provide an enormous amount of new addresses - over a quadrillion [5x1028] addresses for each person alive today! Impressive as this upgrade is, it does mean that parts of the internet may start being inaccessible to you unless you make some changes. It will also mean that your customers will not be able to connect to you anymore.
This upgrade has been compared to the “millennium bug” which threatened to disrupt computer systems at the end of 1999. The impact of the IPv6 upgrade will be wide spread but there are key differences from the millennium bug that need to be understood.
Let’s look at what IPv6 and the millennium bug have in common:
1. If you don’t do something it will have a detrimental effect With both these issues, doing nothing is not an option. Ignoring the IPv6 upgrade will result in an increasing number of web sites becoming inaccessible over time. Those sites that would be available may not be up to date. Your customers will not be able to connect to you and your website.
2. It will have a global effect As with the change of century, the internet is worldwide and the upgrade will affect everything connected to it.
3. It will affect hardware and software Both hardware (e.g. routers, computers) and software (e.g. databases, browsers) use IPv4. The upgrade to IPv6 means updates are required for both.
Where they differ is:
1. There is no fixed date The millennium bug had a fixed date which provided impetus for planning a solution. The uncertainty over when the last IPv4 address will be given out leads to lethargy in
preparing for it. IPv4 and IPv6 will co-exist until IPv6 is firmly established.
2. The bits that need changing are known Because of the age of
some software at the end of 1999, there was little documentation and understanding of how it worked. The situation is much improved with
this upgrade as Internet Service Providers are a more recent breed and have good documentation. However, the average SME and domestic user will struggle.
3. There is little awareness or funding The IPv6 upgrade was first agreed in December 1998 but has not had any publicity.
“The rapid global growth of the internet has resulted in the available addresses
running out”
“If you use the internet for business and rely on it for
customer contact you must act now.”
IPv4 depletion graph
Sir Richard’s vision is still on trackThe current West Coast franchise expires on 31 March 2012, and the open competition to run the franchise for the next 14 years is now under way. Bids have to be submitted by 17 August 2011, with the winner expected to be announced in December.
Current franchise holder Virgin Trains comments: “We are proud of our record. We have weathered some severe storms, such as the collapse of Railtrack and the subsequent scaling-back of the West Coast upgrade, which limits
our 140 mph trains to a top speed of 125 mph. But we have kept faith with the core of Sir Richard Branson’s 1997 vision for modern, customer-focused rail services.
“We have introduced two fleets of state-of-the-art trains and used them to deliver faster and more frequent services. Customer satisfaction levels are an industry-leading 90% and passenger numbers have doubled to 28 million in only six years. We believe that local economies have benefitted from the distinctive Virgin approach to rail, and that we can continue to add value to the economies of the areas we serve. We intend to put in a strong and innovative bid to run services from 2012.”
Routes through Lancaster included in the West Coast franchise are London Euston to Glasgow and Birmingham New Street to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Centros still ‘fully committed’More than a year on since the inquiry decision, the City Council’s development partner Centros say they are still committed to the Canal Corridor North development site in Lancaster city centre.
As the principal grounds for refusal related to heritage matters, Centros has been liaising with English Heritage as the statutory advisor on such matters. According to the developer the Canal Corridor site continues to offer exciting possibilities. “The site is unique and has plenty of underutilised potential,” said a spokesman. “With the right investment, we believe that amenities like the canal, the Dukes, the Grand and the Musicians’ Co-operative can be combined with both historical and new buildings to make this a distinctive and vibrant part of the city.”
“Added to this, Lancaster still has a critical need to offer its local population a competitive and sufficient shopping attraction, especially in the light of the go-ahead for the retail expansion of Preston. Despite the economic downturn, there remains a strong underlying demand from retailers not currently represented in Lancaster to open shops here,” said the company. Centros believes it can deliver an attractive development that will fulfill all the requirements.
Centros anticipates a fresh public consultation programme which will commence in autumn 2011. “With the right collaborative approach by all of the stakeholders, Lancaster could be one of the first cities to realise the benefits of significant regeneration post the recession,” the company said.
news
Business Matters 19
Five year planBritish Energy have announced plans
to extend the life of Heysham 1 nuclear
power station for a further five years.
The move is expected to secure the
jobs of some 500 full time staff and 150
contract workers.
It is believed that investment of around
£50m will be required over the next
few years to support the extended life
of the plant.
Wage freeze likelyA British Chambers of Commerce
survey suggests many employers will
freeze or reduce wages in 2011. Of the
450 firms polled, 49% planned to keep
salaries on hold and 6% would cut
wages.
More optimistically, 45% were likely to
offer pay rises and only 13% expected
to lay off workers due to government
spending cuts. The BCC says that firms
are doing whatever they can to retain
staff in challenging conditions.
We have the answersA record 13 teams entered the annual
quiz night organised by Moore and
Smalley, raising £615 for Lancaster
Boys and Girls Club. Winners were
HSBC, runners up Reid Hamilton.
The Dallas Road club provides social
and sporting activities for boys and
girls aged 8 to 18, with dedicated
club nights from Monday to Friday,
and football and boxing sections that
compete across the county.
Mum’s the wordThe Employers National Insurance
contributions threshold goes up to
£136 a week from April. As a result
no NI will be payable on the £128.73
standard rate of Statutory Maternity
Pay, Statutory Adoption Pay and
Statutory Paternity Pay. Full details on
the HMRC and Business Link websites.
news in brief
Virgin Trains: ‘strong and innovative bid’Virgin Trains: ‘strong and innovative bid’
Business Matters
information
20 Business Matters
New Members
directoryNew member spotlightAdrian HarrisonOperations Manager
NORTH WEST FIRST AID & NORTH WEST SAFETY TRAINING LTDtel 01524 400611 email [email protected]
1. Describe your business in one sentence.
To empower businesses and communities to save lives and reduce the risk to those they care for through the training we provide.
2. When was the business established?
North West First Aid Training Ltd was established in 2003 and North West Safety Training Ltd in 2009.
3. Who is your target market?
We support many businesses throughout the North West and train throughout the UK and even in Europe! We provide training in First Aid, Care Sector, Personal Safety, Food Safety, Fire Safety, Health & Safety, Risk Assessment, Licensing & Security, and Teacher Training.
4. How many staff do you employ?
13 colleagues overall, including 8 specialist trainers.
5. What is your unique selling feature?
We care!...What our customers experience with us is the single, most important thing on our minds!
6. What has been the biggest achievement for the business to date?
Seeing our customers grow and seeing our business and its people develop and grow.
7. How do you gain most of your business?
Word of mouth, thanks again to our growing number of customers.
8. What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Well one thing we discuss here quite a lot is ‘do the right thing’...so I guess we would say that.
9. Why did you base your business here?
Quite a simple one this...to support the local community. We have always been a local company, always will be.
10. Where do you see the business in three years’ time?
We prefer to concentrate on the here and now, making sure there is continuous, ever improving performance in what we do and how we do it.
Blackhurst Swainson Goodier LLP3 + 4 Aalborg SquareLANCASTER LA1 1GGContact: Mark Burrow01524 386500www.bsglaw.co.ukSolicitors
Brabners Chaffe Street LLP7-8 Chapel StreetPRESTON PR1 8ANContact: Gill Gardner01772 823921www.brabnerschaffestreet.comSolicitors
Darren Andrews Photography26 Elgin StreetLANCASTER LA1 3DGContact: Darren Andrews07811 778 350www.darrenandrewsphotos.co.ukPhotographer
Hand49 Grasmere RdLANCASTER LA1 3HBContact: Gary Humphreys07710 750663www.hand-consultancy.co.uk Business organisational development
Karl R Dixon PhotographyThe Storey Creative Industries CentreMeeting House LaneLANCASTER LA1 1THContact: Karl Dixon01524 509000www.karlrdixon.comCommercial Photography
North West First Aid Ltd233 Marine Road CentralMORECAMBE LA4 4BQContact: Craig Pyne 01524 400611www.nwfirstaid.co.uk First Aid, Care, Fire and Food Safety Training
Photo Baby61 Green LaneLANCASTER LA1 2EZContact: Eleanor Postlethwaite01524 555789www.photobaby.co.ukWedding and portrait photography
Radix 2 Design LtdEskrigge HallGressingham LANCASTER LA2 8LXContact: Debbie Robinson015242 36320www.radix2design.co.ukElectronic Engineering
S Poll Enterprises Ltd23 Benton RoadPRESTON PR2 6ULContact: Sylvia Poll07902 677 201www.allaboutw8.co.uk/lancasterWeight management and nutrition
Soar on High4 Melbourne RoadLANCASTER LA1 3QBContact: Laura Blakeley07786010504www.soaronhigh.co.ukOnline e-commerce shop
The Sharepoint Initiative LtdFlat 3 Brunton HouseScotforth Rd LANCASTER LA1 4TUContact: Aaron Crewe01524 566774www.sharepointinitiative.comInstallation and customisation of SharePoint
Kirstine joins Chamber teamThe Chamber is pleased to welcome Kirstine Bond, our new Membership, Marketing and Communications Officer. Kirstine has a wealth of experience, having previously been a director of a successful business development company.
Over the last few years she has been working with SMEs across the North West to improve efficiency and profitability, undertaking business development work including mystery shopping, team development, and leadership and business coaching. She also brings significant expertise in marketing, e-marketing and PR
consultancy.
Kirstine is looking forward to meeting
members over the coming months
at the various events and members’
evenings. Please do introduce
yourself, and should you have any
suggestions regarding membership and
communications,
feel free to
contact her:
kirstine.bond@
lancaster-
chamber.org.uk
or telephone
01524 381331. Kirstine Bond
Business Matters
chamber news
21
eventsBy Vicky Lofthouse, Events Organiser
for your diary
You are invited to join Eric Ollerenshaw, MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood, and Lancaster Chamber Members for a Business Lunch on Friday 8th April.
Born and bred in Lancashire and now living in Lancaster, Eric is a tough no-nonsense campaigner who knows how to get a job done. He will be guiding us through the highs and lows of the current economic situation and will give an update on initiatives and developments in the Lancaster district. There will also be a question and answer session.
The event will provide an ideal opportunity to make new contacts, strengthen old ones and have a chance to promote your business to other Chamber members. Please see below and the enclosed flyer for further details – EXHIBITION SPACE IS AVAILABLE AT THIS EVENT.
Many thanks to Fiona Robinson and her team at The Longlands Inn & Restaurant for hosting our last Members’ Evening in January; the next one will be on 9th March at The Globe Arena, home of Morecambe Football Club. For further details on all the Chamber’s events please visit www.lancaster-chamber.org.uk.
Click for successSarah Cooper, Director of Black Zest Solutions, will be revealing her secret insider tips on how to make email marketing work for your business, in a briefing for Chamber Members on Thursday 24th March. Sharing her knowledge on efficient use of a database and how to segment data effectively, the briefing will enable you to use email marketing strategically.
Sarah explains: “Building strong relationships with your customers has never been as important and by embracing email marketing, you can increase awareness and traffic, with just the click of a button.” Whether you have no customer database and need support setting one up or have a database but you’re not sure what to do with it, the course will guide you through the basic steps required for success.
You may already run your own email campaigns but you’re not sure why they aren’t very effective. Even if you’re completely new, the briefing will arm you with all you need to formulate an effective email marketing campaign.
Chamber Member Black Zest Solutions is a new innovative marketing and design business, based on the outskirts of Lancaster. Contact Sarah Cooper at [email protected], Tel 07729 703557.
For more information or to book a place contact Vicky Lofthouse on 01524 381331 or visit www.lancaster-chamber.org.uk.
NetworkingMembers Evening9th March 2011The Globe Arena,Westgate, MorecambeTime: 6.30pm – 8.30pmCost: New Members Free (Max 2 per company)Members £10 + VAT
Chamber 2 Chamber NetworkingSponsored by Towergate Risk Solutions Lancaster22nd March 2011Lancaster House Hotel, EllelTime: 4.30pm – 6.30pmCost: Free to MembersNon Members £15 + VAT
Business Networking Lunch & Exhibition8th April 2011Holiday Inn,Caton Road, LancasterTime: 11.30am – 2.00pmCost: Members £25 + VATNon Members £45 + VATExhibition Space £35 + VAT
Women in Business25th May 2011The Longlands Inn & Restaurant, Tewitfield, CarnforthTime: 12pm – 2pmCost: Members £22 + VATNon Members £44 + VAT
Briefing/Seminar/WorkshopsDevelopments in Commercial Law – Informative Briefing15th March 2011Chamber of CommerceTime: 4.00pm – 6.00pm
Cost: Members FREENon Members FREE How to use Email Marketing Effectively – Informative Briefing24th March 2011Chamber of CommerceTime: 4.00pm – 6.00pmCost: Members £10 + VATNon Members £20 + VAT
Hold The Front Page – Informative Briefing6th April 2011Chamber of CommerceTime: 4.00pm – 6.00pmCost: Members £10 + VATNon Members £20 + VAT
TrainingFirst Aid Appointed Persons Training Course 16th March 2011Chamber of CommerceTime: 9.30am – 4.30pmCost: Members £80 + VAT Non-Members £100 + VAT
First Aid Appointed Persons Training Course17th May 2011Chamber of CommerceTime: 9.30am – 4.30pmCost: Members £80 + VAT Non-Members £100 + VAT
For further details of any of these events please contact me on 01524 381331 or [email protected] Sarah Cooper
Business Matters
viewpoint
22
Raising the standardsThe Advertising Standards Authority will now regulate marketing messages on organisations’ own websites. Julian Healey says we have nothing to fear, as long as we’re careful not to mislead.
In a long anticipated move, the remit of the Advertising Standards Authority is being extended to cover areas of online communications previously outside its control. From 1 March 2011, advertisers’ own marketing messages on their own websites, and paid-for search engine ads such as Google AdWords, will be policed by the ASA for the first time.
This will apply to all organisations operating from the UK, regardless of type or size. In other words, all of us. The ASA will also now have jurisdiction over other ‘non-paid-for space’, such as Facebook and Twitter, and some user generated content. Paid for advertising on other sites - banner ads, for example - is already regulated.
The CAP (Committee of Advertising Practice) Code will now apply to these communications. It includes perfectly sensible rules relating to misleading advertising, social responsibility and the protection of children. UK Advertising Codes are already some of the strictest in the world, but this move follows growing industry frustration at the inability of the ASA to clamp down on rogue online advertising. In 2009 alone, the authority was powerless to deal with around 3,500 such complaints.
What falls into the new remit?
‘A communication for a product, service, opportunity or gift that primarily sets out to sell or promote something.’
What doesn’t?
Excluded categories include classified ads, press releases, editorial content (phew!), political ads, corporate reports and investor relations.
As long as you already implement good practice by only saying things that pass the ‘legal, decent, honest and truthful’ test, you should have nothing to fear. A little extra care in what you say will ensure you steer clear of trouble.
However don’t assume the ASA only goes after the big boys: a glance at the latest ASA adjudications shows that businesses of all sizes are investigated. For example the estate agent in South Wales who claimed they ‘sold and rented more homes last week than most agents did last month!’ When challenged they couldn’t substantiate the claim and the complaint was upheld.
All it requires is for one person to complain and the ASA is obliged to at least investigate. As the regulator itself says: “Anyone can complain to the ASA.
It’s fast, free and easy.”
Financial services advertisers may be wondering what all the fuss is about. You’ll already be accustomed to validating
everything you write, say, tweet or poke, to your compliance people. For the rest of us, it’s time to review our websites to check we can justify everything we say there. You may want to involve your web agency or marketing person in this.
If your customers don’t complain, your competitors probably will. This
practice is widespread, and hardly discouraged by the ASA. They simply ask that if you are a business complaining about a competitor, you identify yourself as such.
Does the ASA have teeth? The regulator says it now wants to ensure the same high standards online as in other media such as newspapers and direct mail. It’s often criticised for lacking real powers, and it’s true that the ASA can’t issue
fines. But it can force you to withdraw an advert, and with its online remit it will have new sanctions that you ignore at your peril, especially
if your business relies heavily on the internet. E-commerce retailers take special note.
The ASA will now be able to name and shame the advertiser on the
ASA website; remove paid-for search advertising linking to the non-compliant website; and place adverts online highlighting an advertiser’s continued non-compliance.
It’s worth remembering the ASA is not there to prevent you from creating good advertising. Sadly it isn’t there to stop annoying adverts either (Go Compare, anyone?). “The CAP code simply sets out standards that society has deemed necessary to protect consumers and businesses alike. It promotes and preserves organisations’ right to advertise responsibly – and those that do shouldn’t find it burdensome to comply with,” says the ASA.
Fat Media Sales and Marketing Director John French says companies need to be mindful of the new regime: “We
welcome the new rules, as organisations will no longer be able make claims on their websites that are not factually correct.
“Companies that incorporate live social media or review feeds such as Twitter or TripAdvisor on their websites will need to be careful, as user generated content can fall within the new remit. If someone posts a comment that isn’t honest or legal on one of these sites and it feeds through to your website, you could still be held liable.”
The ASA’s new powers won’t cause mass panic amongst website owners. What we should see, though, is an overall raising of standards and the elimination of most bad website content. And that has to be a good thing.
For full details on these changes go to www.asa.org.uk. Information on training services to help website owners and agencies are at www.cap.org.uk .
Julian Healey is Editor of Business Matters and Director of Springtide Marketing. [email protected].
“If your customers don’t complain, your competitors
probably will.”
“Anyone can complain to the ASA. It’s fast, free and
easy.”
“user generated content can fall within the new
remit.”
Julian Healey
Business Matters
DOZENS OF DIFFERENT MEATS TO TRY AT ONE SET PRICE.
introducinga new dining experience
£7.95*
*monday to friday lunch only
£15.95
LUNCH ONLY
EVENINGS ONLY
FIRST FLOOR AT BAR ELEVEN - NEXT TO NATWEST
60-62 CHURCH STREET, LANCASTER LA1 1LHT:01524 33354 E:[email protected]
NO
W O
PEN!
LANCASTER’S FIRST ROD
IZIO!
It’s carnival time at Touro - your new taste of Brazil, at the fi rst Rodizio in Lancashire! On the menu is a wonderful choice of prime cuts of meat all cooked ‘Churrascaria de Rodizio’ style and carved at your table. There is one set menu price and for that you can choose from a variety of different meats. All cooked the Brazilian way.
WWW.TOURO.CO.UKTOR015_Chamber_Advert.indd 1 14/10/2010 08:39
Providing great service,
cover, value and security
for businesses and
individuals throughout the
area for over 25 years.
3 Queen Square, Lancaster, LA1 1RN
01524 39939 www.reidhamilton.co.uk
Reid Hamilton & Co. Ltd. is an ISO 9001 company authorised Reid Hamilton & Co. Ltd. is an ISO 9001 company authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
Registered in England No. 1668273.Registered in England No. 1668273.
“It’s the customer care, the fact that a principal from the company will take a personal interest in our case and deal with it.” Ann MorrisLancaster District Chamber of Commerce
“As a charity it’s really important that we always get good value for money, and Reid Hamilton make sure we do that.” Peter Hearne CancerCare
“at your service” Your local commercial insurance specialist
cover, value and security
individuals throughout the
“It’s the customer care, the fact that a principal from the company will take a personal interest in our case
Ann MorrisLancaster District Chamber of Commerce
“As a charity it’s really important that we always get good value for money, and Reid Hamilton make
“at your service” “at your service” “at your service” “at your service” “at your service” “at your service” Your local commercial insurance specialist