SCENEFREE!

Refresh your image and make your wardrobe work smarter

ESSENTIAL READING FOR LOCAL EXECUTIVE LEADERS

Dark suitold hat?

Serving 5,000 deciSion-makerS in and around Peterborough

Latest news and views, including:

Raising the roofThe sun shines as we take the

lid off convertibles

Pension planningHow this year’s legal

changes affect your company

Lords of the lakes:Meet the duo keeping waterside businesseswell and truly afloat

HEADlines Up close and personal with city restaurant

manager Nandan Bhist

Inside this issue

News – Walking to Beijing? Well, notexactly, but Arena staff are certainly ‘going places’!

Legal Eagle Keep all job interviewrecords, solicitor Phil Cookson warns the region’s employers

Drive – Motoring correspondentRob Taylor gets converted to convertibles

Webwise – Digital marketing expert, Stan Nyokas, shows how to use blogssuccessfully in your marketing strategy

Clicks & Mortar – ‘Be social’ or losecustomers, warns Richard Olsen

Screen break – Keep your staff healthy,says our H&S guru Colin Nottage who has practical advice on use of visual display units

Skillset – Life coach David Grundy maps out how to discover whatyour customers want

Off Duty – It’s not too late to grab some terrific travel deals, say tour guides Jane Price and Tamara Taylor

What’s On – Dates for your diary. Plus, torch-bearer Nick Rickett steps into the Olympic spotlight

HEADlines – Up close and just a little bit personal with Peterborough businessman, restaurant manager Nandan Bhist

Publisher Heidi SempleEditor Sally HootonDesign Jim CounsellAdvertising Charlotte Charlesworth

Address: Old School House, Great North Road,Wittering, Peterborough, PE8 6BX

Telephone: +44 (0)1780 783613Email: info@scenepublishing.co.ukwww.thescenemagazine.co.uk

Serving 5,000executives inand aroundPeterborough

ESSENTIAL READING FOR LOCAL EXECUTIVE LEADERS SCENE

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TheBusiness SceneTeam

19Meet the lords of thelakes: businessmenBushell and Bullock

Pensions legislation:changes begin this year, says Nick Ash

20Linden’s Lovelies get inthe pink, stepping out fora UK cancer charity

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Welcome

07Is your plain dark worksuit a bit old hat? SueDonnelly has style tips

CONTENTSJUNE 2012 03

2012 is a Diamond Jubilee year not just for HerMajesty The Queen, it’s also the 60th anniversaryof the first-ever national door-drop campaign. That’snot as exciting in terms of flag-waving and streetparty planning, but for picking up business in theaftermath of the war, the door-drop worked a treat.As the Royal Household was busy polishing thecrown in 1952, a team of uniformed ladies wasdelivering ten million full-sized packs of Omo soappowder, across the country, for Lever Brothers.Back then, the homestead was where

war-weary menfolk had returned – if they werelucky – and the hearthside was a vital safe haven.It was a new trend, in which all things domesticboomed – including advertising of householdproducts. The media targeted women, who hadbeen keeping the home fires burning into the ’50s;national campaigns encouraged those who hadgone out to work during the war to leave their jobsfor the boys to fill and to return to the kitchen. Adswere very general – in women’s magazines,newspapers and on billboards (TV was still anovelty) and the door-drop was an innovative wayto reach the lady of the house. The huge successof the Omo campaign was quickly followed bydistribution of four million bars of Sunlight soap,then leaflets, then catalogues . . . Women werehappy to receive product/service ‘circulars’,delivered direct to their doorsteps, in the sameway as they took delivery of their bread, theirmeat, their groceries – all by boys on bikes and notunlike today’s online supermarket delivery service.I mention all this as the mood of nostalgia and

patriotism gathers momentum in the UK – UnionFlag designs are on everything from mugs to motorsas the media targets the trend. Almost unconsciously,we consumers are dressing our nation to welcomebig-spending Olympic visitors. On page 7, SueDonnelly says image in the eyes of others can bevital to our success . . . so hang that bunting high!

All the best,Sally Hooton.

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04 JUNE 2012NEWS

Acreative web and graphicdesign agency in the

Deepings, is launching a schemeto help local businesses andcharities take advantage of designand online marketingopportunities they would nototherwise be able to afford.

Sean Johnson is the founder of

the agency, Nice And Ripe, andexplained: “The Internet providesan endless source of exposure andfundraising potential, but manysmall organisations don’t have thebudget to afford services to exploitthese opportunities. So we wantedto give a little back to our localcommunity by offering our skills to

local organisations in need ofhelp. As well as web design,graphic design and branding, wecan also offer these smallbusinesses search engineoptimisation and help with gettingthe most out of social media.”

The agency is committing twodays a month to their Giving BackScheme, completely free ofcharge. Nominations for thisscheme are available via thewebsite: www.niceandripe.com/giving-back.

Sean added:“Nominations willbe consideredwithin a 20-mileradius ofPeterborough,and are open tosmall localcharities, NGOs orsimply businesses with goodethical intentions.”

Founded in 2010 by Sean,Nice and Ripe has a clear visionfor growth: “It can always feel arisk when you step out on yourown, especially in such tryingeconomic times. However, we’vebeen very clear and focused onour services and invested time inour business through training,development and listening to ourclients. It’s an exciting year aheadand we’re all very passionateabout our Giving Back Scheme,which is our way of saying thankyou to our local community, ofwhich we’re proud to be a part.”

Design agency scheme ‘gives back’

Last year, local inspiration andformer Stamford Schoolgirl,

Sarah Outen, embarked on anexpedition that has pushed thelimits of human achievement.

On April 1 2011 she set out totravel ‘from London to Londonvia the World’, hoping to break aGuinness World Record usingnothing more than humanpower, a kayak, a bike and arowing boat.

As Sarah’s long questcontinues, Advance Performance,the Peterborough andCambridge-based running andtriathlon stores, are sponsoring

her expedition. The storesand staff have beenfollowing Sarah’s progress(check her website here:www.sarahouten.com),especially as she embarkedon a massive 4,500 nauticalmile crossing of the North PacificOcean, from Choshi in Japan toVancouver in Canada. In doingso, Sarah is set to become thefirst woman to ever row acrossthe North Pacific Ocean.

Advance Performancemanaging director, SamanthaHale, said: “It has been anunqualified pleasure to support

such an awe-inspiringindividual, not only for theachievements she has made inthe record books, but also inwhat she has accomplished fordeserving causes.

“We wish Sarah fair weatheras she heads out on this majorleg, which is likely to be the mostchallenging.” Sarah is aiming toraise £100,000 for charity.

NEWSChamber lookseast to exportBusinesses in the UK continue to

look overseas to boost thedomestic economy, with Asianmarkets being a particularlyattractive proposition.

Chris Kubicki, chairman of theCambridgeshire Chambers ofCommerce International Sector,said: “More British businesses arebeginning to look overseas inorder to grow, which is proving tobe a lucrative strategy, with 40per cent of UK exporters reportingan increase in export sales in thelast quarter. The Far East wouldappear to be the exportdestination of choice, with manymarkets showing healthy signs ofgrowth. China, a huge potentialdestination, has an economy thatis expected to grow by 8.4 percent in 2012.

“By exploring the markets ofHong Kong, British businesses cantake advantage of the stronghistorical and cultural links, andfind an environment alreadyattuned to doing business in theUK. By utilising the already stronghistoric ties, businesses can useHong Kong as a springboard forentering into the thriving SouthAsian economies.”

At a recent Hong Kongthemed event, CambridgeshireChambers of Commercewelcomed students from the MBAprogramme at Hong KongUniversity. The seminar providedan opportunity for the studentsand businesses to discussprospects for local companies.

The event, organised by thechambers’ international sector,included a panel of speakerscovering different aspects of tradein Hong Kong. It was sponsoredby Streets Chartered Accountantsand NatWest.

The second annual charitiesconference – hosted by city

accountants Rawlinsons – istaking place this month (June 12,9.30am-4pm) at the KingsGateConference Centre in Parnwell,Peterborough.

Open to all charities free ofcharge – more than 100 wererepresented at last year’sconference – the day-long eventoffers high-profile speakerssharing their knowledge of awide range of subjects and isespecially geared for charitytrustees, managers and thosewho work closely with charities.

Topics include how charitiescan engage withbusinesses, theeffective use ofSage, tips onapplying forgrants, the mosteffective charityset-ups and

impact measurement. Speakersinclude representatives from TheBig Lottery Fund, PeterboroughCity Council, DIAL Peterborough,Greenwoods Solicitors, HSBC,Sage and Aspire Property Group.

Rawlinsons’ partner MarkJackson will also be presenting.The firm, based in Lincoln Road,Peterborough, works with manycharities, both local andnationally affiliated branches.

Mark said: “As a result, weknow the challenges charitiesface both day-to-day and in thelong term.

“The conference has been puttogether to help them tacklethose issues and also to updatethem on grants, legislation andchanges in the law that mayaffect them.”

Register via Rawlinsons,telephone Carolyn Lake: 01733568321 or email her here:Carolyn.lake@rawlinsons.co.uk

Success sparkssummer seminarAn inaugural workshop aimed at

helping organisations managetheir Sage software accountingprocesses more efficiently provedso popular in the spring that plansfor a similar seminar in the summer are under way. Organisedby Peterborough accountancy firmRawlinsons in their Lincoln Roadoffices, the workshop will help firmsfully understand the software andstreamline their processes. Registeryour interest – contact CarolynLake on 01733 568321 or emailCarolyn.lake@rawlinsons.co.uk

Engaging with businesses: charities called to conference

Sports stores sponsor trans-globalRutland adventurer

Mark Jackson.

Sean Johnson.

Sarah Outen, onboard Gulliver.

NEWSJUNE 2012 05

Remember the popular song byThe Proclaimers, shouting

about walking 500 miles? Well, staffat regional events venuePeterborough Arena are aiming togo 4,500 miles better!

By June 15, staff from all areasof the business are stepping up to achallenge to enhance team spiritand get into celebratory mood inthe run-up to London 2012.

Starting early last month, the49-strong team has been walkingthe equivalent distance in milesfrom the venue for the 2008Olympic Games – Beijing – toLondon. That’s a whopping 5,000+miles – or just over 16 million steps!

And in the true spirit of theGames, individuals clocking up themost steps will receive gold, silverand bronze medals.

Peterborough Arena accountmanager, Hollie Ward, is amember of the committee whocame up with the fun idea to raisethe profile of the Staff Sports andSocial Club at the East of EnglandShowground venue.

She said: “With 2012 being theyear of the Olympics, I just thoughtthis would be a fun challenge.

“We are using pedometers tocount our steps and the ‘medals’will be presented on Friday June 15at our summer social event.”

Pictured right, stepping out for theirOlympic-style pedometerchallenge, are Peterborough Arenastaff (left to right) ChristopherWright, Hannah Martin, QuentinArnold, Steve Claydon, Val Brooksand Victoria Sethna.

Arena staff step out in Olympic style

Around 100 people gatheredfor the launch of Side by

Side, Peterborough’s corporatesocial responsibility (CSR)forum, last month. Welcomed as‘that little bit extra’ to help tacklesome of the city’s issues, it aimsto project Peterborough as agreat place to live and work.

Representatives, mainly frombusiness, but also the charitable,voluntary and public sector,gathered in the Learning Centreat Perkins for the official launchof the forum and its website:www.sidebysidecsr.co.uk

Likened to a dating agency,the website helps put businessesinterested in getting involved inCSR activities, or wanting tofocus their existing work, in touchwith the city’s greatest needs.

Claire Higgins, director ofoperations at Cross Keys Homes,

a founder member and majorfunding partner of the forum,said: “It’s clear there are a lot ofbusinesses already doing greatwork in the community and theforum will help target theirefforts and encourage those stillthinking about getting involvedby providing the information and

contacts to take that step intoactive support. It would be greatif this event was the start of evenbigger and better corporatesocial responsibility workacross Peterborough.”

The forum heard fromRichard Astle of AtheneCommunications and RodAllerton of Thomas Cook aboutthe origins of the Side by Sideconcept and how all businessesin the city were actually members– whether they realised it or not!

They said the foundingbusinesses believe the forumcan make a difference to thecity’s health and well-being, itsskills and employability,communities and environment.

Yvonne Puplett from Perkinstold the forum about its work atRailworld over the last 17 years

and the benefit the businessgained from team-building daysat the environmental project.Steve Goodchild from Nene ParkAcademy spoke about theemployability workshop held atthe school last year, which wassupported by 30 local employers,and the difference theinvolvement of businesses madeto the students.

Sandie Burns of DIAL urgedemployers to get involved in theOlympic Torch Relay projectwhich will see 100 disabledpeople and carers accompanythe Olympic torch intoPeterborough on the Nene Valleyrailway. And ‘Secret Millionaire’TV star and local entrepreneurMike Greene described howgetting involved in CSR workchanged his life and how hiscurrent work with localgiving.comwas helping small charitiesacross the city.

Leader of Peterborough CityCouncil, Marco Cereste, said thecommunity and charitableactivities of businesses throughthe forum was “that little bitextra” the city needed.

All businesses are urged tovisit the sidebysidecsr.co.ukwebsite to get involved in theprojects featured, share successstories and sign up for theforum’s e-newsletter.

Some of the founding partners line up – Side by Side!

Legal, financial, sales andmarketing and IT experts will be

among experts offering free advicelater this month, when a businessclinic is staged in Peterborough – atStuart House in New Road/St John’sStreet (PE1 5DD).

If you are thinking of starting abusiness or are trading, but needsome extra know-how, organisersfrom the local branch of the

Federation of Small Businesses(FSB) and Regus Office Solutionshave teamed up to provide someanswers. The free clinic is onThursday June 28, 12noon to 5pm;drop in to discuss your issues withthe group of local professionalsfrom different disciplines.

For details, email FSB regionalmembership manager, MartinRickman: rickman@cyberware.co.uk

Free business clinic offers expertise

Making a difference – Side by Side

06 JUNE 2012NEWS

Organisers of this year’s East ofEngland Show have launched

an initiative to re-engage with thebusiness community.

The Show Business Hub willopen on Friday July 6 with aspecial business breakfastsupported by OpportunityPeterborough, the PeterboroughChamber of Commerce, organisersof Business Focus 2012 and thePeterborough Evening Telegraph.

A programme of guestspeakers and presentations isplanned and those attending willbe encouraged to stay atthe show and networkthroughout the day.

A special BusinessHub VIP hospitalitymarquee will be availableall three days of the show,offering complimentaryrefreshments to local

business people, sponsoredby the newly re-brandedPeterborough Arena.

Show committeechairman, AndrewRiddington, said: “There will be opportunities forcompanies to buy displayspace in the Business Hubhospitality area or they canhire their own adjoining marqueeas part of what we believe willeventually become a businessvillage. We would like to see the hub developing to become an

integral part of the city’s annualbusiness diary.

“It is designed to celebratebusiness success andshowcase the opportunitiesavailable in and aroundPeterborough and we aredelighted it has the backing ofOpportunity Peterborough, the

Chamber of Commerce,Business Focus 2012 and thecity’s newspaper.”

John Bridge, chiefexecutive, PeterboroughChamber of Commerce,welcomed the initiative: “Anyopportunity that encouragescompanies to network andshowcase their services to

one another should be applaudedand supported.”

Neil Darwin of OpportunityPeterborough, agreed: “The showis a major event in the area’sevents calendar and it has a longhistory of bringing businesses andorganisations together. We aredelighted to be supporting it.”

If you would like yourbusiness to be involved, telephonethe show’s organisers on 01733363500 or email:charlie@peterborougharena.com

JohnBridge.

NeilDarwin.

Invitation to show hub

For more details about the East of England Show, visit the website:www.eastofenglandshow.co.uk

Refresh your workday style andmake your wardrobework smarter, saysimage consultant Sue Donnelly.

Have you ever had greatexpectations of a

company or individual onlyfor them to be shattered when you meet them? If youhave, I’m pretty sure you arenot alone.

It’s not fair, but it is truenevertheless, that we judgepeople on their appearanceand it takes a matter ofseconds. It goes back to ourhunter/gatherer times whenwe needed to ‘keep or eyespeeled’ to prevent us frombecoming lunch for somehungry animal. When we meetsomeone who is well groomedand dressed appropriately forthe occasion, they are farmore likely to elicit trust andso we go on to do businesswith them. Your visualappearance, therefore, needsto act like shorthand; speedyand accurate.

Many companies, bothlarge and small, spend asmall fortune on theirbranding – marketingstrapline, logo, missionstatement and vision – butoften forget about their mostimportant asset, their people.No-one wants to be met bysomeone who looks like theyhave just returned from anight club when they check inat a reception desk, and yetthis is what we see onnumerous occasions when wewatch people who work theregoing about their dailyroutine. ‘Dress Down Friday’has a lot to answer for!

Visual shorthandThe notion of image as part of an overall brandingstrategy isimportant onmany levels.

Firstly, what you wear acts asvisual shorthand telling theworld what you want it toknow about you, your skillsand your abilities. Secondly,for men at least, clothingcovers 90 per cent of the bodyand, unlike women who haveaccess to cosmetics, hairstylists and colourful clothingto help them, it pays to takecontrol of what they choose to wear.

It’s interesting how manymale executives own up tohaving their clothes bought,or at least chosen, for themby wives/partners – or theyjust take out of the wardrobethe first garment that comes tohand. But the image andimpact you make is not justrelated to clothing.

Technology moves at apace. Out-of-dateequipment such as mobilephones and laptops cansignify out-of-date thinking– a possible no-no intoday’s constantly changingclimate. Of course, no-oneadvocates style oversubstance. ‘Personalbranding’ encompassesthree different, equally

important components: l The Visual Image isconveyed via the physicalappearance – how you lookand are perceived.l The Inner Image isconcerned with your valuesand belief system – in otherwords, what you stand for or represent. l The Brand Experience isrelated to your behaviour andcommunication skills – howyou sound, your interactionwith other people, your regardfor them, your manners.

Over time, consistency inall three areas culminates inyour ‘reputation’, which is acritical component of yourbusiness success.

Maximise potential A reputable brand is easilyrecognised, is credible andbelievable, can charge morefor its products and services,attracts a higher calibre ofemployees, creates lastingrelationships and a loyalfollowing which can be worthup to 50 per cent of thecompany’s market value.

It can also be lost in anano-second – remember

Dark suitoldhat?

❝While what you choose to wear always needs to beappropriate to the occasionand the people with whom

you are doing business, thereis no need to repress yourpersonality altogether.

07JUNE 2012 COVER STORY

Continued on page 8 >Sue Donnelly.

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08 JUNE 2012COVER STORY

Continued from page 7

Based in Peterborough, SueDonnelly enables clients toincreasing their confidence bycreating their own style. Anauthor, columnist, trainer andpresenter, she has appearedon TV both here and abroad. A former president of the

Federation of ImageProfessionals, Sue is the firstimage professional to gainqualifications on both sides ofthe Atlantic.

Gerald Ratner and how hedenigrated his own high streetjewellery brand back in 1991?

Most people have a brandaccidentally. You cannot NOThave a brand. To maximisepotential you need to takecontrol of your brandintentionally. As Wally Olinssays in the book, CorporateIdentity: ‘If the staff convey thevalues – how they look and act– and pass that onto thecustomer, then the companysucceeds’. After all, people buy from people.

Walking advertisementSo, how do you go aboutcreating a successful PersonalBrand? Firstly, you need toreally look at the image youcurrently present. Does itconvey the ‘real’ you? What doyou like or dislike about it?However you feel inside, it isthe non-verbal messages thatare stronger. According topsychology professor, AlbertMehrabian, body languageand appearance convey far more than the words you speak.

Remember, your personalstrengths and values need tobe incorporated into yourclothing so you become awalking advertisement foryour business.

What you wear also needsto be appropriate for yourindustry, your audience’sexpectations and your ownobjectives. If you watch the TVprogramme Dragons’ Den,you may have noticed one ofthe ‘dragons’, multi-millionairePeter Jones, say: “I’m out” notbecause of the inadequatesales pitch, but theinappropriateness of theoutfit chosen when asking forthe dragons’ money!

The formal lookGenerally speaking, clothingcan be changed to conveyauthority or approachability,both of which may be requiredin business life.

A formal look is gained bywearing maximum contrast – black and white, for instance,

crisp, plain fabrics and astrong, streamlined silhouette.

Authoritarians of thiscountry – judges, police,lawyers, clergy – wear this type of ‘uniform’ on a dailybasis for a very good reason. For women, this will probably be a (skirt) suit ina dark, matt fabric with astructured shirt or blouse, courtshoes and good quality,discreet accessories.

For men, the suit will needto be tailored, of good quality,worn with a shirt with standardor widespread collar, a tie withthe appropriate knot, doublecuffs with cufflinks, belt,brogues and matching socks – long enough to not show theankle when seated.

But, unless your industrydictates this type of attire, itcan get a little dull anddisplays little of the wearer’spersonality. Swapping a plainfabric for a pattern such as apin stripe, adding some colour,omitting the tie and opting fora button-down collar, wearinga knit with a jacket and nonmatching trousers, slip onshoes or unusual socks are allways to add individuality to aman’s outfit.

For women, there is farmore choice. A dress insteadof a suit, trousers rather than askirt, coloured tights or shoes,dramatic jewellery – all addsome creative flair to how you look.

Colour has power Blue, when worn around theneck, enables communicationas it represents the throatchakra, as navy it symbolisesresponsibility (the colour navycomes from our Royal Navy).Red is perceived as dominantand in large quantities,sometimes overpowering.When worn in a tie, it reflectsthe haemoglobin in the lips soour eyes are drawn to themouth – so we hear and wewatch; very powerful. Redlipstick has the same effect fora woman.

Black can be sombre,funereal or even weighty, or it

can be chic and elegant,depending on the accessoriesand style of the garment.Brown is earthy andtrustworthy, orange and yellowboth fun and excitable andprobably not overly popular ina business environment.

Pink has femininetendencies, but is much morepopular with the malepopulation than it was and is awatered down version of red.Grey is neutral and a goodchoice if emotions might runhigh, while white symbolisespurity and sterility – it can alsoget dirty!

There are some no-nos:The biggest turn-offs areoverpowering perfumes,jangling jewellery, poor oralhygiene including cigarettesmoke, nose and ear hair,dandruff, lateness, lack of eyecontact, kissing on firstmeeting and answering mobilephones in the middle of aconversation or meeting.

Consistent approachWhile what you choose to wearalways needs to beappropriate to the occasionand the people who you aredoing business with, there isno need to repress yourpersonality altogether.

American author, AnneMorrow Lindberg, said: “Themost exhausting thing you canbe is inauthentic.” As anexample, let’s take a look atcelebrity chefs. If we compareJamie Oliver with HestonBlumenthal or Nigella Lawsonwith Delia Smith you’ll see thatthere is a vast difference inhow they portray themselves.They each have a highlysuccessful personal brand,which in turn creates a loyalfollowing, massive book salesand TV ratings. It is successfulbecause it is real and

authentic and we know, bytheir reputation, whether or notwe want to support them.

Imagine Delia dressinglike Nigella or Jamie donninga suit and tie and you’ll getthe picture.

People do buy people andyou can’t win them all, but byhaving a consistent approachto the way you come across inall aspects of your brandingwill enable you to have morecustomers and businessassociates that you actuallylike and get on with.

What’s not to like?

Swapping a plain for a pin stripe,adding some colour and unusual

socks are all ways to addindividuality to a man’s outfit.

❝❞

JUNE 2012 09

Fraud levels rocketed by 30 per cent in the first

quarter of 2012, the UK FraudPrevention Service CIFASreports. The rise was drivenby a 40 per cent increase inidentity fraud and an 86 percent eruption in the takeoverof accounts. Nearly two-thirdsof all frauds are now directlyrelated to the misuse ofpersonal details. RichardHurley communicationsmanager, CIFAS, said: “Ifanyone was sceptical aboutthe role that personal detailsplay in fraud, these figuresremove any shred of doubt.Businesses must recognisethat data – whether digital ornot – can no longer be takenat face value. By not takingevery step to guard data,organisations are effectivelyleaving their doors andwindows open for digitalthieves to come and steal it.”

Data drivesfraud rise

10 JUNE 2012LEGAL EAGLES

LEGALEAGLES

Keep interview records, employers told

It has been ten months since Iwrote about the changes inpensions legislation that arecoming soon for every employer.And guess what’s happened?The deadline has got ten monthscloser. But ignoring the NationalEmployment Savings Trust(NEST) is not going to make it go away.

There is precious littleevidence that employers haveembraced this change, even lessthat anyone has done anythingabout it. Yet, this is a changethat will affect your business andcost you money.

To recap: The Pensions Act2008, which is due to come intoeffect in 2012, will, for the firsttime, place a legal duty onemployers to enrol mostemployees into a pension

scheme and contribute towardstheir retirement. The move isaimed at getting an estimatedseven million extra workerssaving for retirement.

As the countdown to thechanges continues, employersmust ensure they are ready tomeet their obligations. When theact comes into effect, thechanges will be phased in overthree stages, depending on thesize of an organisation based onPAYE payroll data. Selectedlarger employers will berequired to comply first, followedby small and medium-sizedorganisations and, lastly, by thesmallest employers.

It is time to take action, tounderstand what this is going tomean for you and your staff.

You need to understand:

l Costs for both your businessand your staffl The administrative burden foryour HR departmentl What type of pension you willoffer your staffl Where to go for advicel The timings for your businessto comply with legislationl How you will communicate thechanges to your staff

The most forward-thinkingemployers are taking action nowto avoid being caught up in alast minute rush and the chaosthat is bound to follow. They areconsulting with their

independent financial advisorsand their accountants andmaking reasoned decisions,rather than rushing into theGovernment-sponsored default scheme.

If you need help with NEST,talk to pensions specialists.

Give me a call – my detailsare below. Your first consultationis always free and carries no obligation.

Nick Ash is director, will and probate services, Tancreds. Email: nick.ash@tancreds.co.ukor call: 01778 341490. Details here: www.tancreds.co.uk

Financial expertise from Nick AshDon’t ignore NEST

The region’s employershave been warned to make

sure they have a thoroughrecruitment and interviewprocess, including keepingaccurate records of whycandidates were unsuccessful.

The warning comes fromsolicitor Phil Cookson ofRoythornes legal practice,based locally in Peterboroughand Spalding. He was commenting on a

recent decision by European courts.The case involved aRussian nationalwho unsuccessfullyapplied on twooccasions for aposition for whichshe was qualified. She claimed race,

sex and age discriminationand requested information onthe successful candidate,

which the firm refused. A tribunal agreed the

firm did not have torelease the details, butsaid that if it did not, itsrefusal may beconsidered as part of awider discriminationinvestigation.Phil Cookson

commented: “The fact that thetribunal said the informationcould be used as part of awider investigation reinforcedthe fact that any informationrecorded as part of therecruitment process could be requested. “It’s critical that employers

make full records on eachcandidate, including why theyfeel they are unsuitablecandidates. Simple measuressuch as scoring candidatesagainst job criteria canprovide a valuable andobjective record that can be referred to at a later date if required.”

Phil Cookson.

More than two-thirds ofBritish consumers have

ceased doing business with acompany and turned to itscompetitor because they felt theoriginal firm had mishandledtheir personal data and couldno longer be trusted, customerinsight firm Transactis reveals.

Its latest report looks at theimportance of using customerdata responsibly andmaintaining trust in order to

retain customers and upholdprofitability. The findings show95 per cent will switch to acompetitor if they feel their datais being handled irresponsibly.Meanwhile, 83 per cent arelikely to switch if they feel acompany is ignoring theirpersonal details and is sendingthem blanket marketingmessages, and 69 per cent haveswitched because of the waytheir data was handled.

Trust is the key

LEGAL EAGLESJUNE 201211

If you run a charity, or giveregularly to charity, you mayhave been concerned by theGovernment’s proposals torestrict tax relief on charitablegiving, announced in the 2012 Budget.

The proposals would caphow much income anindividual can offset at £50,000per year, or a quarter of theirincome, whichever is higher,from 2013.

Peterborough accountancyfirm, Stephenson Smart & Co,

acts for several charities andare monitoring the situationclosely. Senior partner, PaulEvans, said: “Currently,individuals can offset theirentire income against incometax reliefs and, as a result, maypay no income tax at all. TheGovernment’s aims behind theproposals is to stop individualtax payers with very highincomes making use ofunlimited tax relief to avoidpaying tax at all. It remains tobe seen whether it goes ahead,

but charities are concernedthat individuals will reducetheir giving as a result of a cap.”

The Government arguesthat individuals who want togive more than 25 per cent or£50,000 of their income tocharity may still do so, butfrom their taxed income. HMRChas said it will be issuing aconsultation document on thedetail of the policy, includingimplications for philanthropicgiving, in the summer.

The charity sector arguesthis is an unnecessarymeasure that would bedamaging, particularly formany genuine charities whichdepend on large donations.Findings from UK Giving 2011,the most in-depth and long-running study of

Paul Evans.

charitable giving habitscommissioned by the CharitiesAid Foundation (CAF) and theNational Council for VoluntaryOrganisations (NCVO), showsthat in 2010/11 the UK publicgave £11 billion to charity.However, the average amountgiven per month fell from £12in 2009/10 to £11.

Experts’ advice is forindividuals to continue givingto charity until the consultationhas been completed andlegislation is passed.

For information on currenttax relief allowances andcharity accountancy advice,contact Stephenson Smart &Co. Telephone: 01733 343275 or visit the website:www.stephensonsmart.com

Waiting times forconsumers ringing

the taxman’s call centrehave been criticised forbeing ‘unacceptablylong’, at up to fourminutes. Recent figuresreleased by HMRC haveshown that average callwaiting times have tripled in thelast two years and one in fourcallers hang up in frustration.

Authorities have blamedstaffing and budget cuts inrecent years. It has also beensuggested that an additional10,000 HMRC staff jobs will becut by 2015.

But call centre infrastructure

and applications specialistDatapoint, says that, giventhe technology that exists,the delays are unnecessary.

Gordon Young, generalmanager of Katalyst atDatapoint, said: “Throughthe mismanagement of itscall centres, HMRC is

actually disincentivising peoplefrom paying their taxes properly.By any standards, these waitingtimes times are unacceptable. Aconcerted effort will be neededto improve its call centres toensure that information is asaccessible as possible.

“Continually striving to domore with less – creating greater

efficiency – is a basic practice inthe private sector and one thatpublic bodies are now having tolearn during these more austeretimes. It’s important thatresources and staff are deployedefficiently and intelligently.

“The tax cycle inevitablyleads to peaks and troughs incall centre traffic. With the rightmonitoring tools in place, HMRCwould be able to plan for thesebetter. There is technology outthere that can help identifyprocess inefficiencies and planappropriately for fluctuatingcontact volumes, thus reducingthe amount of time callers spendon hold,” Young concluded.

GordonYoung.

Cool consumer view of HMRC hotline

Tax relief on donations: cap fears

12 JUNE 2012MOTORING

DRIVE This month’s motoring correspondent ROB TAYLOR lifts the lid on three of today’shottest convertibles.

Our eyes met at the trafficlights. I wasn’t at my best;

hair unkempt, sunglassesaskew, a gaily-coloured knittedscarf – a present from Granny – tied tightly around my neck.

But I was in an open-topAudi TT convertibleand we’ve allseen enough TV carcommercials toknow how thestory goes from here.Even the

melodious irony ofLionel Richie’s ‘Dancing on

the Ceiling’, now booming fromthe Bose sound system, couldn’tinterfere with yet anotherexample of ‘automotiveaphrodisiac facilitates union oftwo beautiful people’.

Well, I’d love to tell you thatlife does indeed imitate art andthat beside me in the next laneof traffic sat some irresistiblybeautiful siren, staring back at me with smouldering brown eyes.

However, I was, in fact,looking into the cabin of adecrepit Ford Transit van, up

close and personal and staringdown the taunts of one MrMurphy – building contractor atlarge – and his toothlessworkmate, while sitting in anunsettlingly effeminate, virgin-white convertible,accompanied by acosmetically-enhanced 62-year-old singer on a drearymorning in a deprivedbackwater of a concrete jungle.

Time to put the roof up.I’ve never been a fan of

convertibles, viewing them asimpractical, irrelevant in thispart of the northern hemisphereand chiefly the preserve ofposers who believe rain andcongestion will one day beblown away to leave an Eden-like world of play. That, orthey’ve been watching toomuch TV.

So then, just like Mr Murphyand his hideously misspelledpromise of ‘All tipes of workundertaken – no job two big’,my test trio of Audi TT 1.8 TFSISport, Mercedes-Benz SLK 200Blue Efficiency Sport and BMWZ4 2.0i sDrive had their work cut out.

North Wales seemed to be aSpirited: Audi TT 1.8 TFSI Sport.

Raising

MOTORINGJUNE 2012 13

natural testing ground, withfast-flowing and windy roads,unfathomable Welsh roadsigns resembling a game ofCountdown and more rainthan the deluge visited uponNoah. If this group of shinysybaritic metal was ever goingto win me over it was going tohave to be on my terms. Afterall, a slow ponce down into thecity didn’t work.

Keen to get into somethingmore masculine after the TT,my attention was piqued bythe Z4. Whereas the TT lookslike it was hewn by the hand ofthe Divine, the Z4 hassomething of the night about it.Forged in Satan’s chimney byminions enslaved to endlesslypound its body panels into an ultra-macho form, the Z4 is more visceral than its test partners.

More aggressive andharder riding, it is the fastestfrom 0-62mph (6.9 seconds), its2-litre turbocharged enginedelivering the 184bhp sweetlyand seamlessly and, with 199lb ft of torque available as low as 1250rpm, it has more grunt than a MariaSharapova forehand.

Quiet and refined with themetal roof up, loud andraucous when dropped, thisentry level model excites on aprimitive level. It handles well

too, even when things gethairy the Z4 just hoovers upany lost follicles and sticksthem to your chest.

The SLK is all about qualityand refinement and is a littleless driver-orientated. Like theTT, it has a 1.8-litreturbocharged engine and is acar you can live with everyday. Ingenious creaturecomforts such as neck-levelheating system ‘Airscarf’ and‘vario-roof’ (essentially atranslucent panel set into themetal) promote sensorypleasures rather morecivilised than a gutturalexhaust note.

But that’s not to saythat the SLK is as soft asthe TT’s roof, far from it,

especially when fitted withthe optional dynamic handlingpack, which can be activatedat the touch of a ‘sport’ button.This autobahn cruiser tops outat around 149mph and does 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds – so it’s no SLacKer in the speed stakes.

In fact, if it falls downanywhere it is in the area ofstyle, mainly because of itsnewly homogenised ‘corporateface’ front-end, which – whileproportionate on the SLS et al – seems awkward on such a

dainty roadster. Like themeshing of ‘efficiency’ and‘sport’ in its official title, it feelslike an oxymoron.

And so back to the TT andmy earlier unease. A few hours of spirited driving and gamesof ‘dodge the witless road-dwelling sheep’ later andI’m thoroughly convinced thatit’s a proper driver’s car. Itsounds great, handles well – especially with the optionalmagnetic ride dampers – has a fine driving position –low-slung with well spacedpedals – and its 158bhp and184lb ft of torque feel ampleand entirely capable ofwhisking you from 0-62mph in7.4 seconds and onto 139mph.

All three return around42mpg, exude roughly 150g/kmof Co2 and cost – with scantattention to options – just under£30,000. So you really can gotopless without needingbottomless reserves of cash.

And, after experiencing allthree in near idyllic conditions,I must confess, I’m a bit of aconvertible convert.

My earlier experience atthe traffic lights, I’ll just chalkup to Murphy’s Law.

Refined: Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Blue

Efficiency Sport

And he discovers that open-top cars are best enjoyed by the motorist who engages an open mind while behind the wheel.

Rob Taylor.

Fast: BMW Z4 2.0i sDrive.

the roof

14 JUNE 2012CLICKS&MORTAR

CLICKS&MORTARLand agency spreadsout at Stuart House

National land agency, SmithsGore, is extending its office

space in the Stuart Housepremises in New Road,Peterborough. The firm alreadyoccupies the first floor and hasnow agreed a five-year lease onspace on the third floor.

Richard Saul, from real estatecompany CIT, said: “We aredelighted we were able to securean expansion solution for SmithsGore at Stuart House. This newcommitment is a furthertestament to the strength andappeal of the building.”

Paul Farrow, director ofappointed letting agent, SavillsPeterborough, added: “StuartHouse has already attracted anumber ofestablishedtenantsincluding theHome Office,PeterboroughCity Council andOpportunityPeterborough.”

Stamp of approvalfor Stamford firm

Broadband amongfirms’ biggest issues

Stamford-based charteredsurveyor Gowers has been

given the rubber stamp ofapproval from ISO 9001, thestandard by which customersknow they are going to get aconsistent level of quality andservice. Experts in buildingsurveys and valuations, the firmachieved this high standardthrough consistent, high levelquality management andcustomer focus.

Paul Gowerssaid: “We are reallypleased to achievethis certification. Ipride myself onsetting highbenchmarks for quality andcustomer service, often goingthe extra mile for my customers.With the ISO 9001 certification,we now have independentlyverified proof our customerscan expect a professional andfriendly service, delivered to avery high standard.”

Energy costs and access tobroadband are among the

most important infrastructureissues faced by smallbusinesses, according to newresearch from the Forum ofPrivate Business.

A total of 80 per cent offorum members – respondingto its ‘Infrastructure for Growth’survey – said they believeenergy costs are very importantwith the same number citingtelecommunications andbroadband access– which was seenas a particularproblem in rurallocations.

Jane Bennett,the forum’s headof campaigns, said:“Infrastructure ismore than just roads andrailways – it is about creating abusiness environment and roadmap for growth that paves theway for small firms to besuccessful and create jobs.”

Apledge to reduce itsenvironmental impact has

earned silver accreditation forthe Cambridgeshire Chambersof Commerce from Investors inthe Environment.

The accreditation waspresented after the chambersubmitted an action plan tolower its consumption of naturalresources and set targets forworking in a greener way goingforward, for example settingtargets to reduce paper use andenergy consumption.

Helen Bosett, the chambers’sector co-ordinator, and policyadvisor Gill Prangnell were onhand to receive theaccreditation from PeterboroughEnvironment City Trust, thefacilitators of the scheme, at aceremony held at the city’sKingsGate Conference Centre.

Helen said: “I am pleasedto receive this accreditation onbehalf of the chamber. We have

made some changes to the waywe do things to ensure that weare working ‘greener’ to lessenour environmental impact. Thiswill also result in cost savingsfor the business.

“Having the Investors in theEnvironment accreditation willenable us to set an example tolocal businesses and encouragemore to think about theirenvironmental credentials.”

Gill Prangnell (left) and Helen Bosettcollect the silver accreditation.

Paul Gowers.

Jane Bennett.

Going green gainssilver for chamber

Afamily-run firm specialisingin fitting out commercial

interiors is the latest company toconfirm take-up of a unit atEagle Business Park in Yaxley.

MCS Interiors will be movingin to unit 5 Enterprise Court – one of just nine terraced unitslaunched last autumn in thelatest phase of the businesspark – where take-up has beenbrisk and another four units arenow under offer.

MCS Interiors wasestablished in 2008 and hassteadily built up a portfolio ofcontracts across the country, inparticular for a number of retailpark and high street brand names.

Colin Smith, one of thedirectors, worked in thecommercial interiors sectorbefore MCS Interiors was set upand admits trading conditionsare tough, but the move toEnterprise Court marks a periodof expansion for the firm. Thecompany currently employs acore staff of eight with an

additional roster ofsub-contractors tocall on, job-by-job.

He said:“Moving toEnterprise Courtwill give us theadditionalwarehousing andstorage space weneed as we’recurrently workingfrom a base we’ve outgrown.

“Our clients andcontracts spider out across thecountry from the Peterborougharea, so we were looking not justfor a bigger, independent basebut one with accessibility to theroads network. So when theunits at Enterprise Court werereleased towards the end oflast year, we began negotiationsto secure Unit 5 straight away.There just wasn’t anything else suitable.”

Eagle Business Park inYaxley, south of Peterborough, is

being developed by R&H Estatesand the Enterprise Court phasehas taken the developer’s investment in the business park to £2.6 million.

Four units remain availableand further commercial space isavailable in units at Talon Court.Plots are still available towardsthe rear of the business park.

For more information, callGraham Bunnett at Carter Jonas,tel: 01733 588678, or RichardJones at Barker Storey Matthews:01733 897722.

Above: A computer-generated image of theEnterprise Court unit at Eagle Business Park, Yaxley.

Yaxley site lures interiors firm

CLICKS&MORTARJUNE 2012 15

Stanislas Nyokas is founder of iTotalMarketing, Peterscourt, City Road,Peterborough. Call 01733 294551. www.itotalmarketing.co.uk

Why do companies such asIBM and VMware blog all

the time?There are many marketing

techniques in today’s Internetworld. Each of them is uniqueand is designed for a specificpurpose. Online marketingtechniques are introduced andimplemented for a specificpurpose, then changes aremade to that technique to fit itfor another purpose. Amongthese hybrid Internet marketingtechniques is the blog – nowused extensively andbeneficially on manycompanies’ official websites.

The blogs can be written inthe form of conversations, whichenable readers to respond tothem. This is very useful in thebusiness world as thecompany’s personnelcan start a blog. Forexample, if the companywants some feedbackfrom its customers, it canstart a blog, askingconsumers about any

problems they may haveencountered with its goods orservices. Customers can replywith another blog, posted as aresponse to the first blog,thereby creating a link betweenthe two. Thus, other customersare able to see responses andreactions from other customers,as well as from the company.This marketing techniquebenefits all who are involved –it provides a genuine platformfor the company to have itsvoice heard and also allows thecompany to gauge customerreaction to its brand.

A few blogging rulesHowever, there are a few waysto make the blogs moreeffective. The first rule is to behonest about what is presentedin the blog. When a blog is

written honestly, you have thepotential to make ‘fans’ for thecompany, who will appreciatethe sincerity of the blog piece.‘Honesty is the best policy’; thisis very important for blogmarketing techniques as peopleget to know if the blogger isbeing genuine.

Another important rule is tomake your blog piece short,precise and to the point. Themain aim of the blog is toprovide the reader with clearinformation. There is no time forreaders to become engrossed ina lengthy piece which does notprovide the information theyrequire – and this willimmediately put them off yourblog, thus losing readershipwhich in turn defeats the

purpose of your blogmarketing technique.This is the key towriting an effectiveblog. The cherry onthe top is the qualitythat you maintain! Useof language in theblog should appeal tothe readers; don’t use

unacceptable, silly or off-handlanguage when writing yourblog or reacting to yourreaders’ posts.

The next but most importantstep when using blog marketingis to use the feedback positively.This will build trust in therelationship and the customer’ssense of belonging to thecompany. For many businesses,blog marketing may seem timeconsuming, but the benefitsoutweigh the inconvenience –which is why market-leading,long-established companies likeIBM still feel the need to adoptthis tactic as key to theirmarketing strategy. They havelearned there are massivebenefits that can change anycompany’s fortune.

Another blog marketingtechnique is use of a survey onthe company’s products andservices. This is the cheapestR&D effort for any business.

Leverage effective blogmarketing techniques

Melton Mowbray familybusiness, Hallmark

Consumer Services, hascelebrated its 20th anniversary.

The specialist fulfilmentservices and innovative directmail operation has marked themilestone with a new brand,website and substantialinvestment in the latestmarketing campaignmanagement technology.

The anniversary comes atthe end of a milestone year inHallmark’s 20-year history, asMD Chris Hall, who founded thebusiness in 1992, explained: “The

company hasexperienced a 20 percent growth inturnover on last year,to £4.0 million,building on growth of30 per cent the year before.

“The last 12 months also sawHallmark boost its employeenumbers by 25 per cent, and wenow employ 50 staff at ouroffices and 35,000 square footfulfilment centre and warehousein the heart of Melton Mowbray.Our 20th birthday also marked15 years’ service for ten of our employees.”

Chris Hall.

Businesses lose £600mwhen people move home

British businesses are losinga combined £600m a year – and could be missing out

on a total profit opportunity of£115m – by not engaging earlyenough with customers who areintending to move house.

These are the startlingfindings of a new White Paperreleased by CallcreditInformation Group. Thedocument, ‘Home Movers – anoverlooked marketingopportunity?’, explores the levelof churn associated with homemovers and the steps businessescan take to minimise their losses.

Written by Callcredit’s headof consulting, Paul Kennedy, itreveals that mortgage providersfare the worst when theircustomers move house, losing anestimated £367m a year to churn.Utilities, telecoms, TV, insuranceand life assurance providers arealso badly affected, losingaround £230m between them.

Research shows that homemovers spend an average of£5,000 on products and servicesrelated to their move, but this isalso the time when consumersare most likely to changeproviders, with 65 per cent ofpeople switching to a newsupplier when they move. Thewhite paper highlights thattoday’s consumers, driven byconcerns about money, are muchmore likely to shop around for thebest deals, with the help of price

comparison sitesand peer-to-peernetworking.

With almost ten per cent ofhouseholds acrossthe UK havingmoved home withinthe last 12 months, and withproperty transactions recentlyreaching their highest level for 18months, the White Paper explainsthat home movers provide anopportunity for both customeracquisition and retention, whichmany businesses are missing.

Paul Kennedy said: “Despitethe difficult economic conditions,the home mover market is bigand growing steadily. Formarketers, moving homerepresents an actionablecommunication trigger, but due to lack of resources andawareness, too many businessesignore this opportunity.

“By highlighting, in actualterms, the revenue lost to homemover churn – which we estimateas being £600m annually acrossthe six key product areas ofmortgages, electricity/gas,telecoms, pay TV, home insuranceand life assurance – we hopebusinesses will realise thebenefits of tapping into thismarket. With home movesstarting to peak over the comingmonths, it is time to act.”

Download the White Paper:www.callcredit.co.uk/home-move-wp

Paul Kennedy.

IT expertiseby Stan Nyokas

Rebrand for birthday

18 JUNE 2012CLICKS&MORTAR

Increase your leads and growyour business with inboundmarketing. That’s the messagefrom Stamford-based firm, theOlsen Partnership, which iswarning local businesses toadopt the popular social mediaplatforms as part of anintegrated digital strategy– or risk losing out to rival firms.

And to help businessesensure they are competitive,the Olsen Partnership is offeringa free website review for localcompanies to ensure their sitesare fit for purpose and complywith the latest legislation.

Richard Olsen, managingdirector, said: “Traditionaloutbound marketing has beendeclining in effectiveness

recently and the focus now isvery much on inboundmarketing, which is all aboutcustomers coming to you;through search engines, socialmedia and blogging, forexample. Content that isoptimised and refreshedregularly is therefore critical togive your website ‘authority’and ensure it consistently rankswell. Industry statistics reportthat the cost per lead can be upto 61 per cent lower and closerates improved by 15 per cent.

“To kick-start an inboundmarketing strategy, developcampaigns that connect withyour customers at an emotionallevel, using a range of socialmedia tools, but ensure the

content isrelevant toyour targetaudience,kept up to

date and there is always a call to action to allow yourcustomers to contact you in a way that they choose to be contacted.

“Remember, there is nopoint ranking well in the searchengines if visitors or ‘likes’recorded on your Facebookpage are not converted tocustomers; ensure you respondto enquiries and feedback asservice levels are as importantas the product and are key toretaining your customers.”

www.olsenpartnership.com

SMEs struggle to winpublic sector tenders

Small businesses are stillstruggling to win public sector

contracts despite Governmentefforts to make it easier.

So says the Federation ofSmall Businesses, which surveyedsmall operators and found that 40per cent believe the tenderingprocess for public sector contractsis too complex. Meanwhile, 37 percent think they are sidelined bypublic officials who believe biggerfirms must be better. The findingscome despite the Government’slaunch of its Contracts Finderwebsite, designed to make it easierfor small firms to find and bid forpublic sector work. Although onein seven companies had bid for apublic sector contract in the lastyear, 41 per cent failed to secureany business from any of the bids they submitted.

Richard Olsen.

’Be social’ or lose customers,businesses warned

19JUNE 2012

BUSINESS BREAK

BUSINESS BREAK

For adrenaline junkies, 158Performance, is – quite

simply – a dream come true. Take a visit to one of their

showrooms in Tallington or atTattershall Lakes and you’re metwith floor to ceiling adrenalineinducing machines – from road-legal quad bikes, scootersand side-by-sides, to sportsboats, jet skis and Can-AmSpyders – a luxurious three-wheeled bike that hasinspired the launch of 158’sSpyder Ryders – a club forSpyder owners who ride outtogether every month.

Run by World and Europeanjet ski champion James Bushellfrom Wisbech, and businesspartner Matt Bullock, 158Performance has gone fromstrength to strength since itlaunched in 2009 and is now ontrack to achieve a £1.5millionturnover by the end of 2012.

Matt was running a quad bikecompany when he met James – atrained mechanic who was racingjet skis at world class level andselling water craft from theTallington base.

After striking up a friendshipthe pair decided to go intobusiness together, selling bothland and water craft and usingJames’ racing number 158 as thenew company name.

The first major task was tocompletely fit out the Tallingtonbase, adding a reception areaand mezzanine floor toaccommodate more machines.

From there they built up aproduct range, which now alsoincludes wet gear, clothing,towing toys and inflatables and avariety of other accessoriesalongside their range of vehicles.

Priding themselves oncustomer service and productknowledge, the duo love meeting people who share their enthusiasm.

“What better way to spendyour time than playing with toys

you love and meetingcustomers who share the sameenthusiasm and passion for themas we do,” explained Matt. “It’s agreat way to run a business andwe love spending time with ourcustomers – whether it’s on themonthly Spyder rides, talking topeople in the showroom oroffering advice on the telephoneor over the Internet.”

Despite challenging economicconditions, 158 Performance hashad a fantastic start to 2012 afterclinching a major deal to run a jetski lake at Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire.

Running alongside theTallington base, Tattershallfeatures a fully stocked showroomfeaturing 158’s machines, cafeand 45-acre lake, described byMatt as the best jet ski lake inthe country.

He added: “It’s a great sizelake and there’s a race coursewith a good area for freestyling,plus there’s space for towinginflatables – which a lot of lakesban – and it’s a lovely family

environment as it’s on a holiday park with its own sandy beach.”

158 has even added a UVfilter to the water to turn thelake a beautiful blue and stopweeds growing, so that jetskiers can enjoy the bestexperience during their visit.There are also Ringo Rides oninflatables and the chance tohire out the latest jet ski models.

Matt added: “This deal wasmore than a year in the makingand a dream come true for the158 team. It enables us to bringadrenaline sports to a wholenew audience at a purpose-built venue and will hopefullytake us a step nearer our aim toreach £2 million turnover in thenot-too-distant future.”

To keep up to date with 158,connect on Facebook:facebook.com/158Performanceor follow on Twitter:@158Performancewww.158performance.co.uk

Get your enterprise featured on our Business Break page. Email your details to: info@businessscene.co.uk

Above: In action, James Bushell.Left: Selling both land andwater craft – Matt Bullock.Right: Back on dry land,James Bushell (photo courtesy of RYA).

Lords ofthe lakesLords ofthe lakes

20 JUNE 2012WORKFORCE

WORKFORCE

Staff from new homes builderLinden Homes have been

boosting charity coffers by takingpart in the Race For Life, in aid ofCancer Research UK.

Calling themselves the ‘LindenLovelies’, the team was from thedeveloper’s Peterborough-basedhead office – the company buildshomes from Cornwall to

Lincolnshire and from West Sussexto North Yorkshire. The Linden Lovelies were

among hundreds taking part inthe recent 5km race at BurghleyHouse, Stamford. The teamincluded staff from the sales,customer care and productionareas of the business.

Linden Homes salesadministrator, Bev Bray,said: “It was an emotionallycharged day, but thecamaraderie is so strongand we did have some funalong the way, while raisingmoney for a cause thattouches so many of us.”

So far, the team hasraised nearly £600, but youcan add to that fund here:www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/linden-lovelies

When it comes to businesscontinuity planning, UK

businesses are much betterprepared for technology andenvironmental risks than they arefor the risk of losing staff talent.This is the key finding of a newreport from Vodafone.

Although one in fiveemployees are reported to beactively considering a job movein the next 12 months, only 29 percent of UK managers sayemployee defection to anotherfirm is a significant concern. Thiscompares to 59 per cent who citeIT systems failure and 36 per centwho list damage to facilitiesthrough fire/flood as key concerns.

While those polled acceptthat talent risks such as employeedefection or illness are moreprobable than environmentalrisks, only ten per cent haverobust plans in place to respondto talent loss. In comparison, 37per cent have actions plans inplace for fire, flood or similar.

Peter Kelly, enterprise directorat Vodafone UK, said: “Risk isinherent in business and it comes

in many forms.As marketconditionsworsen it isimperativebusinesses arebetter preparedthan ever. Theymust implementnew processes and technology tofind better ways of working byenabling employees to mobilework securely. Not only does thishelp companies cut costs, it isalso a proven way of attractingand retaining the best talent.

“Businesses need to protectthemselves further fromchallenges posed to businesscontinuity by becoming aware ofthe risk of losing valuable talent.

“This research shows thatbusinesses should place agreater emphasis on identifyingand managing talent risk as partof a business continuitymanagement strategy. This is notonly best practice but it willcontribute to businessexcellence – essential in such atough economic climate.”

Britain’s got talent, butfirms aren’t protecting it

Linden Lovelies inthe pink for charity

Peter Kelly.

Pictured in the pink – the Linden Lovelies.

WORKFORCEJUNE 2012 21

Every year we become moreand more reliant on visual

display units (VDU) and screens. Employers have a duty to

protect staff from adverse health effects, which range from headaches to ongoingmuscle pain in the neck, arms or shoulders.

RSI (repetitive strain injuries)and back strain are among themost common reasons for staffabsence, which continues to costless proactive businesses dearly.

Employers must ensure:l All users are subject to adisplay screen equipment (DSE) assessmentl A competent personundertakes the assessmentl All identified issues are put in an action plan, with dates set for the corrective action to be completedl Employees are consulted on

any changes as a result of therisk assessmentl Suitable DSE training isprovided for all usersl Users are reimbursed anymonies paid for eyesight testsand eye examinations.

A user is an individual whonormally uses a VDU forcontinuous or near continuousspells of an hour or more at atime, more or less daily.

A DSE assessment should cover: l Environment (ventilation,lighting, noise, temperature)l Equipment (brightness,contrast, ease of use) l Workstation (space, chair,table, monitor, keyboard)l Procedural (training, eye tests,rest breaks, provision of water).

Controlling DSE use can bestraight forward. Read thefollowing solutions:

l Reviewing the layout of theworkstation, ensuring allequipment is positioned in sucha way that it does not pose apotential riskl Ensuring suitable DSE traininghas been provided by acompetent personl Ensuring regular rest breaksare being taken l Providing drinking water l Maximising use of naturaldaylight. If this is not possible,replace existing light bulbs with‘daylight’ bulbsl Allowing employees to receiveeye/eyesight testsl Improving the ventilation inthe office environment (ideally,natural airflow).

The use of a visual displayunit does not:l Cause bad eyesightl Damage an unborn child l Result in facial dermatitis.

If not controlled, excessiveuse may result in:l Repetitive strain injuries l Headachesl Focusing difficultiesl Work-related upper limb disorders.

And remember, the rulesalso apply if you are anemployee working from homeand habitually using a VDU for a significant part of your normal work.

If you need any help withVDU assessments, give me a call.

Staff at Peterborough agencyAnne Corder Recruitment have

joined the likes of Prime Minster’swife Samantha Cameron bydonating suits, clothes andaccessories to a charity helpingwomen get back to work.

Dress for Success offerspractical help to women whohave been out of the workplacefor a spell. Professional stylistshelp them pull together interviewoutfits from clothes donated byother business women. They arealso given personal interviewtraining by a senior executive toboost their confidence as theyembark on their job search.

The international charity hasthe backing of SamanthaCameron, who hosted a DressFor Success reception at 10Downing Street earlier this year.

Now the Anne CorderRecruitment team has pledged its

support. By the time the team hadrummaged through theirwardrobes, the rails at theagency’s Park Road offices werebulging with an array of goodquality suits, trousers, skirts, shirts,bags and accessories.

These will now be availablethrough Dress For Success to

women on low incomes who aretaking their first steps back intothe workplace.

Recruitment partner KarenDykes said: “We felt a real affinitywith the charity. We deal regularlywith women hoping to return towork who feel nervous and lack inconfidence. The clothes we havedonated will be available forwomen just like that to puttogether an outfit, withprofessional help.

“Just knowing you look thepart can be a tremendous boostwhen you walk into an interview.”

Find out more about theDress for Success charity here:www.dressforsuccess.org.uk

The short-term jobs outlook‘turned positive’ for the first

time in more than a year,recent research has found.

A report by the CharteredInstitute of Personnel andDevelopment (CIPD) shows theamount of employers intendingto increase total staffing levelsin the first quarter of 2012, roseto +6 from -8 since the winter2011/12 quarter. This is thereport’s first positive figure formore than a year.

However, the CIPD warnsoptimism should be temperedby employers’ continuedcaution, medium term – which,due to recent weak economicfigures, suggests a high riskthat many employers may needto reassess staff levels beforethe year is out.

Suits you! Recruiter addressesback-to-work interview style

Screen break: keeping staff healthy

With a background in engineering and manufacturing, Colin Nottage runs Stamford and Bristol-based consultancy Safety Horizon. Email him: colin.nottage@safetyhorizon.com or call Freephone 0845 689 0075. www.safetyhorizon.com

Jobs outlook:cautiousoptimism from bossesPictured left: ACR staff Rosie

Hooton (left) and DanielleMolyneux (right) examine one of the suits collected for the DressFor Success charity.

Practical advice from health and safety expert, Colin Nottage.

22 JUNE 2012SKILLSET

SKILLSETYounger workersfeeling positive

Learn to makeyour skills count

Employers may be wastingnearly £270 million a year

on failed recruitment, accordingto a report from learndirect.

The report highlights how£1.16 billion is spent byemployers each year trying tofill job vacancies yet around 23per cent of these posts arerecognised as ‘hard to fill’ andoften need additional resourcesto get the right candidate. Thisis despite the fact there are upto 20 people in some areaschasing each vacancy.

learndirect – launching acampaign titled Make It Count (www.learndirect.co.uk) – saysmany of these people remainconfused about the skills andqualities employers look for.

Younger workers are mostlikely to be happy in their

jobs, according to a ‘Happinessat Work Index’ from staffrecruiter Office Angels. Thereport shows 44 per cent ofemployees in the 16-24 agegroup are most optimistic andenthusiastic abouttheir workinglives. They feelsupported by theiremployers andhave the righttools and trainingin place to do their job to thebest of their ability. Three-quarters say they

have a career plan and morethan a third say they are wherethey want to be in their careers.

Recently, there have been manycalls from MPs to reduce

employees’ legal protection andcreate a ‘hire and fire’ culture as away to boost economic growth.

But HR consultant Simon Jonesbelieves the real issue for manybusinesses, charities and socialenterprises is a lack of knowledgeof employment regulations and anincorrect assumption that the lawprevents them from running theirbusiness effectively.

In his recently published book,Happy Working Relationships – the

small business guideto managing peopleand employmentlaw, Simon arguesthat employers whobehave in apositive mannerwill achievegreater staff

motivation and business success.He said: ‘There are plenty of

business owners and managerswho’re terrified at the idea of staffissues. Words/phrases like ‘TUPE’,‘constructive dismissal’ and‘tribunal’ strike fear into the heartsof many bosses. But most of thetime there’s nothing to fear if youmake sure you follow a fewsimple guidelines, use somecommon sense and exercise a bitof compassion.

“The book is designed todemystify some HR terms andensure employers get the best outof their most valuable assets – theiremployees. There are plenty ofbooks about finance andmarketing for small businessowners and charity managers, butnot very much about this vitalso-called ‘soft skill’.” Buy the bookhere: www.ariadne-associates.co.uk

Don’t fear HR rules

SKILLSETJUNE 2012 23

It’s quite possible you have thebest premises, product or serviceand yet, people aren’t doingbusiness with you. Why?

Unless you tell those who arelooking for someone ‘just like you’about yourself, they don’t knowyou can help them. No customers= no sales = no profits and,eventually, no business. Question:“Which customers do you want toattract?” If you’ve answered ‘all’you’re heading for disappointment!

Apparently, we’re in a droughtand there’s a hosepipe ban.Imagine you are watering yourgarden with your watering can. Ifyou adopt the ‘everyone’approach, your limited water will

be spread largely ineffectively, justa few drops. But if you focus on‘target’ plants, these will bloomand flourish.

Before you attempt anymarketing or promotion, get apicture of your typical customers.Start by describing them: l Male/female/both groups?l What age are they (child,teenager, middle-aged, older)?l What is their disposable income(limited, wealthy, average)?l What about their status (are theyemployed, unemployed,professional, self-employed,manager, director, or haveindependent means)?

Next, be more specific:

l Where do they live (house, flat,town, city)?l Where do they work (office,factory, outside, home, small firm)?l Where do they spend leisuretime (gym, pool, library, clubs,cafes, bars, walking, cinema)?l What hobbies/interests do theyhave (sport, TV, music, theatre)?l What are they reading?l What are they listening to?

l What challenges do they face?This will give you a ‘map’

rather than a ‘territory’ to beginyour journey to meet your clients.Using this approach you will workfar more effectively. You willrecognise your customer, see theworld from their position. You willhave solutions/services to benefitthem. The customer has choice;help them make it your business.

What customers want Skills expertise with

DavidGrundy

Good service leads to multiple sales. If you take good care of yourcustomers, they will open doors you could never open by yourself. ❞❝

David Grundy (left) is managingdirector of Tuit Achievements. Email:david@tuitachievements.com ortel: O1733 210464 or 07894 705293.Twitter: tuitdoit Facebook david@tuitachievementsWeb: www.tuitachievements.com

Author, Jim Rohn.

JUNE 2012TRAVEL24

OFF DUTY

be had for those seekingsummer sun, particularly forshort to mid-haul destinations.

For most families, all-inclusive deals offer thebest value, with all meals,snacks and locally producedsoft and alcoholic drinksincluded in the price of theholiday. If you can possiblytravel before or after theschool summer holidays,prices are a little more user friendly.

Destinations still availableat the time of writing include:Spain (mainland and islanddestinations); Turkey;Greece (mainland and island)Tunisia; Egypt (Sharm el Sheikhand Hurghada); and Bulgaria.And, for those with slightlydeeper pockets, Italy – to bothmainland and island regions.

On this page, there’s aselection of all-inclusiveholidays during the six-weeksummer holiday which are stillavailable as Business Scenemagazine goes to press – allbased on London departuresfor two adults and one childunder 12. Call Jane Price tocheck prices and availabilitynow; her details are below.

Many people start thinking about annual holidays the minute theChristmas wrapping paper has been consigned to the recycling

bin. However, if you haven’t thought that far ahead this year, all is notlost. There are still bargains to

Contact Jane Price at Hays Travel forlatest details. Telephone: 08000 141 833

or 01733 808330. Email: jane.price@hays-travel.co.uk Visit theweb page: www.hays-travel.co.uk/janeprice

Book a late break

Above: July 23 Gatwick to BarcelonaCosta Brava Roulette (allocated on arrival)Guaranteed 4*14 nights all-inclusive:£1,500 per family.

Short and mid-haul trips

Above: August 3 Gatwick toDalaman in TurkeySun Maris Hotel, Marmaris14 nights all-inclusive:£1,700 per family. £1,759 per family.

Above and inset: July 28 Stansted to Tunisia, Hotel Dar Khayam, Hammamet

14 nights all-inclusive:

TRAVELJUNE 2012

Contact Tamara Taylor at local tour operator,Inspirational Travel for latest details. Telephone:

01780 784380. Email: info@inspirational-travel.comwww.inspirational-travel.com

25

Often, going away as afamily to far flung

destinations can be anexpensive affair. But, with someof our special offers at themoment, do not despair! Help isat hand . . .

As experts in creatingbespoke itineraries and bycombining two or more of theoffers available, we can saveyou a great deal of money.

Many hotels, resorts, campsand lodges have excellent dealswith offers ranging from freenights and room upgrade toproperties where your partneror children can stay for free.

Other imaginative offerscurrently in the marketplaceinclude upgrades on the mealbasis you book (ie you book bedand breakfast and they providehalf board – so providing youwith free dinner every night!);

free spa treatments andactivities such as golf andwater sports.

As an example, clientstravelling to South Africa maywant to visit three or fourdifferent destinations, taking inplaces such as the sophisticatedand cosmopolitan city of CapeTown, the serene andpicturesque vineyards, thebeautiful coastal town ofHermanus (where whales can be seen from the shorefrom July to November) andthen finish with a few days on safari, encountering Africa’ssuperb wildlife. By usingproperties that are offering freenights you could potentiallyenjoy three/four nights free,saving hundreds of pounds. Addthat to reduced airfare and youreally have the bargainof the century!

Long-haul get-aways

Below and inset: Chitwa Chitwa Safari Lodge,South Africa – complimentary children’s

accommodation for one child per family aged 12 or under. Valid until December 20 2012,

excluding August.

Pictured: Heritage Awali, Mauritius – ten nights from just £1,625,all-inclusive per person, for travel up to October 13 2012, including flights on British Airways and private transfers.

Above: Kuredu Island Resort, Maldives – seven nightsfrom £1,399 per person, all-inclusive, including BritishAirways flights and seaplane transfers.

26 JUNE 2012DIARY DATES

DIARY DATES

The London 2012 OlympicTorch Relay route through

the city on Tuesday July 3 andWednesday July 4 has beenannounced by the city council.

At 5.15pm on the Tuesday,the Olympic Flame will becarried through BurghleyHouse Estate and Gardens, tothe Nene Valley Railway’sWansford station, where it willboard ‘The City of Peterborough’steam locomotive until itreaches Orton Mere station in Peterborough.

The Olympic Flame willthen travel up Oundle Road,turn left on to London Road andpass over Town Bridge. TheTorchbearers will carry the Flame onto Lower BridgeStreet, across BourgesBoulevard and into UpperBridge Street, before turningright through the Cathedral’sgateway. The relay will then

pass through Deans Court, intoWheel Yard and turn right intoCity Road. The final part of thejourney will see the OlympicFlame pass through St John’sStreet, into Vineyard Road,turning right on to Bishop’sRoad, then into Rivergate andEmbankment Road beforearriving at the city’s riversideEmbankment at approximately7.20pm. An eveningcelebration will then take place.

The next morning, July 4 atapproximately 7am, the flamewill start its journey from theCathedral Precincts and willtravel along Long Causewayand Broadway, acrossBurghley Square, going righton to Lincoln Road. The London2012 Olympic Torch Relay willleave Peterborough along theA47 via Maskew Avenue.

Check out the streets wherethe procession can be viewed

here: www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay

Marco Cereste, leader ofPeterborough City Council,said: “Months of hard workhave gone into planning theroute to ensure as manyresidents as possible can beinvolved and that we show offour beautiful city.

“Peterborough will be thegateway to the east for theOlympic Flame and that’ssomething the city should beproud of. It’s going to befantastic to see friends andfamily carrying the OlympicTorch through their ownneighbourhood.”

An average of 115Torchbearers a day – eachwearing a white and golduniform, designed by adidas,will carry the Olympic Flameduring its 8,000 mile journeyaround the UK before it arrivesat the Olympic Stadium onJuly 27 2012, for the lighting ofthe cauldron at the OpeningCeremony, signifying theofficial start of the London 2012Olympic Games.

The route has beenplanned to take the OlympicFlame to within ten miles of

Olympic Flame lights city route

more than 95 per cent of theUK population.

Peterborough City Counciland Vivacity, Peterborough’sCulture and Leisure Trust areworking with LOCOG and thethree Presenting Partners ofthe Relay – Coca-Cola, LloydsTSB and Samsung – to hostthe evening celebration onTuesday July 3 at TheEmbankment – which will befree, unfenced and will beginat 5pm.

The show will include arendition of the speciallywritten ‘Song forPeterborough’ – called ‘ThereWith You’ – performed byschoolchildren and communitygroups from across the city.

June 6 Peterborough, Key TheatreThe Athene Debate (5-6pm). Themotion: Even in times of austerity,long-term environmentalconsiderations must alwaysoutweigh short-term economic gain.As part of the city’s Green Festival,expert speakers will addresssustainability. Details via Nick Reinis:nick@athene-communications.co.uk

June 15 Peterborough, Deeping StJames’ Exotic Pet Refuge A hogroast and disco evening, organisedby the Federation of SmallBusinesses (FSB), the DeepingBusiness Club and the CrowlandBusiness Community. Entry £10adults, £5 for under 16s. Businesseswanting a stand or stall shouldcontact FSB’s Martin Rickman on:01733 243880.

June 17 Peterborough, MiltonCountry Park Wacky Races: localbusiness fundraising challenge,organised with CambridgeshireChambers of Commerce. Teams ofup to eight are encouraged to viefor the title ‘Business Gold Star2012’. Networking opportunities. Inaid of Arthur Rank Hospice. More: methodcreative.co.uk/wackyraces

June 28 Peterborough, St John’sStreet, Stuart House, PE1 5DD(12noon-5pm) Free Business Clinic:Thinking of starting a business orneed advice? This drop-in afternoonwith experts on hand is offered bythe Federation of Small Businessesin Peterborough, supported byRegus Office Solutions. More onpage 5, or email Martin Rickman:rickman@cyberware.co.uk

June 30 Peterborough Town Bridge,River Nene Embankment DragonBoat Festival in aid of East Anglia’sChildren’s Hospices. Companiesare encouraged to enter a team.Visit: www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/peterborough/

June 30 – July 8 Peterborough,various locations PeterboroughArts Festival 2012. Plus the OlympicTorch event July 3-4. More: www.vivacity-peterborough.com/festivals

July 8 Peterborough Arena, East ofEngland Showground, OundleRoad TV’s X Factor finalists MarcusCollins and Janet Devlin headline atan open-air concert during the Eastof England Show. Tickets (from £10):www.eastofenglandshow.co.uk

Local estate agent Nick Rickett(right) is preparing to take the

spotlight as an official OlympicTorchbearer – and his employer,property consultancy Carter Jonas,will be cheering him on.

Nick, who lives in Baston, will runin the Market Deeping leg of therelay route on July 4, following theOlympic Torch’s early morningdeparture from Peterborough, enroute to Bourne and Spalding.

As a tennis player and member ofa water polo team, Nick is already fitfor the task, but admits it’s being thecentre of attention he needs toprepare for – his Carter Jonascolleagues say he usually prefers tosteer clear of the limelight.

His good organisational skillscame to the fore when the ballot forOlympic tickets opened – alongsidehis water polo team colleagues, hehas secured tickets to the water poloevent in the first week of the Games.

Torchbearer steps intothe limelight

JUNE 2012 27

28 JUNE 2012

JUNE 2012 29

30 JUNE 2012PROFILE

HEADLINESFull name: Nandan Singh BhistCurriculum Vitae: I wasalways business-minded andparticularly passionate aboutthe tourism industry. I am fromIndia and studied hotelmanagement at IHM (Instituteof Hotel Management) inDehradun, north India, in2003 – at the age of 23. Iworked for a number ofdifferent hotels in India;managing the five-starIntercontinental for five yearsbefore moving to The CarltonHotel Worldwide Group. Aftermoving to the UK, I startedworking for Jimmy’s Spices. Myfirst appointment was theopening of Jimmy’s Spices inStaines, in 2009. In recentyears, I have launched Jimmy’sSpices in Wimbledon and, in2010, in Peterborough – this isa lovely area with lots of

history. It is obviously verydifferent to my home town, butI enjoy living here – although Isometimes miss warm weather. Current business card details:Today, I manage Jimmy’s WorldGrill & Bar (previously Jimmy’sSpices) in Peterborough. I havemanaged the branch here foralmost two years. At therestaurant, we have a team of60 staff, including 16 highlytrained and experienced chefs.The restaurant offers a hugevariety of world cuisine(Mexican, Italian, Thai,Japanese, Chinese, Indian andAmerican) with more than 100dishes available at any onetime; chefs can even cookdishes to order at one of themany live stations. My first job was at the HyattRegency in India when I was21. I worked there for two

years and then went on tostudy hotel management. But my dream job would be: Iwould like to manage my ownbusiness, perhaps opening myown restaurant one day. I havemanaged a wide range ofsituations over the years, fromrelatively small teams toperhaps hundreds of people. Ithink the key is communication;it is easy to get lost in such abig business with so manydifferent people, which oftenleads to confusion – and this iswhen things start to go wrong.I also find it helps to beapproachable; I am open andhonest with my staff and Iencourage them to be thesame, which is also good forteam morale.Are you a technophobe or atechnophile? I am interested intechnology mainly due to theindustry I work in. We use anddepend on technology everyday, mainly to communicatesmoothly and efficiently withour customers, so I havebecome accustomed to it overthe years. It would be hard tolive without technology now.What’s your favourite brand?

As I amquite intotechnology,my favouritebrand isApple. But Ialso like Armani!I like to spend my time off:With my family. My finest hour was when: Ibecame a father in 2008, it wasmy proudest moment. I am surprisingly good at:Cooking Butter Chicken, atradition Indian dish made withmild spices including garammasala, natural yoghurt, garlicand ginger (along with someother secret ingredients!). Ioften cook this at home for the family.My dream dinner party guestswould include: Well, I knowGordon Ramsay is a lover ofcurry, so I would definitelyinvite him, along with TomCruise and Maradona; I likefootball very much andMaradona is a hero of mine, soit would be an honour to cookfor him. And the food would be: Myfavourite Butter Chicken, of course!

Get into Business Scene’s CEO spotlight. Email yourHEADLINES responses to: info@businessscene.co.uk

Business Scene gets up close and a little bitpersonal with executives around the region.Here, we put the life and times of the manager of popular Peterboroughrestaurant Jimmy’s World Grill & Bar – Nandan Bhist – under the spotlight.

Above: Nandan Bhist with some of his team at the Peterborough restaurant.