GROWINGGLOUCESTERSHIRE

BUSINESSES

Profiling a selection of leading companies and their plans for the year ahead

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Fear is a strange thing. It canmanifestitself in theweirdest andmost irrationalways imaginable. I don t really like the ideaof swimming in shark infestedwaters, orhaving a trudgearound theoddghettoortwoatmidnightwearing anexpensivewatchwith acamera festoonedovermyneck.And just like those irrational fears that

someofushave, a visit to thedentist cancauseall sorts of unnecessarymentalbarriers.AtArnicaDentalCare in Leckhampton,

Cheltenhamthey knowonly too-well thatthis trepidation is for somepatients veryreal andnot irrational at all.Choosing the right privatedental clinic

is a very importantdecisionandcanbefor some, a ratherdaunting task.Weall want adental clinic thatwecan

trust to look after ouroral health andwell-being. Itmaybe that you’re looking for anexperiencedcosmeticdentistwhocangive you the smile you’ve alwayswantedor evenhad in thepast. Youmight evenhave that all toocommon irrational fear ofdentists and require the skills and

experienceof a sedationdentist.ArnicaDentalCare is in fact

Cheltenham’s leadingDental SedationCentre and thereforeextremelywellqualifiedandexperienced toprovidenervous, anxiouspatientswith a rangeofsedationoptions including gas, air and

intravenous sedation.Arnica is very experiencedat helping

patientswithdental phobias to fully relaxand receive treatment.Theearly year’s story atArnicaDental

Care is oneof camper vans, surfboardsanda strong yearningby theowner tobeoneof thebest in herprofessional fieldwithin theUK.WhenDr. Ellie LedgerBDSFDSRCS

(Ellie) qualified fromCardiff University in1991 she spent her early careerworking inhospital dentistry, gaining aFellowship inDental Surgery fromtheRoyalCollegeofSurgeonsofEngland in 1994.Shearrived inCheltenham literallywith

acamper vanandher surfboardandpromptly set about joining thecasualtydepartmentofCheltenhamGeneralHospital gaining extensive andvaluableexperience inmaxillofacial surgery. This inshort is reconstructivedental surgeryafter perhapsanaccidentordeeptrauma.Ellie is nowa registered specialist in

surgical dentistry and regularly acceptsreferrals fromotherdentists for complexdental surgical procedures. Shehasalsospecialised in treatingnervousand

Wordofmouth…EricBarton checks out local dental care practiceArnica

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anxiouspatients and is qualified toadminister various sedation techniquesincluding intravenous sedation.Ellie alsoplaces and restores implants,

having completeda year-longmultisystemdental implantology courseatTraffordGeneralHospital inManchester over 13 years ago.AtArnicaDentalCare theyalsoplace

Zygomaticdental implantswhich is aprocedure that involves anchoring longerthannormal dental implants in thecheekbone. Theprocedure is considerably lessinvasive than the traditional sinus lift orbonegraft so therefore thepatientexperiences lessdiscomfort and thewholeprocedurecanbecompleted inoneday. Ellie commented, ‘’ this kindofimplant techniqueproducesapermanent fix. Notmanydentists are

offering this as yet. In somecasesanumberofpatients’ thought that theirconditionwas too far gone for implants.This not thecasenow. The finished lookproduces great looking teeth that also feelfantastic’’. Shewenton to say, ‘’for someofourpatients it’s simply life changing’’.Ellie places and restores implants

herself, fromsimple single-toothreplacements to largebridges andcompletemouth implant rehabilitations,keepingherself up todatebyattendingseveral courses a year and is also amemberof theAssociationofDentalImplantologyUK. So you see it’s aworldofprofessionalismcoupled to talent, linkedtodedication.ArnicaDentalCare is a truly privately

ownedbusiness. In thesedaysof thebigcorporatepushwhowants tohave theiroral anddental care swallowedupby the‘big boys’where sometimes the focusonthe individual patientmight notbewhereit needs tobe?DrEllie Ledger goeson to further

comment, ‘’ At Arnica it’s always aboutstriking abalancebetween theneedsof asuccessful practice andbeing completelypatient focused’’. She goeson to say, ‘’inthe last six yearswehave gotbigger andgrowthhasbeenat ahealthy rate. Beingfocusedon thepractice itself and theneedsofourpatients hasbeen key. Andtheactual growthhas in a sense, beenby

referralwhich is testament toour ability’’.Shealso says, ‘thenext three years at

Arnicawill be very interesting asnewtechniquesbecomeavailable andofcourse someexpansionof thebusinesscouldwell beon thecards’’.Ellie finally adds, ‘I get personal joy at

seeinghowwecanchange someone’s lifefor thebetter. I’malso veryheartenedaboutbeing able to removeanypain thatapatientmay suffering fromdue toadental problem’’.It’s an ‘all girl’ teamatArnicawhich

bodeswell for that ‘lighter touch’when itcomes tohandlingpatient anxieties. It’s allaboutbeing in touchwithemotions andconfronting themdelicately.ArnicaDentalCare’s clinic is situatedon

the tree-linedLeckhamptonRoad just 15minutes’walk fromMontpellier, 5Minutes’walk fromtheBathRoadandwithin easyreachby foot, car or public transport fromall areas in andaroundCheltenham.�

For further information and or a friendlychat call Arnica Dental on 01242 655 554www.arnicadentalcare.co.uk

Business

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“The way tosucceed in

business is tostay focused,be flexible in

your approachand deliver on

your promises.”Phil Barton

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Doingthesameoldthing isboring.Repetition inanysphereotherthansay,exerciseoreatingchocolatecanmakeJackaverydullboy.Likeasharkthatcontinuallycarves itswaythroughtheocean,changeandmovement isnotonlygood,butnecessaryforsurvivalandtheevolutionofthespecies.Andinasense just like lifeandnature,a

constantlyevolvingbusinessmodel iskeytobothfuturegrowthandstability.Thefinancialcolossusthat isJelfwas

establishedin1989by its founderanddeputyChairman,ChrisJelf.Jelf'scorebusinessfocusesonthe

provisionofanextensiverangeofservicesandadvicetocompanies. It’sasimpleethosandbusinessofferthat’scoursingthroughthevery lifebloodofthecompany.PhilBarton,CEO,Jelf Insuranceisavery

affableLancastrianwithafinancialservicesbackgroundgoingbackmorethan30years.It’sa long,windingpathofexperiencethat’smadehimoneofthemostrespectedprofessionals inhis field. Priorto joiningJelfin2003heworkedforAXA,wherehewastheManagingDirector(IFASales)andPrudential,wherehewasSalesDirector(NationalAccounts).Sincethenhehasperformedanumberofroles includingHeadofCompliance,GroupCommercialDirectorandGroupMarketingDirector.HewasappointedCEO(Insurance)atJelf inMay2010.PhilBartoncommented, “2014showed

phenomenalgrowthforJelf Insurance.Wereturneda69%profitgrowthwhichwasastellarperformance’’.Philadded, ‘InDecember2014wewere

votedNationalBrokeroftheYearwhichmeantthatwewerevotedthebestoutof6000brokersbythe industry.That’snomeanfeatandareal reflectiononthehighstandardswehavesetatJelf’’.The insurancebusinesshasover800

staff inEnglandandWaleswiththeirheadoffice inBristol.Asafull serviceconsultancy,Jelfadvises

businessesacrossarangeofservices

including insurance,healthcare,employeebenefits,commercial financeandfinancialplanning. Philwentontocomment, ‘’weconcentrateonunderstandingtherisksthateachclientfaces;buildingabespokesolutionthatremovesormanagestheseissues’’.InadditiontotheircorefocusontheSME

market,Jelfhasan increasingnumberoflargercorporateclients. Ithasembracedanewregulatoryenvironment inwhichtheFCAoverseesthegeneral insurance,healthcareandmortgagemarkets.Furthermore,overthepasttenyearsJelfhavemadeinexcessof40acquisitionsAspartofthisgrowth inDecember2014

JelfacquiredYorkshirebasedinsurancebrokers,Beaumonts InsuranceGroupLtd.Beaumontshaveoffices inLeeds,Bradford,ShrewsburyandDoncaster,whichwill joinexistingJelfGroupoffices inHull,York,centralLeedsandManchester.PhilBartonsaid: “Weweredelightedthat

BeaumontschoseJelfastheirpartnerforgrowth. TogetherJelf,TheInsurancePartnershipandBeaumontshavenowcreatedanewnorthernpowerhousestretchingfromManchestertoHull’’.Headded, “Jelf’svision istobecometheleading insurancebroker intheUK,committedtodeliveringthehighest levelsofcustomerservicetoclients inthe localcommunities inwhichwework.”PhilBartongoesontofurthersay, ‘’It’sall

abouthavingastrongbalancesheetandasolid,well thought-outstrategyoforganicgrowthcoupledwithaplannedpathoftargetedacquisitions’’. Hewentontoadd,‘’weareallaboutdeliveryandourclientswillalwayscomefirst.ThebusinesshereatJelffocusesonasimpleandcommonwayofworking, togetherwithdeliveringthebestbusinesssolutionspossible.Mostofourcompetitorsfail toachievethis’’.It’sveryclearthatthiswarm,engaging

CEOisapeoplepersonwhorevels inboththesuccessoftheJelfbusinessandtheclientstheyadvise.Philsimplysays, ‘’ I loveworkingwithmyteamanddeliveringresults.

It’sallaboutkeepingourpromisestoourclients’’. I’mkeentofindoutabouttheJelfCheltenhamoffice.PhilBartonsays. ‘Wehaveofficesspread

throughouttheUK.CheltenhamisattheveryheartofourGloucestershireoperation.It’sagreatplacetohaveanoffice. Iactuallylive inCheltenhamsoIshouldknow’’.Jelf intendstocontinue itsgrowth

strategy,drivenbybothorganicactivityandcross-sellingoveralldivisionsandbyacquisitions.Theacquisitionactivitywillfocusmainlyoncommercial insuranceandhealthcare,wherethereareattractiveopportunitiestocreateshareholdervalueduetothescaleeconomies inthesebusinesses.PhilBartonalsocomments, ‘theGroup

willcontinuetofocusonSMEs,aswellaslargercorporateclientsandHighNetWorthindividualsandmaywellcontinuetoexpandourfootprint inEnglandandWales’’.Headds, ‘’Jelf’s futuregrowthwillbeunderpinnedbythecorebelief thatthecustomermustalwayscomefirst.AwayfromworkPhil isnocouchpotato, “I

always liketodosomethingfull-on. Idon’ttendtosit inacornerquietlywithagoodbook. I likeundertakingbigcyclingchallenges,particularly forcharityandI’mverykeenonsport. I’mabitofanEvertonfan,sotrytogettogameswhenIcan.PhilBartonclosesby impartingsome

businesswisdom,saying, ‘’thewaytosucceedinbusiness istostayfocused,beflexible inyourapproachanddeliveronyourpromises’’.It’sveryplaintoseewithPhilBartonand

theteamatJelf Insurance…thatthis isonerollingstonethatwon’tbegatheringmossanytimesoon.�

WestmorelandHouse,80-86BathRoad,Cheltenham,GL537JTTel:01242231000www.jelfgroup.com

Business

Eric Barton crunches thenumberswith the JELF InsuranceCEO

The rolling stone…

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Having takenon various employmentroles after leaving school, including theposition of labourer in a buildersmerchant in the beautiful townofHerefordwhere hewas raised, RichardEast of Bourton-On-The-Water, wasluredby the lucrative boomof the 1990’srecruitment industrywhere he enjoyedsuccessworkingwith leading agenciesacrossHereford. However, like all greatentrepreneurs, Richard soonhad ayearning to take his learned knowledge,hone it and set out alone. In 2001 hedidjust that, launching ReResourceGroup, arecruitment agency inCheltenhamfocusing on the industrial/warehousing,transport, food/agriculture andcommercial sectors.

“It was anobvious route forme to takeat that time,” says Richard. “I had thepassion anddedication to fulfill the oftenchallenging role that is required in therecruitment industry. I hadalso gleanedawealth of experienceand knowledge infindingandplacing the right candidatesin the best roles."Combining the two,

alongwith his passion for business,provided the perfect formula to createan agency that could deliver at a timewhen themarketwas saturatedwithcompetition.Richard also practicedwhat he

preachedwhen it came to recruiting hisown staff and in 2005he employed athen 23-year-old JamesGibb as aconsultant specialising in the industrialand transport sectors. “I don't believethat I would have enjoyed such successwith REResourceGroup if I wasn’t able toreadpeople in order to place them inappropriate roles.When Imet James, Irealised straight away that hismethodical anddedicatedapproachwouldworkwell withmymore relaxedand creative angle.”After several yearsand several promotions, Jamesbecameapartner and nowoverseas the overallrunning of the business including FinanceandOperations for the groupwhichtoday employs upward of 40 full timestaff out of their 3 branches andonsitedivision.

Of course, no one could foresee thedevastating crash of 2008, whichplunged the country into a severerecession. However, RE successfully rodethe storm, emerging the other side astronger forcewith an evenbiggerpresence in theCheltenhamarea.

“I dislike the term ‘recession proof’ asthere have beenmany excellentcompanies across all industrieswhohave, for various reasons, foundthemselves casualties of the downturn inthemarket”. Continues Richard, “I don'tbelieve there is amagic formula thatkeeps a companybuoyant during suchatime. However, whatwe strived to doatREwas stay focused to our ethos ofremaining efficient and cost effective,coupledwith a friendly andunderstandingapproach to building andmaintaining relationships.”It is this ethos that has enabled the

company to grow year on year to thepoint where this year it is estimated toturn over an impressive £19mandnowboasts branches inGloucestershire,

‘Hire’ Success forRecruitment companies

Richard East James Gibbs

LeshaChaplin-Park talks toRichardEast about the growthofRE Resource Groupandhis diversification intoother areasof the recruitment industry

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Herefordshire &Worcestershire.Not one to stagnate in his comfort

zone, Richard is always on the look for agap in themarket relating to therecruitment industry andwhenhe spotsone, he pounces on it with the samevigour, ethos and strategy that has firmlypositionedREResourceGroup in theNo.1 spot for recruitment services in thearea. In 2012 Richard noticed a void in themarket for recruitmentwithin the careindustry and alongwith James anddirector Katie Armstrong, filled that voidwith the launchof SafehandsRecruitment; a company specialising inthe supply of temporaryworkers into theHealthcare industry. Appalling newsitemsof carelessworkers in healthcare inrecent times has highlighted the need forefficient, qualified, temporary staff, somuch so that amere 18months afteropening, the reputation of the companyhas grown to the point that they haverecently opened their 4th branch, withmore branchopenings scheduled for2015/2016.

Last year, Richard and Jamesonceagain sought pastures newwhen theybroke into the technicalmarketplacelaunching ‘Ambrose Recruitment’ withspecialist recruiter Robert Dove.Ambrose is designed to providepermanent, contract and interimrecruitment solutions to engineering andmanufacturing companies. The job ofsourcing skilled personnel for awiderange of businesses nationally was abravemove considering the ongoing lackof engineers available in theUK. “MeetingRobert was the difference betweenuslaunchingAmbrose or not.” Says Richard.“Robert has a reputation in the industryfor his longevity, professionalismanddesire to succeed, howeverwhat setshimapart is his ability to understandwhat it is that attracts talentedprofessionals to roles that comprise ofexecutive positions to specialistindustries.”The gamble has clearly paid off and

since launching in autumn last year, thecompany has grown to such adegree

that 3 extra staff have been takenon thismonth tomeet demand.“Weare nowoperating ona

nationwide basis sourcinggraduatesthrough to director level positions acrossawide rangeof specialist industriesincluding; aerospace, defence,automotive, fmcg, automation, process,generalmanufacturing, warehouseanddistribution” says Robert Dove. “Our fastgrowth sends out a positive sign that theeconomyhas finally recoveredafter atough6 years andwhilst the skillsshortage is amajor challenge tomanyemployers, our combinedwealth ofexperience combinedwith ourinvestment in IT andmarketing, ensureswe canaccess pools of talentedprofessionals to fill these vacancies.”It is the investment aswell as the

evolution of change largely driventhrough advances in technology that ishaving a positive effect on engineeringandmanufacturing in theUK. This in turnhas presentedAmbrosewith anexcellent opportunity tomeet the >

Business

“In 2012Richardnoticed avoid in themarket forrecruitmentwithin the careindustry andalongwithJames anddirector KatieArmstrong,filled thatvoid with thelaunch ofSafehandsRecruitment“

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challenges of the industry by working inpartnership with some of the countriesleading employers to fulfill their specialistrecruitment needs.

Listening to their clients needs hasbeen a large part of the success forRichard and James, so when thequestion of training started being asked,they set up RE Training which not onlycomplemented RE Resource Group, butfilled a need for many of their clients. “Weset upRETraining in 2014 to expand theservices thatwe canoffer to ourcustomers in an evermore competitivemarket.”Says RIchard. “Aswell aslegislative training, we understand that itis beneficial for businesses to offer stafftraining in a variety of other areas toensure staff retention, productivity andconfidence”.The company have set up ahighly trained team of in-house trainingadvisors as well as a pool of highlyqualified freelance trainers for theirextensive range of courses. Theirbespoke training option is also an areaproving successful for clients who havespecific business needs.

Other courses include; management,personnel, care, industrial, hospitality,social media, health & safety, first aid andfood safety. Experienced trainers deliverthe courses from various accreditationcentres such as CIEH, HSE, Maybo,Highfields, City & Guilds and Edxcel. “We

have listened to our clients anddeveloped courses according to theirrequirements,” says Charlotte Harrisonwho has been instrumental in setting upRE Training with Richard and James. "Ourmost popular course is the LeadershipandManagement Level 3 – This is afantastic course that puts thefoundations in place for any business. Sooftenwe see hardworkers that showinitiative and intelligencebeingpromoted to supervisors/ TeamLeader/Front LineManagers. Howeverwhatwealso see is that these individuals do notalso automatically comewith the tool kitrequired to bea successfulmanager.What this course does is gives eachparticipant the skill set and confidenceto bea successful leader."

Another course proving immenselypopular is the Food Safety Industrycourse. This course goes through foodsafety, hygiene and is tailored to anindividuals specific work role. This takesup to 12 months to complete and can befully funded if the participant meets theeligibility criteria. Like all of the RE Trainingcourses, it enables a business tostandardise its workforce, continueprofessional development and create acareer path for their staff.

As well as being passionate about theRE Group, Richard is also passionateabout supporting a number of charities

and is Chairman of the Beavers SportsSociety, which is a platform from whichhe raises funds each year for variouscauses. Richard was in fact in the top 3%of fundraisers for 2014 with the ‘JustGiving’ charity. “A good friendofminerecently lost his 5 year old sonand thecharity ‘Acorns’ were instrumental inmaking his short life so rewarding. Bysupporting causes suchasAcorns aswell as others, I feel as though I amgivingsomething back.”

So what does the future hold forRichard and his companies? “We are nota group of people who like to stand still.We have a great team and everyone ineach business is passionate aboutgrowing their company and we havemany plans in place to do just that.

So whilst there is no doubt there will bemore growth in 2015, one thing willremain the same…the good reputationand level of service that has becomesynonymous with the name RE ResourceGroup. �

www.reresourcegroup.co.uk

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www.re-training.co.uk

Progression stems from training and development

For more information contact us on 01242 505400 or info@re-training.co.ukre training, CPS House, 7-9 Ambrose Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3QR

Government funded training, helping you upskill your workforce

BusinessAdmin /

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Children & Young People

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For themotoring enthusiast seeking extrathrills andexcitement, accompaniedwithindulgenceand luxury, theyneed looknofurther. TopMarquesEvents Ltdofferbespokeescortedcar tours.Eachyear theTopMarquesEvents

teamofpassionatemotorsport experts,researchandplananexclusive selectionof uniquedriving journeys for classic,prestige andsupercar owners. Createdoutof a jointly heldpassion for first classdelivery, the team’s aim is to satisfy theseasoned travellerwhilst exciting themotoringnovice. The thrill of driving yourprestige car on thebest touring roads intheUKandEurope,whilst staying at themost luxurioushotels, is a trulyunforgettable experience.SeniorDirectors, JulienDown, Fay

Merrick andSimonLaytonhaveenjoyedmanyclassicmotoringmiles and togetherhaveaprovenability to create anddelivermeticulously planned, enjoyable andmemorable events.Havinghada lifelongpassion for

prestige, sports andclassic cars andbeeninvolved in theclassic carmovement,Julienhasorganised showsandclassicruns formany years.He said: “TopMarquesEventsoffers thediscerningmotoring enthusiast theopportunity toenjoy their classic, prestige, or supercaron theopen road,while enjoying the verybest scenery, someof themost relaxingluxury andall in thecompanyof like-mindedcompanions.”Julienhasheldmany senior positions in

thePrivateBanking arena, spanning acareer of over 30years. Leading teamsacrossMayfair and theSouthWest, Julienhasdeveloped thebreadthof experiencetoensurea great attention todetail.Latterly, through thecreationanddeliveryofmanyUKwide, high-class events, hehasensuredanenviable track recordamongst his clients andcolleagues. Juliencontinues: “Our company is aiming toachieve the veryhighest standardsofservice andguarantees a robust hotel

selectioncriteria - seekingout someofthe smaller, lesswell-knowngems, aswellas someopulent, larger establishments.”Working alongside Julien, Fay is proud

tohave successfully designedanddeliveredahighprofile andhugelysuccessful eventsprogramme for LloydsBankingGroup - including a three-yearsponsorshipof theGoodwoodFestival ofSpeed.Having grownupwith anE-typeJaguar andwith apassion for all things“horsepower” she said: “Havingdoneourmarket research, there is no-oneelseoffering car tours at the luxury endof themarket.”

Julien furthered: “TopMarquesEventshasbeenborneoutof theprovenabilityof all threeDirectors towork at thehighestlevels in thecorporate arena. Thisexperience, gatheredover a combined100year time frame, hasenabled thethree strong teamtodeliver ahigh-end,bespoke, personal service to theprivateclient.”Covering themostbeautiful

landscapes in theUKandEurope, thetours canvary in length fromthree toeight days andareexclusive,withnomorethan20carsoneach trip. Some toursinclude roads known for their exhilaratingcomplexity, while others aremore relaxedand focuson the scenery.ThirdSeniorDirector, Simon, has

gainedawealthof experience inbothCommercial andPersonal banking.Hisrelationship andnetworking skills deliver aserviceof excellenceand it is this, whichbrings significant value toTopMarques

Events.He shares a loveof cars, especiallyhis classic 1976TriumphStag.Commentingon the latest releaseof their2015 tours he said: “Thecurrent toursonoffer havebeenselected tocombineourloveof classic andsuper cars, culture,luxurious accommodationand finedining.”Julien adds: “Theyhavebeenselected

tooffer fun, excitement andverydifferentdriving experiences. Weare keen toensurea fabulousbreak for everyonetakingpart, so aswell as stunning roads,wehave includedgastronomic treats,special visits for thewine lover, cookingdemonstrations fromsomeof theworld’sverybest chefs andeven theopportunityof a fabulously picturesquehelicopterflight!”“Wearealsoaiming toensureclients

haveanopportunity to learn about thehistoryof theplaceswevisit, sowill comehome, having learntmoreabout theculture andhistoryof thecountry visited,”addedFay.“Throughoutmycareer I havebeen in

the fortunatepositionof creating anddelivering eventsboth in theUKandoverseas for highnetworthclients. Thisexperiencehelpsme to knowwhat isexpected. I thoroughly enjoyensuring thateveryonehasa good timeandseeing alltheplanning andattention todetailcoming to fruition.”Thewholeexperiencebegins the

moment aclient books their placeandtypically includes; a comprehensiveinformationpackcontaining everydetailabout the tour; ferry orMotorail transportbooking; luxury accommodationanddining experiencesat keypoints; on-siteovernight parking; personallyaccompaniedbyTopMarquesDirectors,providing apoint of contact everyday;additional trips to local points of interest;surprise treats along theway; and twotour support vehicles.The touring seasonopenswith a five

dayChampagneTour, taking in theever-

Excellence through experienceLaura-Jayne Roberts reveals howmotoring enthusiastswill be taken toindulgence-filled heights by luxury brandTop Marques Events Ltd

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popularNorthernFrance region. Topclasshotels, beautiful scenery, first class foodandagatheringofmotoring enthusiasts,promises to kick the2015calendaroff to aflying start. LeedsCastle in Kent is therendezvouspoint onSunday26thAprilandprovides a suitable tasteof theexperience tocome! TheEurotunnelwillbe takendown toEpernay, across toAmboise, returningnorthward throughLeMansandDeauville, beforehugging thecoast back towardsCalais, returninghomeonFriday 1stMay.Oneaspectof theTopMarquesEvents

offer is that any ’special’ car, whether thatis a vintage/classic vehicle, a cherishedprestige car, or amoremodern supercar,iswelcomedon the tours. “One thing is forcertain,weaim for each tour tobeall-embracing and thiswill offer a trulyinteresting andenjoyable aspect for allparticipants. Our absolute aim is that ourcustomerswill enjoy their experience somuch, theywill recommendus to theirfriendsand relatives, so that they toowillbe able toexperience theTopMarquesdifference,” enthused Julien. “Drivers andnavigatorswill enjoy somegreatopportunities to learn about thecountrybeing visitedandsample theproduceofthearea.”Fellow travellers canbesafe in the

knowledge theyarebeing cared for by atruly experienced team,whoarepassionate aboutbeing able tooffer thechance toamalgamatehigh service levels,

premiumclient care, professionalstandards andalsoa largedegreeof fun!Julien said: “Experiencehas shown thatcar enthusiasts tend tobea fabulousbunchofpeople, generallywith a firstclass senseof humour! This all helps toensure thatworking inTopMarquesEventsprovidesenjoyment andsatisfactionwhena job iswell done.”In addition to theChampagne tour in

April, there is aSwissAlpsTour in Julywhichwill include someof themostexhilaratingdriving roads inEuropewiththe route set toencounter the famousSimplonandGotthardPasses,while theIrishCastlesTour, in lateSeptember,willleave those takingpart completelyenchanted fromthe soft light, gentlemists andalmost ethereal scenery.“Fromour tourswegiveour clients the

verybest experiencepossible.Oneof thethings I enjoy themost aboutworking inthis business is receiving thepositivefeedback fromclients. The fact thatwhenthey return to travelwithus again, theywillbe friendsaswell as clients,” confirmsSimon.The team is very keen to spread its offer

beyond theUKandEurope. Plans areunderway towork alongsideamajorspecialist UKcar rental business, offeringbeautiful cars suchas the iconicE typeJaguar, themuch loved “BigHealey”,Jensen Interceptor, Porsches, AstonMartins andof course, classic cars suchas thearchetypalMGBRoadster and

TriumphStag. Julienbelieves: “Thismovewill open thedoors for foreign visitors tocomeover to theUKand tours arecurrently underdevelopment towelcomesuchvisitors for runs around theThamesValley, Cotswolds, LakeDistrict andofcourse, Scotland.”Simonadded: “I am really looking

forward toexpanding thebusiness tocover all typesof events and tours andoffer themtoaworld-widemarketbase.”While Fay said: “I would love to seeTopMarquesEvents going "global". I can seeus flying clients and their carsoverseas,while also running tours for guests visitingtheUK,whowould like tohire aclassic/super car andenjoy a tour aspartof their holiday.”Excellence throughexperiencebyTop

MarquesEvents Ltd, is set to takemotoring enthusiasts and theworldofluxury, by storm.�

Top Marques Events Ltd is also delighted tobe able to support the Prince's TrustCharitable fund raising efforts.

For more information on theup-coming tours please go towww.topmarquesevents.com or tospeak to a member of the team, just contacton Julien@topmarquesevents.com or 07722596112.

Business

RussellHarper,www.harperpho

tography.co.uk

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