island business magazine, may 2010

BETTER BUSINESS

Health and wellbeing forbusiness – Part 1: Theworkforce. How you benefitfrom investing in staff health.

SPECIAL REPORT

Choosing a franchise. In thefirst of a two-part report intofranchising we look at how topick a suitable franchise.

COMPANY PROFILE

From fashion to fabrics. Howone woman's determinationled to one of the Island's mostenduring businesses.

CHAMBER MATTERS

New members, Chamberpeople, member benefits, andevent dates for your diary.

Also in this issue...

Green IslandMaking the most ofour environment?

Photo: IW AONB - Photographer Liz Cooke

MAY 2010

1See digital editions of Island Business Magazine on www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

Hello and welcome to the May edition of Island BusinessMagazine. Depending on when you read this, either theGeneral Election is imminent, or you will be celebrating /mourning the outcome. Whoever takes control will need

to talk and work with businesses to ensure that we can get somereal stability and wealth creation going. As ever, my firm belief isthat the Chamber movement is an ideal partner for this co-operation at all levels of government.

This month we are featuring ‘Green Island’ and businesses whichrecognise the importance of the environment – not only locally and nationally, but also to thewell-being of their own enterprises. A great deal of noise was made about the Eco-Islandproject when it was launched, but a shift in political will along with economic challenges haveseemingly pushed it down the agenda. The Chamber has recently launched its own Eco-Business Hub to bring together many companies, individuals, and skills to move things on hereon the Island, hopefully in full co-operation with the local authority and other statutory bodies.

Young Chamber continues to go from strength to strength and the annual Awards Nighttakes place early this month and will be covered in next month’s issue. Our best wishes go to allparticipants and our congratulations to the winners.

A recent open letter from the MD of one of our ferry companies highlighted his concerns overthe infrastructure plans of the Island – particularly with reference to our gateways. Withoutgood access, any development of the Island will be seriously compromised if the ferry ports arenot able to meet the demands of industry, tourism and, indeed, the local population. Theinvestment in both ships and ports is huge and these businesses need confidence in the futurebefore that investment is made. Hopefully, the message will get through to decision makersand also make some residents realise how easily we could slip back to being a poor relation ofthe South East without the improvements.

Finally, a cautionary tale to all you men when choosing a hobby. While racing my Ducati overEaster, I had a bit of a ‘moment’ which resulted in some bruising in a delicate area and damageto the bike. When recalling the event to a friend in the paddock, Mrs. P said: "If you killyourself on that stupid bike, don’t expect to see me at your funeral!" My friend said: "Youmust be Mrs. Porter?" to which she replied; "not for much longer!" Fortunately, with the bikeback in the van and after a nice cup of tea, everything settled down and we are (hopefully)best of friends again.

Until the June issue, take care of yourselves and those around you.

Steve Porter, President IWCCTI

President’s foreword

Published byThe Knowledge Zone Ltd

EditorSteve Sleight

Art EditorKaren Holloway

Editorial teamLouisa MamakouZara MacAlisterSara CoombesDebs Allan

Contact the [email protected]

Administration and enquiriesTanya [email protected]

Advertising SalesAmanda [email protected] 934 4208Mary [email protected] 245505

For IW ChamberEditor (Chamber)Kevin [email protected]

Managing Editor (Chamber)Zoe Stroud

For more great content visit

www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

Contact TKZThe Knowledge Zone Ltd.5-9 Baring Chambers13 Denmark Road, CowesIsle of Wight PO31 7EX01983 [email protected]

Isle of Wight Chamber of CommerceMill Court, Furrlongs, NewportIsle of Wight, PO30 2AA01983 [email protected]

To join the Chamber call 01983 520777

While every care has been taken toensure the accuracy of Island Businessmagazine the publishers do not acceptany liability or provide any guaranteethat the information is accurate,complete, or up to date. The publisherand its employees and contractors haveused their best efforts in preparing thesepages and this publication but make nowarranty of any kind, expressed or

implied, with regard to the informationsupplied. The views of contributors donot necessarily represent those of thepublisher or the IW Chamber ofCommerce. The Knowledge Zone Ltd.and its employees and contractors shallnot be liable in the event of incidentalor consequential damages in connectionwith, or arising out of, the providing ofthe information offered here.

TKZ

CONTENTS

2 NEWS

A roundup of business news

BETTER BUSINESS

Health and wellbeing forbusiness – Part 1: The workforce

12 FEATURE

Green Island – making the mostof our environment?

24 COMPANY PROFILE

Hellerslea Fabrics - fromfashion to fabrics

30 CHAMBER MATTERS

New members, Chamberpeople, member benefits,and diary dates

34 CLASSIFIEDS

Our classified section

36 THE BACK PAGE

Steve Blamire’s musings onself-help business bookstogether with Rupert Besley’svisual commentary. Plus RUBS– Really Useful Business Stuff

10

THE EXPERT’S VIEWInformation andcommunications technology

11

THE EXPERT’S VIEWMoney matters

15

THE EXPERT’S VIEWLegally speaking

21

20 SPECIAL REPORT

Franchising – Part 1:Choosing a franchise

Island Business Magazine is printedby Bishops Printers of Portsmouth


What a trying few months it's beenfor business! First there's a budgetthat's all about politics and which

we all know will need re-visiting after theelection, whoever wins. Then, as if theshutdown caused by January's snow wasn'tenough, businesses have had to face thedisruption caused by the Icelandic eruptionand the ensuing travel chaos. Isn't it timewe had a break?

By the time many of you read this theGeneral Election will be behind us, the dustwill be settling, and we'll be able to come toterms with how the business and economiclandscape will look for the foreseeablefuture. What's certain is that whoever is inpower there will be no easy answers orquick fixes to the financial and economicproblems we face. It will be down tobusinesses, the country's wealth generators,to dig deep, develop new ideas or make oldones work harder, and start to recover fromthe mess we've found ourselves in.

Having spent the past six months meetingIsland business people and exploring someof the key sectors for our monthly features,what I'm convinced of is the opportunity wehave on this Island to create and supportsome superb and valuable businesses.

This month's feature, the first of a two-parter on Green Island has once againresulted in us meeting an amazing numberof passionate individuals with energy,enthusiasm, and brilliant ideas. They need tobe encouraged and supported. Thechallenge that will face the incominggovernment will be how to deliver a lighterbureaucratic and regulatory touch, createincentives and remove barriers, and then letbusinesses go about the work they do best– delivering innovation, jobs, and profits.

I was asked recently why we don't havea readers' letters section and the answer issimple – send us your letters (or morelikely, emails) and we'll be delightedto publish them.

Until next month, may business be goodto you!

Contact the editorial team at:[email protected] telephone 01983 245505.

Visit Island Business Online at:www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

THE STARTING LINEBY THE EDITOR

Published 1 June• Green Island – Part 2 – Eco Island

update plus lots more on Islandgreen issues and companies

• Better Business – Search engineoptimisation

• Special Report – Franchising Part 2:Franchising your business

• Company Profile – Yates’ Brewery

• Chamber Matters – Monthly update

IN THE NEXT ISSUEJUNE 2010

2

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Island residents have beencampaigning for better and morecompetitively priced links to Londonfor a while and now Greyhound UK,

Southern Vectis, and Hovertravel arerolling out their solution of an 'all in one'ticket for under a tenner.

From 1 May the three transportcompanies will provide an 'all in one'ticket from anywhere on the Island toLondon from just £8, plus a 50p bookingfee, with an average single fare of £14.The operators promise to provide reliableand quick journey times and pledge tocarry customers from Newport to Londonin under three hours.

In order to shorten journey timesGreyhound has designed its timetablealongside Hovertravel and will start andend its Portsmouth - London services

directly outside Hovertravel's Southseaterminal at Clarence Pier. Southern Vectisalready drop and collect bus passengersat its interchange next door toHovertravel's terminal meaningpassengers are delivered door-to-doorthroughout their journey.

"Our unique partnership with SouthernVectis and Hovertravel is good news forthe Isle of Wight," said Alex Warner,Managing Director of Greyhound UK."Residents will have a reliable, moreintegrated, cheaper, and quicker serviceto London available from anywhere onthe Island. In addition, we think the £8ticket will encourage lots of tourists andday trippers out of London to visit themany attractions on the Island andprovide a boost to the local economy."

The Isle of Wight's woodland industryis set to receive invaluable support

thanks to a new collaborative projectbetween the Isle of Wight EconomicPartnership (IWEP) and the Isle ofWight's Area of Outstanding NationalBeauty (AONB).

Graham Biss, Chief Executive of IWEPsaid: "The aim of the project is toincrease the economic andenvironmental value of the Island’swoodlands, addressing both thesupply and demand chains of localwoodland products."

Graham continued: "Much of theIsland’s woodland has been under-developed as markets for timber on theIsland are very limited; but with morebusinesses and communities choosingbiomass as a source of heat, it provides aboost for the rural economy with jobsbeing created, from foresters andhauliers to wood fuel suppliers andboiler installers."

A part-time project officer, Danny

Horne joins IWEP to help deliver theproject and to work with localprofessionals and businesses toencourage the use of Island woodlandproducts. His main focus will be topromote the economic andenvironmental benefits to key decisionmakers and to identify the Island’seconomic woodland activitiesand potential.

A dedicated website for the Isle ofWight’s woodland industry, WoodworksWight, supports the project and offersinformation to both Isle of Wightconsumers and to the woodland owners.

Finally – fast, cheaptravel to London

Green light for woodland project

MAY 2010

3

NEWS

Read national business news on www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

The UK round of the Extreme SailingSeries, run by East Cowes-based OC

Events, will again be held in Cowesduring Cowes Week.

Previously known as the iShares Cup,this year's series is currently without asponsor and has been slimmed downfrom six to five events held between Mayand October in France, the UK, Germany,Italy, and Spain. The Cowes event will bethe second of the series and up to tenteams are expected to compete.

Previously, Mark Turner CEO of OCGroup had told Island Business thatfinancial support would be needed fromthe Island if the UK round was to returnto Cowes, but neither he nor CowesWeek organisers, Cowes Week Ltd.,would comment on the arrangementsfor this year's event.

With a further announcement expectedfrom OC Events this month it may be

that a title sponsor has been found forwhom Cowes is an important venue.

Interestingly, all the series events runover four days except for the Cowesround, which will be six days, runningfrom Saturday, 31 July to Thursday,5 August.

This year, the racing will be held later inthe day to allow Cowes Week sailors aswell as the general public to enjoy theracing and the entertainment at theEgypt Point race village.

Stuart Quarrie, CEO of Cowes WeekLimited said: "We're delighted towelcome the Extreme 40s back to CowesWeek. Last year the racing added hugelyto the spectacle of our regatta and,having taken onboard the feedbackreceived, we're delighted that some ofthe racing will be held later in the dayenabling more Cowes Week sailors toenjoy the spectacle too."

His Royal Highness TheDuke of Kent visitedRF Engines Limited(RFEL) at their Island

offices as part of a tour tomeet with Island companiesthat have recently won theQueen's Award.

RF Engines won the 2009Queen’s Award for Innovation,and CEO John Summers said thatreceiving the Award has boostedawareness of the company in the globalmarket, and helped to draw attention toits unique solutions for Digital SignalProcessing (DSP).

"We provide solutions for the mostchallenging DSP problems," Mr Summersexplained. "Many problems can besolved using standard software andfirmware solutions but, when these runout of steam, companies come to us for

our expertise in knowing how to achievebetter performances and faster responsetimes because we do this every day. Ourteam includes several PhDs and isprobably one of the leading centres ofexcellence for DSP in the world."

RFEL started business in 2000 andemploys over 20 highly qualifiedpersonnel. It has been profitable forseveral years and has been steadilygrowing year on year in both revenueterms and head count.

Royal visit for RFEngines

Extreme 40s return to Cowes

Funding for ruralcommunitybroadband

Financial help forgraduateinternships

Southampton Solent University isthe lead partner in a scheme to

place graduates in 80 internships inHampshire and the Isle of Wight.

They are working in partnershipwith the universities of Southamptonand Winchester and the regionalgraduate retention initiative;Graduate Jobs South (GJS) aremanaging the process.

The Higher Education FundingCouncil for England (HEFCE) isproviding funding of £13.6 millionfor 8,500 graduate internshipsnationally. The funding aims tosupport the increased numbers ofunemployed graduates in theeconomic downturn, and supportemployers in the Government'spriority areas for economic growth.

The GJS graduate internships willrun for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time and employers will receive£1,350 towards the intern's salary.The employer will be required to paythe intern at least the minimum wagefor the duration of the internship.

Rural communities throughout theSouth East can now apply for

capital grants to increase their accessto broadband.

The funding programme is expectedto improve local services, stimulateeconomic development, and increasesocial inclusion.

Through the Rural DevelopmentProgramme for England (RDPE),£375,000 has been made availableuntil the end of 2010. The grants aremanaged by the South East EnglandDevelopment Agency (SEEDA).

Robert Crawford, of SEEDA, said:"This grant funding will help ruralcommunities compete and promotegrowth throughout the local economy."

The funding will provide access tobroadband infrastructure or upgradethe existing network to ensure aminimum speed of 2Mb/s. Expressionsof interest must be received by 31 May.

For more information call DavidCooper at SEEDA on 01483 501304.

NEWS

4


Island Training, the new specialistemployer engagement training armat the Isle of Wight College, hasbeen launched following the merger

of IW Industrial Group Training Services,the IW College's business developmentunit, and the College's work-basedlearning team.

The new venture will provide employerswith a range of training opportunities fortheir workforce includingapprenticeships, NVQs in the workplace,and bespoke training courses designedto meet specific needs.

Fidelma Washington, Director ofWorkforce Skills, described the launch ofIsland Training as an exciting time for theCollege in line with the College’s missionstatement of 'working with employers'."Work-based learning remains high onthe Government agenda with significantnational growth planned forapprenticeships for the future," she said."Consolidating our knowledge andexpertise will ensure that we are inthe best position to respond toemployer demand."

Island Training has relationships withhundreds of companies across the Islandand there are specialists available in eacharea available to talk to employers abouttheir training needs. It is actively seekingfunding opportunities to support

employers and learners and is currentlyinvolved with the apprenticeredeployment support programme.

Island Training is also involved in thedelivery of European Social Fund (ESF)projects to provide funded trainingprogrammes for employees who are atrisk of redundancy, have been maderedundant and are unemployed, toupgrade their skills to assist them insecuring alternative employment.

New training servicefor employers

Hunt for most enterprising place

The search for the South East's mostenterprising place is underway

following the launch of the EnterprisingBritain 2010 competition by theSouth East England DevelopmentAgency (SEEDA).

The competition rewards cities, villages,towns, and neighbourhoods in the SouthEast that have tackled the economicdownturn and are successfully creatingjobs, boosting local business, andnurturing entrepreneurial talent.

This year, the competition hasexpanded to include five categorieswhich are Enterprise Culture, DrivingEntrepreneurial Skills, Business Supportand Start-up, Global Entrepreneurship,and Social Cohesion. Organisations canenter any or all of the categories andregional winners will attend the nationalfinals later in the year.

Last year, Chatham Historic Dockyardwas named the South East’s mostenterprising place in the initial stage of

the competition, and Bill Ferris, ChiefExecutive of Chatham Historic DockyardTrust said: "Winning the title of theSouth East's most enterprising place in2009 really raised the profile of TheHistoric Dockyard Chatham in its 25thAnniversary year, together with all theorganisations working hard to regeneratethis area."

Enterprising Britain is free to enter andis open to all organisations that areworking in partnership to create anenterprising place. The place can be atown, a city, a parish, school, college, ora neighbourhood. Organisations mustdemonstrate that enterprise is central tothe economic and/or socialtransformation of the place.

Entries must be submitted by 31 Mayand the winner will be announced inOctober. Visit the websitewww.enterpriseuk.org/get_involved/enterprising_britain for entry details.

Gearing up withlottery help

An interest freeloan from the

Isle of WightLottery is helpinga Sandown bikebusiness move upa gear.

Alan Sheath,who runs Re-Cycle-D says theloan has madethe differencebetween standingstill and expanding, and he is nowpreparing for a busy season.

Alan launched his business three yearsago after repairing and re-building bikesthat others had thrown away. TheLottery loan means he has been able tomeet demand from customers for newbikes too, and he now stocks a range ofBarracuda, Haro, and Freespirit mountainbikes, as well as the Haro BMX range.

Alan, who was born and bred on theIsland, said: "The process of getting theLottery loan was straightforward, and itis doubly helpful because you get thesupport of a business adviser too."

Alan also sells bicycle parts, exportingto collectors all over the world.

"I have been keen on bikes ever since Iwas a child," Alan said. "I love what Ido, and it’s good that so many Islandersenjoy cycling, too."

New Seawardworkboat on trials

Cowes-based Seaward Marine,builders of the Seaward range of

semi-displacement motor cruisers andworkboats, has been putting theirnew Seaward Nelson 42 through itstrials on the Solent.

The craft was moulded and fittedout by Seaward Marine under LloydsRegister survey for the mouldings andunder Danish Maritime Authoritycertification for use as a generalpurpose workboat with duties toinclude pilot boarding operations.

5www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

Did your last new recruit bring you £1,500?No? Well your next one could. HTP* can offer grants of £1,500 to employers in the South East to take on school or college leavers as Apprentices. What’s more, HTP—the Apprenticeship specialists—can make the process of fi nding an Apprentice and accessing the grant easy. We’ll advertise your vacancy for free on the National Apprenticeship website and manage the recruitment process with you. Then, we can provide the highest quality training in Hospitality & Catering, Retail, Customer Service, Administration and dozens of other roles to help you bring the best out of your Apprentice.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Call HTP now on 01983 533926

*Supported by the European Social Fund. Other groups also eligible. Eligibility terms & conditions apply.

Cowes Yacht Haven, Vectis Yard, High Street, Cowes PO31 7BD

Call 01983 299 975www.cowesyachthaven.com

Cowes Yacht Haven plays host to the most prestigious events on the Island. It is the ideal venue for all forms of corporate hospitality and events, whatever the scale.

With its superb marina position and complete event management service we guarantee you will have an event to remember. Call us today for a free tour.

Cheap travelfor guests

The island’s biggest event is back and you can maximise the business opportunity by snapping up the limited number of hospitality and sponsorship packages that start from just £500.

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Charity runNewport jewelleryshop manager DavidTaylor, raised morethan £1,000 for theAlzheimer’s ResearchTrust, when he ran theVirgin LondonMarathon last month.David ran in memoryof his father-in-law, John, who haddementia and died two years ago.David, who lives in Cowes, said: "Myfather-in-law lived with dementia for fiveyears and it was heartbreaking for thefamily to see such a strong and proud manlose his abilities and independence."

Street view guide to housesNetguides has integrated Google StreetView with Megan Baker Estate Agent’swebsite. The new service meansprospective buyers can view houses as ifthey're standing outside the property.As well as giving the viewer a look at theexterior of the property, they can view thesurrounding area and explore the localityby ‘travelling’ along streets.Thomas Cowley of Netguides said:“Helping our customers reach out in newways to find larger audiences ensurestheir web presence continues to deliverhigh value as a marketing and saleschannel in changing times."

Frontline workshopAn interactive workshop for frontline staffwill focus on how to communicate moreeffectively in a diverse community.Organised by the Island StrategicPartnership, with Red Tie Theatre, thesession will help reception staff andothers who deal directly with clients andcustomers to understand the issues facingmigrant workers, and other groups.The free event will be held at Quay Arts,Newport, on Thursday, 27 May, with twosessions: from 1300 to 1530, and 1700 to1930. Contact Nikki Parker on 01983527565 for information or to book.

Students race round 'the Island'Island Year 9 students are gearing up tocompete in the ‘other’ round the Islandrace next month.The Young Chamber members are buildingmodel boats to race round an island-shaped route in the basin of the IslandSailing Club on the afternoon of 18 June,after the official Round the Island Racepress conference.The model boat version of the race wasfirst run last year, when students fromCowes High School designed and builtfour model boats. It was such a successthat the competition has been opened upto students across the Island.

6


HMP Isle of Wight was created ayear ago, and is now one of theIsland’s biggest businesses – andthe country’s largest prison.

Formed from the merger of Parkhurst,Albany, and Camp Hill, it is now on whatthe Governor, Barry Greenberry, calls ‘anever-ending journey to perfection’.

A key element of the prison’s re-structuring and development is the desireto create a positive environment in whichstaff and the 1,700 prisoners are treatedas members of a team.

"It is like the biggest Big Brother houseever, in here," said Barry. "It is a highlycontrolled and closely observed place, forobvious reasons, and that creates aunique pressure."

HMP Isle of Wight is not just thebiggest prison in the country, it is alsothe furthest ahead in the way it hasmodernised along business lines.

The merger of the three prisons intoone has generated efficiency savings ofaround £3 million, and staffingreductions have all been achieved bynatural wastage.

"It has not been an easy time," saidBarry. "It has been unsettling for some,and challenging for everyone. Butsomething had to be done because ourstandards of performance were goinginto decline, and now that the mergerhas been completed, we are now on a

never-ending journey to perfection. Wewant to be the flagship of the wholeprison service."

Integration into the Island community isan important part of the prison’sdevelopment. Barry and his teamrepresent the prison on a range of Islandpartnership groups, and a new‘community payback’ scheme has beenlaunched, with the aim of enablingprisoners to carry out community workwhich does not jeopardise anyone else’spaid employment.

See the July edition of Island Businessfor a full profile of HMP Isle of Wight.

Local businesses have been gettinginvolved in educating youngsters with

a scheme run by Mayfield Middle School.The programme of family learning and

activities aims to get pupils, parents,extended family members, and companiesworking together to involve the localcommunity in the school environment andto support the curriculum in interestingand different ways.

Mayfield, whose students are aged9-13, runs a different session most Fridayafternoons during term-time, as well assome weekend and evening workshops.

Amongst some recent participants inthe initiative are Thorntons, whose staffran afternoon sessions helping pupils andtheir parents to decorate chocolateadvent calendars whilst they also tookpart in activities designed to improvetheir maths.

Two evening workshops were run bySteve Thomas, who taught parents andchildren how to build football-playingrobots, as well as talking about thefuture of robotics and offering advice to

students on how to develop theirown ideas.

The most recent 'Family Friday' sessioninvolved Nigel Smith, owner of The BagelWrap in Ryde. He visited the school earlyin the morning to help prepare a healthybreakfast for over 70 pupils and parents.This proved so successful that it looks setto become a regular event.

Prison is big business

Local businesses go to school

Barry Greenberry

Breakfast chef Nigel Smith

7Visit www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk for up-to-date Isle of Wight business news

Phone Simon TODAY on 01983 295050

H o s t e d b u s i n e s s Vo I P f r o m W i g h t c a b l e

Communications House, 56 Love Lane, Cowes, IW, PO31 [email protected] voip.wightcable.com

“

WIGHT MOTORS LIMITED 01983 405565 College Close, Sandown www.wighthyundai.co.uk*5 Year Triple Care terms and conditions apply. Please see www.hyundai.co.uk/owners/Triple5 or ask your local dealer for full terms and conditions. Warranty cover for cars used as taxis or private hire is subject to 100,000 mile limit. **Model shown is the Hyundai ix35 Premium 2.0 CRDi 2WD at £20,150 including Sirius Silver metallic paint at £405. † Roadside Assistance is provided by RAC Motoring Services Reg’d office: RAC House, 8 Surrey Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR1 3NG Reg’d No 1424399. RAC Motoring Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and within the jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km) for Hyundai ix35 range: Urban 28.8 (9.8) - 42.8 (6.6), Extra Urban 46.3 (6.1) - 57.6 (4.9), Combined 37.7 (7.5) - 51.4 (5.5) CO2 Emissions 177-147 g/km.

BEAUTY AND EFFICIENCY. TOGETHER.

Are you seduced by style? Or do you delve deeper to question every detail? The new Hyundai ix35 will satisfy both your heart and mind. Perfectly. Its fluidic design, stylish interior and impressive equipment levels will immediately set your heart racing.

To satisfy your mind, it has ample safety features. It’s also the first Hyundai to offer our new 5 Year Triple Care* package – which includes our Five Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty*, five years` RAC roadside assistance† and five annual vehicle health checks.

The Hyundai ix35 – from just £16,495.**

www.beautyandefficiency.co.uk

DO YOU LISTEN TO YOUR HEART OR YOUR MIND?

NEWS IN BRIEF

A classic eventClassic cars from all over the UK will beheading for the Island in September for theninth Charity Classic Car Extravaganza.Organiser Victor Gallucci is expecting morethan 600 vehicles, which will be on displayat Newport Quay on Saturday, 18September, and Ryde Esplanade thefollowing day.Money donated at Newport will go to theBarely Born Appeal, and at Ryde to EarlMountbatten Hospice. The annual event issponsored by Wightlink, Isle of WightCouncil, and the Isle of Wight County Press.

Payment revolution onBritish/Polish agendaThe mobile payments revolution was thetheme of the British Polish Chamber ofCommerce’s (BPPC's) seventh annualconference last month.The event, held in Warsaw, stressed theneed for businesses to get up to speed onthe next generation of mobile phoneswhich will enable fast payment for goodsand services through the use ofelectronic readers.Martin Oxley, Chief Executive Officer of theBPCC said: “The payment revolution willhappen, and it will be a major driver offuture economic growth. There will bewinners and losers and it is importantbusinesses learn quickly so they don’tmiss out."For more, visit www.bpcc.org.pl.

8


All that jazzThree more acts have been added to theline-up for the first ever ‘Jazz on theMeadow’ Concert at the Ventnor BotanicGarden on Saturday, 22 May.Supporting headliner Courtney Pine will bejazz violinist Omar Puente, Americansongstress Keri Highland, and excitingyoung saxophonist Benedict Branca,alongside The Ric Harris Trio and EdanaMinghella.

Businesses are workingwith the community atBrighstone to help put the

village on the map.Led by the Parish Council and

the Brighstone and DistrictCommunity Forum, the aim isto encourage Islanders andtourists to make the most ofwhat the village offers.

The campaign has got off to a flyingstart, with the development of a newDiscover Brighstone website,brand new leaflets, and a Facebookpresence – all achieved since thecampaign was launched in January.

Chairman of Brighstone and DistrictCommunity Forum, Peter Jostins, said:"Brighstone is a great place for all kindsof leisure activities, in a beautiful setting.The Discover Brighstone Project will putBrighstone on the map and help ensurebusinesses stay here and develop."

Sue Chorley, a Parish Councillor andForum member, said: "We have a livelyand active community in Brighstone aswell as a beautiful environment aroundus. We are determined to ensure thecontinuation of both. Local people arevery supportive of the project and thereis considerable interest in ensuring thatour new Discover Brighstone websitedevelops into a useful interactive tool."

For more information, go towww.brighstoneparish.org.

An Island landscapingbusiness plans to really

take off this year.Lee Daniels, owner of LD

Transformations, has grownsteadily since he begandoing garden clearancework five years ago. Nowhe tackles anything fromgarden re-design todriveway installations, andhas even branched out intohome improvements.

Recent projects alsoinclude fitting out andlandscaping a children’splay area at the CheekyChimps nursery in Ryde.

Now Lee is expanding intobuilding jumps for horses.

“I heard that there is not asingle company south ofBirmingham that produces thejumps, and there appears tobe a lot of interest in thesouth, so I am bridging thegap,” he said.

Lee is proud of the fact thatall his commissions have comefrom word of mouth.

“I think some of that isdown to the fact that I am notjust prepared to give anythinga go, but I always try to doeverything to the higheststandards,” he said.

Pelican Racing and Cowes YachtHaven are running an exclusive

sailing event for Chamber of Commercemembers – WightSail 2010.

The brand new event offers Islandbusinesses the chance to have fun,compete, network and build teams – allsupported by Pelican’s instructors.

Wightsail 2010 will be held onWednesday, 2 June at Cowes YachtHaven, and no sailing experienceis necessary.

Participants will receive a safetybriefing, get kitted out with all-weathergear (if required) and then take to thewater for some practice before gettinginto fun racing. Later, Cowes YachtHaven will be hosting a BBQ.

The cost of £10 per person goes to theevent charity, Toe in the Water, whichhelps service personnel who returninjured from conflict overseas.

For information or to book a place,email [email protected].

Putting Brighstone onthe map

Galloping ahead

Chamber takes to the water


APPRE

NTICES

HIPS

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BETTER BUSINESS

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Whatever your industry, size ofbusiness or location, youremployees are a valuableasset. Proactive

management of employees' physical andmental health can produce importantbusiness benefits.

A growing number of employers nowrecognise employee health and wellbeingas a strategic priority, particularly duringthese challenging economic times.Managing health, work, and wellbeing,however, is the responsibility of both theemployer and the employee.

Work can have a positive impact on ourhealth and wellbeing. Employees who arehealthy and well motivated can have anequally positive impact on the productivityand effectiveness of a business, andprovide the business with an improvedpublic image and higher staff retentionrates. This in turn cuts down on theadditional expenses of recruitment,

induction, and the need to train new staff.As Nova Lifestyles Director Sara Mosley

said: "By keeping your staff healthy andhappy, employees are more likely to staywith the company, thus reducing the oftenconsiderable costs of recruitment andtraining of new employees."

Dr Fiona Kennedy, Chartered ClinicalPsychologist at GreenWood Mentorsadded: "Businesses gain fromimprovements to the bottom line byavoiding the costs of sickness, improvedcreativity and positivity in performance andalso in communications with otherorganisations, adding to the impression ofa healthy and thriving company."

While the benefits of work greatlyoutweigh any disadvantages, work canalso be bad for your health. Figures showthat two million people suffer an illnessthey believe has been caused or madeworse by their work. This can take theform of stress, anxiety, back pain,depression, and increased risk ofcoronary heart disease.

Non-work related mental ill health is themost significant cause of long-termabsence, and musculoskeletal problemsthe second most significant. With onemillion people reporting sick each week,businesses suffer too. The Confederationof British Industry estimated that 175million working days were lost last yearto sickness, at a cost to the economyof £13 billion.

"The financial costs of sick leave areenormous," said Dr Kennedy, "with thecost of lost production, sick pay and thelong-term costs of such consequences asfailing to deliver to schedule. A workforcemember's sick leave has knock-on effectson members of his or her team, meaningextra workload for them, increasing thelikelihood that they will become stressedand need time off."

An unhealthy workplace is usually easyto recognise. It often has poormanagement, a bullying culture, poor

Increased motivation and concentration are just a couple of thebenefits of having a healthy workforce, but what are the real benefitsto businesses and employees of investing in staff health?

Health andwellbeingfor businessPart 1: The workforce

Louisa Mamakouconsiders healthat work

Sources:

Lynette Herbst: IW Chamber Health [email protected] Chamber Health has a qualified team ofnurses who work with the Island NHS to supportand improve health in the workplace.

Business Link South East -www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeastBusiness Link advise now is the time to reviewand implement health, wellbeing, and sicknesspolicies; consider health when drafting allemployment-related policies.

Dr Fiona Kennedy: GreenWood Mentors Ltd -www.greenwoodmentors.comGreenWood Mentors offer business coaching andmentoring to executives on the Island, along withpsychological expertise of all types.

Sara Mosley: Nova Lifestyles -www.novalifestyles.co.ukNova Lifestyles aim is to raise awareness of thebenefits of improving health and wellbeinggenerally, and inform people about the differentways this can be achieved.

Steven Marsh: TJ's Gym & Exercise Studio -www.tjs-gym.co.ukSteven Marsh works with several Islandbusinesses: "Staff benefit from exerciseprogrammes at the Studio on a corporate basis,or from in-house visits, where advice, education,and treatment are offered."

Kathryn Hall: Gurit (UK) [email protected]

Working for Healthwww.workingforhealth.gov.uk

Acas - www.acas.org.uk

MAY 2010


Get checked"Health is important wherever you are. Evidence tells us thatearly identification of health problems is very important,"advises Lynette Herbst, IW Chamber Health Nurse Manager."Chamber Health works closely with the Island NHS PrimaryCare Trust, which recognises the need for people to bescreened for cardiovascular disease."People are often too busy to go to their GP, and some won’tgo because they could lose money by taking time off."We screen in workplaces because that helps us reachpeople who are most at risk. We also peovide 'stop smoking'services at work and advice to help people live healthier lives."Businesses could do more by encouraging employees tocycle to work, or setting up a walking club. Those whoprovide food on the premises could review their menus toensure employees get healthy meals."One thing every business could do is to contact ChamberHealth and invite us in to do a free health check."Newport-based company Gurit has recently taken advantageof Chamber Health's screening services for Island businesses.Kathryn Hall, HR and Development Manager explained:"Gurit was approached by the Chamber Health teamregarding their on-site health screening services for staff."We worked with Chamber Health to publicise the healthchecks and stop smoking service and had a tremendousresponse. Feedback has been very complimentary; employeesthought this a great initiative which enabled them to thinkabout health issues they might not normally have considered."From an employer's point of view, Chamber Health'sservices have been a great way for us to promote health andwellbeing amongst the workforce. Any activities which helppromote long-term health and decrease absence arebeneficial to our organisation."

CHAMBER INTERVIEW

Information and communicationstechnology is crucial to manybusinesses. In his Expert's Viewcolumn Jonathan Thornton,Technical Services Director of Ryde-based IT provider, PC Consultantsoffers his views on how to get thebest from ICT.

Do more with less

The challenge to “do morewith less” continues tochange the way IT works

within business. On the back ofthe deepest recession for years,shrinking IT budgets haveaffected businesses of all sizeswith a constant emphasis on costsaving whilst still maintainingday-to-day operations. Extendedlife cycles of equipment beyondtraditional three year rotationshave also placed a greaterimportance on resilience anddisaster recovery planning.

Server virtualisation technologyis one technique which can helpachieve these goals. For example,take an IT setup with separatephysical machines each coveringa specific role for users – emailserver, file server, web server anda database server. The basicreason behind virtualisation isthat for most of the time theseservers are idle and even duringheavy usage have excesscapacity. Without going into thenuts and bolts, essentially thisspare capacity can be used toallow multiple independentcopies of the operating system tobe run on the physical server atthe same time. Instead of fourphysical servers you now haveone with an overall higherutilisation and savings in terms ofspace and power consumption.

Years ago, virtualisation wasenterprise only and pricedaccordingly but today costeffective solutions fromcompanies such as market leaderVMware with ESX ensure a solidplatform to build on. Thisreliability is vital as having allyour eggs in one basket mightseem the opposite of resilienceand disaster recovery! Yetvirtualisation helps business

continuity in several key areas,for example in removing the linkbetween the physical hardwareplatform and the operatingsystem software. Especiallyapplicable to Microsoft-basedsystems is the problem ofhardware independent restore. Inmost cases if a server breaksdown it must be replaced withthe same core hardware; this isfine when a machine is underwarranty and parts are availablefrom suppliers. But what if themachine is several years old, anew replacement machine will bedifferent to the original and thiscan play havoc with traditionalbackup software.

Another benefit of virtualisationcan be found in high availabilitysolutions. In our previousexample you could take the fourphysical servers and host theseroles on a single virtual server.Yet by adding a second backupvirtual server you could achievefull redundancy of all four serverroles with each machine actuallylocated at different areas withinyour building or site. With anappropriate solution you couldexperience a complete hardwarefailure of the primary server andhave your users not evennotice a difference.

Doing more with less is aconstant balancing act butvirtualisation has some clearbenefits which can help evensmall and medium-sizedbusinesses maintain theirIT efficiency.

Contact:Jonathan at PC Consultantson 01983 811711www.pcctechservices.co.ukJonathan.thornton@pcconsultants.co.uk

THE EXPERT’S VIEWINFORMATION & COMMUNICATONS TECHNOLOGY

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customer service, high absence levels, reduced productivity, andunreasonably high work demands.

Good relationships have the potential to make workplaceshealthy and productive. But promoting a healthy and productiveworkplace is not just about being nice to each other, althoughthis obviously helps!

Good employment relations are built upon effective policies formanaging people issues such as communication, absence,grievances, and occupational health, as well as high levels oftrust between employees and managers.

Sara Mosley pointed out: "Staff who feel valued will performbetter in all aspects of their work and are better able to achievetheir full potential."

The benefits of having a healthy workforce tend to outweighthe costs. Active encouragement to lead a healthy lifestyle willimprove motivation and productivity in the workplace as well asgenerate a more upbeat outlook.

Sara concluded: "By investing in staff wellbeing, a huge returnon investment can be achieved. Those employers 'with vision'who recognise this and are prepared to spend time and moneyon staff support initiatives can reap the benefits in a variety ofways. It can be money well spent."Read the expanded article on Island Business Online.

T he Island's 150 square milesincludes superb and variedcountryside with about half of itdesignated as an Area of

Outstanding National Beauty (AONB). TheAONB also covers about half of theIsland's 60 miles of spectacular coastlineincluding both the Hamstead andTennyson Heritage Coast areas – adesignation which is only given tocoastlines of the highest quality andunspoilt nature. Packed into its perimeteris a variety of coastline types, from chalkcliffs to salt marshes, mud flats, sandbanks, river estuaries, and seaside towns.

The landscape is remarkably diverse –hence the 'England in miniature'description – and includes about 100 sq.miles of farmland and 20 sq. miles ofurban areas. With the variety of its Solentand Channel coastlines, its attractive rurallandscape, and the famous chalk ridgewhich runs across the whole Island, theIsle of Wight has a physical environmentto be proud of and one that's importantto protect and to utilise for its appeal tothe vital tourism audience.

Along with its 490 miles of roads (withtheir own unique character!), the Islandalso boasts over 200 miles of cyclewayswhich offer visitors and residents somegreat cycle tours.

For those who love walking, the Islandis also a walker's paradise with superbscenery and, allegedly, more footpathsper square mile than any other Englishcounty - over 500 miles of footpaths infact! From a 67 mile coastal walk aroundthe Island to many shorter circular routesand town trails, there's a walk for everylevel of fitness and energy. The Isle ofWight Walking Festival is the UK's biggestand has a programme of more than 300walks. Last year's event saw almost25,000 people take part. (This year'sdates are 8-23 May.)

TourismThe natural environment is the Island'sgreatest asset and the biggest draw forthe vital tourism audience, but the Islandtourism industry generally has been slowto respond to the opportunities offeredby, and the rapidly increasing demand for,eco-tourism.

One company that did spot theopportunity is The Really Green HolidayCompany run by Alison Martin andAnthony Davies. They offer low-carbonholidays in yurts based in the orchardat Afton Park.

Alison set up the business four yearsago after visiting the Big Green Gatheringand seeing yurts for the first time.

FEATURE

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The Isle of Wight is oftendescribed as England in miniaturebut when it comes to the benefitsand opportunities offered by theIsland's environment there'snothing miniature about it.

Green Island -making the most ofour environment?Steve Sleight andZara MacAlisterexplore how Islandbusinesses andorganisations areresponding to greenopportunities.


Goodleaf TreeClimbing

Goodleaf Tree Climbing was set upby New Zealander Paul McCathie in2005. An arborist by trade, Paul'swork has had him climbing treesprofessionally for over ten years.

"The whole ethos of Goodleaf TreeClimbing is based on responsibletourism so we look at our impact onthe environment and everything wedo to it, so being green is an integralpart of the business," said Paul.

Paul is one of only a few peopleoffering tree climbing in the UK, butover recent years it has become verypopular in America and Japan.

"It's gaining in popularity here," saidPaul. "We're growing, and theIsland is a wonderful place to havea business."

Paul's experience as an arborist meanshe can talk knowledgeably about treesand his aim is for people to realisetheir importance to our habitat.

He is also passionate about theIsland's environment and theopportunity for green businesses. "Somuch of the Island is an Area ofOutstanding Natural Beauty it fostersgreen businesses for sure and there'slots of people that we've teamed upwith who have a similar mindset."

He's keen for the Eco Island idea totake root: "We really do needsomething to focus on to pull us alltogether so that we can act with asynergy that's really going to make adifference," he said.

Watch our tree-borne interviewwith Paul on Island Business Onlineand for more information visit:www.goodleaf.co.uk

The Really GreenHoliday Company

Alison Martin and Anthony Daviesrun The Really Green HolidayCompany offering environmentallyfriendly camping holidays incomfortable, fully furnished canvasyurts near Freshwater Bay.

Having always loved camping, andwith her experience in runningholiday lets on the Island, Alsiondecided to set up a business to givepeople holidays in yurts. "The drawis, that people want to have holidaysunder canvas and the Isle of Wight isa beautiful place to come to. Wemake everything as green aspossible, but with choice so peoplecan choose how much they want tocook, use their car, or to recycle."

The yurts provide a special campingexperience. "For me, it's abouthaving a really comfy bed," saidAlison. "For warmth you've got thewood burning stove, and it's magicallying in bed with the stove cracklingaway, watching the flames andkeeping warm and cosy."

The yurts are based in the middle ofan orchard at Afton Park. "It's such alevel, sunny site and the trees createa lot of privacy so each yurt has itsown area for eating and sitting out."

Living on the Island played a part inAlison deciding to start this type ofbusiness: "I came to the Island about17 years ago and fell in love with it,and I love having people to visit andshare the beauty of it," she concluded.

Watch our interview with Alisonon Island Business Online and visit:thereallygreenholidaycompany.com

MAY 2010

13

FEATURE

See digital versions of Island Business Magazine on www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

Although she loved camping she saw theopportunity offered by the relative luxuryof yurts combined with a really low-carbon holiday environment.

But there's no pressure on visitors. "Wejust make it as comfortable and as easyto be green as we can," explained Alison.

The formula is certainly an appealingone for a lot of visitors, as last year theyreached 75% capacity and are hoping toimprove on that this year.

Another superb example of a greentourism business is Goodleaf TreeClimbing Adventures started by NewZealander Paul McCathie five years ago.

A two-and-a-half hour session includes15 minutes of instruction and safetybriefing, kitting you out with a harnessand hard hat, then you're off up the 60ftoak tree at the company's secret Islandlocation. From the top you can look outover the Solent, or you can relax in ahammock, indulge in a bit of branchwalking, or hang upside down amongthe canopy. Age is no barrier as Paul hashad all ages climbing, from 5-75.

At the end of your climb the picnicbasket awaits with cakes baked justdown the road, milk from cows living afew fields away, and tea, coffee, andjuices that are all fairtrade or organic.

Leaving the car at homeWith 75% of visitors to the Island comingby car it's obvious that there's a bigimpact on Island roads, towns andvillages, plus increased congestion.

Alison Martin makes it as easy aspossible for people to leave their car athome when coming to stay in one oftheir yurts. She's happy to pick up visitorsand their luggage from the ferry terminal,arrange bike hire, and provideinformation about bus travel. Last year40% of their visitors didn't bring a car.

The Goodleaf Tree Climbing Companyoffers a five per cent discount if youtravel to their field on public transport,bike, or foot and they provide advice onbus routes, cycle paths and foot paths tomake it as easy as possible for you to bea green tourist.

They are also members of a new Car-Free scheme set up on the Island by LoisPrior. "The scheme promotes anybusiness that can offer an incentive topublic transport users,” explained Lois,“as well as offering information aboutIsland buses, trains, integrated tickets,and places to visit without the car.

Rapanui

The Drake-Knight brothers foundedRapanui on an ambitious sustainablebusiness model and it became one ofthe youngest companies ever to beshortlisted for the SustainableBusiness Awards.

They began in 2008 using theirsavings of a few hundred pounds:"The business has naturally evolvedand we've had to put all the moneyback in to grow the company. We'renow in a place where we've got fivepeople working for us, and we'll haveanother two soon," they explained.

Mart has a degree in renewableenergy and Rob's is in business, andbetween them they have theknowledge and passion to run asuccessful company. It was Mart'sdegree in renewable energy thatmade the brothers so aware of theenvironmental issues and created thedesire to do something about it.

"80% of the environmental impactof clothing happens after you'vebought the clothes, through washingand so on," explained Rob. "The ideabehind Rapanui is that if we caninform and educate people as towhere their clothing comes from andhow it's made, we can influence thewider lifestyle choices.

"Fashion has the greatest potentialto be a medium that brings aboutsustainable change through itsunique power of influence."

The ultimate goal for Mart and Rob isto encourage people to be moreenvironmentally friendly: "If we caninspire people to make a widerlifestyle choice in going green andspark a change in the industry then Ithink we'll have done our job."

There's a really interestinginterview with Rob and Mart inour video report on IslandBusiness Online and you can alsovisit: www.rapanuiclothing.com

Ventnor BotanicGardenVentnorBotanicGarden lies ina micro-climate at theheart of theUndercliff in Ventnor, a place wherethe pleasure of plants can be enjoyedto the fullest and where there's a firmcommitment to the furtherance ofunderstanding of the plant kingdom.

Curator Simon Goodenough explainedthat the garden is in public ownership,managed by the Isle of Wight Council,and is free of many of the constraintsplaced on other gardens. This givesSimon the opportunity to try 'newthings', experiment with plantassociations and maximise theadvantage offered by the microclimate and topography of the site.

A self-imposed remit of 'providing apublic amenity that can be used forrecreation, education, andconservation', are the goals.

"We have a massive educationalrole," said Simon, "because we arefocussed on the fact that there arehuge environmental issues facing usand the plant kingdom is absolutelyessential to resolving many ofthese problems."

Incredibly, around about a quarterof a million plants get put out everyyear. "We don't bed out as such,but we do have a lot of things thatwe have to propagate if we havehard winters.

"The surplus from that propagationwe then sell so we do recoup themoney. It's cost neutral but it couldactually be a revenue generator aswell if it was invested in."

Simon believes that current greenissues should make the Island veryattractive for tourism. As he said:"The Cornish peninsula has beendoing it for years, wake up Isle ofWight, we need to be doing it."

Watch our interview with Simonon Island Business Online and findout more about this Islandtreasure at www.botanic.co.uk

FEATURE

14


"The scheme has been kept simple andall visitors need to do to get a discountwith participating businesses is to showtheir train, bus, or Rover ticket."

The Goodleaf Tree Climbing Companyand Vintage Vacations were the first tosign up to the scheme and Lois is hopingthat many more will join this year.

Climate changeThe small size of the Island and thevariety packed into a small space showsup the effects of changes to theenvironment very clearly. The current riskof closure to the popular Military Road onthe south of the Island shows howvulnerable our environment can be to theaffects of nature.

Whether you are a firm believer in, orsceptic of, man-made global warming,there can be no argument that climatechange is happening.

Simon Goodenough, curator of VentnorBotanic Garden has more experience thanmost of how vulnerable our environmentis to weather and climate. Simon took uphis post in 1986 just before the Island'shardest winter in 150 years killed nearly40% of the garden. Then, the two greatstorms of 1987 and 1990 destroyedalmost 500 trees. Twenty-four years afterSimon started to re-create the garden hesays: "We've just had the worst wintersince I first came here.

"I firmly believe that there is climatechange going on and that we arewarming up, certainly the garden is oneof the first places to show it. There'splants that I'm growing here that 24years ago I wouldn't have dreamt ofplanting out of doors,

"There's something afoot, how much ofit is our fault and how much of it iscyclical remains to be seen. It's happeningand so you deal with it. For example,we've just planted an olive grove. InRoman times there were olive groves onthe Island so let's give it a go - VentnorVirgin Oil, what a thought!"

Perfect for a family holiday

MAY 2010


THE EXPERT’S VIEWMONEY MATTERS

No business survives withoutmanaging its money well and ourExpert’s View on money matters ishere to make sure you don’t miss atrick. This month Gemma Ricketts,Director of Harrison Black considersthe 2010 budget and the key factorseffecting businesses and individualsfrom 6 April 2010.

The 2010 budget

With a forthcoming GeneralElection it was notsurprising that Alistair

Darling’s Budget speech was morepolitical than in previous years.

BusinessThe budget provided welcomenews on helping to improve smallbusinesses' cash-flow but theincrease in the National InsuranceContributions and an increase inminimum wage from October to£5.93 from £5.80 per hour couldhave an adverse effect on jobs insmaller businesses.

The key announcement for smallbusinesses was a one-off supportpackage of £2.5bn. This packageincludes a one year business ratesholiday for properties valued upto £6,000, with a tapered relieffor properties valued up to£12,000. This measure is expectedto benefit over 300,000businesses and will apply fromOctober 2010.

The introduction of a £100,000Annual Investment Limit from£50,000 in 2009/10 will provideadditional relief for thosebusinesses planning capitalexpenditure, for tax payingbusinesses this will result in apotential tax saving of £15,000.

There was also good news forindividuals selling their businessin 2010/11 due to EntrepreneursRelief being doubled to £2million, taxable gains up to thislevel will be taxed at a reducedrate of 10%. The increase in therelief provides a potentialadditional tax saving of £80,000.However, there was no change inthe main rate of capital gains taxwhich remains at 18%, providingcontinuing benefit to thosemaking chargeable disposals thatin past years would be have beensubject to the higher rate of tax.

With VAT returning to 17.5% inJanuary this year this rate doesnot seem set to change but theturnover threshold registration didincreased to £70,000 on 1 April.

IndividualsMany of the measures effectivefrom 6 April 2010 were deferredfrom previous announcements.However, one of the moresignificant measures was theremoval of Stamp Duty Land taxfor the purchase of residentialproperties up to £250,000 for firsttime buyers. This measure shouldhelp boost the housing market.However, to fund this relief thosebuying residential properties inexcess of £1 million from 6 April2011 will be subject to a 5% rate.

In the 2009 Budget theChancellor announced plans tointroduce an additional rate ofincome tax. This will apply from6 April this year with a 50% toprate on income in excess of£150,000. This rate is reduced to42.5% on dividend income.

The Individual Savings Accounts(ISAs) investment limit wasincreased to £10,200 with up tohalf of that being able to besaved in cash.

Contrary to previousannouncements, the nil rate bandfor Inheritance Tax has remainedfrozen at £325,000 from 2010 to2014/15. From October 2007married couples and civilpartnerships were able to transferthe allowance providing aneffective joint tax free maximumof £650,000.

Contact:You can contact Gemmaon 01983 524731 or email:[email protected] via the website:www.harrisonblack.co.uk

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Simon and his small team have done wonders creating a mixof geographically-themed gardens, alongside the ornamentalgarden with mixed borders and ornamental shrubs.

The garden, which is a publicly owned space run by theCouncil attracts 300,000 visitors a year. It's internationallyrecognised for its scientific importance and has a vitaleducational role. Simon is passionate about the opportunitiesfor education and showcasing sustainability but recognises thatpublic funds are not sufficient to realise his dreams. "I'd like tosee a major self-sustaining glasshouse that is so energy efficientit will put energy back into the national grid. We're looking atrainwater capture, we're exploring sustainability in many forms.

"We're going to have plants that we make available toeverybody on the Island, that are raised on the Island so thatthey're not being bought in. We want to be truly self-sufficientand tell a huge story about it. Here in this little garden we coulddo a lot, we really, really could."

Green businessAs we explored how the Island is responding to green issues wefound lots of other Islanders who are passionate aboutdeveloping green ideas and businesses.

Some, like Vikoma, who are at the forefront of oil spillprevention and clean up, have been working in this field fordecades but most others are new businesses focussed on theopportunities offered by sustainable energy technologies or theneeds of a public with environmental concerns.

Fashion and sustainability are not always obvious partners butRapanui, a young Island clothing company, is showing thatresponsible clothing production can be a big draw forcustomers. Brothers Rob and Mart Drake-Knight have a passionfor environmental sustainability and the desire to create anethical clothing brand. The resulting company is one of theyoungest ever to be shortlisted for the Sustainable BusinessAwards and has already sold products in 28 countries.

The brothers evaluate the entire life cycle of each product andchoose sustainable solutions that deliver the best net effect onthe environment for the money. Their website aims to informand educate customers with information on where the clothingcomes from and how it is made.

Renewable energyAnother Island company responding to customers withenvironmental concerns is Fuel Britannia whose compressedstraw logs are 100% biomass with a heat value equal tokiln dried wood.

Family team Tom and John Smith and Caroline Knox, whofarm in Merstone, have diversified into creating an alternativeand renewable biofuel from their farm's straw production.

Comfy yurts inan orchard

environment

Fuel Britannia

Family team Caroline Knox, Tom andJohn Smith have diversified theirfarming business to create analternative and renewable biofuelfrom sustainable straw production ontheir farm.

The family had the ambition toprovide an end product from theirland. Recently, the initiation of FuelBritannia Straw Logs has fulfilledthat aim, providing a clean, effective,and green biofuel, ready for use inthe home or garden.

"We started producing straw logs inNovember 2009 after a six monthperiod of getting the machinery overfrom Denmark and setting it all up,"explained Caroline.

The logs are made from chopped andcompressed straw which is the by-product of wheat, pea, and oil seedrape crops grown for food. Carolinesaid they have enough straw for thefirst few years, and added: "Themachine has got capacity for 5,000tonnes, and we don’t produce thatmuch straw but we will be able tosource straw from other farmers."

"Each log weighs a kilo," saidCaroline, "it's actually a bin bag fullof straw squashed into a wine bottle-sized log! The logs burns from 40minutes to an hour giving off 4.5kilowatts of energy which is thesame as kiln dried wood."

The logs are environmentally friendlyand carbon neutral, and sales havegone well so far. "So far, we're inabout 20 different outlets on themainland," said Caroline, "and on theIsland, people have really supportedus – it's been very positive."

For more information watch ouronline video story and visit:www.strawlogs.co.uk

EngeniusFounded in1990 by LaurieTennant,Cowes-basedEngenius Ltd,offers both thedesign and supply of solar, wind, andhydro power systems.

Originally providing technicalengineering services, they realisedthey had to look to futureopportunities. Laurie said: "Weidentified renewables as an area ofbusiness growth and decided tofocus on solar and wind power."

Engenius now helps with theinstallation of both domestic andcommercial renewable powersystems as well as providing aconsultancy service.

“In the past people would haveinstalled these systems for greenreasons; it’s now a definite positiveinvestment," explained Laurie.

"Most properties have a systemwhich is about the 1.5 kilowatt markand which generates in the region of1,200 units a year of electricity –about a third of a household'srequirements. The cost of installationis usually about £10,000 and it earnsapproximately £900 per annum inincome and avoided costs."

One business using Engenius’ solarpanels to great effect is Gary Hall'sPlaza Ices in Cowes.

Gary said his solar PV installationproduces enough energy to chargeup his storage freezers, and those inhis ice cream vans, with the excessfed back to the grid, which he thengets paid for.

"We're producing about 10 kilowattsper day and our ice cream vans useabout 3 kilowatts per day to chargeup," explained Gary.

"One of the beauties of renewables,"Laurie explained, "is that you can dothings on a small scale and they areeconomically effective."

For more information watch ourvideo story on Island BusinessOnline and visit:www.engenius.co.uk

FEATURE

16


Caroline, who also produces Oil ofWight Cold Pressed Rape Seed Oil,explained: "Everything you produce on afarm has got an energy value. Youharvest grain for food, you could alsoburn the grain and produce electricity orheat with it. We started looking at thatas an idea and during research wediscovered that you can actually get asmuch energy from straw as you canfrom kiln dried wood."

The family invested in a Danishbriquetting machine and startedproducing straw logs in November 2009.The result is Fuel Britannia Straw Logs, aclean, effective, and green biofuel for usein the home and garden for summer orwinter heating. What's more, it's abiofuel which is a by-product of foodproduction rather than a replacementfor it – a major criticism of muchbiofuel production.

The family hoped to gain grant fundingfor the idea but: "We didn't succeed withthe grant application," said Caroline, "itwas seen as too innovative, but we somuch believed in the project we justinvested in it ourselves and movedforward with the idea."

Another Island business which believesin the opportunities offered by renewableenergy is Cowes-based Engenius Ltd. Thecompany, run by Laurie Tennant isactually 19 years old and previouslyprovided electrical engineering services.Laurie worked with Trinity LighthouseService converting their onshore andoffshore lighthouse stations to solarpower so he knows a thing or two aboutsolar energy. Engenius is now focussedon the design and supply of solar, wind,and hydro power systems.

Renewable energy is of particularsignificance to the Island as Laurieexplained: "The Island is multiply blessed;we have one of the best sunshine ratiosof the whole of the country, one of thebest wind resources in the country, andthe Island's also got two of the best

Ventnor Botanic Garden isone of the Island's treasures


Carbon footprint

B rian Bailey, Chairmanof Wight Energy, isalso Chairman of thenew Chamber of

Commerce ECO BusinessForum, supporting theeducation and developmentof the Island's Eco agenda.

Ben-Lansley-Brown,Managing Director, runs theoperation from the Cowesoffice and showroom. A first-class team of nine highlyqualified engineers coveringall trades, gas, electric,plumbing, and building,support Brian and Ben inwanting to make WightEnergy a leader in providingenergy services.

Training is a major part of

the Company ethos, soembracing the latesttechnologies, while stillkeeping up with tradition, iskey to the future success ofthe Company and plays a bigpart in job satisfaction withinthe team.

Wight Energy supports allrenewable energy systems,along with low energyproducts. While a number arestill being improved, makingthem cost effective for the UKmarket, we have moved fullyinto air source heatingsystems, such as the onefitted in our showroomin Cowes.

Mitsubishi air source heatingand hot water systems are

good value for money andwhen you tie this in with thegrants available, you will findit hard to do better. Savingenergy is how we can allmake that difference and ifyou want to play your part,call us, or pop in to see foryourselves. We have justadded to our service theopportunity for local peopleto buy their utilities from a

local business, so if you arelooking to get a better dealon your gas, electric, and/orphone and broadband, checkus out.

Wight Energy, striving tocut the cost of energy whilereducing the carbon footprint.

Wight Energy Ltd7 Shooter Hill, Cowes.Tel 01983 282645

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE FROM WIGHT ENERGY LIMITED

Wight Energy Limited is one of the Island’s green ambassadors, working withdomestic and business users to help reduce the Island’s carbon footprint, whilesaving money for its customers.

The Green HouseDavid Green hasbeen designinga sustainableenergy solutionfor his 1870shouse for thepast four yearsin a project that

has continually evolved.

"We started off with the concept oftaking what was basically a ruralhome, and making it as sustainableas we possibly could," said Davidwho has created a sustainableenergy consultancy business out ofthe experience he has gained. "Itwas a massive challenge, even asrecently as four years ago, to getgood quality information," he said.

David now has solar PV and solarthermal panels on his roof, hassignificantly increased the thermalinsulation of the property, uses underfloor and in-wall heating, and has anair source heat pump. He alsocollects rainwater which he currentlyuses for watering the garden,monitors his electricity usage, andhas low energy lighting and LEDs.

David gets enough energy from thesolar PV to cover a large amount ofthe background power usage neededto supply his house. Any surplusgoes back to the grid and they payhim for everything he generates.

David admitted it's been a largeinvestment but said: "Surveyors andvaluers are starting to put this valueback on properties, so when you doinvest in this way, you're making asensible investment in your property."

David is confident that the wholecountry will be going this way soon:"There isn't really a massive solutionfor the country's energy supply, so Ithink one of the clever solutions ismicro-generation. Otherwise, by 2015when the grid is under pressure andthe lights start going off - parties willbe at my place!"

For much more information on theGreen House watch our videostory on Island Business Onlineand visit: www.3greenlights.com

FEATURE

18


tidal resources in the country. We havegot to develop all those and if we don'twe are failing in our duty."

Laurie explained that the financialincentives increased considerably veryrecently: "As of 1 April there is a tariffsystem in place whereby renewablesystems will qualify for support, throughthe power companies, which makesrenewable investments really attractive;they're earning 8-10%, which in today'seconomic climate is very good.

"Demand has gone through theroof because it is now a definite,positive investment."

One of Laurie's customers is Gary Hallwho owns Plaza Ices in Cowes. Gary hasinstalled a solar PV system to helpgenerate power for his house and forrecharging the freezers which store his icecream and the special hold-over freezersin his fleet of ice cream vans.

Gary's keen to be green but also sees abusiness incentive: "We are trying to begreen but I'm also a business man," hesaid pointing to the financial benefits."The whole installation cost about£9,000 but we benefited from a £2,500government grant and we now get paid41p per kilowatt hour we produce."

One person who needs no persuasionof the benefits of renewable energy isDavid Green. He's invested in rebuildinghis 1870s house to incorporate a wholerange of energy saving and generatingtechnologies. His Green House isintended to be a showcase for thetechnologies and his consulting business.

"What turned out to be a little bit of atree hugging exercise has actually turnedout to be something very financiallyrewarding," said David. "The governmenthas brought in all of their new feed-intariffs which apply to the technology I'veinstalled, and to the new ones I'madding, that's going to give me veryrapid payback."

Eco IslandOur research for this feature turned upan amazing number of businessesdeveloping around environmentalopportunities, and a huge amount ofdesire to make the Island's environmentmore sustainable. Which really begs thequestion of what's become of theCouncil's Eco Island initiative?

When it was first introduced by ex-Council Chief Executive Joe Duckworth in2007 it received a lot of publicity with theIsland being hailed as 'creating a worldmodel for environmental sustainability'.

Since then, the idea seems to havestalled, to the frustration of many. Everyperson we spoke with was enthusiasticabout the idea and emphasised theopportunity to benefit residents, attracttourism, and encourage green businessesto set up on the Island. Most wererealistic about the Council's situation andoptimistic that the idea wasn't dead, justin a short hibernation.

Mart Drake-Knight put it mostsuccinctly: "Eco Island is a wicked ideaand we fully support the idea. All weneed right now is action."

In Part 2 of this feature, coming nextmonth, we'll bring you the Council'sperspective on the future of Eco Isand.

Also in Part 2 we'll be looking into thepros and cons of an Island wind farm, aswell as reporting on the innovative ChaleCommunity project where 67 socialhousing properties are being retrofittedwith renewable energy installations tohelp create a sustainable community thatcan act as a benchmark for others.

We'll also be investigating wastemanagement on the Island and talking tosome of the Island's larger companiesabout their environmental policies andviews on green opportunities.Visit Island Business Online to viewvideos on our featured companies andsee our Green Island video feature:www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

Chilling out in trees

SPECIAL REPORT

20


I t's predicted that there will be overa thousand franchised businesses inoperation in the UK by 2014, andbecoming part of a proven

franchise can give you long-termfinancial security and personalsatisfaction. Firstly, however, you need toensure you choose the right business andthat you think clearly about what's goingto be expected of you as a franchisee.

Franchising is a popular way to start upyour own company because yourchances of success are higher than if youare setting up your own independentbusiness. Tom Endean, MarketingManager for the British FranchiseAssociation (BFA), said: "Franchisees havenear a 90 per cent success rate. Thisshould not really be a surprise, as you are

taking carefully selected people and thentraining and supporting them to run aproven business model. They still need tobe hard working and enterprising, butmany of the hurdles of business start-upare removed or reduced."

Mandy Gale set up a franchise of TravelCounsellors on the Isle of Wight in 1999:"Using the franchise model meant thatwe had safety and security from afinancial and legal point of view, it alsooffered us brand identity, and corporate

recognition to be part of alarge organisation."

In return for the fees you will pay, thefranchisor will offer you support duringthe early days, as well as ongoingtraining and assistance. Denis Chirgwinfranchised out his business, Animals atHome, in 2004: "The franchisees are allgiven full support from the managementteam, a registered veterinary nurse, anda mentor who has run a franchise formore than two years. Training is given inmarketing and nutritional courses aresupplied. There is also an advertisingcampaign and a 10,000 mailshot sentout to local homeowners."

Firstly, you need to decide if you will becomfortable operating your businesswithin the parameters set out by thefranchisor and the guidelines to whichyou will have to adhere. However, don'tfeel you can't bring some entrepreneurialspirit to the business, often franchisegroups will have annual meetings wherethey will welcome your ideas andsuggestions to improve the business, butall franchisors are different. Mandyexplained the way Travel Counsellorsmanage their franchises: "Our franchiseoffers us autonomy, it's not dictatorialin how we have to operate, whichgives us flexibility."

So, if you are happy with the businessmodel of a franchise, the next step isto choose from the hundreds ofopportunities on offer. There are five keysteps which will help you narrow downthe options of which franchise will bestfit your needs; suitability, industry,investment, compare, take advice.

SuitabilityIt's important to choose a franchisebusiness that you're interested in. Youwill need to fully immerse yourself in thebusiness and for this reason it's worthchoosing something you're good at, havea bit of experience in, or are keen tolearn more about. Think sensibly aboutwhat your personal situation will allowfor – are you going to be able to work atthe weekends for example?

The next step is to look at whatsupport is available. Different franchiseopportunities offer different levels ofsupport and training, both during theinitial set-up phase and in the long termtoo – ask to look at the training andoperation manuals to give you a betterunderstanding of what they offer.

Choosing afranchise

Zara MacAlisterlooks at how to goabout selecting asuitable franchise

Franchising is a significant sector of the UK economy. In the first of atwo part report on franchising, we look at the many things to take intoaccount when choosing a franchise, and why many entrepreneurs find itsuits them to become part of an already successful business.

MAY 2010

21Watch video reports and business profi les on www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

Legal issues are something that abusiness ignores at its peril. Ourlegal eagle delivering his Expert’sView is Lance Terry, Partner atGlanvilles LLP. In this month'scolumn, Lance looks at animportant aspect of franchising.

When acquiring afranchise business, oneof the aspects which

the new franchisee sometimestends to overlook is what willhappen if it wishes to sell thefranchise business at some stagein the future.

The ability to sell the franchiseis an important aspect for thenew franchisee to consider asthat will likely be the only wayin which the franchisee canrealise the full value of itsinvestment of time, money, andeffort in building up thefranchise business.

The franchisor will wish tomaintain control over a sale ofthe franchise business by thefranchisee. The franchiseagreement will invariablyprohibit the franchisee fromselling the business without theprior consent of the franchisor.The granting of such consent willusually be subject to certainconditions being met by theselling franchisee and theproposed buyer of the business.In addition, the proposed buyerwill also have to be acceptableas a franchisee to the franchisor.

The conditions typically include:the franchisee not itself being inbreach of the franchiseagreement; the franchiseewaiving any claims it may haveagainst the franchisor; the buyerentering into the franchisor’sthen standard form of franchiseagreement and successfullyundertaking such training as thefranchisor may require.

The franchise agreement willusually provide that thefranchisor may charge a fee(often a percentage of the sellingprice) as consideration for itdealing with the request for

consent to a sale and evaluatingthe proposed buyer as afranchisee. The franchisee mayalso have to cover thefranchisor’s legal fees and anyother professional fees.

Often the franchisor will have acontractual right of first refusalin the franchise agreement. Thus,if the franchisee wishes to sellthe franchise business, it willhave to provide to the franchisora copy of the proposed buyer’soffer and the franchisor will thenhave a period of time (forexample, 30 days) within whichto decide whether it wishes topurchase the franchisee businessat the same price and on thesame terms as the proposedbuyer’s offer.

While provisions such as thesedo not prevent a franchisee fromselling the franchise business,they do present additionalhurdles for a franchisee toovercome in any such sale.

From the franchisee’sperspective, the best time toconsider and endeavour tonegotiate amendments to thoseprovisions in the franchiseagreement which regulate a saleof the franchisee business isbefore entering into thefranchise agreement.

From the franchisor’sperspective, it will wantappropriate controls in place onany proposed sale of thefranchise business in order toensure that the buyer of thatbusiness is suitable as afranchisee and that its rights asfranchisor are fully protected.

Contact Lance at:[email protected] 527878

THE EXPERT’S VIEWLEGALLY SPEAKING

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Selling a franchise business

Franchisors can gainaccreditation with the BFA andto achieve this they undergostringent checks. It can takeeight to ten weeks to become amember, and checks includethings like looking at thebusiness's finances, and speakingwith existing franchisees.

Whilst BFA membership is noguarantee, it is the sign of abusiness that has beenindependently checked against a

code of ethical franchising. Is the company you're interested inregistered with the BFA? If not, why not?

IndustryResearch the industry carefully and consider if it really has afuture. Not all industries are going to be able to sustain thedemand they currently experience, so think long term whenconsidering this. Speak to trade associations and existingcompanies to find out more.

Is the franchise business you are interested in establishedwithin the industry, and how many franchisees are therealready? Look to see if the other franchisees areoperating successfully.

Another important factor to think about is the competitionwithin the industry. If it's an industry where just a few playersdominate will you be able to compete against them, or sitcomfortably alongside them? Is it a hard industry to get into,and what barriers might you face as you start up?

Tom Endean explained why it's so important to understandthe industry right from the beginning: "Starting a franchiserequires a commitment of both money, time, and performance.Without researching the market to answer any questions youmay have, and to gain an understanding of what is involved ona day-to-day basis, you can’t confidently move forward injoining a franchise."

InvestmentBe realistic with regards to what you can afford. You will needto pay an initial set-up fee so look at the franchiseopportunities within your price range. Banks are often keen tolend money to start-up franchises because it offers a provensystem, with support and existing brand awareness. RichardHolden, Head of Franchising for Lloyds TSB, said: "Naturally, asfranchising offers a lower risk investment the banks have anappetite to lend to strong franchise proposals."

As with any business you will need a business plan before youapproach the bank and it's important to keep it up-to-date.Most banks will lend up to 70 per cent of the start-up cost fora franchise, but there are some franchise businesses which thebanks don't think are good and you will struggle to getfinancial support for, as Richard explained: "There are occasionswhere the business plan is poorly presented or the financialprojections are unrealistic. The bank manager should give adetailed explanation as to why any request for finance hasbeen declined and they will work with the applicant whereverpossible to address the areas of concern so that the businessproposal can subsequently pass the bank’s lending assessment."

SPECIAL REPORT

22


If financial assistance is important toyou, arrange a meeting with the bankand find out which franchises theyrecommend to suit your budget.

Richard explained the importance ofcontacting the franchise departmentdirectly: "Franchising is a specialistmarket, the franchise experts arecontinually evaluating franchises and areadjusting their strategies in supportingdifferent franchises.

"Trained franchise managers have thesector understanding that the local bankmanager doesn’t. So it is always best toapproach the franchise department whocan introduce you to one of theseexperienced franchise managers basedlocally to you."

As with any financial assistance, thebanks will want some security beforethey lend you the money, this could bein the form of a property or an insurancepolicy. An alternative is to consider theGovernment Enterprise FinanceGuarantee scheme if you don't havesecurity but that will be more expensivein the long run.

Work out the return on investment youcan expect from the business, and makesure the figures stack up before you fallin love with something you can't afford.

CompareWith your search narrowed down to justa few companies begin the process ofapplying for the franchise and get holdof the franchise agreements for each ofthem. The franchise agreement will be

between 40-60 pages long and is thecontract between you and the franchisor.It will contain important information somake sure you know where you standand ask any important questions beforeyou go any further.

Besides the initial cost you will pay tothe franchisor there will be on goingfees, and the franchise agreement shoulddetail what these are and what you getin return. The ongoing fees paid to thefranchisor might be a percentage ofprofits, net sales, or turnover. They maycover you for expenses such asequipment, training, or nationaladvertising campaigns; but is it worth it?

The franchise agreement will have afixed term; how long is it, and what's thesituation for renewing it when it reachesits end? The agreement will also outlinethe implications on you as anindependent trader once the term hasreached its end, and whether you willstill be able to trade in that area. Therewill be more information about thefranchise agreement in the second partof this two part report in the June issue.

Lance Terry from Glanvilles LLP said:"Where the franchisor has an existingnetwork of franchisees, I would alwayssuggest that a potential franchisee speakto existing franchisees to get somefeedback from them on how satisfiedthey are with their franchise business."

The franchisor may suggest specificfranchisees for you to talk to, but it'simportant for you to decide who youwant to speak to and to approach them

to ask questions. Perhaps speak tofranchisees at different stages ofdevelopment - they might not all tell thesame story.

Take adviceTake advice throughout the wholeprocess, but especially before making afinal decision. It's more important thanever to ensure you haven't missedsomething before you make your choiceso speak to specialist franchise lawyerswho will be able to review the franchiseagreement and check there are noloopholes which could trip you up.

Emily Frampton from Warner GoodmanCommercial explained the reasons forchoosing a specialist franchise lawyer: "Itis important to approach a specialistfranchise lawyer who will be used toseeing franchise agreements on a regularbasis and will be able to spot anyunusual or overly onerous provisions."

Franchise agreements are non-negotiable, as Emily explained: "Thereasoning for this is that the franchisorrequires uniformity across its franchisenetwork. A lawyer not used to dealingwith franchise agreements may wastetime and money trying to amendand negotiate its terms."

Finally, and perhaps most importantly,speak to your friends and family. WhenMandy Gale chose to set up a franchise,Travel Counsellors was recommended toher by a friend. These are the peoplewho know you best and will be able togive you honest advice about whichfranchise is most suited to you.

There is a lot of useful help and adviceon the BFA website and they also holdseminars across the country where youcan learn more about the process andspeak to specialists.

www.thebfa.org

"The franchisemodel offered usbrand identity, andcorporaterecognition to bepart of a largeorganisation."Mandy Gale,Travellor Counsellors

PROFILE

24


T he story of Hellerslea Fabricsbegan in a small back room atBeryl Hobbs’ home, where theyoung woman worked day and

night making dresses and filling up herfront room window with fabrics toadvertise her existence.

Beryl’s skill soon got noticed, and on16 February 1968 she opened thedoor at her first proper shop at74 High Street, Newport.

It was called Hellerslea Fashions andwas secured on the back of Beryl’spowers of persuasion. She explained:“When I started the business, womenweren’t considered a sound investment.People would ask me where myhusband was.”

But there was no stopping her, and sheeventually negotiated a loan of £1,000to acquire the shop and get it stockedand fitted – a large amount of money atthe time, when £1,000 was enough tobuy a house.

But Beryl got off to a flying start, taking£200 in her first week, and she graduallybuilt up the business by being quick tospot fashion trends.

She said: “I remember soon after Iopened, that anoraks suddenly becamepopular. So I started making them, too.”

Soon, Beryl was taking on staff, andone of them – Christine Richardson – isstill an employee and part of the team

One woman’s passion for sewingled to the creation of one of theIsland’s best-known and mostenduring family businesses.

From fashionto fabrics

Kevin Wilsonreports on an Islandbusiness that'sadapted to changebetter than most.


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PROFILE

26


now working at the Hellerslea Fabricsstore on Lugley Street.

The change of direction from fashion tofabrics came after about 10 years, whenthe clothing industry was revolutionisedby imports. The climactic shift to theimport of cotton goods from the Far Eastmarked the end of a large number ofcompanies in the UK.

Before long, a new store had openedover the road from Beryl, selling clothescheaper than she could make them.

But Beryl didn’t panic or hesitate.Instead, she showed the determinationto tackle challenges head on that hasbeen a key feature of Hellerslea’s success.“There was no way I could compete andI knew I had to do something quickly, so

I sold all the dresses off cheap and usedthe proceeds to buy stocks of fabric,”she said.

Supplies of British made fabricsgradually diminished, and it wasn’tlong before Beryl’s trips to the majornorthern cotton cities to buy stockground to a halt.

“Ninety per cent of our stock nowcomes from China,” she said. “Weget company reps visiting us withtheir samples, and it is ordered infrom abroad.”

It’s just one example of how much haschanged since Beryl first opened thedoors at 74 High Street – which is now ahairdresser's run by her daughter Linda,and staffed by her other daughter Carol.

Hellerslea Fashions became HellersleaFabrics in 1979, and it grew so muchthat it moved into new and biggerpremises on Lugley Street about 15 yearslater, with a storage unit on the DodnorIndustrial Estate.

This major expansion was the signal forBeryl’s son Barry to move back to theIsland to help out. He uprooted his familyand gave up his job as an industrialpainter in Wales to join the familybusiness, and has never looked back.

Beryl still keeps a close eye on things,but Barry is now in charge, and workswith his nephew Ashley and his daughterLaurie, supported by four other staff,including Christine Richardson. Lookingahead, Barry is delighted that thebusiness will stay in the family for theforeseeable future.

“I think it is wonderful that Ashley andLaurie are so involved and enthusiastic,and it’s nice to know they are ready andable to take it on when I retire,” he said.“It is so important to have young peopleas part of the team. It keeps things freshand it helps to keep us looking ahead,looking out for new ideas, and not beingafraid to change.”

Barry believes one of the secrets ofsuccess is that ability to move with thetimes. “So much has changed, even inmy time here,” he said. “We used to beable to sell fabric costing up to £18 ametre, for example. But now we areselling material at less than half that.

“You have to be realistic about what’shappening out there,” he said. “In thetime this business has been in operation,we have lived through three recessions,and we haven’t survived them by chance– we have responded quickly and madethe adjustments needed to take accountof the fact that many people have lessmoney to spend, and that their habitsand interest change.

“Beryl didn’t panicor hesitate. Instead,she showed thedetermination totackle challengeshead on that hasbeen a key featureof Hellerslea’ssuccess.”

Beryl and Barry with just someof the wool they stock

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PROFILE

28


“Many years ago, people loved sewingand knitting, but then their interestseemed to switch to upholstery andhome furnishings. Now home interiorsare going for minimalist design, we arefinding that people are taking up sewingand knitting.”

As if to prove the importance of beingalert to trends, more than 40 per cent ofHellerslea Fabric’s customers are girlsunder 21, who are designing and makingtheir own clothes.

And sales of fabrics and the materialsneeded to create outfits always increaseas the clock ticks down to the Bestival.The fancy dress theme this year isfantasy, and Barry has already identifiedthe stock needed to meet demand fromcustomers determined to dress upin style.

He freely admits the shop is a stock-taker's nightmare. The store has beenextended to about 450 square metres

and is crammed with rolls of fabric, ballsof wool, buttons, threads, trimmings,laces, fancy dress costumes, beads,sequins, and more.

Even so, stock is at much lower levelsthan it was 10 years ago. Barry has closedthe warehouse, refitted the shop, andreduced stock by 75 per cent, ensuringthat all stock is on display to customers.

Knitting wool and dress fabrics remainthe biggest sellers, and most customersare female. But Barry has noticed anincrease in the number of men whocome in for supplies for internal boatfittings, and also that many men come inwith their partners to make decisionsabout curtain fabrics, for example.

“That’s what I mean about alwayskeeping an eye on what is happening,”he said. “Not too long ago, no menwould cross our threshold, and 20 yearsago we were paying 18 per cent intereston a loan!”

Hellerslea Fabrics used to do a goodtrade with Island hotels, but thatchanged, too, when fire regulations laiddown strict guidelines for use ofmaterials. But then, as one door closes,another opens, and the retail marketpicked up when pelmets suddenlybecame all the rage.

Beryl and her family are justifiablyproud of a business that began morethan 40 years ago and has almostbecome an Island institution.

It has managed to remain immune fromthe small number of national retailerswho specialise in crafts and fabricsbecause the Island catchment area is toosmall for them to justify the investment.

Barry says that, apart from alwayslooking ahead, he believes the othercritical factor has been that the familyhas only ever taken out a living wagefrom the company. “You see so manypeople over-stretching by buying a bigcar and a big house,” he said, “but it is amistake to take out more than thebusiness can afford, and we are pleasednow that we are a debt free business.”

The best times for the company wereundoubtedly the mid-1990s, he says, butthat period followed the strikes andpower blackouts of the 70s, and the bigjob losses of the 80s.

“It’s difficult to know what will happennext but we’d like to think that we haveproved ourselves over the years,” saidBarry. “The current recession was toughfor many people, but we had one of ourbest years last year, and there simplyaren’t many businesses like ours aroundany more.

“But we are not looking back. We wantto keep adapting to changing times, andwhen the time comes for me to stepdown, I know there is anothergeneration of the family ready tokeep us moving forward.”

It all began with Beryl’s love of sewing.“It saved money to make your ownclothes, and I enjoyed doing it,” she said.

She still does enjoy it, and thisenjoyment has proved to be infectious asher children carry on the business.

This, combined with the business skillsof forward planning and financialmanagement which have seen HellersleaFabrics through the good years and bad,adds up to a winning combination for afamily business with a long history, and agreat future.

Flashback to Beryl’s original Hellerslea shop on Newport High Street.

40 years later … Beryloutside Hellerslea Fabricson Lugley Street.


15 Holyrood Street, Newport Tel: 530400 www.feiow.co.uk

Beautiful furniture made tomeasure or buy from stock

Visit our showroom for more furniturein Pine, Oak, Beech, Leather and Ash

Anne Marie Harwood has alwayshad the travel bug, and nowshe’s loving her new job as the

Chamber of Commerce’s TourismSales Officer.

Anne Marie, who was born on theIsland, said: “It is an amazingopportunity to do my bit to promotethe Isle of Wight.”

Her 15 year career has been spent inthe travel industry, including seven yearsas a business travel account manager forAmity Business Travel, and more recentlyrunning her own travel agency franchise.

She studied hotel and catering at Isleof Wight College, before studyingBusiness, Finance and Tourism atBournemouth University, followingwhich she worked for a year in aBournemouth hotel.

Anne Marie joined the Chamber inMarch with the brief to produce theannual Accommodation Guide and other

tourism publications, to handle enquiriesfrom businesses and members of thepublic; and help promote theGoWight website.

Several Chamber members mayalready have met her at recentnetworking events, and Anne Marieis looking forward to building workingrelationships throughout thetourism sector.

“It is wonderful to have the chance topromote the Island where I was bornand grew up,” she said. “I’m lookingforward to helping tourism businessespromote themselves, too, because themore we can work together, the better.”

When Anne Marie gets time off shelikes to spend it by keeping fit, eitherthrough the gym, swimming, ordancing. And occasionally, she will takethe opportunity to sit down, relax andenjoy a film.

T he Island’s Chamber of Commerce,Tourism and Industry is celebratingits centenary this year, by looking

back as well as looking forward.A detailed account of the meeting in

Newport, which agreed to establish aChamber for the very first time,highlights the fact that what wasrelevant then is still relevant today.

A report in the County Press of5 March 1910 sheds light on the way thebusiness community was thinking atthat time.

Mr Conacher, a railwayman, told themeeting that: "a Chamber of Commercewould relieve that sense of isolationwhich had perhaps been too marked afeature of their life in the Island".According to the County Press report, MrConnacher attracted cries of "hear,hear" when he said that: "The greatobject would be to weld all theirseparate interests into one homogenouswhole to attain the one common objectof furthering the interests of the Island."

Mr A Millward JP, one of the originatorsof the proposal to form a Chamber, toldthe meeting that: "Although there hadbeen great improvements in the Island

during the last 20 years they could stillfind something to improve, and they hadtwo courses open to them – to sit stilland grumble or to combine and bringpressure to bear for remedying mattersin a way which no isolated actionwould secure."

Mr Philip May, President of theIronmongers’ Association, referred to the"constant slurs" cast upon the Island byvisitors, "who complained of high pricesand the difficulty of getting to and fromthe Island". He said that by joiningforces, they could do a lot more to "putthe Island in a more reasonable andfairer light".

By the time the meeting drew to aclose, everyone in the room wassufficiently inspired to put their namesforward as members of the Chamber.

If you have any memories and anecdotesfrom the Chamber’s first hundred years,please send a message [email protected], we’ll bring you morecentenary news – and history – in thenext edition of Island Business Magazine.

ChamberPeople

Anne Marie Harwood

Stories from 100 years

CHAMBER MATTERS

30


This is a flashback to more recenttimes – 1990 in fact, when brochurespromoting the Island were stacked upready for delivery throughout thecountry after making the short trip tothe mainland on a Sealink ferry –before the company wasrebranded Wightlink.The picture shows Ginnie Mundell,Sealink’s Isle of Wight Sales Managerat the time, with Postman KelvinShaw, receiving a delivery ofbrochures at Portsmouth, as the Islandkept its fingers crossed for a greatholiday season.

MAY 2010

31

CHAMBER MATTERS

Check the calendar of business events on www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

NEW MEMBERSBrighstone Shop & Museum01983 [email protected]/isleofwightNorth Street, BrighstoneIsle of Wight PO30 4AXNational Trust shop in a row oftraditional thatched cottages adjoiningthe small village museum.

The Needles Old & New Battery01983 754772needlesoldbattery@nationaltrust.org.ukwww.nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwightWest High Down, Alum BayIsle of Wight PO39 0JHPerched high above the Needles, amidacres of unspoilt countryside, is theNeedles Old Battery, a Victorian fortbuilt in 1862 and used throughoutboth world wars. The Parade Groundhas two original guns and the Fort'sfascinating military history is broughtto life with a series of vivid cartoonsby acclaimed comic book artist GeoffCampion. An underground tunnelleads to a searchlight emplacementwith dramatic views over the Needlesrocks. The New Battery, further up theheadland, has an exhibition on thesecret British rocket tests carried outthere during the Cold War.

Bembridge Windmill01983 [email protected]/isleofwightHigh Street, BembridgeIsle of Wight PO35 5SQThis tiny gem, the only survivingwindmill on the Isle of Wight, is oneof its most iconic images. Built around1700, it last operated in 1913 but stillhas most of its original machineryintact. Climb to the top and follow themilling process back down its fourfloors.

Vectis Radio Ltd01983 [email protected] Arts Centre, Sea StreetNewport, Isle of WightPO30 5BDInternet radio station.

Solent Imaging Specialists Ltd(Solentis)0845 619 [email protected]

www.solentis.co.ukPO Box 73, VentnorIsle of Wight PO38 9BFSOLENTIS are Island-based industrialand commercial photographersserving the Isle of Wight, SE, London,and the SW, specialising in groundbased aerial photography (also knownas elevated or mast photography)using the latest digital and wirelesstechnology. Viewing and capturing‘business’ from a different perspective,Solentis can add value to a wholespectrum of different businesses, largeand small.

Dell Cafe01983 [email protected] Park, SeaviewIsle of Wight PO34 5ARDell Cafe is a cosy electric beachsidecafe with beautiful views down theSolent. We serve healthy lunches anda wide variety of soya free coffees andafternoon teas and cakes.

Castle Lodge Guest HouseGuest Accommodation01983 [email protected] Castle Road, NewportIsle of Wight PO30 1DPSituated just a few minutes from thehistoric Carisbrooke Castle withpanoramic views over Newport andthe surrounding countryside. Only fiveminutes walk to the local village,convenience store, post office, pubswith great food and a fabulous Italianrestaurant. 10-15 minutes stroll intoNewport town centre, plenty of barsrestaurants and night life. All beacheswithin 20-30 minutes drive. Pricesfrom as little as £25 per persondependant on room and time of year.

Blueberry’s CafeCafe/[email protected] Path, Littlestairs, ShanklinIsle of Wight PO37 6HRLicensed cafe.

Red Squirrel Holidays Ltd01983 [email protected] BungalowWoodside Beach Caravan ParkLower Woodside RoadWootton, Isle of WightPO33 4JTHoliday lets and mobile homes.

Kevars [email protected] High Street, RydeIsle of Wight PO33 2RECafe - teas, coffees, breakfasts,lunches and afternoon teas.

Hector K & A Ltd01983 [email protected] LodgeAshlake Copse Road, RydeIsle of Wight PO33 4EYAccountants, book-keeping servicesand general business advice.

The Artisan Academy01983 855 [email protected] CottageTulse Hill, VentnorIsle of Wight PO38 1TQArtisan food holiday courses.

The Woodman's Arms01983 [email protected] Station Road, WoottonIsle of Wight PO33 4RQPublic house with restaurant and beergarden open daily serving homecooked meals.

Wight Reclamation Ltd01983 [email protected] Padmore Farm, Folly LaneWhippinghamIsle of Wight PO32 6LYWaste management.

Westbury Lodge01983 [email protected] Queens Road, ShanklinIsle of Wight PO37 6AWGuest accommodation offering bedand breakfast.

Sail For [email protected] Lammas Close, CowesIsle of Wight PO31 8DTYacht charter. Sail and motor yachtcharter based in Cowes.

Round the Island Building Ltd01983 209640info@roundtheislandbuildingltd.co.ukwww.roundtheislandbuildingltd.co.uk

Bridge HouseNo 1 Ferry Road, East CowesIsle of Wight PO32 6RABuilding contractor. We carry out avariety of projects from putting upshelving to complete new build ofhouses.

Lyndhurst Hotel01983 4036638 Royal Crescent, SandownIsle of Wight PO36 8LZWe are a small B&B in a quiet locationwith off-road parking. Five minutesfrom the beach, town, and buses. Tenminutes from the train station. Largeen-suite rooms.

Christ The King College01983 537070admin@christ-the-king.iow.sch.ukwww.christ-the-king.iow.sch.ukWellington Road, NewportIsle of Wight PO30 5QTEducation.

Chad Hill Hotel01983 [email protected] Street, SandownIsle of Wight PO36 9DDWell established family run businessfrom a charming Victorian mansion ina quiet area of Sandown. All roomsfully equipped with everything for acomfortable stay. Private car park,cocktail bar and home cooking.

Cliff Lodge Guest House01983 [email protected] Cliff Path, LakeSandown, Isle of WightPO36 8PLGuest house accommodation. 9rooms. Evening meals availableSunday-Wednesday. Local food usedas much as possible. Access from ourgarden to the Cliff Path. Licensedcar park.

Matrix Retail [email protected] Way, Binstead HillRyde, Isle of Wight PO33 3RPWimpy on the Beach, Ryde. Deliciousfood court, Western Gardens.

Chavinore Ltd07796 953 [email protected] Hefford Road, East Cowes

Isle of Wight PO32 6QEThe provision of project managementservices for SMEs to multinationalcompanies. Skills include identifyingand delivering efficient businesssolutions in technically challengingenvironments. These are in the arenaof: SAP and Oracle ERP systemImplementation projects. Businessintelligence/management informationand KPI systems design and build.Change management programmesupport.

Pure Green Energy LtdRenewable Energy Systems01983 565017info@puregreenenergy.co.ukwww.puregreenenergy.co.ukAsheybrooke BuildingsEast Ashey Lane, RydeIsle of Wight PO33 4ATDesigners and installers of renewableenergy systems.

LCM Contractors Ltd01983 566030

[email protected] House, 48-49 High Street,NewportIsle of Wight PO30 1SE

Re-Cycle-D01983 [email protected] 6 Marsh Close, SandownIsle of Wight PO36 8EURecycling bicycles. New cycles andspares. Services and repairs.

Graces Bakery Ltd01983 [email protected] High Street, RydeIsle of Wight PO33 2HWBakery.

Wightsails01983 [email protected] Dolphin, Ashlake Copse Road,FishbourneIsle of Wight PO33 4EYWightsails recycles sails into newbeautiful products. Converting oldsails into new products reduces landfilland provides products for life. Wemake beautiful outdoor and indoorfurniture, beach furniture, bags,cushions and windbreaks.

R ebecca Taylor, owner of CowesChiropractic Clinic, says lowerback pain is one of the biggest

causes of absence from work, and offersin-house sessions for companies whichinclude free 15 minute consultationsfor employees.

Rebecca is a McTimoney Chiropractor, abranch of the profession with stronglinks to the Island. Russell McTimoney,son of the founder John, had a practicehere and Rebecca is the proud owner ofJohn’s original treatment bench. Rebeccaset up the clinic six years ago and now

offers a comprehensive service throughthree chiropractors, including herself, amassage therapist, acupuncturist, twohomeopaths, a nutrition therapist, anda hypnotherapist.

As well as taking her clinic’s services outto businesses, Rebecca providesconsultations at local events, and says itis important for everyone to think abouttheir posture, whether at work or home.

She became a chiropractor after asuccessful career in commercial interiordesign, and says it can benefit people ofany age, including babies.

“Basically, we adjust the position ofbones to allow the nervous system tofunction properly, which then allows themuscles to ease off,” she said. “Sincemany people spend so much time atwork, it makes sense to offer our servicesin the workplace.”

For more information, call KarenCheverton on 01983 282810:www.coweschiropracticclinic.co.uk

Back to basicsA Cowes clinic is offering Island businesses the chance to get back to basics.

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T his means the Chamber canprovide its members with easy-to-use email marketing and online

survey products to help them buildstrong, lasting customer relationships.Constant Contact®, Inc. is a leadingprovider of email marketing and onlinesurvey tools for small organisations.

“Our members are always looking foreffective ways to grow their businesses,”said Kevin Smith, the Chamber’s ChiefExecutive. “Constant Contact’s customercommunication tools give our clients avaluable addition to our core services.

The ease-of-use and affordability madethe partner program a great solution tomeet our clients’ marketing needs.”

“Email marketing and online surveyshelp small businesses connect with theircustomers and build successful customerrelationships,” said Len Bruskiewitz,Senior Director, Partner Programs,Constant Contact. “We are pleased thatthe Isle of Wight Chamber choseConstant Contact to provide their clientswith our products and services, and welook forward to working with them tohelp grow their clients’ businesses.”

As a Constant Contact Business Partner,the Chamber is able to provide memberswith email marketing and online surveycapabilities at discounted rates. Memberswill be able to quickly and easily createprofessional-looking emails, managecontact email lists, measure email

campaign results from clicks to openrates, and review who joined email lists.

With ListenUp!SM Survey, ConstantContact’s online survey product,members have an easy-to-use tool togain insight that will help them meetcustomer needs, generate new ideas,and grow their business or organisation.ListenUp!SM Survey also helps membersanalyse responses quickly, create targetedemail lists based on survey responses,take action, and follow up with relevantemail communications.

To find out more or to download a free60 day trial, email the Chamber office [email protected]

This is just one of the benefits ofbeing a Chamber member. To findout more, and to join online, go towww.iwchamber.co.uk.

The Isle of Wight Chamber ofCommerce, Tourism & Industry hasjoined Constant Contact’sBusiness Partner Programme.

CHAMBER MATTERS

6 MayWelcome Host - customerservice courseIsland venue TBC •Call Tourism South East on 02380625533

13 MayYoung Chamber AwardsEveningYoung Chamber event •www.iwchamber.co.ukCall 01983 520777 or [email protected]

14 MayChamber Golf DaySandown & Shanklin Golf ClubRaising money for the EarlMountbatten HospiceCall 01983 520777 or [email protected]

15 MayThe Newport RiverfestCelebrating the heritage,community, businesses, andwildlife associated with thehistoric Medina RiverContact the Footprint Trust on01983 822282

18 MaySteak Sizzler Special at TheHorse and Groom •Guest Speaker: Kelvin Currie fromCreedence Training. Chamber

event, 1830-2100, £7 per personCall 01983 520777 or [email protected]

19 MayLet's Talk – starting inbusiness •Mill Court Business Centre,Furrlongs, Newport, 0930-1230,FREEKaren Thomas at IW Chamber01983 529888

21 MayLet's Talk – starting inbusiness •Mill Court Business Centre,Furrlongs, Newport, 0930-1230,FREEKaren Thomas at IW Chamber01983 529888

27 MayWelcoming Diversity:Information session forfrontline and reception staffmembersFree workshops, Quay Arts 0930-1200, 1300-1530, 1700-1930Contact Nikki Parker on 01983527565 or [email protected]

2 JuneWightSail 2010 with PelicanRacing and BBQ •Cowes Yacht Haven, 1800-2230,£10 per person (adults only) No

experience necessaryCall 01983 520777 or [email protected]

14 JuneWord Advanced •0930–1630 - Isle of WightCollege - Cost: £110Call Marilyn Arnold on 01983550609 or email:[email protected]

6-9 JulyThe Prince’s Trust ExploreEnterprise courseHelps people to explore and testtheir business ideas, writebusiness plans, and start theirown businesses or achievealternative goals in education,training, or work.Call 02380 622666 or email:[email protected]

23 JulyPGL Activity Event, Wootton •To include: abseiling, high ropes,zip wires and dragon boat racing,BBQ and refreshments. 1800-2100, £6.00 per person whichPGL will donate to charityCall 01983 520777 or [email protected]

2 AugustIW Chamber Cowes WeekLunch •Back by popular demand.

Cruise and buffet lunch leavingThetis Wharf, Cowes 1130-1500,£25.00 per personCall 01983 520777 or [email protected]

4 AugustIW Chamber GrandCentennial Ball •Early bird ticket offer to membersof £89 per personCall 01983 520777 or [email protected]

14 SeptemberBlueberry Café Event, ShanklinDetails tbc.Call 01983 520777 or [email protected]

5 OctoberMurder, mystery and dinnerVentnor Towers Hotel. Experiencean evening of entertainmentorganised by ‘Caught Red HandedProductions’. Includes a 3 coursemeal. £15.00 per person.1900-2230.Call 01983 520777 or [email protected]

26 NovemberIW Chamber Business AwardsFor Excellence 2010 •Cowes Yacht Haven, details tbcCall 01983 520777 or [email protected]

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Chamber Events = Other Events = Must be pre-booked = •

CLASSIFIEDS

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Apollo BlindsIsle of Wight, John Youle.Tel. 01983 [email protected]/isle-of-wight

Stagegear Rentals3 Quivey Cottage, Main Road,Arreton, PO30 3AG.Tel. 0870 3450352Email: [email protected]: www.stage-gear.co.uk

Our Classified section is the perfect place to advertise your products and services. It's also incredibly cost-effective with a classified ad costingfrom just £8 per column centimetre. Call 01983 245505 to book your classified advert.

Advertise your services here from just £8 per column centimetre. Call 01983 245505 to book your space.

BLINDS / AWNINGS CORPORATE EVENTS CATERING

BUSINESS SERVICES

COUNSELLING / LIFE COACHING

BUSINESS UTILITY

friendly service local knowledge

Commercial

01983527727www.hose-rhodes-dickson.co.uk

Commercial property?We can help you.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

An emotionally intelligent workforce increasesproductivity and saves money

Help your staff to:Manage StressReduce AnxietyIncrease Self ConfidenceManage Time EffectivelyNLP, CBT, HG Qualified TherapistTo find out more, call Relaxing Times07791 656 545 Email: [email protected]

APRIL 2010

35

CLASSIFIEDS

www.islandbusinessonline.co.uk

Warehouse and logistics services• Freight consolidation• Shipping to and from IoW• Long and short term warehousing solutions• Pick and pack/order fulfilment services.• Container loading/devanning.• Project shipping – on/off IoW.

Tel: 023 8062 3777Email: [email protected]

Open Sauce Systems Ltd.Low cost, flexible phonesystems and servers. Idealfor new businesses.01983 220028www.opensaucesystems.com

ICT

Creedence TrainingAcademy & ConsultancyFreshwater, Isle of Wightinfo@creedencetraining.co.ukwww.creedencetraining.co.uk01983 759213

TRANING

Curraghmore Hotel22 Hope Road, ShanklinIsle of Wight PO37 6EATel. 01983 [email protected]% discount for Chambermembers.

HOTELS

Our Classified section is the perfect place toadvertise your products and services. It's also incrediblycost-effective with a classified ad costing from just £8per column centimetre. Call 01983 245505 to bookyour classified advert.

GRAPHIC DESIGN AND WEB APPLICATIONS

TRANSPORT AND STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Graphic Design & Web Development

Tel: 01983 241615www.boxstu!.com

Web development, SEO, branding, e-marketing and design for print.

SIGNS AND GRAPHICS

TRAINING

FORK LIFT TRUCK

SIGNS AND GRAPHICS

WORKWEAR

UniTrain are the leading suppliers of quality managedtraining services and courses.

UniTrain specialise in tailored on-site solutions as well as offeringpublic courses UK wide.

Our main areas of training expertise are:Microsoft Desktop Applications (including Office 2007)Sales TrainingPersonal Development & ManagementUp to 30% off your first booking on selected courses with this advert.(Quote CC10)Want to know more?Call 0845 643 1611 or Email: [email protected] www.unitrain.co.uk

Wight Materials Handling

FORKLIFT TRUCKSSales Service & HireDriver |Training to ITSSAR Certification

Tel. 01983 520526Email. [email protected]

THE BACK PAGE

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REAL

LYUSE

FULB

USIN

ESSS

TUFF Steve Blamire is known as a

free-thinking and sometimesradical business consultantwho contributes innovationand an inventive flair.In Steve’s monthly column,here and on Island BusinessOnline, he’ll be musing on awide range of subjects.Contact Steve [email protected]

CHANGING TIMES

Cartoonist: Rupert Besley

Our RUBS section is where we pass on stuff we come across that wethink is really useful – it does what it says on the tin! If you have a tipthat you think is really useful let us know and we'll share it here.

Spin SellingIf you are searching for that newapproach to secure the sale then NeilRackman could provide the answer - SpinSelling. Neil introduces the reader to hisSPIN-selling method, which has beenadopted by some of today's leadingcompanies with dramatic effects.

Intellectual Property Health CheckIf you want to find out what you ownand how to use it why not use this freeIP health check. Visit:www.ipo.gov.uk/iphealthcheck

FileMaker - If you are into databasedevelopment then FileMaker are offeringa free trial of FilMaker Pro 11. Visit:www.filemaker.co.uk/products

Sign up for a free BlackBerry Bold?Vodafone Business are offering a freeBlackBerry Bold with a monthly traifffrom £25. Visit the website:www.vodafonebusinessshop.co.uk/SpecialOffers.html

Free business reviews forentrepreneursSmith & Williamson are offering a rangeof free reviews from ‘Road Tests’ to TaxStrategies. Visit the website:www.smith.williamson.co.uk/freereviewsforentrepreneurs

Biltmore Printers have a special offer

on business card printing, buy any 2business cards together and get 20% offthe combined total. Visit:www.biltmoreprinters.co.uk

Company formations 24.7 offer a fastand simple service to forming yourcompany and have teamed up withBarclays to include a bank account inyour purchase pack, which will give £35cash back. For more information visit:www.companyformations247.co.uk

Free occupational health adviceThe Department for Work and Pensionshas announced that from 1 April all smallbusinesses in England will be able toaccess free occupational health adviceand support on 0800 077 8844 andwww.health4work.nhs.uk.

Help available for businessesaffected by the volcanic ash cloudBusiness people affected by the Icelandicvolcanic ash cloud can visit a dedicatedhelp page for guidance. The eruption,which began in Iceland on 20 March,caused severe travel disruption acrossEurope as a result of a volcanic ash cloudgrounding flights. Business Link has setup a page on its website dedicated tohelping businesses mitigate the effectthat it may have had. For moreinformation and guidance:www.businesslink.gov.uk/volcanicash

How to make your million - yeah right!

Ionce had a colleague whohad an entire shelf of self-help business books withtitles such as ‘How to make

your million in ten easy steps’. Ioften threatened to his PA that inthe middle of the night I wasgoing to ceremoniously burnthem all in the car park. It is notsurprising that he and his bookshave both since ended up on thescrap heap. So over the past fewweeks it is even more surprisingthat I have been spotted carryinga couple of books on business.

Firstly I read leading economistJohn Kay’s latest book Obliquityand then followed that withRework by the founders of websoftware company 37signals. Theyboth centre on the idea thatsuccessful businesses are productorientated, not profit.

John Kay’s argument is focusedon the notion of obliquity, thatcomplex goals are often bestachieved indirectly. He arguesthat the most profit centricbusinesses such as Bear Stearnsor Lehman were ultimatelydestroyed by the greed of theirown employees. Whereas some ofthe greatest business leaderssuch as Carnegie, Ford, andWalton never considered wealthas the primary driver for theirsuccess, it was and has alwaysbeen about the product.

Rework, however, was thegreatest surprise. I have, for along time, had my own view andideas of how to run my businessaffairs, which would beconsidered by the establishmentas a little left field, so it was abreath of fresh air to hear othersarguing the case for a similarapproach. The book contains toomany ideas to list but the overallpremise is similar to that of JohnKay, in that we should focus on

our products or turning our ideasinto reality, not on how muchprofit they will make.

Rework tears into convention ina way that is very close to my ownheart. Business organisations uselanguage and dogma that isalmost contrived to protect their‘club’ or reinforce their own self-importance. You have to be of acertain type to ever be successfulin business, lack of experience isextremely negative, profit andmargin are the most importantthings, size matters and growth isthe real measure of success. Whenyou do finally build the confidenceto set up your new venture youare met by a wall of negativityand reasons why you may fail.

In reality it has never beeneasier to launch your ownbusiness. With a few minor set-

up fees you can be off. You canrun it from home, online you canfind all the legal and accountancytools you need, your market,communications tools, inexpensiveequipment and, if needed, plentyof good quality free advice. Whatyou don’t need to be is a secretbreed of ‘entrepreneur’ with theethics of a dictator, a huge bankloan, and lots of expensive andneedless advice.

Great businesses are builtaround great ideas and theinspiration to make them happen.37signals is a global companywith a collective of 19 employeesin eight cities on two continents.No bloated offices, needlessaccount managers, or falselygenerated perceptions of scale,and what’s wrong with the CEOanswering customer service calls?If you are thinking of starting abusiness, then do it, but yourway. If you already run your ownbusiness then maybe it's time toconsider a little reworking?

GOOD DESIGNSSPPEEAAKKSSVVOOLLUUMMEESS

“The design work for the Isle of Wight Sixth Form is superb and the support has

always been personal and responsive. I've been particularly impressed and grateful

for their response to our requirements, they really put their customers first.”

PETER THOMPSON VICE-PRINCIPAL, ISLE OF WIGHT COLLEGE

Pepper Creative are dedicated to producing print, web and multimedia projects that really work hard

for your business. Our enthusiastic team bring a new perspective to your design and marketing, creating fresh ideas and simple solutions that will keep you

ahead of the competition.

So if you want to be heard above the crowd, just...So if you want to be heard above the crowd, just... ...talk to us....talk to us.

TEL. 01983 529039 WWW.PEPPERCREATIVE.CO.UKTEL. 01983 529039 WWW.PEPPERCREATIVE.CO.UK

“Pepper provide an excellent service. Their work is exciting, innovative and extremely well received. The creative team have been able to take sensitive and di!cult topics and turn them into informative, appropriate and stylish campaigns.”SARAH STRINGER HEALTH IMPROVEMENT SERVICES MANAGER, ISLE OF WIGHT NHS

“The website that Pepper created was a great investment. We never realised that this would not only pay for itself so quickly but deliver a significant up-turn in business. We’ve come to realise how vital an online presence is to any business operating in a global market.”PHIL JONES DIRECTOR, DEENSIDE

island business magazine, may 2010

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