watford flea magazine - business edition 216

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F R E E f o r Wa t f o rd b u s i n e s s e s

Th i s E d i t i o n i s s p o n s o r e d by :

F I R S TBUSINESS EDITION

www.watford.theflea.co.uk2

A few words from

Dorothy Thornhill MBEWatford’s Executive Mayor

A few years ago, I sat down with Flea Magazine to do

a “Coffee Break” interview. What I hadn’t realised was

how long the publication had been going for. The first

edition was published in 2002 – the same year that I

became mayor!

That seems a long time ago - and a lot of things have

happened in our town since then, many of them, I hope,

for the better.

While other local

publications have come and

gone, I’m delighted to see

the Watford flea magazine,

with its focus on family,

lifestyle, education and arts

and a growing visibility on

the web, continuing to serve

our community.

In these difficult economic times, it’s especially

encouraging to see a small local company launching

this new complementary publication for our business

community, the lifeblood of our town. Having worked

closely with the Chambers of Commerce over several

years, they tell us that despite the challenging economy,

businesses are still attracted to our town.

Flea magazine’s new enterprise is testament to that.

As they and I look forward to celebrating our 10th

anniversaries next year, I wish them well.

Dorothy

Foreword

by Richard

Harrington Member of Parliament

for Watford

It’s my pleasure to offer a few words of support for this

new publication from flea magazines.

As most businesses in Watford will already know, one of

my top priorities since becoming your MP in May last

year has been to promote business and employment

in our town. I shall continue to do everything possible

to ensure Watford’s ongoing prosperity and its growing

reputation, both as an ideal and supportive location

for business and as an attractive and pleasant place for

people to live and work.

While we have many excellent networking

organisations and forums where local businesses can

interact as well as an Enterprise Club to encourage

and assist start-ups, the idea of a new publication

with a strong on-line presence that has been created

exclusively to improve links within Watford’s business

community strikes me as an ideal medium to

complement the existing channels through which our

local businesses communicate.

I believe we should welcome this initiative and I would

urge you to give the new publication your support

Richard

www.watford.thefl ea.co.uk3

From the editors desk Hello and thanks for reading our fi rst magazine specifi cally for the local business community in Watford.

Many readers will already know about Watford’s fl ea magazine - the name being an acronym for family, lifestyle, education and the arts. This free-to-reader consumer publication is delivered bi-monthly to some 6.500 households in Watford as well as being available to pick up in over 70 locations in and around the town and reaching some 25,000 readers.

For the 70% of B2C SMEs whose target market is local, advertising in A5 size publications like ours is widely recognised as the single most cost-effective marketing tool available.

At a recent sales conference for SME owners held in Cambridge, over 70% used this medium and rated it “best value” and “top performer” from a list including some thirty alternative methods of local promotion.

Uniquely, we also publish each magazine in four web editions and in every one of them our advertisers enjoy active web links, offering prospects immediate email and website access at the click of a mouse. That’s one of the reasons it’s in A5 format - it’s easy to read on screen without constantly panning and zooming - a frustration with many on-line publications.

Extra content and additional articles available in our main on-line editions are promoted in the printed magazines, which have become highly effective drivers of local web traffi c. They bring qualifi ed new prospects to all our advertisers and provide them with improved visibility to the major search engines.

And of course, every business that appears in print gets a FREE search-optimised Business Listing on our local website and at least three inward web links to their own site.

We can rightly claim that fl ea is Much More than a Magazine.

But while our consumer magazine is perfect for B2C businesses, we have for some time recognised that we should offer a similar product for local SMEs who’s market is other local businesses. This Business Edition is designed to do just that!

We’ve received an enthusiastic response, but have purposely kept this edition small.

We hope you fi nd it useful and look forward to welcoming you into a fl ea edition very soon.

Don’t forget to check our website where you’ll fi nd additional content, including articles on the new Consumer Rights Initiative, Clean Energy, the New Economy, Boosting Sales, Housekeeping for Startups and our tongue in cheek solution to the economic state of the nation - ‘fl eaconomics’

You’ll also fi nd an index to advertisers who have supported this edition.

To get your business noticed in our next editions, please book early.

Copy deadlines are:

Consumer fl ea 25th Nov 2011Business fl ea 10th Feb 2012

The consumer fl ea is delivered to 6500 homes and available to pick up in over 70 locations in and around Watford.

We aim to deliver the Business Flea to every business in Watford Borough.

Published by Flea Ltd58 Vicarage RdWatford WD18 0EW

www.fl eacentral.com

The opinions expressed

by contributors do not

necessarily represent

the views of flea ltd.

Ed

necessarily represent

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F R E E f o r Wa t f o rd b u s i n e s s e s

Th i s E d i t i o n i s s p o n s o r e d by :

F I R S TBUSINESS EDITION

Why advertise in Magazines?

Because local magazines work - and with flea magazines you

get all this extra FREE:

• Printed editions in convenient pocket/handbag/letterbox size

• Perfect size for reading on-line - no zooming or panning

• FREE Professional design, copywriting, help and advice

• Printed editions appear on-line in four versions

• Extra on-line text options

• FREE searchable on-line business directory

• Live hyperlinks (web links and email links)

• All online content fully visible to the internal fleasearch

• High Google visibility (try searching for ‘Watford Magazines’)

Commercially unbeatable!

• High Value, Low Cost, Locally Targetted promotional tool -

ideal for SMEs

• Printed and on-line vouchers / coupons

• Some of the best advertising rates available in print.

• Unbelievable rates for serious web promotion

• PriceLock Guarantee* - secure your promotions

against inflation

Superflea - For added internet visibility -

• Linked Business Listing PLUS Banner and Exclusive Fleapage

• “Fleapage” with up to 5 images

• Unlimited text and hyperlinks

• URL optimised for your keywords and phrases

If your market is local, then this could be the best marketing

opportunity you’ve seen for a long time. Just compare us with

the competition!

Watford Flea Magazine

58 Vicarage Road

Watford WD18 0EW

T: 01923 731160

E: [email protected]

Be in flea - the web comes free

M u c h M o re t h a n a M a g a z i n e

RBS - 01923 817373www.visitrbs.com

TDO - 01462 810071www.thedigitaloffice.co.uk

TDO and RBS have joined forcesto create a complete one-stop shop

for all your printing solutions.

• Copiers • Printers • Scanners• Copyprinters • Wide Format Printers

• Multifunctional Devices • Remanufd Machines• Software Solutions • Service & Repair

•Audit Solutions • Faxes•Consumables

Call today and speak to our friendly,dedicated team of experts to see what

We can do for You.


Enterprise Watford

We’re an independent initiative set up specifically to offer guidance and support to those with a specific business idea and looking to start their own business.

If this sounds like you, we are able to offer confidential advice in matters associated with the planning and preparation for those important first few steps. Enterprise meetings are centrally located, they are free of charge and offer you clarity when you need it most. Come and see us, we look forward to hearing from you.

Telephone 07804 038570

‘working with you’

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y o u r

OutsourcingMake Life Easier and Grow Your Business At The Same Time.

Not so long ago, the only skill really needed in business was to know your trade, sell at the right price.and keep your customers happy.

Knowing your trade isn’t enough anymore! Today’s business owner is responsible for so much more.

Larger businesses have a whole host of support, but if you’re a sole trader or small business owner, you have to keep on top of everything apart from ‘Operations’ - finance; legal stuff; sales; marketing (social media, PR, the website, SEO, design and print) as well as the office machinery and the admin - from preparing quotes, reports and presentations to answering the phone and emails.

You work really hard at what you’re the expert at - the stuff that earns the money - but how much of your time do you spend, or should you be spending, on these support and administrative tasks?

.Ask yourself these questions…

1. Why did I go into business? - Wasn’t it to build financial stability and a better quality of life for you and those you love? Are you achieving both?

2. Do I have a healthy work - life balance? - No matter how much you love your business ‘work to live, don’t live to work’. STOP once in a while to appreciate what you’ve got - you only live once!

3. Could someone else do some of my work? - Giving you more time to focus on what you do best - or to enjoy with your loved ones.

4. Could I improve my business performance by outsourcing? - Businesses that know the true value of time recognise that benefits from outsourcing far outweigh the cost.

There is a famous quote by Jim Rohn (an American Entrepreneur): “You can get more money, but you can’t get more time”.

OUTSOURCING is not new - it’s just delegating tasks to someone you trust who has the skill, time and commitment to perform them exactly as you would wish. It’s not a sign of weakness to seek help - it’s a pragmatic and sensible solution to specific needs and usually a better choice than employing a ‘temp’.

Of course, your outsource must be totally trustworthy and reliable - so seek recommendations and check out testimonials. If you need a good bookkeeper, virtual PA, social media manager or graphic designer, just visit www.theonestopoffice.co.uk.

Abby Dennis The One Stop Office Ltd

[email protected]

01923 802 622

55-56 WENTA Business Centre, Colne Way. Watford. Herts. WD24 7NDWorking Smarter, Not Harder! We CAN help.


How long would your business survive if you weren’t able to sign the cheques? Who would open the shop tomorrow morning and continue trading if something happened to you and who would pay the staff wages? Running a business in the current economic climate is tough enough but you need to have a plan for how your business is going to operate if you aren’t there to do things for yourself.

Most people understand the importance of making a Will but it is even more important if you are a business owner. Businesses are complex – you may be a sole trader, a partner or a director of a limited company – whatever your business structure, you are going to need someone who understands how it works to help you make arrangements that are practical.

As a business owner – you must have two plans in place: what happens to your business when you die (by making an effective Will) and how the business is going to run if you are incapacitated (by making a Lasting Power of Attorney).

Shirley Batten-Smith set up Planet Wills to offer a bespoke estate planning service to clients - she is professionally qualified in will writing, financial services and banking. She cuts through the legal jargon and delivers a friendly service in plain English to help clients achieve peace of mind that they have made arrangements that will work and all at a cost effective price.

Shirley Batten-Smith

01923 460 011 www.planetwills.co.uk

Making the difficult easy

Strategic Planningfor your businessM J T

Catering

WeddingsFunerals

ChristeningsOffice FunctionsSummer Parties

M J TCatering

T 01923 351421 M 07789 620825WWW.MJTCATERING.CO.UK

M J T Catering offers…

you and your guests or clients a wide range of menus, services and styles.

We are happy to include complimentary assistance in sourcing qualified photographers, florists, special event equipment or even a location for your event.

Whether you are planning an intimate evening for friends, a fully appointed Wedding, or a high profile Corporate Event, we will work to ensure that it is a complete success.

Please call to discuss your personalised requirements, designed for your style, budget and location.

M J T CateringCaterers of Distinction T 01923 351421 M 07789 620825

For the office…

M J T bring delicacies to the boardroom or wholesome sandwiches and light snacks for those on the go. All our food is freshly sourced, locally prepared and is presented in bio-degradable paper materials sourced from sustainable forests*

* we do not support the use of plastic packaging.

OFFICE FUNCTIONSCORPORATE HOSPITALITY WEDDINGS - PARTIES FUNERALS - CHRISTENINGS

TELEPHONE MOBILE01923 351421 07789 620825www.mjtcatering.co.uk

PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGY & PROBATE RESEARCH SERVICES

Tel: 01923 441831Email: [email protected]

SOLICITORS, TRUSTEES & CUSTODIANSLocating missing heirs and beneficiaries relating to the administration or the recovery of assets.

TRACING OWNERS & BENEFICIARIESUnclaimed, lost or forgotten assets for entitlement

FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCHFor those looking to commission research or requiring assistance with their ongoing research.

AD-HOC RESEARCHAdditional research services for companies

Harrisons Research & GenealogyTel: 01923 441831Email: [email protected]

55-56 Wenta Business Centre.Colne Way, Watford, Herts WD24 7ND

PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGY & PROBATE RESEARCH SERVICES

Your BusinessCould Be Here

To advertise in any flea publication in print and on-line

Call: 01923 731160Email: [email protected]

Use BA’s secret to de-stress your staff‘Stress’ is now the most common cause of long and short term absenteeism.

Over-stressed staff take more “sick days”. (CIPD 2011)¹ Your company’s most valuable asset is its people. Caring for your people with a comprehensive method of promoting well-being while preventing ill-health will improve performance and productivity.

Stress is good for us: a healthy stimulus so we enjoy the ‘buzz’ of pushing a new project to completion. However, stress overload (di-stress) which is ignored, can cause eventual physical or emotional breakdown. Excessive di-stress is infectious. Behaviour and morale deteriorate, conflict increases, staff suffer health and emotional problems. Attendance levels decrease and so business performance suffers.

It’s profoundly damaging to your business - so what can you do about it?

British Airways discovered a solution to growing absenteeism: offering their staff Autogenic Training (AT).

AT gives your staff their own tools to take care of themselves. Whatever the cause of di-stress, managing it is the key to feeling, working and performing better.

Benefits address the physical: eg headaches, irritable bowel, chronic pain, recurring infections; and the psychological: eg insomnia, anxiety, mild depression, inappropriate anger. Users of AT also report increased confidence, energy and creativity.

Using a simple programme of relaxation, the ‘fight-flight’ stress response is switched off for a few minutes, and the mind-body system is given deep rest. This allows a self-generated (autogenic) process of mind-body change.

Practised for a few minutes 2-3 times a day, over time the

method can literally change the way the mind-body works, helping reduce or eliminate symptoms.Taught in 10 short weekly group sessions, AT is hugely cost effective for business

Jane Bird’s nursing background enhances her approach to AT. British Airways were so impressed with the results that Jane was retained for over ten years to teach Autogenics to their staff.

More information? Read the on-line version of this article at www.watford.theflea.co.uk/magazine or visit Jane’s website.

Note 1. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) - “Absence management, Annual Survey Report 2011”. A link to obtain this report in pdf format is available in the web versions of this article.

Jane Bird SRN;DipAT

01923 675 [email protected] www.autogenic-therapist.co.uk


publicity for business

• Are you launching a business?

• Are you looking for help with media strategy?

• Have you plans for growth that need implementation?

• Perhaps you need to refresh your branding?

If so, why not call us for a no obligation discussion on how we may be able to help ‘make a difference’ to your business, or take a minute to visit our blog, http://charliekenny.wordpress.com

Grow with Go! Publicity. Tel . 07804 038570Shop Window … Marketing Services … Business Planning … Growth Consultancy

publicity


Are you?• Concerned about the poor performance of your existing pensions or investments

• Looking for an alternative to traditional stock market investments

Have you considered joining the growing number of people investing in alternative investment schemes that offer the opportunity for you to maximise your investment returns. Here are 2 examples :

Underperforming Investments/Pensions

GREEN OILHave you wondered why so many people are choosing to

invest in these new “eco” friendly investments? It’s not

such a great surprise perhaps when you consider the kind

of returns that are being offered to those investing in an

environmentally and socially responsible way.

Returns of up to 16% plus p.a.

At last the world has woken up to the fact that we

desperately need alternative fuel sources to replace our

depleting natural coal, oil and gas deposits.

Research, development and production of alternative,

sustainable fuel sources are attracting high profile interest

from governments and organizations all over the world.

The result is that we are witnessing the introduction of

major incentives and targets for the implementation of

“green oil” into future global energy requirements.

What this means for investors

What this means for investors is that projects which find

and produce new sustainable sources of oil have become

an excellent investment opportunity.

• Invest from £7,500

• Fixed returns of 4% to 15% in yrs 1 through 5

• Projected yields of 16% plus per annum from yr 6

• Over 650% projected 10 year return on investment on Capital Builder version

• Structured exit strategy from years 5 to 10

• All land held in trust in your name

• Invest directly with cash or via a pension plan (SIPP)

• Old pension funds can be transferred in

TEAKTeak is not only a strong and a valuable asset, but

versatile and high in carbon sequestration. These

characteristics are believed to be highly advantageous

for continued demand for Teak.

Teak has unique physical and mechanical properties that

make it a superior species for the Timber market. It can

withstand the most challenging weather conditions due to

its natural oil content. It is highly fire resistant and resistant

to acids, insects and fungus.

With increasing demand and a steadily rising value it is

no wonder that teak provides fantastic potential returns

for investors.

• Invest from £6500 in both cash or via your pension

• Fixed return of 11% per annum

• Return of 105% of your original investment from year

5 onwards

• All returns are currently exempt of Income Tax, Capital

Gains Tax

• The investment falls out-side of Inheritance Tax rules

after the first 2 years of investment

• Investment held in a UK trust in your name

For further in-depth information:

Call 0800 567 7831

or 01923 334621

www.mcicommercialmortgages.co.uk

MCI Brokers Limited


In some cases Statutory Interest may not be payable on your claim. These are very basic examples and there are many variables to take into account when assessing the amount of compensation due. Our PPI claims team are experts and will ensure you receive the correct compensation.

We may be able to help if your Loan, Credit Card or other Financial product was paid off years ago.

We Offer a ‘No Win No Fee’ service with NO Upfront Fee’s payable to us. In the event of a successful claim our fees are 25% + VAT of the amount of the claim that we are able to secure for you.

Call Us Today and See How We Can Help You on 0800 567 7831 or 01923 334621

www.mcicommercialmortgages.co.uk

(PPI) policies were sold or offered to many consumers who took out various financial products, often without checking to see if the consumer was eligible for the service. PPI is also known by other phrases such as:

• Accident, Sickness & Unemployment Cover (ASU)

• Loan Insurance, Redundancy Payment Protection Insurance (RPPI)

• Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance (MPPI)

• Redundancy Protection (RP)

• Mortgage Payment Cover (MPC)

They were designed to cover the cost of loan repayments in the event that you were off sick or became unemployed. They were usually taken out with:

• Loans

• Mortgages

• Credit Cards

• Motor Dealers

• Furniture Stores

• Many other credit arrangements

The problem with PPI is that most people who were sold the policy didn’t need the cover in the first instance and in many cases the policies were sold to people who could never qualify for a claim such as those:

• Retired

• Self-employed

• Unemployed

Those suffering with back injuries and stress, which are the main two reasons for being off work, are often excluded from the contract.

Example ALoan amount: £12,000

PPI Premium: £3,800

Interest Rate: 8.8%APR

Loan term: 60 months

Number of monthly payments made: 60

PPI Interest paid to date: £910

This claim would typically result in a refund of £4,710+ 8% statutory interest of £1,005*

Total claim: £5,715

Example BLoan amount: £28,000

PPI Premium: £5360

Interest Rate: 7.55%APR

Loan term: 180 months

Number of monthly payments made: 72

PPI Interest paid to date: £3588

This claim would typically result in a refund of £3,588 + 8% statutory interest of £946*+ the remaining PPI removed from the loan saving £5,382 in further payments.

Total claim: £9,916

Are you one of the Millions of People in the UK who have been mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) & are now owed Thousands of Pounds?

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL CLAIMS:


www.daynightpat-testing.co.ukDayNight logo.indd 1 5/11/10 14:56:04

ARE YOU A BUSINESS OWNER ?DO YOU HAVE AN UP TO DATE PAT TEST CERTIFICATE ?

IF NOT YOU MAY BE BREAKING THE LAW.

CALL US FOR INFO & ADVICEWE CAN ALSO HELP YOU SAVE MONEY

T: 07804 865894 www.daynightpat-testing.co.uk

W A R N I N G

JPR Electrical ServicesPart P Registered Installers

James Polhill Electrician

m. 07590 669049 t. 01923 443270e. [email protected] www.jprelectrical.com

installations, alterations & rewiresperiodic inspections • landlord certificatesfault finding & testing • emergency call outs

JAC Property Consultancy LtdArchitectural Services · CAD DesignResidential/Commercial Property Advice

Tony JacksonBSc (Hons) MRICSTel/Fax: 01494 583600Mobile: 07779 653101Email: [email protected]

3 Tripps Hill CloseChalfont St Giles Buckinghamshire HP8 4JZ

0 1 9 2 3 6 0 8 6 0 0 email : [email protected]

VoIP • TELEPHONE LINES • BROADBANDHARDWARE • SOFTWARE

IS YOUR LEASED OR MANAGED PROPERTY A MAINTENANCE TIMEBOMB?

Are your building defects a minor problem or indications of something more serious?

Landlords are legally required to resolve such defects to avoid tenant / leaseholder claims of disrepair!

LET US CHECK We’ll give you peace of mind.

Our professional staff will tell you honestly what needs to be done and when. We can also help you make sure that any work needed is done properly by:

Specification Writing Contract Procurement

Works Supervision

Stephen Parker M.C.I.O.B. F.B. Eng.SRP Property Survey SolutionsT. 01923 680570 M. 07985 534483www.srps.co email: [email protected]

By implementing a regular property inspection and maintenance regime you ensure

the value of your assets is maintained and avoid expensive problems in the future!

10

...but you might feel that it is. A degreeof stress is natural and healthy, inducingthe production of adrenaline whichhelps us perform better.

However, overwhelming and continuing stresscan lead to DiStress and cause many health and emotional problems. You might find it hard to sleep, become mildly depressed, feel anxious,and/or experience other seemingly unrelatedsymptoms such as asthma, irritable bowel and a range of other debilitating problems.

Whatever the cause of your stress, managing it is the key to feeling and getting better.

Autogenic Training (AT or ‘autogenics’) is aself-help method using good quality, easily learnedrelaxation, which switches off the fight-flight stressresponse. Practise for a few minutes 2-3 times a day and you can literally change the way your

fami ly l i festy le educat ion ar ts

Stress is not an illness…mind-body works. And you are likely to reduce or eliminate your symptoms. It takes 9 weeks tolearn AT: short-term therapy in a package!

Jane Bird’s background as a nurse enhances her approach to AT and for over 25 years she hasbeen helping people help themselves. She is afounder Member of the British Autogenic Society(Dip AT 1984), and currently teaches AT at theLondon Homoeopathic Hospital.

More information? Read the on-line version ofthis article at www.watford.theflea.co.uk/magazineor visit Jane’s website.

tel: 01923 675501 www.autogenic-therapist.co.ukemail: [email protected]

Jane BirdAUTOGENIC PSYCHOTHER APIST

01923 675501

j

A U T O G E N I C T H E R A P I S T

‘WATFORD’S FRIENDLY LOCKSMITH’58 Leavesden Road, Watford, Herts WD24 5EE

Dave HendersonManaging Director

tel 01923 220 541fax 01923 212 216mobile 07753 748 442email [email protected] www.connorlocksmiths.com

Asked what they know of Watford, thefirst thing most people say would bethe Harlequin Centre. Far from being just aretail therapy centre, Watford is a town surroundedby some beautiful countryside, interwoven with atapestry of footpaths and bridleways. Now is a greattime to be out and about. In this edition, DaveDegen invites you to discover Brightwells Farm andthe old Hamper Mill as you enjoy an afternoonstroll that takes less than an hour at a leisurely pace.

Walk: Brightwells Farm and HamperMill (about 3km)1. At the very end of Vicarage Road where itmeets the Ebury Way, continue down the unmadeapproach to Brightwells Farm.

2. Approaching the farmhouse, turn right down ashort track, through a gate and into the fields. Thepath hugs the hedgerows, curling in towards theoriginal Hamper Mill.

3. Cross the narrow footbridge and up a steep path brings you onto Hampermill Lane where youshould turn left and continue for about 700m.

4. Between the traffic lights and the red brickbridge, turn left and follow the bridleway.

5. Cross the brook bridge, then left as far as thefork – go left, up the steps, left again onto the EburyWay and back to where you started.

Do you have a local walk that may be ofinterest? Let Dave know. by calling flea on 01923 241852 or email [email protected].

Degen’s View

Flea Issue 2 No 11 [print]:Flea 22 19/04/2010 08:21

Fleadom !Your opportunity to Be your own boss

Fit work around your lifeEnjoy every day

You can do it with Flea

Call NOW 01923 731160

P E A R S O N & C OT e l : 0 1 9 2 3 8 9 4 4 0 4F a x : 0 1 9 2 3 8 9 4 9 9 0E-mail: [email protected]

E s t a b l i s h e d 1 9 8 4

Professional

& friendly

service for all

your taxation &

accounting needs


‘nothing sells your business better than you’’

If you can relate to this, The Weekly Business Network may be right up your street. If so, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you along and meet a group of like minded local business men and women meeting on a regular basis for business through developed relations.

‘’people buy from people’’

The Weekly Business has a structured agenda, with weekly meetings of individual categories of business in a non prohibitive, supportive environment. We are NOT a member organisation, we do not charge membership fees, nor do we promote any business service(s) other than that of our Forum attendees. Your only liability may be the early start (7am until 8.45am) together with a fee of £10 per meeting which contributes to the venue hire and a (very good) full-English breakfast.

So why not contact us to find out the best day for you and your business? Either telephone me, Matthew Bashford-Hayes on 07789 620825 or go to our website: www.wednesdaybusiness.co.uk

The Weekly Business @ Watford Indoor Bowls Club

Rear, Woodside Leisure, Horseshoe Lane, Garston, WD25 7HH

‘watford’s premier independent business forum’

Weekly Business @Watford Indoor Bowls Club

Starting a Business?Get your Logo and Branding right....because �rst impressions are everything.

Come and talk to us to see how you can get an edge over your competition so that you can win more business.

Call now for a friendly chat & free advice.

T: 020 8386 7600www.rfdcreative.co.uk


What Is Business VoIP?Voice over Internet Protocol is a method of handling telephone calls by accessing the public telephone network through a broadband connection and hosted carrier-grade switch.

Productivity increases of over 350% have been recorded by businesses that have adopted Business VoIP.

Business VoIP is not Skype - it provides you with real business telephones and “big company” facilities but at less than the price of a standard phone line. It’s like having a top-range digital PABX and programmable answering machine for your business - but with extra bolt-ons and all FREE with your low monthly rental!

Your hosted PABX is software-driven, lives on a suite of servers at a secure site in Docklands and is backed up by a mirror site to ensure against failure. It can be accessed via the internet and is controlled and accessed by you from anywhere in the world.

You’ve heard of Cloud Computing? Business VoIP is Cloud Telephony!

So what’s the advantages?There’s so many, we’ll just outline the main ones here.

Portable Number - You can have a LOCAL phone number, but it’s independent of location so you can have a London number whilst working in Brussels. When your business moves location, your phone number follows you, so you don’t waste the investment you’ve made in promoting it.

Bells and Whistles - features like call forwarding, call waiting, voicemail, caller ID and three-way calling, are all included in most Business VoIP packages - as are calls and transfers to others on your service provider’s VoIP network.

If your phone’s engaged it will transfer the call to another phone or to voicemail - whatever you’ve told it to do. Voice messages can be forwarded to you immediately by email.

Low-cost calls - call charges are highly competitive. Take your voip phone with you, connect to the internet anywhere and you’ll get the same rates. Better still, have a softphone on your laptop and use your office extension

to call from. Invaluable whilst travelling as you are making a local uk call. Many modern mobiles have wifi and a sip server application built-in - just find a wireless access point - or use the phone’s mobile internet and you can call using your office extension - no more high roaming charges!

Franchisees or remote workers? - For people working in different locations, Business VoIP is the perfect solution. Choose a single provider and calls can be transferred between any of your employees and associates, alternate answering points or hunt groups can be set up and they can call each other or have a group chat - all free anytime.

Surely there’s some downsides? - Nothing serious! A local power failure will put your IP phone out of action unless on protected power - but your calls will still be answered. Because of the non-geographic nature of your IP phone, you should not rely on it for emergency calls. Use a mobile or fixed line for that.

Find out more - Local company SystemTalk offers a wide range of telecommunications advice and services for business - including Business VoIP, free consultation and a free service trial.

CALL NOW or email to find out how Business VoIP will help your company work better, increase efficiency and save money.

020 8150 [email protected] www.systemtalk.co.uk

Business VoIP - Voice Management for SMEs

Invented by Toyota to aid production management, QR (Quick Response) codes are starting to appear all over the place - at bus stops, on estate agents’ boards and in magazines like your friendly flea.

QR codes can contain a variety of information, but the most common is a web address or URL, which your Smartphone then takes you to automatically.

The code is scanned using the camera on your Smartphone and interpreted using one of many QR reader applications (“Apps”) that you can download free.

Got a Smartphone? Then get an App and try it now. This QR code should take you to the latest edition of the Watford flea magazine on-line!

Find out more at www.qrstuff.com


It’s so UNIQUE, we can’t keep the SECRET any longer…

Our refreshingly new approach is beginning to revolutionise the accounting world. Our many local clients love our very personal but professional service that includes:

• FREEInitialMeetingwithnotimelimits

• FREETelephoneSupportandAdvice

• FREETaxReview

• FixedPrice packages - to suit all budgets and needs

• 100%SatisfactionGuarantee on everything we do

Whether you’re just starting out, tired of paying high fees or just want an accountant who listens and provides better service…

Call NOW on 01923 777338www.skinnerandcompany.co.uk

Techy CornerWhats a QR Code?

Proofreading is serious business.

In the 1632 edition of the King James Bible, omission of the word ‘not’ gave new meaning to the seventh commandment ‘Thou shalt commit adultery.’ The poor printer was fined £300 (£25,000 in today’s money) for his mistake and had his licence suspended. That edition subsequently became infamous as the ‘Wicked Bible’

Everyone makes errors and it’s true that we often don’t see our own. As G. Rawlinson from Cambridge University famously wrote:

Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae…. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?

That may be true - but it’s not wise to use the approach in your business publications.

Poor grammar, clumsy sentences, simple mistakes and misused words not only cause misunderstanding but can leave your business open to ridicule or even potential litigation.

So check all your documents carefully - not just your promotional stuff!

Your letters, emails and website all create an impression of your business.

Good Copywriting and careful Proofreading are vital.

If you don’t spot the errors, you may be sure your customers will!


Office, home, hospital, classroom, any room - just Mainline it!

Power beyond limits.

Mainline is a unique track-based system that’s adaptable, scalable and safe. It provides a more cost-effective and future-proof solution to delivering mains power anywhere in any environment. Once the Mainline track is installed, anyone can simply and safely add, remove and reposition 240v power outlets as and when required. That means no more overloaded sockets, no more ugly hazardous extension leads and no more waiting for electricians to install extra sockets.

Mainline can be flush mounted or surface mounted, or even incorporated in dado-trunking to include data cables.

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style.simplicity.flexibility.

For more reasons to Mainline your next project or for a list of stockistsvisit www.mainlinepower.co.uk or call 08450 724 754.





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Your local qualified installer

TJS Electrical ServicesThomas SandsElectrical & CCTV Contractor

07779224440 [email protected] www.tjselectricalservice.com01923662136

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Have an Unpaid Tax Bill?Are you experiencing difficulty in paying any of the following Tax Debts?

• Corporation Tax

• Income Tax

• National Insurance Contributions

• Pay As You Earn (PAYE)

• Value Added Tax (VAT)

Are you looking for a Solution?

If so, contact ‘Fairtax Solutions Ltd’ the ‘Tax Debt Specialists’ who can help you find

a solution to suit your needs!

Let the specialist ‘Tax Debt’ team help you ease your Tax bill concerns by

negotiating an arrangement with HMRC on your behalf. No matter how severe

your circumstances maybe, Fairtax Solutions Ltd aims to help you find a solution

which works best to resolve your Tax problem.

Who can we help?

We can help almost anybody regardless of whether you are a:

• Sole Trader

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What if I don’t take any Action?

The consequences of not paying your tax can be devastating:

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We will provide you with our recommendation and an estimated, but

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Just complete our simple on line application at

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5-Star Luxury Caribbean Investment Property

This opportunity is fresh and uncomplicated (is nothing to do with timeshare!) just a chance to benefit from owning a 5-star overseas investment property and a guaranteed future income.

Freehold Caribbean Investment

properties at 5-star luxury resorts

Studio apartments through to 6 bed luxury villas – fully furnished

Prices from £100,000

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Can be purchased using your pension via SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pension)

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30 days free usage per year (excluding SIPP)

10% rental guarantee for up to 10 years

50:50 net room rate share from year 3

Then potential yield of around 30%

To find out more or to receive an invitation to attend a FREE investment seminar conveniently local to you

T: 01923 438188 M: 07831 333455E: [email protected]

There’s no obligation whatever and we promise there will be absolutely no sales pressure.

watford flea magazine - business edition 216

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