B4 bucks issue 5

MagazineB U C K I N G H A M S H I R E E D I T I O N

Macdonald Compleat Angler

P R • N E T W O R K I N G • C O M M U N I C A T I O N • P R O P E R T Y • R & R • I T

B U I L D I N G B R I D G E S B E T W E E N B U S I N E S S E S

I S S U E 5 S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

A D V I C E • C O N F E R E N C E • E D U C A T I O N • H E A L T H • M A R K E T I N G • H R

w w w . b 4 - b u s i n e s s . c o m

B 4

A year in the life of our Platinum Member, Aylesbury College

Overlooking The Thames at Marlow – an inspirational venue for all occasions

High Wycombe based Chartered Accountants help Bucks businesses through the tough times

Aylesbury College

The Fish Partnership

So What is B4?

Join the B4 Community

B U I L D I N G B R I D G E S

B4 is the fastest growing business to business network, providing over 500 businesses in Oxfordshire, Berkshire andBuckinghamshire with four great platforms to promote and connect their businesses. It's a business network with adifference where we facilitate face to face contact with other Members at B4 events held in iconic locations.

4 Effective Platforms to Help You Connect

Why Become a Member?

B E T W E E N B U S I N E S S E S

Memberships are specific to one area, not all, and gives your business a listing in the back of your chosen area B4Magazine. A listing on the business directory of the relevant B4 website but access to all B4 events in all areas (restrictions may apply due to capacity limitations and we do have some Platinum Ambassador only events). Members can also promote their status on company e-mails and websites with our new B4 Member icons

Why Not Upgrade to Ambassador?Becoming an Ambassador gets a face to represent your business in the B4 community. Your chosen Ambassadorwill feature alongside your listing in the magazine directory, on your on line business directory listing and also in theAmbassadors’ section on the B4 website. Being an Ambassador gives you something in common to approachother B4 Ambassadors throughout the network. All Ambassadors will also receive a new B4 Ambassadors Card.

The rate to become an Ambassador is £250+VAT per annum (additional Ambassadors charged £99+VAT).

Join B4 for just £250+VAT per annumB4 Membership is now one rate for all companies. The annual charge gives your business a listing in four quarterlyeditions of B4, presence in the B4 online directory with the ability to upload unlimited press releases and event details and access to all B4 Member events for all of your employees. We have at least four events in each areaand you and your colleagues are welcome to all of them – there are no additional charges to attend events.

What about Editorial in the Magazine?

Get Connected to our Growing Community Now:Call Us Now - 01494 373183

Looks complicated? Well it's not! We can set you up to have your picture taken at our associate's studio. We canget one of our freelance PR or Editor to interview you. You have Full Editorial Control so, nothing's printed withoutyour agreement. Editorial pages start at £695+VAT and we can do almost all of it for you! Just ask!

Become a B4 Member in less than 24 hoursHere's what we need to get you started:1. Your Logo - high quality is a must and in one of the following formats: jpeg, eps, pdf, ai2. Between 50 and 300 words about your business - See the website for some great examples3. Basic contact details - Basic contact details e.g. Address, telephone number, email address

Our system will automatically generate a user name and password (which you can change) and you are ready toput up your first Press Release. But Don't Worry! There's a helpful online guide to assist you and we're always atthe end of the phone.

B4 Magazine - Packed with great features, news and promotional articles mailed free to 3,000 businessdecision makers (separate circulation of 3,000 in each county)1

B4 Website - Upload press releases direct to the site and promote forthcoming events and seminars. AllB4 articles printed are uploaded to the business directory on the site.2

B4 Events - Meet other B4 members at high quality B4 events in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire...Why not even bring a guest?3

B4 Social - Promote your business to other B4 members via our social media platforms, a great way toget your message across.4

To find out more about B4 please visit WWW.B4-BUSINESS.COMt: 01865 742211 e: [email protected] a: The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT

events

RHODES HOUSEThursday 12th September 20136:00pm - 8:00pm

South Parks Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3RG, United Kingdom

Dress code: Smart business casual

Any enquiries should be directed to Tina Rosser01865 742211 or [email protected]

‘One of Oxfordshire’s truly inspirational venues’

ABOUT OUR HOSTS

A hidden delight situated in the heart of Oxford, Rhodes House is abeautiful venue steeped in history. Ideal for dinners, business meetings,product launches and weddings, Rhodes House can now be yours for theday.

For nearly a century, Rhodes House has been the gathering place forRhodes scholars and distinguished guests. Now, the House has beenmade available so that others can enjoy the peace, quiet and uniqueatmosphere of this private, exclusive venue. It is deal for both corporateand private events, for large and small functions, and for photo shoots.

Join other B4 Ambassadors, Members and their guests at this stunningvenue, home of the Rhodes Scholars.

www.rhodeshouseoxford.com

Please register for the event here:http://www.regonline.com/b4oxrhodeshouse

REGISTRATION

Welcome to Issue 5

Is business confidence growing? That’s still a fair question with trading conditions stillrelatively hostile, but I can report that there is generally a more positive energy beinggenerated by the B4 business community across the Thames Valley. Yes it’s tough outthere but the majority of businesses we are coming into contact with have absorbedthe new ‘rules’ and are getting on with what they do best.

There’s definitely a positive energy from our growing group of Platinum Members and onthat note we welcome Aylesbury College, the focus of this issue’s lead article. You can readabout an eventful year at the College on page 18 and you can find out more about theCollege by attending our forthcoming B4 event later this year (November 28th – see B4Events Dirary on page 25).

Our membership continiues to grow across the B4 network with numbers fast approaching600. We have attracted some great new members in recent months such as Westcott VenturePark, De Vere Venues Latimer Place, Macdonald Compleat Angler, Grundon WasteManagement, Sue Ryder Care, Cirkle, Busy Offices and continue to build on our relationshipswith the existing B4 members who joined last year, including The Fish Partnership, BP Collins,Bucks New University (who hosted our first B4 Buckinghamshire event of the year – seemore on page 54) and First Move.

We also welcome our new B4 Sales Manager, Luci Didriksen-Penfold, who you will be seeingmore of at future B4 Events. B4 Membership is now one flat annual fee for which you receiveall the benefits outlined on pages 2 and 3, including great events at fantastic venues. It’s afabulous package of offers which represents excellent value for money, and if you’re lookingfor some extra profile personally, why not become a B4 Ambassador and receive one of ournew B4 Ambassadors Cards (see page 14 for more details).

Talking of events, we feature Macdonald Compleat Angler on page 26, the venue for our B4Event on October 24th. We are delighted to be working with one of the county’s leadinghotels and look forward to a fantastic event. One of our venues for 2014, Hartwell House &Spa, the venue for a recent G7 meeting, features on page 53.

B4 as a network continues to go from strength to strength and we would like you to beinvolved. Why not call us to discuss the benefits of membership or come along to one of ournext events (see page 25) as our guest to see who you could be connecting with on a regularbasis. B4 is growing, B4 works and B4 is excellent value for money – why not give us a try?

We look forward to hearing from you.

Enjoy B4

welcometo B4

B4 Magazine was established to provide Oxfordshire businesses with a clear voice to raise their profileand to help businesses connect. With B4 Berkshire and now B4 Buckinghamshire, we hope to achivegreater success now that the model has been established and refined. Direct mailed to three thousandbusiness decision makers in Buckinghamshire every quarter, and with a further four and a half thousandcopies circulated to key outlets, featured businesses and made available at B4 events, we hope to makeour mark in Buckinghamshire businesses. See more at www.b4-business.com.B4 is funded by paid for display advertising and editorial, although some editorial is granted withoutcharge at the discretion of the Editor. Please call us to find out how you can get involved.

WHY NOT FOLLOW B4 MAGAZINE AT @B4Bucks

www.b4-business.com

ContactsIf you want to contact B4 MagazineTelephone: 01494 [email protected]

Publisher B4 Magazine is published by Designs On Ltd, The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT

ChairmanColin [email protected]

EditorRichard [email protected]

Art EditorKeith [email protected]

Assistant Art EditorRob [email protected]

Assistant EditorLorna [email protected]

B4 EventsTina [email protected]

ProofreaderSue Rosser

Membership Sales ManagerLuci Didriksen-Penfold

Social Media ManagerJames Egan

Editorial contributors

Hazell ScottLucy HolmesPhil StrachanTony Thomson

B4 PhotographyRob ScotcherGleed Photography

Studio PhotographyGleed Photographywww.gleedphotography.co.uk

SubscriptionsFor free Subscription, please contact:Telephone: 01494 [email protected]

Each business with a Buckinghamshirepostcode is entitled to one free copy per issue.For additional copies and for businessesoutside of Buckinghamshire, there is an annualsubscription charge of £25.

© Designs-on Ltd and B4 Magazine.Whilst every attempt has been made toensure that the content of this publication isaccurate and correct in every way, thepublishers cannot be held responsible or liablefor any inaccuracies or errors within thepublication. Information reproduced from thispublication is permitted with the expresspermission of the publisher and theadvertiser, where relevant. All information iscorrect at time of going to press.

B4 Magazine is printed by

B 4About Magazine

Richard Rosser Editor

22. First Move

Turning opportunityinto cash

34. BBF

We meet the twoHeathers!

28. B4 Views

Good news fromaround the B4 network

50. BP Collins

Off the Clock

Inside

28SPOTLIGHT28 B4 Views: Comments and news from across the B4 Network

54 B4 Events Photo Diary: A pictorial look back at our last three B4 Networking events

18LEAD18 A year in the life of Aylesbury College: We take a look at what the College has achieved in the last 12 months

11NEWS11 B4 News17 HR2YOU25 B4 Events Diary39 Old Swan & Minster Mill

22MARKETING22 Direct Mail: First Move are turning opportunity into cash

63 Get all the benefits of London branding, identity and graphic design, at Glasgow prices: Strangebrew tell us how40

ADVICE40 My Business is fine as it is!: Don’t get left behind, if you want to stay ahead

46 The Fish Partnership: Bucks accountant helping businesses through tough times

50 BP Collins: Moving the relationship from transactional to trusted

www.b4-business.com6

36SERVICES36 Grundon: The one simple solution to your waste management needs

www.b4-business.com 7

B4 contents

34BBF34 Buckinghamshire Business First: We meet BBF’s Heather Dean and Heather Martin.

72CONTACTS

26R&R26 Macdonald Compleat Angler: Overlooking the Thames at Marlow

45 The Tree at Cadmore: The importance of exceptional service

53 Hartwell House & Spa: One of England’s most spectacular Stately Homes

64 First Class food and exemplary service: Look no further than The Forbury Hotel

66 Lower Mill Estate: The water garden is unveiled at Lower Mill Estate

30WIDER B430 Ultimate Car Control: Now it’s even easier to be safe on the roads

33 Rachel Ducker: Fabulous art for all

42 Williams Conference Centre: Looking for a venue to inspire, motivate and reward? Look no further

56 De Vere Venues: We spotlight some of De Vere’s magnificent properties

58 The Belfry: Undergoing something of a transformation

68 Hope House Woodstock: We meet the man behind the fabulous Hope House

70 Buildbase: Preparing your garden for Summer

B4 Platinum MembersWe would like to thank our B4 Platinum Ambassadors for supporting B4 Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. To findout more about joining them and over five hundred B4 Member companies, please call us on 01494 373183.

B U C K I N G H A M S H I R E

B E R K S H I R E

Residential Letting · Property Management

meetoxfordshire

D E S I G N & P R I N T

AN

D

CPSD E S I G N P R I N TP U B L I C A T I O N S

O X F O R D

With annual memberships just £250+VAT*, entitling you to a business directory listing and unlimitedpress release, event, job vacancy and offer uploads, it’s no wonder our membership is increasing daily.Members are also invited to events in all B4 areas, up to 12 per annum. Call us now on 01494 373183 tobook your membership or e-mail [email protected] for more details. The B4 Website – the most efficient way to network your business from your PC!

*Quoted rate is per company entitling all employees to attend B4 events. The Ambassador scheme is separate and subject to a different charge of £250+VAT for the first Ambassador and£99+VAT for subsequent Ambassadors. Call us for more information or visit the B4 website at www.b4-business.com and click on B4 Membership.

B 4

O X F O R D S H I R E


events

LATIMER PLACETuesday 10th September 20136:00pm - 8:30pm

The Cormorant Building, Latimer Place, Nr Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 1UG.



‘The chance to win a free meetingfor 10 people at Latimer Place’

ABOUT OUR HOSTS

B4 Buckinghamshire and Buckinghamshire Business First are pleased toannounce our first joint event held at De Vere Venues Latimer Place. Thisevent will take place in the Cormorant building situated in the grounds ofLatimer Place.

Clare Gamon ‘Regional Director of Sales’ and Tessa Win ‘General Managerof De Vere Venues Latimer Place look forward to welcoming you to thevenue. Set in 30 acres of stunning Chiltern countryside this venueprovides the perfect base for residential conferencing and events.

With a beautiful manor house, purpose built training pod and large eventsspace it is the most flexible of the 30 + De Vere Venues, enabling clientsto choose which space works best for them.

They look forward to welcoming you and telling you more about how theycan support you with your external venue requirements.

www.devere.co.ukwww.bbf.uk.comPlease register for the event here:

http://www.regonline.com/b4bbflatimerplace

REGISTRATION


B4 news

DOCTORnow is a private GP Practice dedicatedto providing exceptional service and the highestlevels of medical care and attention tocorporate clients and individual patients.

They offer cost-effective and flexible services, manyof which can be delivered at your premises, greatlyreducing the downtime involved with employeesseeing their GPs. Their services can help makeyour business more profitable, whilst being seen asa valuable benefit by your employees.

Their Corporate Services include: Rapid GP andNurse Access; In-house surgeries within yourworkplace; Staff Medicals, Medical Reviews andHealth Screenings; Flu, Health and Travel

Vaccinations; Health Education Sessions.All services can be provided on a pay-as-you-gooption, or via corporate membership.

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8am – 8pm,Saturday: 9am – 1pm.Contact: For more information, prices and reviews,visit their website www.doctornow.org, call themon 01494 410888, or e-mail them [email protected]

DOCTORnow

11 July saw over 50 businesspeople gather atThe Clare Foundation in Saunderton tocelebrate the 10th anniversary of Cerub PR, one

of Buckinghamshire’s best known PR agencies.

Managing Director Ceri-Jane Hackling wasdelighted to welcome so many people to theevent.

‘It’s fantastic to have reached our 10th anniversary,which is a milestone for any business, and it waswonderful to be able to celebrate the occasion withthe people who have supported the business overthe last decade. We’ve worked with some fantasticcompanies and met some great people, so it was

a good opportunity to say thank you to them fortheir support and to reflect on the company’ssuccess.

Cerub PR has an enviable client list, with clientsincluding Thomas International, BuckinghamshireBusiness First, Make-a-Donation, and Agropharmand Cerub PR clients regularly appear in nationalnewspapers, magazines and on radio andtelevision.

www.cerubpr.co.uk

Cerub PR Celebrates 10 Years of Business Success

RTS specialises in helping small to medium sizebusinesses to identify operational efficiencieswhich will significantly improve the bottom line.

Many years of experience in retail buying with largeHigh Street Retailers ensures delivery of both astrategic vision and focus on detail. This will leaveyou with a clear view of the future, betterestablished processes and greater control of youronward development.

“Rosemary hits the ground running. We value hersupport, input and professional approach and shedelivered not only a significant improvement to ourgross margin but also better business systems forour onward control and planning.” Val Jackson, Director Jigsaw Media & Marketing Ltd

Fast, affordable and a flexible addition to yourteam, please contact Rosemary Brown on:

[email protected] for moreinformation. www.rts-breakthroughsolutions.co.uk

Are you missing opportunities for profit growth because you’re tied upwith the day-to-day running of the business?

Anaerobic digestion (AD) specialist Agrivert hasjoined forces with Grundon Waste Managementin a multi-million pound deal which providesfunding for its third AD plant.

Grundon is providing £5 million as a shareholderloan, while the remainder of the £11m price tagwill be provided by SQN Capital Management,through its advisor Summit Asset Management viaa senior debt facility.

Construction has already begun on the new plantat Trumps Farm in Surrey, which is expected to befully operational by Spring 2014. Whencommissioned, it will be capable of processing50,000 tonnes of food waste and generating2.3MW of renewable electricity, enough to supplyaround 4,000 homes.

AD is the Government’s preferred recyclingtreatment solution for food waste and Grundon’sinvestment marks a major drive into the food waste

market. The company recently launched adedicated food waste collection service and saysthe new AD plant will allow it to expand its offeringto customers. www.grundon.com

Joint funding deal secures finance for new AD plant


B4 newsWith all of the driving press telling us thatmanagers are not taking any notice of theCorporate Manslaughter Act what are youdoing? Have you reviewed your driving at workrisks at all this year or ever? There are a fewsimple things everyone can do to ensure theystart managing their driving at work risks.

Firstly have a look at how you check driving licences- is it through the DVLA with a mandate from thedriver or do you think you can check it visually? Theonly sure way is to have an online check done by

a recognised company such as Licence Bureau.

When you review driving at work risks have a lookat drivers with offences and those with collisions,the profile of the high risk drivers. Investigate allcollisions and near misses however small and lookfor any organisational learning.

Contact Les Owen - Compliance Bureau [email protected] - 07771733 788

Do you actively manage those who drive at work?

Date: Wednesday 11 September

Bucks New University’s Postgraduate andProfessional Open Evenings offer a greatopportunity to find out about their diverserange of full-time and part- time postgraduateand professional courses.

The next Open Evening is on Wednesday 11September, from 5-7pm at the University’s HighWycombe Campus.

University staff will be available during the eveningto give advice and answer any queries you mayhave. You can also see the facilities and discoverwhat Bucks New University can offer you.

To ensure you get the best experience, the OpenEvenings are by appointment only; book your placeonline at bucks.ac.uk/openevenings.

Whether you wish to progress and develop withinyour current field of work, or take your career in awhole new direction, Bucks New University canhelp you achieve your goals. For more details, visit bucks.ac.uk/openevenings

Postgraduate and Professional Open Evening at Bucks New University

Avocet Investments (established in 2001) hasexperienced an unprecedented 3 months withthe completion of 4 Fund Raisings & 3 BusinessSales.

The Fund Raisings involved a debt reconsolidation,a growth solution for a Recruitment business , anMBO & a Trade Purchase.

On the Company Sale activity side, Avocet projectmanaged the sale of an Accountancy Practice,Precision Engineer & an IT Consultancy for the

Financial Services Industry (the latter to a Swisscompany completed in 4 weeks from initialnegotiation).

Comments Roger Bibby Avocet’s owner: “We areincreasingly helping SME Business owners withtheir requirements for Development Capital,Business Advice & Company Sales or Purchases asthe South East economy continues to recover &businesses make big strategic decisions”

www.avocet-investments.com

Corporate finance activity increasing

First B4 Said Talks a Success

Over 60 B4 members and guests attended thefirst of a series of talks at the impressive WestWing at Said Business School on 6th June.

Speakers from Lloyds Commercial, TVBA, TheMGroup and Morgan Cole talked about thevarious aspects of buying and selling businesseswith a lively Q&A following the 4 fifteen minutepresentations. Prior to the talks guests weretreated to drinks and canapés in the impressiveClub Room, followed by the presentations inone of four stunning Harvard style lecture

theatres, rounded off with more networking inthe Club Room.

News about future B4 talks will be posted on thewww.b4-business.com website and futuree-Newsletters. If you would like to present at afuture event, please contact B4 on 01865 742211.


B4 news

We are delighted that we are now deliveringCILEx qualifications from our premises at BucksNew University. We are already attracting CILExstudents to High Wycombe from a widegeographical area, as there is a considerablegap in the CILEx provision in the Thames Valley.

We are offering the CILEx Level 3 Certificate in Lawand Practice as an evening class. This Certificatehas been designed to provide a short but roundedinstruction to law and legal practice and to

formalise the skills and experience of those workingas either a Paralegal or in a Legal Support role. Wewill also be offering Level 6 Units.

Becoming a Chartered Legal Executive lawyer is anexcellent career choice. There are opportunities forChartered Legal Executives to run their owndepartments, manage other lawyers and becomejudges. With additional training, Chartered LegalExecutives can become advocates and representclients in court.

Thames Valley Training & Development, asubsidiary of Bucks New University, offers a rangeof professionally accredited courses, including theCILEx qualification. To find out more about theseand the CILEx Level 3 Certificate in Law andPractice, please call us on 0800 0407108 or checkout our website, www.thamesvalleytraining.com

Qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive withThames Valley Training & Development

Seymour Taylor, a leading accountancy firm inHigh Wycombe announced that Colston Bushrecently merged with the business.

Colston Bush chartered accountants has beenpractising in nearby Marlow for over 35 years andthe partners had been seeking a successionstrategy. After spending some years exploringoptions to ensure clients and staff would beproperly looked after, Seymour Taylor became thefirm of choice.

Partners David Postlethwaite, Ian Petty and MartinSpittle are confident that clients will benefit fromthe relationship with existing staff and from theadditional scope and expertise Seymour Tayloroffers as a larger combined firm.

Simon Turner, managing director of Seymour Taylor,said: “The partners at Colston Bush were lookingfor a firm that shared their ethos and values. I amvery excited that this merger is going to give us areal boost and help with our expansion plans in theThames Valley marketplace.” www.stca.co.uk

Marlow-based Colston Bush joins Seymour Taylor

The string of mis-selling scandals and high-pressure tactics employed by banks, utilitiesand mobile phone companies has contributed

to further damaging the already poor image ofthe UK’s salespeople.

The Institute of Sales and Marketing Management(ISMM) has now started a campaign to put sellingon an equal footing with other professions byaddressing these shortcomings, building on somealready solid foundations. We at Thames ValleyTraining & Development are working in closeassociation with ISMM to deliver an innovativeapproach to delivering accredited sales training.

Sales training can be delivered both in-house or atour premises at Bucks New University. We

welcome the opportunity to speak to SalesDirectors and Sales Managers about how our ISMMendorsed qualifications can fit into their salesteams’ development plans. After all, it’s ineveryone’s interest that the sales team performs toits maximum potential and good training plays animportant part in developing an exceptional team.

For further information about Thames ValleyTraining & Development services to support sales,please get in touch. David Podger, Thames ValleyTraining & Development, 01494 605012,[email protected]

Benchmarking your sales training against professional standards

L to R David Postlethwaite, Simon Turner, Ian Petty & Martin Spittle

VOUCH available to Emergency ServicesOur fantastic voucher scheme which you cansee at www.vouchoffers.co.uk is now availableto members of the local emergency services ata further discount.

Police and NHS staff can now benefit from a further10% discount when buying Vouch vouchersthrough their intranets and sales are proving thevouchers are a big hit.

If you would like to benefit from an additionaldiscount and your are in the emergency services,please call VOUCH on 01865 742211.www.vouchoffers.co.uk

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news


How to manage social media in the work place is a question we areregularly asked at HR2YOU and is a topic many employers are becomingfearful of. Like many of my peers technology devices during my educationwere pre-historic and until recently I was still opening my office windowto get a better reception on my mobile.

Whilst I’ve resided myself to the fact that I will never be an IT Guru or knowfully how my tweet gets from my phone up into the sky, I have spent timeresearching the advantages and disadvantage of using social media in theworkplace.

The Legal Aspect

As an HR specialist, the first question I ask is what are the risks to my clients?Legal and regulatory social media developments are changing, almost on amonthly basis, and it’s the responsibility of the employer to stay in the know.With so many devices and social media platforms available, organisations canno longer control the access point that employees have to outbound

communication channels. Whether it’s emails, tweets, or face book, today’semployees have almost an unlimited number of ways to post any and all sortsof opinions and/or company information.

In the early days courts often struggled to both understand and fairly judgesocial media violations. Nowadays, the connection between social media andemployment law is moving at light-speed.

Although not work place based, but a good example, you may have heard thehigh profile case in the news recently where Sally Bercow's tweet was foundto be defamatory towards Lord McAlpine. In this situation she was found tohave made an insinuation and not a direct comment. Mrs Bercow said shehad learned her lesson "the hard way", adding that the ruling should be seenas "a warning to all social media users" because comments could sometimesbe "held to be seriously defamatory, even when you do not intend them to bedefamatory and do not make any express accusation".

So what can you do? Firstly setting your expectations and standards shouldbe communicated at recruitment. You should consider a Social Media ‘usage’policy and align this to you disciplinary process to ensure that all employeesare fully aware of what is appropriate and what the consequences will be ifthey bring your company into disrepute via usage of social media.

A Recruitment Tool

Recruitment is huge expense to any business, we are working with our clientsto use social media to advertise vacancies in order to attract interest fromspecific target audiences.

When you consider the 25% recruitment fee agencies often charge, there areclearly huge cost benefits of using free, electronic channels for recruitment.They can also reach more potential recruits quickly since social networking siteshave huge audiences.

You should also be wary of the pitfalls of using social media as a recruitmenttool. Many organisations are heading to potential candidate’s social mediapages as part of the screening process. Don’t let social media turn the tableon you, remember there are laws protecting people from discrimination on thegrounds of age, sex, disability, race, marriage, religion and belief, and sexualorientation which start at the recruitment stage. As an employer you couldface employment tribunal hearings if you refuse to interview someone as aresult of a judgement they made based on a social networking profile.

Attract and Retain Employees

Don’t just use social media when you need something, regular updates of howyour organisation is growing, activity in the local community, employeepromotions and/or recognition will strengthen your reputation as an employerin the market place so keep at it!

For further information, a social media usage policy or a FREE HR Health Checkcontact Sarah and the Team on 0845 838 7091 or [email protected].

www.hr2you.co.uk

Social Media in the Workplace

Photography: ww

w.studio-8.co.uk

One of the main highlights for Aylesbury College this year, and the mostimportant audit for any educational establishment, is the independentevaluation by The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). AylesburyCollege were delighted last month to be awarded a ‘Good’ rating, – whichis particularly significant due to the revised inspection framework whichfocuses significantly more on the quality of teaching and learning. Thereport makes particular reference to “very effective” governance andleadership creating “an environment which strongly supports learning”and notes that the College is “evolving within a larger learning campuswhich meets many local needs”.

News of this ‘Good’ rating was especially poignant for Principal PaulineOdulinski who was awarded an OBE for Services to Further Education in June.Later this year, she will be retiring and handing over the reins to Karen Mitchell,currently Vice President for Learning and Quality. Karen said: “We are reallypleased that our Ofsted report makes reference to the quality of our teachingand assessment as “good or better” in most instances. It states that the teamhere has worked successfully to improve the quality of teaching and learningwhich has ensured that a large majority of lessons are well planned to meetthe needs of all students”.

Working with business

Business engagement continues to be a top priority for the College. TimKeighley, Director of Business and Curriculum Development at AylesburyCollege, said: “In today’s changing education sector, institutions can no longerrely on Government funding to bring in income and must develop a diverserange of income sources to survive.”

Earlier this year the College launched Aylesbury Enterprise to develop theCollege’s key business offering as well as ensure the skills and qualificationsavailable at the College remain current and job-relevant and meet employersrequirements. Aylesbury Enterprise works closely with a range of employersto help them grow, develop and reach their potential through cost-effective,results-driven training and innovative business consulting. It also offers

apprenticeship and business training, as well providing a hub for networkingand business innovation. There is no doubt that times are tough for businessesseeking to develop and grow and for young people seeking the best possiblestart to their career. The College aims to create the preferred environment forbusinesses to develop and train their workforce to strive for success.

Work-ready students

As part of achieving our aim of ensuring our students are work-ready, theCollege initiated a variety of events to better prepare our young people for theworld of work, including delivering free employability skills training to over 250Year 12 students at a wide range of schools across Buckinghamshire. Duringthe year our work readiness focus included several major events:

Work Wise Week, a joint partnership across the County

This programme outlined to students the career and training options open tothem, the employment opportunities in the region, what employers look forand how to approach them. 26 employers engaged with us during the week-long initiative involving 700 young people. Our partners included Amershamand Wycombe College, Buckinghamshire Business First, BuckinghamshireCounty Council, Buckinghamshire University Technical College, Bucks NewUniversity, Connexions, Job Centre Plus and the National Careers Service.

Money Skills Week, with Barclays Bank

This was a two week project with volunteers from Barclays Bank who helpedstudents to understand budgeting, saving and spending in a fun and interactiveway.

Careers Fair

Staff members from Human Resources offered their professional advice onhow to write a good CV. The Apprentice Academy informed students on howusing social media in the right way could help them towards their future career.McAfee were popular throughout the day as they offered advice on computersecurity and gave out a number of goodies including free virus software tostudents.

Partners who supported the event included McAfee, Bucks Fire and Rescue,National Careers Service, Connexions, Thames Valley Police and Bucks CountyCouncil.

Have a Go’ Taster Sessions

This scheme, supported in part by the European Social Fund, encouragedmembers of the public, students from the College and local schools to ‘Havea Go’ at certain activities for example:

A YEAR IN THE LIFE OFAYLESBURY COLLEGEIt’s been another busy year for Aylesbury College as our organisation continues to grow. With around 6,000students and 350 staff, like so many businesses, there is always a huge amount happening at any one time.

“In today’s changing education sector, institutions can no longer relyon Government funding to bring in income and must develop a

diverse range of income sources to survive”Tim Keighley, Director of Business and Curriculum Development at Aylesbury College


B4 LEAD

“There is no doubt that times are tough for businesses seeking to develop and grow

and for young people seeking the best possible start to

their career”


• Producing a carpentry joint• Giving a professional hand massage• Doing tyre checks with the Motor Vehicledepartment

The RAF supported these sessions withteambuilding exercises and other organisationspresented taster sessions which demonstratedvarious aspects of their careers.

Of course the key objective for the College is forour students to be successful, which is why ourCelebrating Achievement Awards are such a specialevening for us. We acknowledge students’ effortsfor all around achievement, teamwork and foraccomplishing something for themselves in theface of adversity. Staff are recognised for bestcustomer service, their commitment, teamworkand outstanding effort. This year the awards werepresented by Pam and Monica Relph who spokeof their experiences as World Champion andParalympic rowers.

Integrated Learning

Aylesbury College wants students of all ages tohave an outstanding experience in education butwe also understand how further education plays avital role as a dynamic nucleus in the community,supporting and driving economic and socialsuccess. With this in mind, we have developed theBuckinghamshire Integrated Learning Campus.

A key partner in this initiative is Bucks NewUniversity who is working with us to provide a ‘skillsand education escalator’ to ensure a range of

provision from entry level to higher degree level.The University is also engaging with us to recruitinternational students.

The new Buckinghamshire University TechnicalCollege, which is part of the campus, opens inSeptember 2013. It offers courses for 14-19 yearolds in IT and Construction working with major local

employers like Taylor Wimpey, McAfee, Cisco andEsri UK. Students will work on ‘live’ employerprojects to support their ‘hands-on’ learning.

The campus aims to be a place for business whichis transformational and based on a partnershipapproach to building a sustainable environmentand workforce.

Our commercial businesses

Our service offerings, designed to meet the needsof the local community and business, continue toflourish. We operate these services as stand-alonebusinesses based in the College building on OxfordRoad.

• Harding’s Restaurant and H’s Deli provideexcellent options for a night out or a quick bite

• Intuition Hair and Beauty offers treatments andservices from professional therapists and stylists.In addition, the modern and fully-equipped salonis available for hire on a short term hourly basisor all day

• Our well-equipped gym offers monthlymemberships while our sports hall and dancestudio are available for hire

• Conference Aylesbury provides meeting andconference rooms in our modern and well-equipped building

Many of our students have the opportunity to workalongside our experienced professionals in thesebusinesses, gaining invaluable work experience ina real commercial environment. We offer fantasticvalue to our customers, a warm welcome and agenuinely excellent customer experience. Docome and see us!

Sign-up for our Aylesbury Enterprise newsletter tokeep informed about activities, trainingopportunities and networking events. [email protected] or call 01296780224 for more information.www.aylesbury.ac.uk


B4 LEAD

“Aylesbury College wantsstudents of all ages to havean outstanding experiencein education but we alsounderstand how furthereducation plays a vital

role as a dynamic nucleus in the

community, supportingand driving economicand social success”

So how do they do it?Direct marketing is attractive to many marketersbecause its positive results can be measureddirectly. For example, if a marketer sends out1,000 items by mail and 100 respond, thecampaign led directly to 10% direct responses.

This metric is known as the 'response rate,' andit is one of many clearly quantifiable successmetrics employed by direct marketers. Incontrast, general advertising uses indirectmeasurements, such as awareness orengagement, since there is no direct responsefrom a consumer.

Measurement of results is a fundamentalelement in successful direct marketing.

What you need to know about Direct MailThe term "direct mail" is used to refer tocommunications sent to potential customers ordonors via the postal service and other deliveryservices. Direct mail is sent to customers basedon criteria such as age, income, location,profession, buying pattern, etc.

Advertisers often refine direct mail practices intotargeted mailing, in which mail is sent outfollowing database analysis to select recipientsconsidered most likely to respond positively. Forexample, a person who has demonstrated aninterest in golf may receive direct mail for golf-related products or perhaps for goods andservices that are appropriate for golfers. This useof database analysis is a type of databasemarketing.

Data, data, dataIntelligent data usage will generate improvedresponses, higher donations, greater repeatpurchases as well as lower postage costs.

Your database will tell you:Who bought what, when and how often?What else did they buy?How much did they donate and what was thesource of the contact?

The management of your database is crucial toenable you to answer these questions and morebecause you need to target your message mosteffectively. People hate junk mail! ...but theydon't hate mail that is relevant to them. Whenyou talk to people about what is personal tothem you overcome people's objections andyou can engage with your customers on a 1-to-1 basis with your message.

Database AnalyticsYou need to mine your data for trends, forecastthose trends and select data to enable targeting.Plus the data can be profiled and then theopportunity to use external list rental opens upto approach similar people who have a similarprofile.You can use data to change the message byvarying the text and if you are using digital colouryou can change pictures and colour text as well.And you might want to use different letterheadsso we would use the data to tell us whichletterhead to use.

Getting the message rightOnce the data has been collated and a truepsychographic, and socio-demographic withsegmentation has been built, the relevantmessage with the relevant offer can bedeveloped.

When the message is clear offering a relevantmessage with a relevant offer, direct mail can bevery powerful in building an engagedrelationship with your organisation and yourbrand.

This is the crux of your success. The rightmessage, to the right segment at the right time.

Personalising using the power of the XeroxiGen4Using digital print you can produce the exactnumber per customer required PLUS you canuse variable data and imagery throughout allyour production.

In direct mail you should always be testing newideas, new copy, new offers - using variable printdigital technologies is a perfect solution, so youcan test and enhance 1-to-1 communication.

Getting the mailing doneFirst Move has deliberately set out to ensure thatit has a range of equipment and processes to fitalmost every direct mail specification from 500to 500,000 and more.

Machine Mail EnclosingWe have 8 direct mail inserting lines to ensureyou receive fast efficient turnarounds formailings. We enclose any size of machineableenvelopes at high speeds with up to 8 items intoan envelope. And we can camera match up-to3 personalised mailing items into the sameenvelope.

Transactional MailingWe can accumulate variable numbers of pages- up to 8 and endorse fold them before insertingby using in-line page feeding and camerascanning of the documents.

Direct Mail Hand EnclosingAs you strive to attract attention in a competitivemarketplace, mailing items become moreunusual. It is not always possible to machineenclose such jobs and the skilled handling ofthem on a manual basis becomes essential.

Polythene mailing (polywrapping)We can nest items into a brochure if requiredand wrap any pack thickness up to 30mm. Youmay rest assured that this highly capablemachine and its team of highly skilled operatorswill produce your direct mail to the highestquality and is cost effective for runs from 3,000to 250,000.

So when you need expertise, experience andability to turn opportunity into cash, just give uscall and we’ll show you how.

See our website at www.firstmove.co.uk formore information

DIRECT MAIL - TURNINGOPPORTUNITY INTO CASH...Today our clients are selling their goods through direct mail and making a fortune. Is this good luck oris there a science and intelligence behind their success?



B4 SERVICES

*the recommended retail price. © Bicester Village 2013 05/13 0271

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DISCOVERA PLACEWITH THEFINESTBOUTIQUESOFFERING UP TO

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B4 diaryEvent Organiser Venues Date Time Event Details

Rhodes HouseThe ManorHawkwell House

12th Sep2nd Oct21st Nov

6.00pm6.00pm6.00pm

B4 Members & Guests’ Networking Events

Latimer HouseAylesbury CollegeThe Compleat Angler

10th Sep28th Nov24th Oct

6.00pm6.00pm6.30pm


The VineyardThe Forbury Hotel

28th Aug17th Oct

6.00pm5.30pm


The Manor Hotel 1st Oct 6.00pm The Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 2013

Bucks New University, High Wycombe Campus

11th Sep 5.00pm

Come along to Bucks New University’s Postgraduate and Professional Open Evening andfind out about their great range of full-time and part- time postgraduate and professional courses. For full details, visitbucks.ac.uk/openevenings.

Clare Charity Centre, Saunderton

17th Sep 9.30am

Networking event – “Are you a Twitter quitter?” -Get top tips on how to embrace Twitter and let itlove you back! Visit www.bbf.uk.com for more in-formation.

Chartridge ConferenceCentre, Chesham 26th Sep 9.00am

Workshop – “Getting banks to say ‘yes’” - How toapproach a bank and maximise your chances ofgetting the funds you need. Visit www.bbf.uk.comfor more information.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

O X F O R D S H I R E

In Association with Buckinghamshire Business First

B4 Members can feature their events on this page, subject to availability – please get in touch for your complimentary listing.

B E R K S H I R E

T H E O X F O R D S H I R E

RESTAURANTAWARDS

Dating back to the 17th century, the smart hoteltakes its name from Isaak Walton’s world-famous book on angling. Today it has anenviable reputation for its superb businessfacilities and professional services, whichcombine with fine cuisine and stylishaccommodation to ensure every event is a greatsuccess.

Stylish MeetingsSmart meeting and function suites offer flexible, air-conditioned space whether you are seeking aprivate boardroom for 10, planning a theatre stylepresentation or sit down dinner for 120, orsomething in-between.

Located on the ground floor in the hotel’s courtyardarea, the Balmoral and Sandringham boardroomshave space for up to 16 delegates; both haveprivate break-out areas ensuring total privacy forconfidential meetings. The Balmoral suite also hasits own private decking area leading onto the lawn.

The elegant banqueting and conference suite offersa flexible combination of three versatile rooms plus

the glass terrace, which has panoramic views acrossthe front lawn to the Thames.

Largest is the Regency Room, which canaccommodate up to 150 for a reception, while theRiver Room can seat 48 for a private lunch ordinner and the smaller Thames Room up to 36.There is also a hospitality area, which eventorganisers can use as a personal business centreor delegate registration area, while on warmer daysreception drinks can be served on the riversidelawn.

Riverside RestaurantsCatering is overseen by the hotel’s Head Chef whoalso runs the popular AA two rosette Bowatersrestaurant.

Delegates seeking the minimum of interferencecan have a working buffet lunch served in theirmeeting room or break out area; alternatively atwo-course lunch from the market menu isavailable in Bowaters restaurant.

Offering modern British food for lunch and dinner,

Bowater’s is named after the owners of the hotelfor almost fifty years, Sir Ian and Lady Bowater.Relaxed and informal by day and candlelit by night,it has fantastic views of Marlow bridge and acrossthe Thames to the parish church on the oppositeriver bank.

For guests preferring to fine dine, the hotel’ssecond restaurant, Aubergine, has three AA rosettesand is a successor to the original Michelin-starredAubergine Restaurant in Chelsea, London. TheExecutive Chef demonstrates his passion andunderstanding of modern European cuisine, in arelaxed setting overlooking Marlow Weir, with avaried and exciting menu featuring seasonal Britishproduce

The hotel has 64 stylish rooms including threesuites, most with lovely river views and some withinthe pleasing sight and sound of cascading waterover Marlow Weir; décor is chic and contemporarywhile maintaining a high level of comfort. Wi-Fi isalso available throughout the hotel.

MACDONALD COMPLEAT ANGLEROVERLOOKING THE THAMESAT MARLOWThe Macdonald Compleat Angler is located in a unique position overlooking the River Thames at Marlow Bridge,Buckinghamshire, only 40 minutes from London and Oxford and within a short drive of the M4 and M40 motorways.Selected by the AA as one of the UK and Ireland’s top 200 hotels, its inspirational surroundings provide a calmingbackdrop for meetings and events.



B4 R&R

“a dedicated eventsco-ordinator will helpplan the finer detailsand work with the operations team toensure your eventruns smoothly on

the day”Messing about on the River A variety of on-site activities and incentives can bebooked at the Compleat Angler ranging fromarchery, laser clay pigeon shooting and big gardengames to indoor and outdoor teamworkchallenges. With the Thames being alongside, it’salso perfectly located for river cruising and flyfishing.

Boats can be chartered for 2 to 120 people withon-board catering and entertainment departingfrom the hotel’s private mooring on the lawn riverfrontage. The hotel also has two of its own privateboats for hire with a skipper; Silent Waters, a 21ftEdwardian style launch has space for six guests,while the larger Sovereign Waters can host twelve.Dishes from the ‘Food on the river’ menu can bepre-ordered for a lunch or afternoon cruise; idealfor entertaining guests and special events such asthe Henley Royal Regatta.

Other off-site activities within easy reach of thehotel include golf, wine tasting and helicopter trips,which follow the course of the Thames, while atthe nearby Longridge outdoor adventure centre

there’s a choice of team building experiences frombell boating, dragon boat racing and wall climbingto the exciting ‘leap of faith’ high ropes challenge.

Themed EventsBack at the hotel after a working day, specialthemed evenings can be arranged such as amurder mystery dinner, quiz, fun casino or racenight. For those who want to dance the night awaythe Compleat Angler can also suggest live bandsand discotheques or organise interactive gameshows.

However small or large your event, be it a productlaunch, incentive weekend or small private dinnerparty a dedicated events co-ordinator will help planthe finer details and work with the operations teamto ensure your event runs smoothly on the day.

For more details and an information pack withroom capacities and suggested menus call theMacdonald Compleat Angler on 0844 879 9128 orvisit www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/CompleatAngler


B4 VIEWSWe have asked some of the B4 network’s Ambassadorsto help us to inject some confidence into the businesscommunity with encouraging news about their businessesor general reasons to be optimistic.

Many thanks to each of them for their time and we hopeyou leave this page feeling positive and upbeat!

Karl Leitelmayer, Senior Director,SME Banking, Lloyds TSB“Confidence is rising among local businesses, whichseem more willing to look for investment. As part ofour commitment to local causes, I am also takingpart in Strictly Oxford, to raise money for ValeHouse”www.lloydstsb.com

Simon McCrum, partnerDarbys“35% cent growth last year and another 40% at thehalf-year stage this year. You can try every optionunder the sun, but you can’t get away from the factthat only great people make a great business.”www.darbys.co.uk

Cheryl Adams, Regional CorporateDirector, Santander“We’re passionate about fuelling the ambitions ofOxford businesses. That’s why we recently openedour new corporate office in Oxford with a team ofdedicated Relationship Directors and Product Specialists, ready to help support successful and fastgrowing SME businesses.”www.santander.co.uk

Neil Grundon, Deputy Chairman,Grundon Waste Management Ltd“We expect to see real signs of recovery very soonnow. Sales leads received via our web site haveproven to be a good indicator of business confidence. After declining for 18 months theybounced back in Q2 and are rising again.”www.grundon.com

Tim Keatinge, General ManagerMotor Village, Oxford“Motor Village Oxford has enjoyed quite a transformation in the last 12 months, not least witha new name. With Alfa Romeo coming to Oxfordafter a long absence, we are really excited about apositive future. Read all about Alfa Romeo in Oxfordin Issue 28 of B4.”www.motorvillageuk.com

Mark Crampton Smith, ManagingDirector, College and County“Our confidence in the continued growth of the Private Rented Sector has allowed us to expand intoBuckinghamshire where we have just acquiredOpen Doors. Two offices will allow us to deliver thesame high quality, award winning, customer services in an innovative way, to a much wider market.” www.collegeandcounty.biz

Richard Smith, General ManagerThe Oakley Court Hotel, Windsor“Two glorious bank holidays recently made a significant difference to our business. But then, ashot of sunshine on our al fresco riverside terracegives everyone a positive boost!”www.oakleycourtwindsor.com

Simon Brooker, partnerBDO LLP“We are exceptionally lucky to be living and workingin the Thames Valley area. There are so manytremendous businesses around us with some fantastic success stories....we’ve got many clientsgrowing very confidently, despite the recession.”www.bdo.co.uk


B4 SPOTLIGHT

If you would like to contributeyour view to a future edition ofB4, please e-mail the editor at:

[email protected]

Phil Wood, Head of EnterpriseBuckinghamshire New University“Innovation is key to our success and Bucks NewUniversity is increasingly becoming the first port ofcall for businesses who want to grow their people,their capabilities and their competitive edge.”www.bucks.ac.uk

David Stanning, Senior partner,B P Collins LLP“With some bounce at last returning to the economy, the Thames Valley remains a great placeto build a business. We're passionate, privilegedand pleased to bring top quality and top value legaladvice to the thriving entrepreneurial culture.”www.bpcollins.co.uk

Tony Rider, Director Business &Commercial Banking, RBS“I feel privileged to lead the RBS team working withthe professional and business communities acrossthe Thames Valley - economic challenge is still partof everyday life but there is good causefor optimism.”www.rbs.co.uk

Nicola Miller, Managing Director,Lime Blue Solutions“We have seen a significant increase in enquiriesover the last month, for conferences and events athome and overseas. This is a very positive sign andhope that this will continue moving into the finalquarter of the year.”www.limebluesolutions.com

Ray Best, Managing Director,Pareto Lawrence“Ray Best received lifetime achievement award withMillion Dollar Round Table, we have had a verybusy and successful 12 months and put our successdown to business owner clients and their responseto our total planning service.”www.paretolawrence.co.uk

Richard Rosser, Editor,B4 Magazine“We come into contact with a wide range of businesses across the Thames Valley and althoughconditions will never be the same as they were,confidence is gradually coming back.”www.b4-business.com

James Dillon-Godfray,Business Development

Director, London Oxford Airport

“We've seen 98% growth in our private aircraft market over the last fiveyears, highest growth for any UK airport, which must be testament tothe Thames Valley remaining prime

investment territory.”www.londonoxfordairport.co.uk

However, not everyone can afford to spend afull day away on training, so the great news isthat UCC has recently introduced three newhalf-day courses. As such it’s now quicker (andcheaper) than ever to get an introduction to thetechniques needed to ensure your safety, andthe safety of those around you, on the road.

EPD (Excellence in Professional Driving)Insight is a condensed version of the full EPDprogramme, which is the most complete, legallycompliant fleet driver training programme forbusinesses under UK Health & Safety Duty of Carelegislation. Courses are set up so that drivers canexperience different driving scenarios and thenlearn and practice the appropriate response toeach, such as emergency braking or accidentavoidance techniques. Then they practice again,and again, and again until the correct reactionbecomes second nature. These techniques havebeen proven time and again to significantly reduceaccident rates and associated fleet managementand insurance costs.

The DEK (Driver Encoded Knowledge)Inspiration driving experience gives drivers a greatintroduction to vehicle dynamics in high

performance cars. Attendees learn some of thehigh speed car control techniques used by only thevery top racing drivers, and get to practice theseskills again and again throughout the session ineach of the cars. Each driver will get to drive anumber of different cars from our extensive trainingfleet including the Jaguar XF and the simplystaggering XFR and XKRS with over 500bhp (NB:makes and models may be subject to change). Allthis is backed up by Robb’s friendly team of highlyqualified performance driving instructorsencouraging you to reach your maximum potential.

The DX (Drive Xtra) Programme is aimedpredominantly at young drivers and those withlimited driving experience to help them gain thevital skills they need to protect themselves andothers on the road. The programme gives youngdrivers invaluable information and experience onhow to control a car in extreme conditions, in anyprevailing circumstance. It recreates ‘realistic’everyday driving scenarios that young drivers willface and provide them with the knowledge toimprove their reactions and driving ability and staysafe on the road. This course is a great gift foryoungsters who are new to driving but aren’tinterested in the usual boring driving courses.

Robb and his team at UCC are passionate aboutimproving road safety and reducing incident rates.All UCC programmes empower drivers to gainenhanced car control and allow greater enjoymentand appreciation of the vehicles they drive. Sowhether you’re a high mileage, business fleetdriver, an owner of high performance or prestigevehicle, or a young or inexperienced postqualification driver, they have a course for you. Theyeven run special courses for celebrities andprofessional athletes, so you never know whomight be about during your visit!

As an active B4 member UCC is delighted to offera complimentary risk assessment audit forcompanies to identify the issues that might needto be addressed. In addition they’re offering specialexclusive discounted rates for all B4 memberswhen booking any of the courses listed above.

Ultimate Car Control can be contacted on0845 459 1002, or by emailing us at:[email protected] or visitingwww.ultimatecarcontrol.com

NOW IT’S EVENEASIER TO BE SAFEON THE ROADSUltimate Car Control (UCC) was founded in 2001 by former British Touring Car Champion Robb Gravett, and hasbeen successfully running driving training courses ever since. Their courses have been quoted as being the mostinnovative, educational, exciting and complete driver training programmes available anywhere in the world, and byattending a course it’s easy to see why.



B4 SERVICES

“UCC programmesempower drivers togain enhanced carcontrol and allow

greater enjoymentand appreciation of

the vehicles theydrive.”

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These figures seem to represent an organic, innate process, as though she couldnever have done anything else. ‘I’ve done art all my life,’ she says. She trained as ajeweller, and continues to make unique and beautiful pieces, and also draws andpaints- but she found her calling when she was playing with some florist wire andmade a little figure, which people loved. ‘It sold, and things went from there.’ Twentyyears later, she is still making them. Such is her niche that people come up to herand say, ‘Oh, you’re the wire lady.’

The sculptures, ranging from smaller figures to lifesize forms and beyond, have certainlystruck a chord. As well as being on display in over 20 galleries around the UK, Rachel isalso busy with site-specific exhibits and various commissions in the UK and abroad,including the recent Chelsea Flower Show. Despite her busy schedule, she is also involvedwith various organisations, including international women’s charities, and with the localcommunity in Oxford, including being an artist in residence in schools and being a regularfixture at Artweeks and Art in Action- she has been specially invited to this year’s Art inAction, to be held at Waterperry in July. July is proving to be a busy month, as she willalso be exhibiting at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, collaborating again withOliver Hawkins (director of arts organisation Marshall Murray), who she also worked withfor her Grand Designs and Chelsea Flower Show commissions.

Rachel works in the garden of her house in Jericho, and points out wryly that this can beweather dependent (!). Her working process is multifaceted and she tends to work onmany different pieces at once. ‘I’ll be going inside to get some pliers and I’ll start fiddlingwith a piece of jewellery,’ she says. On average a wire figure could take about two weeksto complete. It’s a painstaking process, with everything done by hand, and the figures donot have facial features, so the emotion is conveyed through the posture, which is oftenquite dramatic, taking inspiration from human nature and expressive movements such asthose seen in ballet. ‘I enjoy getting the movement and tension in pieces,’ she says. ‘It’sabout getting it just right, right down to the fingertips.’

The artworks are always untitled- so that the work, in Rachel’s words, ‘can grow’ with itsviewer or buyer, who can put their own stamp on the work and give it a personality oftheir own (one happy customer called his figure Beatrice, and she sits proudly on hisdining room table).

As well as creating her works individually by hand, Rachel does all her own marketing andPR, all while being a single mother (the artistic gene seems to have been passed on toher teenage son, Lucien, who is already an accomplished photographer) - so she’s a bitof a one-woman band. ‘l’d like a patron,’ she says, laughing, ‘So I could not worry aboutthe money for a while and go off and experiment for a year.’

A recent development in her work includes creating figures with delicate wings, which areinfluenced by Leonardo da Vinci and his experiments with space and flight. As well as theposes and forms of ballet and flight, and the exploration of light and shadow, she takesinspiration from a range of other sources from Greek myths to classic sculptors such asBernini, to contemporary artists such as Marc Quinn. ‘I love all art forms,’ she says.

Rachel is currently experimenting with more solid materials such as plaster and concrete,including concrete bases for her figures. She loves discovering new materials and askingherself, ‘What can I do with that?’ She enthuses about learning new techniques, exploringthe different properties of these materials and seeing how they would work within her art.‘I am always drawing, always inspired, always looking for new opportunities.’

The wire lady is going from strength to strength.

www.rachelducker.co.ukwww.artinaction.org.ukwww.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/RHS-Hampton-Court-Palace-Flower-Show/2013www.marshallmurray.co.uk

RACHELDUCKER


B4 R&R

Rachel Ducker’s signature figures, made ofcoils of wire, adorn galleries, public buildings,houses and gardens across the UK andaround the world. They stand in restaurantwindows, rise out of grass lawns and sit onledges. Her work has featured everywherefrom TV’s Grand Designs to Grazia magazine.

“I enjoy getting the movement and tension in pieces... ...It’s about

getting it just right, right down tothe fingertips”

Headed up by Heather Dean, Head of Skills andBusiness Support, The Business Support Serviceoffers businesses the opportunity to take advantageof support and advice from a team of individualswho are dedicated to finding the right solutions tothe challenges facing businesses today.

Whether looking for advice on issues ranging fromaccessing finance to exporting, or from business growthto legal processes, businesses can approach the supportteam to be directed to the most appropriate resourcefor their needs.

Heather was the Business Development Manager atNgage Solutions from 2005, a role which involvedworking with Business Link to design and develop newprogrammes to deliver additional business supportoffers to SME’s, by finding ways to provide them withnew initiatives offering help with training and growth.When Ngage merged with Buckinghamshire BusinessFirst in 2011, Heather was appointed Head of Skills andBusiness Support.

Heather oversees 11 members of the Business Supportteam, whose work includes grant funding for SME’s byway of publically funded programmes such as Leader,Sustainable Routes, Woodfuel Woodland ImprovementGrants, general business support enquiries and moredetailed advice and information on workforce issues,including training and recruitment. Heather’s team workswith organisations ranging from sole traders to largescale corporations.

Heather says: ‘Our team is uniquely positioned to beable to work with a wide range of businesses and to helpthem with whatever issues they face, whether it’s helpinga start-up find out about local networking opportunities,or helping more established businesses find a source offinance to suit their particular needs. The specialistknowledge and expertise our team has ensures that weare able to support our members by having a fullunderstanding of their needs and signposting them tothe help they require.’

A key part of Heather’s role involves looking for businessdevelopment opportunities and finding out whichservices and initiatives would be of most help tobusinesses to assist them in their growth anddevelopment.

Heather explains: ‘Finding out which services businessesfeel will benefit them is essential for us to designschemes and programmes to help them in the future.Our day to day role is to provide the knowledge and helpsave businesses the time and money that’s so oftenneeded to find the information they requireindependently. We do the legwork so they don’t haveto!

‘The Business Support Service is designed tocomplement the wide range of services we already offerat Buckinghamshire Business First, from providing freebusiness space, to a comprehensive Bucks businessdirectory and the wide range of business networking andworkshops that we organise. The Business SupportService further ensures that businesses in Bucks haveaccess to all of the specialist support available that theyneed to survive and thrive.’

Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF), the organisationestablished to bring together the collective voice ofBuckinghamshire’s businesses and to create a dynamic businessenvironment in the Entrepreneurial Heart of Britain has nowbeen established for over two years and is offering businesseseven more support and advice with its Business Support Service.

BUCKINGHAMSHIREBUSINESS FIRST


Heather Dean - Head of Skills and Business Support

One of the key members of the team is Heather Martin.

Heather Martin is a Business Support Officer at BuckinghamshireBusiness First and as an entrepreneur herself, understands thepressures that business owners face. Heather had been running herown business for six years before joining the BuckinghamshireBusiness First team in 2012.

‘When I qualified for business coaching, it quickly became apparentthat my business was at a stage where it didn’t really need me on aday to day basis, so the Business Support role at BBF has beenperfect for me.

‘Business has always been my passion and as an entrepreneur andowner of an SME myself, I understand the pressures that businessowners are up against and the challenges that they face. I was aregular user of the BBF facilities and familiar with the organisationand what it offered and understood what it was trying to achieve. Iknew that my experience in business could really benefit itsmembers.

‘The kind of businesses we work with are incredibly varied, fromSME’s looking to access funding and find ways to grow, to largerorganisations moving into the area which are looking for help inaccessing support from the local authorities. A large part of the roleis to engage with businesses and listen to their challenges and helpthem find the right organisations or initiatives to support them.

‘It’s really very rewarding to be able to help businesses grow. I knowfrom personal experience how challenging and, at times, isolating itcan be to run a business so to be a helping hand and offerbusinesses the support they need is a great feeling.

‘I believe that the secret to running and maintaining a successfulbusiness is passion. You can’t run a business about something youdon’t really care about, which in turn gives you the energy you needto keep the business going. Secondly, the product and service youoffer are key – there needs to be something unique or special aboutthem. Thirdly, you should aim to be easy to do business with, investin the skills required to articulate what your business is about to makeit interesting to your target audience, and never be afraid to ask forfeedback. Finally, have the confidence to ask for the business – noone else will do it for you!

‘Being a business owner is a challenge, but ultimately it’s worthwhileand Buckinghamshire Business First exists to ensure that as muchsupport as possible is available to businesses in the area.’

The Business Support team can speak directly to businesses througha one to one telephone service, about the issues they face and theirambitions and either help them through internal resources available,or signpost them to appropriate external organisations which canadvise and assist them.

The Business Support Service also offers online support web links,allowing businesses the opportunity to access valuable informationonline. By accessing the database through the BuckinghamshireBusiness First website, businesses can identify exactly whichorganisations and resources are available and how they can benefitthem.

To access the business support service call 01494 568941 or visitthe website www.bbf.uk.com.

“The Business Support Service is designed to complement the widerange of services we already offer atBuckinghamshire Business First,from providing free business

space, to a comprehensive Bucksbusiness directory and the widerange of business networking

and workshops that weorganise”

Heather Dean - Head of Skills and Business Support


B4 BBF

Heather Martin - Business Support Officer


From business parks to shopping centres, carehomes to colleges, the need to find the mostefficient and cost-effective way to dispose ofwaste – and meet all the necessary regulations– is essential.

Helping many Buckinghamshire businesses to findthe right solution is Grundon Waste Management,the largest family owned waste managementcompany in the UK.

With its head office just a few miles across theborder in Benson, Oxfordshire, and multi-millionpound waste management and recycling facilitiesat Colnbrook, near Slough, the company is wellplaced to offer its services across the county.

It is exactly this approach which deputy chairmanNeil Grundon believes is one of the keys to asuccessful waste management policy.

“Working with a local company which can offer a

single solution to all your waste managementrequirements has to be much more sensible thantransporting waste all over the country. Moreefficient collection methods require less vehicles,so companies automatically reduce their carbonfootprint,” he said.

“Good practice is about making sure you takeexpert advice on the best way to dispose of yourwaste and doing so in a way which benefits yourorganisation as well as the environment.

“Today, the way an organisation manages itsrecycling and waste management is not only seenas an indicator of its overall commitment tosupporting the environment, but also of its ownbusiness credentials.”

Grundon’s reputation is such that it has helpedmany businesses dramatically reduce and, in somecases cut to zero, the amount of waste sent tolandfill. Given that it currently costs £72 a tonne to

send waste to landfill – due to rise still further fromnext April – that’s an important saving.

The company’s team of experts can advise on howto dispose of a wide range of waste and recyclingmaterials, including:

• mixed recyclables, such as paper, cardboard andplastic

• general non-recyclable waste• food waste• hazardous waste• clinical waste• confidential waste • event waste

When starting work with a new client, the Grundonteam undertakes an initial audit, identifying practicalsolutions, while also looking for ways to optimisebest practice and keep costs down. It works closelywith facilities and estates managers, supportingin-house education programmes to help spread

ONE SIMPLE SOLUTIONFOR YOUR WASTE MANAGEMENT NEEDSPursuing the green agenda is something which is increasingly important for businesses and organisationsof all shapes and sizes.

B4 SPOTLIGHT

The Lakeside Energy from Waste facility at Colnbrook

One Buckinghamshire company that workswith Grundon is Cobham Antenna Systems inMarlow. Recognised as a world leader in thedesign and manufacture of defence andaerospace communication systems, it pridesitself in its aspiration to achieve zero harmacross its workforce and to limit itsenvironmental impact wherever possible.

Following a concerted campaign to reduce wasteand improve recycling, the company has cut the

amount of waste it sends to landfill from itsBuckinghamshire operation by more than 95%.

Mick Cooper, SHE manager, emphasised the hardwork of the company’s Facilities and SHE (Safety,Health and Environmental) team and said: “Weare a relatively large organisation and the changeswe have made here with the help from Grundonare a visible demonstration of the fact that wereally do care about the impact we have on theenvironment.”

Changes which have been implemented includereplacement of individual bins with centralisedwaste stations, the introduction of an on-sitecompactor, and an employee educationprogramme.

For more information on Grundon’s range ofwaste management and recycling services, call01491 834311, e-mail [email protected] or visitwww.grundon.com.

REALLYCARING FOR THEENVIRONMENT


the recycling message and explain why changesare necessary.

For many in an office-based environment, thismeans something as simple as the introductionof a two-bin system – one container for mixedrecycling items such as paper, cardboard, plasticbottles, glass bottles and cans; and another fornon-recyclable and non-hazardous general waste,such as some packaging and other plastics.

While the former is sent for recycling, the lattergoes to Grundon’s impressive joint ventureLakeside Energy from Waste plant at Colnbrook,where its incineration creates around 37Megawatts of electricity, the vast majority of which– enough to power c.50,000 homes – is exportedinto the National Grid.

The spotlight is increasingly turning on food wasteand Grundon recently introduced a dedicatedfood waste collection service aimed primarily atcompanies in the hospitality and food servicesectors, schools and other premises with on-sitecatering facilities.

Typically, the segregated food waste it collects istaken to licensed Anaerobic Digestion (AD)facilities, where it is broken down into Biofertiliserand also used to produce Biogas, used as a fuelfor the production of electricity and/or heat.

In a business environment, many day-to-day items

such as batteries, printer cartridges, aerosols andsolvents now fall into the hazardous wastecategory. Grundon’s specially-designed Haz-Boxmeans companies who only have a small amountof such waste to dispose of can easily comply withthe stringent environmental legislation.

Bigger items for disposal such as unwantedcomputer equipment, telephones, florescentlighting tubes or televisions can be collected viaits separate Waste Electrical and ElectronicEquipment (WEEE) service.

Confidential waste, from documents through tocomputer media such as hard drives and memorycards, is handled via a secure service whichincludes on-site mobile shredding.

“Our goal is always to help clients find the mostefficient and cost-effective methods for disposaland recycling,” continued Grundon. “Educationplays a big part, which is why we hold customerwaste awareness days, forums and visits to ourfacilities, the more people understand, the morelikely they are to buy into the need to reducewaste and recycle more.

“We underpin this with complete wastetransparency, providing monthly statistics andreports to enable companies to see how they aremanaging their waste more effectively and helpingthem quantify the investment.”www.grundon.com

“the changes we havemade here with the helpfrom Grundon are a visibledemonstration of the fact

that we really do careabout the impact we have

on the environment”

www.meetoxfordshire.com contact us now call 01865 252799

� Follow us on Twitter @meetoxfordshire

Meet Oxfordshire is the first point of contact for anyoneconsidering the county for a meeting, conference or event. Ourservices include free venue finding and accommodation bookings.

Oxfordshire is guaranteedto get everyone thinking

� ��

10th March 2013 – The Old Swan & Minster Mill, a de Savary Property,has been awarded the Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality Award 2013.Accepting the prestigious award on behalf of Lana de Savary, PatrickJones, general manager, was thrilled to receive what is seen as one of theCounty’s most prized award’s. Opened by Witney’s Member of Parliament,the Right Honourable Mr. David Cameron, Prime Minister, the awardswere attended by 300 business guests from Oxfordshire. Held at HeythropPark Resort on Friday 8th March, a Champagne reception kicked-offproceedings, followed by dinner and the awards ceremony, with dancinguntil late.

Fighting off tough competition to win the award, the Old Swan & Minster Millhad to demonstrate its commitment to promote tourism, leisure pursuits anda customer focused hospitality venue. The team needed to provide evidenceof business growth and how the hotel has added value to the county as aleisure and hospitality focused sector.

Commenting, Lana de Savary, wife of entrepreneur and philanthropist, Peterde Savary, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the accolade, the team haveworked extremely hard and recognition in this way, proves their continueddedication and commitment has paid dividends. We continue to receivewonderful feedback about the staff, facilities, food and overall hospitality. Well

done them!”

Now entering their third year, the awards were set up to celebrate business inWest Oxfordshire. Not only does the award add a range of marketing and PRopportunities, but it also acts as a great way to acknowledge the hotel’s teamefforts and boost their moral.

Lana de Savary, acquired the Old Swan & Minster Mill in May 2010 andimmediately set about restoring its 16 historic guestrooms, bar and diningrooms. The 18th century mill was also fully restored and the adjoining 44contemporary millrace guestrooms were refurbished. National companies, likeSavills, Ikea, Robert Bosch and Kraft Foods, which seek a central countrysidelocation, find the hotel conveniently located, with all their business needsprovided for. Set in 65 acres of stunning grounds and landscaped gardens,with its great gastro offering, is a big draw for locals and the leisure marketalike.

For more information, please visit www.oldswanandminstermill.com,contact Amanda Baker on [email protected] or directline 01993 774441.

news


The Old Swan & Minster Mill, Cotswolds, Triumphs at The WestOxfordshire Business Awards 2013

left to right: Shelley Pearse, reservations manager, Patrick Jones, general manager and Amanda Baker, sales & marketing manager


“The growth of the Internet, social media, international

suppliers, and the like, meansmany more businesses willfail, because they do not

accept the huge changes totheir market and fail to modify

their working practices”Tony Thomson, Thirdwave

In business too, many companies like to followthe same path as others. It is less risky, and hasa familiarity that makes it very comfortable.When a small retail outlet buys the sameproducts year in, year out, and sells them at arate that matches the purchase rate theneverything is fine.

“And long may it continue!” I hear you say.

But it won’t continue. The problem is that themarket for any product or service is time limited.The time limit might be a few months, as with thelatest fads for toys, or it could be 50 years or morefor a shaving razor, for example, but the writing ison the wall for all products and services.

What are the implications for business?

Businesses must change with the market, orbusiness will stop happening.

Many businesses have developed over severalyears, and change can be a very scary concept.Their processes, systems, ways of doing businessand product range may have been developed overdecades and the natural response is to wrap theirarms around what they do and say, “This is fine.The market is stable, and nothing can damagethat!” but markets are always changing.

For example: In the early 1990s, bookshops in theUK complacently stuck to the idea that the fixedbook pricing was unassailable. Here’s myconversation with a large bookseller at that time. Iwas trying to buy 50 copies of a book to give outon a course:

“Are you able to source these books for me?”“Of course we can, we are a major supplier ofbooks in the UK.”

“How soon can you get them?” “July is the earliest.” This was frustrating, since it wasFebruary and the course was running in in March.

“What price are they?”After searching on their computer for a few minutes– “This is a specialist book and will cost £78.00”. Iwas shocked at the price, but I ventured my nextquestion.

“What discount can you offer for 50 books?”“We don’t offer discounts,” was the sniffy reply.

“I am amazed,” I say, “If I order these fromStanford University Books in California, Theyare $68 each, I get a 20% discount forordering 50, and they can ship them to mewithin a week, and you don’t offer discountsat all. Why would I use your service?”“You are perfectly entitled to buy them fromCalifornia,” was the sulky reply.

That is exactly what I did. It was before Amazonexisted, but the attitude of this national booksellerwas typical of that market sector - Burying theirhead in the sand. They were unprepared for therevolution that was just about to hit their market.Their approach to doing business was locked in the1960s when the idea of ordering a book fromanother country would be so foreign as to beunthinkable.

The growth of the Internet, social media,international suppliers, and the like, means manymore businesses will fail, because they do notaccept the huge changes to their market and fail tomodify their working practices. The marketconditions are changing rapidly and many do notknow how to address these changes

It is easy to see where things went wrong from a

perspective twenty years later, but what about atthe time. What should businesses be doing to keepahead of the changes in their markets? How doescomplacency creep in? Why do businesses stultify?

The answer – Owners and managers run theirbusinesses in the same way they always have andassume that the market will continue to be thesame as it has been for the last however manyyears, but markets are changing, and this is adifficult lesson to learn!

The bookseller has changed. They now embracethe Internet and provide as good a discount as anyother book supplier. It was a reactive change, andin the process, they almost went out of business.

So knowing that change is inevitable, and thatbusinesses must follow the market changes if theyare to survive, don’t you owe it to your business tokeep a weather eye on your market and make thenecessary changes in a timely fashion?

Thirdwave Business Partnership is an organisationthat can help you to recognise the marketconditions, and bring the skills and attitudinalchanges you and your staff need to keep on top ofthe market.

Organisations like B&Q, Ladbrokes, IpswichBorough Council, and a host of others havecertainly gained from working with us.

Don’t be left behind, call Tony Thomson on 01628487 912 or email [email protected] for moreinformation on how Thirdwave can help you stayahead of the market.

www.thirdwaveweb.co.uk

“MY BUSINESS IS FINE AS IT IS!”AND OTHER MISCONCEPTIONSIn many situations, it pays to do the same thing as everyone else. For instance, if I am driving a car inEngland, it would be madness to attempt driving on the right when everyone else drives on the left, whereasin the rest of Europe driving on the right is the norm.


B4 ADVICE

Photography: Andrew Gleed

The award-winning Williams Conference Centre offers a unique environment that will cater to all of yourcorporate hospitality needs.

LOOKING FOR A VENUE TOINSPIRE, MOTIVATEAND REWARD?



B4 EVENTS

Located at the home of the Williams F1 Teamjust outside of Wantage, Oxfordshire WilliamsConference Centre has established itself as oneof the UK’s premier event venues.

The Williams Conference Centre facilities include acollection of ten event rooms of varying sizes andcapacity to cater for up to 200 guests whether it befor a team building exercise, meeting or awardsdinner it is supported by superb catering andservice - all of which has been recognised in theM&IT Awards every year for the last four years.

The Centre is also the proud home of the WilliamsGrand Prix Collection, the largest private collectionof formula one cars in the world.

What we have on offer:

Conferences & Product Launches

The Ayrton Senna Theatre is a fully equippedpresentation room, which can seat 200 people,offers a built-in stage with three large projectionscreens, stage lights, surround sound and comeswith the service of our in-house AV technician,cutting down on your needs for hiring additional AVservices.

Seminars & Training Courses

A range of rooms suitable for 1-on-1 coaching orgroups of up to 50 guests are available. All comewith presentation equipment as standard and aprivate hospitality room which double as a breakoutarea, saving you the need to hire another room forany catering requirements.

Team Building

In-house we offer a range of fun experiences whichyou can use in your day’s activities to help bringyour team together.

• F1 simulator - Test the driving and concentrationskills of guests whilst providing entertainment forcolleagues at the same time

• The BATAK Challenge – Why not test reactiontimes and even fitness levels for all ages andabilities?

• Giant F1 Scalextric - Promote team work whilstensuring guests understand the need for clearcommunication.

• Williams PitStop Challenge - This is the ultimatein demonstrating the requirements required tocreate a winning team. Accepting individualsstrengths and weaknesses, guests are instructedhow to change the wheels on a Formula One carwith the objective of completing a ‘PitStop’ in justseconds.

Awards & Celebrations

Mark your celebrations with award-winning cateringin an environment that promotes innovation andsuccess. We can cater for sit-down events of up to200 guests in our Drivers Suite which includes theAyrton Senna presentation room.

Corporate Hospitality

Each season we operate a number of Grand PrixRace Day events offering you the chance toentertain colleagues and friends at the home of theWilliams F1 Team. Join Williams F1 Team membersto watch the Grand Prix and get a real behind the

scenes insight to activities at the circuit. Eventsinclude access to the Williams Grand Prix Collectionalong with F1 Simulator Challenge, RaceSweepstake, BATAK Challenge, ScalextricChallenge, Hospitality Bar and superb catering. Afull day of entertainment.

Something for the weekend!

Williams Grand Prix Collection Tours

Tickets are sold for set dates throughout the yearfor an escorted tour of the world’s largest collectionof Formula One cars. The Williams Grand PrixCollection charts the history of the Williams F1Team from 1978 giving you the chance to get upclose and witness the developments that haveshaped the sport into what it is today. Informationon the technology used will be explained withvideos and a tour along with examples ofmaterials, tests and challenges the team face inthe development of it’s cars. Visit includesrefreshments and lunch.

Race Day Specials

Each season we operate a Grand Prix Race DaySpecial, designed for family and friends with apassion for Formula One. Hosted by Williams F1Team members, we offer an affordable way ofgetting close to the team and offer behind thescene information whilst enjoying access to theWilliams Grand Prix Collection and F1 SimulatorChallenge. Package includes refreshments, a twocourse buffet luncheon and cash bar.

For more information please contact us on01235 777900, [email protected] orvisit our www.williamsconferencecentre.comfor more information.

“We have created a 1st class events facility, aunique venue which offers outstanding cateringand service. Something we are truly proud of.” SirFrank Williams.

“We have created a 1st class events facility, a unique venue which offers outstanding catering and service.Something we aretruly proud of.”

A recent survey conducted by the Tree HotelGroup showed that while respondents wanteda good deal when they eat out, they are notlikely to put up with bad service. 54% ofrespondents said they would let the restaurantknow if they were not happy with the food orservice, while 64% of respondents said theywould not leave even a small tip if they hadexperienced bad service.

Pal explains: “Of course there are many crucialaspects that influence our decision as to where todine such as price, food and atmosphere but thequality of service that we provide to our customerscan often be the deal breaker as to whether theyreturn to a restaurant. Slow slovenly service makesus feel like the kitchen may be cutting corners too,whilst a waiter who recognises us from the last timewe came and remembers what we like to drinkmakes us feel special.

“The service a diner receives can ‘make or break’ ameal. Prompt service, a good rapport with dinersand leaving clientele feeling well looked after isvital.”

One diner who likes to eat out at least twice aweek, Richard Towers, recalls two differentoccasions when a caterpillar was found in his food,once in New Zealand and once in Jersey. “The

Jersey waiter took my plate and looked at thecaterpillar from the left, right and from every anglepossible as if it would disappear from a differentangle. They took 15 minutes to come back to meafter multiple discussions huddled in the cornerand then offered me a free drink with no apology.By comparison, the New Zealand restaurant tookimmediate ownership of the problem, said it wasunacceptable, whisked my plate away and broughtme out another dish within a couple of minutesand then didn’t charge me for my meal. I wouldreturn to the latter but not the former.”

Pal says: “It is completely within our control. Wellgroomed, happy, helpful waiting staff is not toomuch to ask for. As restaurateurs we do need toinvest in proper training to get the best out of ourstaff. Regular team meetings where staff have achance to air concerns or give ideas are a great wayto keeping a good atmosphere throughout therestaurant.”

Kavita Pal’s top tip for providing exceptionalservice:-

“Be honest. Whether it is because the kitchen isbacked up and food is taking longer or you havesimply made a mistake with their order, customerswill always appreciate your honesty. Don’t be afraidto politely tell your customers that they may have

a little longer to wait for their food but get themsome drinks in the meantime.”

THE TREE HOTEL at CADMORE END

The Tree Hotel at Cadmore End provides atraditional English country hotel experience with 16ensuite rooms all complete with super king size 6ft6in beds. The restaurant at The Tree Hotel atCadmore End is run by a team of chefs specializingin European and Indian cuisines.

THE TREE HOTEL AT CADMORE END EVENTS

Last Friday of the month - Live Jazz with TimDawes and friendsEvery Monday - Friday Lunch - 2for1 LunchEvery Tuesday Night - Ladies NightEvery Wednesday Night - Quiz NightEvery Thursday Night - Thali NightEvery Sunday Lunch - Grand International Buffet

Located in the heart of the English countryside butproviding easy access to both London and Oxford,the hotel is conveniently found just off junction fiveof the M40, and ample parking is provided forguests.

http://cadmore.treehotel.co.uk

THE IMPORTANCE OFEXCEPTIONAL SERVICEIn light of the recession and with a sea of special dining discounts on offer,restaurants are competing more fiercely than ever but Kavita Pal, MD of TheTree Hotel in Cadmore End, believes the stand out factor of 2013 is all aboutservice.


B4 R&R

“Be honest. Whether it is because the kitchen isbacked up and food is taking longer or you havesimply made a mistake withtheir order, customers willalways appreciate your

honesty”

In a time when the country is struggling inrecession, the role of accountants has becomeeven more prominent.

And while the “Big 4” firms have faced criticism fortheir role in multi-national corporates’ use of taxavoidance schemes, accountants like Paul are atthe coal face, helping small and medium-sizedenterprises (SMEs) to struggle through thecountry’s worst economic crisis in a decade.

Married to wife Heather, with two teenagedaughters, Paul qualified as a Chartered CertifiedAccountant in 1993 after spending nine years withLloyds Bank in Bournemouth and Reading beforere-training as an accountant.

So what attracted Paul to the competitive world ofaccountancy?

“I liked to think that I saw the banking crisis loomingall those years ago,” he said.

“What I could see was that banking was changingand management opportunities were declining. I

saw a career in accountancy as regaining control ofmy own career.

“My father-in-law introduced me to his accountantsand I met with one of the partners Terry Lee, whoexplained what he did. From that moment I washooked! I knew that one day I was going to be apartner in my own practice. Five years later I wasqualified and six years later I achieved my ambitionof reaching Partner!

“I have always enjoyed meeting people and wasattracted by finding out about different businesses,and a desire to make a genuine difference.”

After qualifying, Paul worked for a number of smalland medium sized practices, including a spell as amanager at Fish between 1995 and 1998, beforereturning as a Partner in 2002.

“I really enjoyed my time with Fish as a managerand had a lot of respect for the partners,” he said.

“When I left I couldn’t see a clear path to reachpartner and there was an opportunity to work for a

larger practice. This was invaluable in that itwidened my horizons. I kept in touch with thesenior partner, Roger Prew. I remember havingcause to visit the website where the practice wasadvertising for a new partner. We met up and asthey say the rest is history, I certainly haven’t lookedback.”

A lot has changed in the accountancy profession inthe last two decades since Paul qualified, with theadvancement in technology helping accountants toreally appreciate their clients’ businesses - aninvaluable tool during a time of recession.

“Practice life has changed quite a bit since my

For Paul Laird, Partner at High Wycombe-based Chartered Accountants The Fish Partnership, his job is allabout making a genuine difference to clients’ businesses.

“I have always enjoyedmeeting people and was attracted by finding out

about different businesses,and a desire to make agenuine difference.”


BUCKS ACCOUNTANTHELPING BUSINESSESTHROUGH TOUGH TIMES

training contract,” said Paul.

“The advent of the PC was just beginning to havean impact, however much of our work was doneby hand with sheets of analysis paper. There wasno internet or email. Fax was the big technology.Being able to fax the USA and get an answer backfor the following morning was a big advancement.

“Technology has really changed the face ofaccountancy. We are able to communicate aroundthe globe instantaneously, the use of computersoftware has speeded up the preparation ofaccounts and tax calculations. This means that wecan spend more time with clients and gain a fargreater appreciation of their businesses, providingpractical and valuable advice.

“Over the last few years businesses have neededour support more than ever. The recession has hada major impact on the UK economy but we wereready and identified early on that many businessowners had not experienced a recession first hand.We were able to prepare them for the effects andas a result of our assistance, the vast majority of

our clients have survived and many are nowthriving.

“It is fair to say that clients quite rightly expect theiraccountants to be proactive. They are busy runningtheir businesses and often don’t have time to standback to see how things can be improved. That’swhere we come in. Our mission statement is to‘Create Advantage by Adding Value’ and this isembraced by the whole team at Fish. Our clientsendorse this and really do appreciate it”

Acting for a wide variety of clients, specialising inowner-managed businesses, both small and large,subsidiaries of overseas companies, charities,agriculture and building and construction, Paul saysthe most satisfying part of his job is helpingbusiness overcome their challenges, and improvetheir profitability.

“Easily the most satisfying part of my job is meetingpeople and making a genuine difference in theirbusiness, helping them to improve their profitability,and minimising their tax bills,” he said.

“We have a very stable team at Fish and many ofour managers started their training with us and I’veseen them qualify. This is really satisfying andwhat’s more, many of our clients view thesemanagers as their accountant. Now that’s what Ireally do regard as success.

“As we come out of recession the big challenge ishow businesses are going to fund their expansion.Collecting in their debts remains challenging withcustomers exceeding credit terms. Making sure thatbusinesses have effective credit control is essentialto maintain the cash flow life blood.

“Sources of finance remains a challenge and soclients need to be able to present well thought outbusiness plans and demonstrate sound businessjudgement. I think that there are signs that thebanks are beginning to increase finance lines sohopefully this will make life a little easier forbusiness.”

So if Paul could give businesses one piece ofadvice at the moment to maximise their profits,what would it be?

“It is fair to say that clientsquite rightly expect their

accountants to be proactive.They are busy running theirbusinesses and often don’thave time to stand back tosee how things can be improved. That’s where

we come in”


The Oakley Court Hotel has vast experience of hosting major conferences in stunning surroundings making it an inspired choice of venue. Hold your conference at Oakley Court and you’ll impress, captivate and inspire your delegates.

We guarantee the very best in service standards offering conference suites and executive boardrooms within a prestigious location. Our unique rooms range from original rooms in the Mansion House which are over 150 years old with high ceilings and original features, to a purpose built function room called The Boathouse on the banks of the River Thames.

It’s not only the picturesque riverside setting that creates the wow factor; extensive leisure rt in creating a memorable

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An inspired choice of venue

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rence facilities for up to 170 Executive boardrooms for 4 – 30 Extensively equipped to meet your requirements

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3

The Oakley Court Hotel, Windsor Road, Water Oakley, Windsor, SL4 5UR Tel: 01753 609988 www.principal-hayley.com/theoakleycourt

A HOTEL WITH CHARACTER

“All businesses need to be focused on deliveringexactly what their customers need in an efficientand cost effective way,” said Paul.

“Being able to get your products and services tostand out from the crowd and delivering realbenefits is the key. Of course you need to becompetitive, but there is no point being ‘a busyfool’. It is the businesses that achieve thisdifferentiation who really succeed.

“I would also advise businesses not to undervaluetheir product and services. Finally, you haven’tmade any money until your customer pays you!

“Once you have got the basics right you then needto make sure that you are using the right businessstructure and remuneration extraction. This is whatFish are good at – helping clients to maximise theirincome.”

In the past few months the accountancy professionhas received its fair share of criticism for its role intax avoidance scandals, so how is Fish different?

“Fish have always looked towards mainstream taxplanning, but with a well thought out business planthere is no need to use extreme avoidanceschemes,” said Paul.

“To be honest where our clients have adoptedthese extreme avoidance schemes against our

advice it has not ended happily and they haveturned to us to sort out the mess. Of courseeveryone wants to minimise their tax bills, butactually paying tax is not a bad thing as it meansyou have made a profit!

“We have saved our clients a lot of tax by usingsome well thought out mainstream and acceptedtax planning. This enables them to preserve muchneeded cash flow and to sleep in the soundknowledge that the tax man won’t come knocking.

“That having been said, there is a media campaigngoing on at the moment to try and paint certainindividuals in a bad light. It’s perhaps a result of theausterity measures which the government has hadto introduce over the last couple of years. Everyoneknows that tax evasion is illegal, with tax avoidancethe lines are a bit more blurred. There is or coursea whole industry out there looking to be one stepahead of the taxman. For our part we prefer to staywell away from these schemes.

“I certainly don’t believe that the criticism aimed atthe accountancy profession is justified with the vastmajority of firms.”

Outside of the profession Paul is the Treasurer ofthe Rotary Club of High Wycombe, the Treasurer ofthe Berkshire Masonic Charity, a large grant makingcharity, and finance director of the BerkshireMasonic Centre.

He is also a keen sailor, sailing yacht “Inca” in PooleHarbour, as well as an Independent Examiner andadvisor to North Haven yacht Club.

Paul is also an associate member of the MCC andlife-long Hampshire supporter, as well as a fan ofhis home-town football team AFC Bournemouth.

He is also keen to encourage the next generationof accountants, with the firm committed to trainingyoung accountants and helping to develop theircareers.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my accountancycareer,” said Paul.

“No two days are the same, which is what I enjoy.The opportunities are still out there for youngpeople. Yes its tough studying for your qualificationaround the working week, but the end result is veryworthwhile. The opportunity to meet businessowners and build real friendships, whilst making apositive difference is what really gives me a buzz.

“With accountancy your career destiny is in yourown hands. I would say to all young accountantsout there – grab all the opportunities that comeyour way and the possibilities are endless.”

www.fishpartnership.co.uk

“Once you have got the basics right you then need to make sure that you areusing the right business structure and remuneration extraction. This is what

Fish are good at – helping clients to maximise their income.”Paul Laird, Partner at The Fish Partnership


B4 ADVICE

T

Businesses expect more than a transactionbased service where interaction is billable andrecognise that a trusted relationship with a lawfirm will help them avoid risk and providebenefits above and beyond the cost of eachindividual transaction. Simon Deans, partner inthe Corporate and Commercial practice ofBuckinghamshire law firm B P Collins LLP,insists it is time for law firms to turn off theclock and actively build strong relationshipswith business that deliver measureablecommercial value.

Changing AttitudesToday more than half of businesses are handlingtheir own legal matters amid widespread concernabout the value for money offered by law firms,according to a major Legal Services Board researchproject. And a significant number are shoppingaround looking for cut price legal services.

This approach to legal risk management can beincredibly damaging. A new set of terms andconditions may seem a pretty generic request. But,without the right guidance, a ‘standard’ set may noteither fit the business need or be used correctly.How many firms, for example, add the terms andconditions to the invoice where they will not beenforceable – an approach that completely negatestheir value, since the contract has already beenundertaken?

Failure to take legal advice before embarking uponsignificant business change can have dire results.But how many business owners have thenecessary depth of knowledge to understand whenthey might be making a decision that introduces orexacerbates risk to the business?

And businesses need more than a legal responsewhen they seek advice. Lawyers should be sharingnot only a depth of legal expertise but alsocommercial experience.

In Context Rather than respond to the clear commercial needsof UK businesses, some law firms have taken adifferent tack, with the consequence that serviceshave become if not commoditised, then certainlypackaged into a neat, one size fits all model.

This is unlikely to meet the needs of clients as thereare many different ways to approach businessissues and potential problems. Despite the slickwrappers being placed around many legal servicesby some firms, legal advice is about far more thanthe law; it is about ensuring the commercialrequirements of a business are met within themost effective and appropriate legal framework.

What offers more value? A one size fits all servicethat may or may not fit the business? A list ofoptions – all legally accurate and correct; or legaladvice that reflects the commercial businessneeds? A billable transaction led approach or a

regular dialogue that can clarify issues, providerapid insight and avoid significant potentialproblems downstream?

Where there's an on-going, trusted relationship,businesses will receive tailored advice that can helpthem achieve appropriate answers to problemsspecific to them.

For example, does an off the shelf shareholders'agreement meet business needs? A minor tweakto the company Articles or a fully thought-throughsuccession plan might instead be needed.

Commercial AdviceSo how should businesses approach theirrelationship with a legal advisor? Speak to a lawyerwho is interested in you and your business. Onewho is willing to put time and effort intounderstanding your needs and issues and theninvests his time in you without the clock running.Such a lawyer will enable you to build confidencein the quality, relevance and, critically, the value of

on-going legal advice to you and your business.

At the most basic level, see your law firm regularlyfor lunch or coffee. Expect a regular call to discussthe state of your business and its strategic direction,or to update senior managers on legislativechanges that may be relevant to businessoperations. Invite your lawyer to attend or reviewboard meetings.

More importantly, reject a transaction basedrelationship where every interaction is billable.

ConclusionIn many ways the legal market can only blame itselffor this devaluing of services. When a businessowner fears that even a ten minute chat to discussoptions is another billable interaction, it is nowonder organisations avoid contacting any lawyerunless a specific legal transaction is required.

Either way, few organisations are actively embracingthe commercial knowledge and know-how of lawfirms. Yet leveraging a close relationship with acommercial law firm can minimise risk, increaseyour understanding of the consequences of yourdecisions and ensure that key business changesare undertaken in the most effective manner.Furthermore it will ultimately provide greater valuefor money.

The law market is offering a choice. Someorganisations will buy on price, deciding the risk isjustified. However, for organisations that want tominimise commercial risk, reinforce flexibility orsimply gain quick reassurance, an on-goingrelationship with a legal partner should be anessential part of the business strategy.

To contact Simon or a member of his team, pleasecall 01753 279075 or email your enquiry [email protected]

Attitudes to providers of legal services have changed radically over the past decade. Many SMEs shop around forservices, go online or even opt to handle requirements in house – despite the clear business risk. Why? Somewherealong the line a fundamental misunderstanding of the value of professional advice has occurred.

OFF THE CLOCKMOVING THE RELATIONSHIP FROMTRANSACTIONAL TO TRUSTED


“Failure to take legal advice before embarking upon significant business change can havedire results. But how many business owners have the necessary depth of knowledge to understand when they might be making a decision that

introduces or exacerbates risk to the business?”

Photography: Andrew Gleed


B4 R&R

“Despite the slick wrappers beingplaced around many legal servicesby some firms, legal advice is aboutfar more than the law; it is about

ensuring the commercial requirements of a business aremet within the most effective

and appropriate legalframework”Simon Deans, Partner at BP Collins LLP

OxfordshireBased IT

Consultancy with over 25

Years in technology

AccommodationHartwell House is no stranger to people ofinfluence: its most famous resident was Louis XVIII,exiled King of France, who lived here with his courtfor five years. Built from the early 17th century, thisGrade I listed building in Buckinghamshire todayhas 52 bedrooms, all individually furnished withfine pictures and antiques. There are 32 rooms,including four poster bedrooms, in the main house,16 suites and bedrooms in the Hartwell Court anda further 4 bedrooms in the Old Rectory. Thehouse has both Jacobean and Georgian featureswith outstanding decorative plaster-work andpanelling in all four of the drawing rooms.

The GroundsThe 90 acres of gardens and parkland are equallyinspiring, laid out, at the start of the 18th century,in the formal style, with allées and garden buildings:temples, columns, an obelisk, garden statuary,canals and. They were later naturalised in the styleof Capability Brown.

DiningDining at Hartwell House is a true Best of Britishexperience which is why the restaurant has wonseveral awards. Using locally sourced and homegrown food the restaurant has establishedAylesbury Duck as a must try dish at selected timesof the year. Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea andDinner are all offered here and several menus havebeen created. Of particular note is the Chefsseasonal 3 course lunch or dinner menu availableMonday to Friday for only £24.95 per person,perfect to treat friends or for small business lunches

or dinners. There are also two private dining roomsable to accommodate gatherings from 8 to 36 guests.

Meetings and Events Meeting rooms are situated in the Hartwell Courtsome 100 yards from the main house, and includethe James Gibbs and James Wyatt rooms for larger

meetings and dining, with the Eric Throssellboardroom and Henry Keene room situated on thefirst floor for smaller meetings. In addition the OldRectory at Hartwell, situated in two acres of privategrounds adjacent to the hotel is ideal for a smallgathering. With gated access, four bedrooms all ensuite, one of which is a four poster suite, diningroom, drawing room and boardroom for up to 10guests, plus an outdoor swimming pool it is perfectto use as a get away and more intimate events.

RatesHartwell House offers extremely competitivedelegate rates whether based on 24 hour stays or

for day delegates which are regularly updated onthe website, and for those companies local toHartwell you can apply for the Corporate Rate of£95 + VAT per night (excluding Saturday) inclusiveof accommodation, cooked breakfast, free wifi anduse of the Hartwell Spa.

The SpaGuests can recharge by enjoying the peace andtranquillity of the Spa which offers an indoor poollined with mosaic tiles, a steam room, sauna and awhirlpool bath. An extensive selection of spatreatments is offered using AromatherapyAssociates as the main brand, including a widevariety of body massages, facials, detoxifyingtreatments, bronzing treatments. A fully equippedgymnasium is also available.

Nearby Hartwell House, an abundance of historicsights await including Waddesdon Manor, BlenheimPalace and Stowe Landscape Gardens. For fans ofshopping, Europe’s leading luxury designer outletdestination, Bicester Village, is located close by.

Whether you’re putting the mind to work or simplyallowing mind and body to relax, Hartwell House &Spa offers the perfect setting for all.

How to book To make an enquiry or for further informationon Meetings or Special Events at HartwellHouse please call 01296 746501 or [email protected]


B4 EVENTS

Just over an hour from central London, Hartwell House, part of the National Trust, is one of England’s most spectacular StatelyHomes and the ideal destination for all manner of business & leisure activities. 2013 is the year the UK assumed the one-yearPresidency of the G7, an informal forum of countries representing around half of global economic output. As part of the Presidency,the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Governor of the Bank of England co-chaired a meeting at Hartwell House with G7 FinanceMinisters and Central Bank Governors on Friday 10 May and Saturday 11 May.

HARTWELL HOUSE & SPA

“Hartwell House offers extremelycompetitive delegate rates

whether based on 24 hour staysor for day delegates which are regularly updated on the website,and for those companies localto Hartwell you can apply forthe Corporate Rate of £95 +

VAT per night”

54 www.b4-business.com

www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT

B4 Ambassadors, Members and their guests recently enjoyed fourvery different events across the Thames Valley.

B4 EVENTSPHOTO DIARYFirst up was a new event format at the impressive West Wing, the new development builtalongside The Said Business School in Oxford. This saw 4 B4 members present for fifteenminutes each in the smart new Harvard Lecture Theatre, followed by a lively Q&A. Either sideof the event, guests enjoyed superb hospitality in The Said Club Room.

Next up was Bucks New University and the opportunity for B4 Members to get to know more aboutthis fascinating establishment based in the heart of High Wycombe. The following week we were atthe magnificent Oakley Court Hotel in Windsor for a wonderful evening of fine food and excellentcompany hosted by our Platinum Ambassadors.

Finally, The University of Oxford Examination Schools hosted our 2nd B4 Oxfordshire event of theyear at a recently refurbished venue where guests were treated to a speech from the grandson ofthe building’s original architect Sir Nicholas Jackson.

All great stuff, and if you weren’t there, why don’t you make sure you book in for our remaining B4events of 2013 – see www.b4-business.com and click on B4 Events.Ph

otography: Andrew Gleed ww

w.andrewgleedphotography.co.uk and Rob Scotcher B4

55

The American Investment firm, KSL Capital Partners, purchased The Belfryin August last year and appointed The De Vere Group to manage theproperty. “It is a very exciting project because The Belfry has the perfectpartner in KSL who are very experienced in taking over a number ofestablished resorts and restoring them to their former glory and theirexpertise will prove invaluable.” Commented Lynn who has been involvedwith four and five star hotels throughout her career. “I’m a hotel specialist,having spent six years in London prior to joining The Belfry running asignificant hotel company which was sold for £550 million about a yearago. This was a full market value sale which in the context of a depressedeconomy was quite an achievement.”

Shortly after the sale, Lynn took a break for the birth of her first child. She thenstarted her own company, Hotel Prosperity, which was a great way to ease

myself back into the business. I was then approached about this role and foundit too exciting to resist – my husband now runs Hotel Prosperity and I am fulltime with The Belfry.

“Since I started here last year, we have now commenced the refurbishmentprogramme. It means we are one restaurant and one hundred bedrooms downat the moment, about one third of our stock, but we will get these back in themiddle of July. There’s also a lot of external work going on, so everything that’sbroken is basically being fixed. Once the refurbishment is complete, we willhave a brand new hotel!

“We also have a new Head of Greens who is very highly regarded and whohas applied his skills and knowledge to developing our natural approach tokeeping the greens alive and playing well and looking after the courses whichare playing extremely well.

“With regards to the clubhouse, the restaurant that is currently underrefurbishment is part of the clubhouse so that has been stripped back to thebone and is in the process of being put together. The retail and locker facilitieswill all be refurbished later in the year when we are out of the high golf seasonand the external part of the club house will also be attended to then.”

The Belfry offers much more than just golf and is a great venue for conferencesand meetings. Located in the heart of England and set in 550 acres of NorthWarwickshire countryside, The Belfry is one of the UK's best located conference,

golf and leisure resorts, easily accessible from all over the UK via the region’sexcellent road and rail links, just minutes from the M42, M6, M6 Toll,Birmingham International Station and Birmingham Airport.

All of the conference and meeting rooms have natural daylight and many enjoyspectacular views of the golf courses. Whatever the size or the style of theevent, you will find The Belfry ideal, for a product launch, conference, teambuilding event or even just a meeting for two.

All in all The Belfry has a choice of 22 conference and meeting rooms, a great

“Located in the heart of England and set in 550 acres of North Warwickshire countryside,The Belfry is one of the UK's best located conference, golf and leisure resorts”

Mention The Belfry just outside of Birmingham and, for those old enough to remember, it’s hard to forget SamTorrance and The Ryder Cup, the team spraying champagne from the Club House roof over an ecstatic Europeanthrong of supporters. As the only four time host of The Ryder Cup (1985, 1989, 1993 and 2002) the world renownedBrabazon Course is consistently ranked in the Top 100 Golf Courses in the UK. But time moves on and The Belfry isnow entering an equally important phase of its life with a £30 million refurbishment, overseen by the highly-experienced Lynn Hood who was appointed as Managing Director in October 2012. Lynn spoke with B4’s RichardRosser about exciting times at The Belfry.

THE BELFRY


choice of bars and restaurants and an unrivalled collection of health, beauty, fitness andrelaxation facilities for conference delegates or leisure guests to use during their stay. Thereare 324 bedrooms on site, conference and banqueting for up to 400, car parking for up to1,000 cars and even an on-site nightclub.

Lynn is particularly keen to stress the fantastic conference facilities at The Belfry. “The facilitieshere are fantastic are particularly good for the corporate and events market. We have a numberof historic rooms throughout the building, which work for the conference market very well,they’re flexible and accommodate up to 300 each so they are sizeable. The first of our newconference suites will be back mid July and the rest of them will be refurbished in the relativelylow season of August, with as little impact to the business as possible.

“In terms of the golf, The Belfry remains a magnificent golfing experience with The Brabazon,and customers are always telling us how enjoyable the course is. That’s balanced by what weclass as an inner links course, a very complimentary golfing experience in terms of the PGAnational course, and then we have our Derby Course as well, giving three levels of golfingexperience here, so there’s something for everyone, from the beginner to the seasoned golfer.”

The future for The Belfry is certainly bright and the partnership with KSL will ensure that TheBelfry becomes one of the leading golf and conference resorts in Europe, adds Lynn. “Beforeacquisition, KSL spent a considerable amount of time studying The Belfry. They felt very muchthat The Belfry fit with their current portfolio across in the USA, and was a complimentaryaddition to their first acquisition in Europe. They are absolute experts in operating golf andspa and conference resorts, and have ten significant resorts in the US. With all of theadvantages that The Belfry has, we are extremely confident that KSL will soon have anotherresort to be really proud of.” Please contact Nick Gamble, The Belfry’s Resort Director, if you have any queries.

www.thebelfry.co.uk

KSL is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisureenterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation,clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices inDenver, Colorado and New York. KSL’s current portfolioincludes some of the premier properties in travel andleisure. In the UK, KSL owns boutique hotel brandsMalmaison and Hotel du Vin, with 27 hotels across theUK, and The Belfry in the West Midlands.

In the United States, KSL owns The Grove Park Inn, TheHomestead, Montelucia Resort & Spa, Barton Creek Resort& Spa, Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, The James RoyalPalm, La Costa Resort and Spa, and ClubCorp, one of theworld’s largest owners of private golf and business clubs.KSL also owns other premier recreation businesses,including Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, two of theleading ski resorts in North America; and Western AthleticClubs, the owner and operator of luxury fitness clubs inCalifornia.

For more information, please see kslcapital.com

KSL CAPITALPARTNERS, LLC

Sitting alongside The Brabazon is The PGA National,England’s only PGA-branded golf course, the PGA NationalGolf Academy, Europe’s largest custom-fitting centre, anda further 18-hole course, known as The Derby. The 324-room resort offers an impressive range of on-site facilities,including bars and restaurants; an on-site nightclub; anindulgent spa for mind and body; Health & Wellnessfacilities; one of the largest golf resort shops in Europe;and comprehensive corporate facilities.

The Belfry was awarded Hospitality Assured in 2012, thequality standard created by the Institute of Hospitality forservice and business excellence.

FACILITIES


B4 R&R

Through the morning fog on a South CoastRiviera she rises. The Grand Dame is back

to her former glory and then some.Introducing the new Grand. More

fabulous, more exquisite than ever before.New bedrooms, conference suite, spa,GB1 restaurant and a bar & lounge. TheGrand Dame has well and truly risen.

After a multi-million pound refurbishment De Vere Hotels & Resorts is proud to bring

this South Coast gem back to life.

Contact DetailsThe Grand, Brighton 97-99 King’s Road,

Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2FW0871 222 4684

devere-hotels.co.uk/thegrand

THE DE VERE GRANDREFURBISHMENT

REVEALED THE GRANDDAME RISES

There’s nowhere quite like it in Cheshire.The new Mottram takes its rightful place asCheshire’s finest golf and leisure resort.Play Championship standard golf all yearround and relax in the brand new ClaretJug Clubhouse. Chill-out or work-out in

the new state-of-the-art Mottram Club andSpa with the first in the UK Alfresco

ThermoSpace with heat pods and saunas.

Dine on amazing local delicacies andreinventions of fine dining classics in theCarrington Grill. Finally retire blissfully to thebeautifully appointed new style rooms. Newis very much the order of the day. When itcomes to dining, golf or relaxation, youshould try something new too. The newMottram from De Vere Hotels & Resorts.

Contact DetailsMottram Hall, Wilmslow Road, Mottram St

Andrew, Cheshire SK10 4QT0871 222 4686

devere-hotels.co.uk/mottramhall

THE NEW MOTTRAM


You are destined for greatness. From your timelessly styled room, to alegendary morning on hallowed greens, to the just desserts of yourvictory. Stay and play, or feast like a king at one of our destinationdining experiences. Prepare to feel glorious once more, to rediscover

the long lost you in the deep end of our pool.

Finally, you are staying and dining at The Belfry, a De Vere Hotel & Resort.The legendary tenth prepares to claim another gung-ho chancer. You pause,and channel the spirit of ‘78 - Seve .v. Faldo. Praying for calm breeze andsafe passage across the lake your moment has arrived, you are playing golfat The Belfry, a De Vere Hotel & Resort. See also page 138 feature on The

Belfry’s Lynn Hood.

Contact DetailsThe Belfry, Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B76 9PR

0300 500 0405 thebelfry.co.uk

SLEEP IN A BED FIT FOR KINGS. FEAST ONTHE FOODS OF THE GODS. WALK IN THE

FOOTSTEPS OF LEGENDS. YOU ARE DESTINEDFOR GREATNESS. THE BELFRY IS BACK WITH

DE VERE, WHEN WILL YOU BE?


B4 R&R

When the sun begins to make it through the clouds andthe buds begin to blossom, you know Spring andSummer are on the way. It’s time to come out of thatWinter cocoon and escape to one of nine stunningDe Vere Hotels & Resorts. Start feeling refreshed andrevitalised in luxurious rooms with award-winning cuisine,Championship standard golf courses, new state-of-the-art Clubs & Spas and a whole host of exhilarating outdooractivities. B4 brings you the very best of De Vere Hotels& Resorts.

DE VEREHOTELS & RESORTS

1,000 acres of Northumberland moorland andforest play home to this magnificent, elegantEdwardian mansion. That the interiors arealmost as dramatic as the exterior says it all.This is very old world grandeur with a moderntwist. Bask in the warmth of the reception youreceive on arrival, dine at Hadrian’s Brasserie,or at the Duke’s Grill. Indulge with a SerenitySpa experience or take a dip in the fantastic

indoor pool.

After a bracing country walk in the wilds, or around on one of our championship golf courses,retire to the Claret Jug restaurant and bar or the19th Bar for a stiff brandy. Surely you deserve it?

Slaley Hall at a glanceIndoor Pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi and Steam Room,Gym, Two Championship Golf Courses, DrivingRange and Pro Shop, Claret Jug Clubhouse, Spaand 5 Treatment rooms, Outdoor Pursuits, LuxuryLodges, Duke’s Grill, Hadrian’s Brasserie, The

Whisky Snug, 19th Bar.

Inspiring eventsWedding Open Evening: Slaley Hall, 17 July, 6pm- 8pm www.devere-hotels.co.uk/SlaleyHallGreat North Run: Newcastle, 15 September

www.greatrun.orgWedding Fayre: Slayley Hall, 13 October, 6pm -8pm www.devere-hotels.co.uk/SlaleyHall

Attractions nearbyBeamish Museum – 14.3 miles,

www.beamish.org.ukHadrian’s Wall – 19 miles, www.hadrians-wall.org

Scotland’s Museums of Transport and Travel – 24miles, www.glasgowlife.org.uk

Alnwick Gardens & Castle – 37.8 miles,www.alnwickgarden.com

Contact DetailsHexham , Newcastle up on Tyne ,Northumberland , NE47 0BX

T: 0871 222 4688W: devere-hotels.co.uk/slaleyhall

SLALEY HALLThere’s no better way to whet the appetite fora country retreat than with a spectacular milelong drive right up to the doors of a fabulouscountry estate. The wonderful view of thehotel with over 1,000 acres set deep in theCheshire countryside merely confirms you are

somewhere special.

Carden Park with its superb rooms, relaxing spa,championship golf courses, awardwinning

restaurants and highly acclaimed meeting facilitiesis in a league of its own. And as if that wasn’tenough, it has its very own unique Cheshire

vineyard, harvesting and producing a very specialselection of two classic British sparkling wines!Special occasions demand special places; you’ve

just found yours.

Carden Park at a glanceArchery, Carden Spa, Carden Vineyard, Crazy Golf,Children’s Playground, Driving Range, Golf, Jack’sBar Clubhouse, Gym, Full Sized FA Football Pitch,Kong Aerial Ropes Course, Indoor SwimmingPool, Tennis, Laser Clay Shooting, MountainBiking, Nature and Puzzle, Walking Trails, QuadBiking (Adult and Junior), Segway Safari,

Redmond’s Restaurant, The Vines, Morgan’s Bar

Inspiring eventsChester Mystery Plays: Chester Cathedral, 26June - 13 July www.chestermysteryplays.comChester Races Ladies Day: Chester Racecourse, 4

August www.chester-races.co.ukNantwich Food & Drink Festival: Nantwich, 6 - 8September www.nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk

Attractions nearbyChester Cathedral – 8.9 miles,www.chestercathedral.com

Chester Zoo – 11.1 miles, www.chesterzoo.orgBlue Planet Aquarium – 13.3 miles,www.blueplanetaquarium.com

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet – 13.5 miles,www.cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com

Contact DetailsBroxton Road , Nr Chester , Cheshire , CH3 9DQ

T: 0871 222 4682W: devere-hotels.co.uk/cardenpark

CARDEN PARKBelton Woods is really quite different.Set amongst over 475 acres of rollingwoodland, it’s not your usual setting forthe very latest business technology andfacilities. Where else can you drift offfrom a presentation, to spy a sparrowhawk out of the panoramic window?

Escape from life’s pressure with wonderfuloutdoors activities from segways to air rifleshooting to archery. Explore Serenity Spatherapeutic treatments, beautiful leisurepool, fantastic en-suite bedrooms and…golf. Not any golf course, but 2 PGAchampionship approved courses, an

exciting challenge for any golfer. To finishexperience our newly refurbished Claret Jugrestaurant & bar overlooking the lakes.

Belton Woods at a glanceIndoor Pool, Sauna, Steam Room andJacuzzi, Techno Gym and Fitness Room,Golf, Football Pitch, Crazy Golf, Tennis andSquash Courts, Spa, Hair Salon, LuxuryLodges, Stantons Brasserie, Claret Jug

Clubhouse

Inspiring eventsRAF Waddington Air Show: Lincoln, 6 - 7July www.waddingtonairshow.co.ukFirework Champions: Belvoir Castle, 17

August www.britevents.com

Attractions nearbyBelton House – 0.3 miles,www.nationaltrust.org.ukBelvoir Castle – 7.3 miles,www.belvoircastle.comLincoln Castle – 20.5 miles,www.lincolnshire.gov.uk

Contact DetailsNr Grantham , Linc olnshire , NG32 2LN

T: 0871 222 4691W: devere-hotels.co.uk/beltonwoods

BELTON WOODS


The sweeping driveway leads up to one of the most grand entrances inYorkshire, where you’re met by the beaming smile of Ian, the concierge,

who will immediately make you feel as if you have just returnedcomfortably back to where you truly belong. This unique 18th centuryformer family home is something special. Beautiful landscaped gardensand lawns play host to summer Shakespeare and imposing statues.

Sweeping staircases and an award winning, state of the art spa are allsurrounded by 27 holes of sheer golfing pleasure. From classic Yorkshireafternoon tea served by the butler in the Drawing Room, to Champagne onthe outside terrace, a stay at Oulton Hall will be a unique memory until your

next visit.

Oulton Hall at a glanceIndoor Pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi and Steam Room, Leisure Club and Spa, Gym,Driving Range, 18 and 9 Hole Golf Course, Nike Academy and Golf Shop,Crazy Golf*, Duck Herding* , Clay Pigeon Shooting*, Archery*, Calverley Grill,

Claret Jug Restaurant, The Champagne Bar, Drawing Room, Library* These are group activities only and require pre-booking.

Inspiring eventsWimbledon afternoon tea: Oulton Hall, 24 June - 8 July www.devere-

hotels.co.uk/OultonHallWedding Open Day: Oulton Hall, 11 August www.devere-

hotels.co.uk/OultonHall

Attractions nearbyWetherby Racecourse – 18.6 miles, www.wetherbyracing.co.uk

Royal Armouries – 2.1 Miles, www.royalarmouries.orgCity of Leeds, Shopping – 5.4 Miles, www.visitleeds.co.uk

Trinity Walk, Shopping, Wakefield – 6.1 miles, www.trinitywalk.comHarewood House – 15.5 Miles, www.harewood.org

City of York – 23.4 Miles, www.visityork.orgYorkshire Dales, www.yorkshire-dales.com

Contact DetailsRothwell Lane , Oult on, Leeds , Yorkshire , LS26 8HN

T: 0871 222 4690W: devere-hotels.co.uk/oultonhall

OULTON HALLThis Elizabethan-style mansion, built in 1859, has been lovinglyrestored to its former glory. Surrounded by 150 acres of stunningNorfolk parkland, its setting is as unique as its history. You mightbe here relaxing in one of our lavish rooms, teeing off on ourrenowned US PGA-rated golf course, unwinding in our luxuriousspa and pool, or taking advantage of our fantastic business

facilities, but just as likely, you’re doing it all.

And the quality doesn’t stop there. Dine in our fabulous Brasserie Barand Grill for perfectly cooked food served in an informal atmosphere.Choose from the seasonal menu of classic and contemporary à lacarte dishes, or visit our sumptuous carvery buffet, and, of course,

treat yourself to a delicious dessert.

Whatever reason you’re here, from the moment you arrive you’ll begreeted and treated like royalty.

Dunston Hall at a glanceIndoor Pool, Gymnasium, Sauna and Steam Room, Whirlpool, Golf,Bunkers Clubhouse, The Brasserie Bar & Grill, Spa, Crazy Golf, Nature

Trail and Outdoor Treasure Hunt

Inspiring eventsThe Royal Norfolk Show: Norfolk Showground, 27-28 June

www.royalnorfolkshow.co.ukLord Mayor’s Procession: Norwich City Centre, 6 July

www.norwich.gov.uk/eventsTribute Night: Dunston Hall, 19 July www.devere-

hotels.com/DunstonHall

Attractions nearbyCity Sightseeing Tours – 3.8 miles,

www.city-sightseeing.com/tour-NorwichBewilderwood – 11.8 miles, www.bewilderwood.co.ukBanham Zoo – 13.8 miles, www.banhamzoo.co.uk

Go Ape – 30 miles, www.goape.co.ukPleasurewood Hills – 25 miles, www.pleasurewoodhills.comDinosaur Park – 6 miles, www.dinosauradventure.co.uk

Africa Alive – 28 miles, www.africa-alive.co.ukBroads Boat Tours – 8 miles, www.broadstours.co.uk

Contact Details Ipswich Road , Norwich , Norf olk , NR14 8PQ

T: 0871 222 4683W: devere-hotels.co.uk/dunstonhall

DUNSTON HALL


B4 R&R

To book call: 0871 222 4198 W: www.devere-hotels.co.uk

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So what is the big secret? How can potentialClients benefit from an injection of Businessand Brand Alchemy from Strangebrew?

“The answer is for Businesses and Brands not tojust start designing logos and building websites untilthey have identified and have a clear understandingof exactly who they are, what they are and whatthey stand for. They need to have identified whattheir compelling proposition and promise is andwhy people should come to them instead of theircompetition. In short, they need to have identifiedwhat their business or brand needs to be seen tostand for. In Strangebrew terms, they need to thinkBrand - not bland and to identify how to connect,communicate and engage effectively with theirselected target market(s). They need to set aboutbuilding the foundations of what will become asuccessful brand rather than just having a logodesigned and they need to think about who theirtarget market is and how to communicate withthem well before even thinking about a website.But that is not what tends to happen in most casesI come across.

On the contrary, far too many people I meet whoare about to launch a business are already inexecution mode. A logo has been designed andtheir website is being designed and built beforethey have thought seriously, if at all, about theirpositioning and proposition and how to go aboutpresenting and communicating their business totheir identified target market – assuming that theyhave in fact identified one.

Another key issue is for businesses to take steps toprotect their own Intellectual Property and to takecare not to infringe the Intellectual Property of others.

A frequent problem that I come across is wherebusinesses have launched already, say a year or sopreviously, and they are maybe looking for help tomove to the next level. They may well have abusiness name that they have traded with duringthat period, a business name that they might evenhave incorporated under at Companies House.Because of that, they believe that they haveownership of that name.

All too often however, this is very far from the case.The problem is that they did not invest in andconduct a proper trademark search and often didnot even conduct their own superficial search andproceeded without having filed their business orbrand name as a registered trademark. In so doing,they had inadvertently left themselves vulnerable.Bad enough given that they had left themselvesexposed by not having taken the necessary stepsto protect what they felt was their IntellectualProperty - but absolutely nothing in comparison tothe potential risk to their business and the financialdamages they might then face if it subsequentlytranspires that they have been infringing someoneelse’s Intellectual Property. The consequences ofthis could include a ‘cease and desist’ order andvery expensive punitive financial penalties.

To ensure that my Clients differentiate themselvespositively and stand out from the crowd, I makesure that they throw away the bland manual andthink Brand – not bland.

“By thinking Brand - not bland and by identifyingand working consistently around one singlecompelling promise, Clients can be certain thattheir business or brand will not just become yetanother very anonymous blot on an already

overpopulated blandscape. This applies equallywhether they are creating a new business or brandfrom scratch or refreshing, revitalising, rejuvenatingor reinvigorating an existing and establishedbusiness or brand. The same principles apply. Whilepeople often believe and say that they want a logodesigned for their business or brand, I take greatpains to let them see and understand that whatthey actually need is a brand - if they are to besuccessful. I like to make sure that I deliver whatpeople need rather than what they think they want.

So, if people really just want a logo designed, theyshouldn’t come to me because I don’t just dopretty pictures. If, on the other hand, they want tobuild a successful and sustainable business orbrand, they really do need an injection of Businessand/or Brand Alchemy from Strangebrew to getthem thinking Brand – not bland and to make surethat they stand out from the crowd.”

www.strangebrew.co.uk

GET ALL THE BENEFITS OFLONDON QUALITY BRANDING,IDENTITY AND GRAPHIC DESIGN -AT GLASGOW PRICES!Anxious not to let potential Clients jump on the blandwagon and riskbecoming the bland that time forgot, Phil Strachan, Business andBrand Alchemist and founder of Strangebrew, discusses how Clientsof all shapes and sizes can really benefit from strategically soundadvice and imaginative creative work of the very highest order.

He is so confident that you will be pleased with his work and thevalue for money that he delivers, that he is offering a no-quibblemoney back guarantee on the agreed Stage One fee if you are notcompletely happy with the work he delivers on this all-important andvital stage.

Find out for yourself by contacting PhilStrachan on 07770 753 975 and get detailsof his money back guarantee for the agreedStage One fee if you are not completelyhappy with what he delivers against the brief.

Perhaps it’s not so much a question ofwhether a new or existing business can affordto use Strangebrew as can they afford not to!

CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO USE

STRANGEBREW?


B4 MARKETING


B4 R&R

THE UNFORGETTABLEFORBURY HOTELFor readers with high standards, high expectations and in high need of a great night out in opulentsurroundings, with first class food and exemplary service, you really need look no further than The ForburyHotel in the centre of Reading.

We were booked in to stay at this fabuloushotel on a Friday night after a long week atwork. The drive to Reading from Oxfordtook less than 40 minutes and as we parkedthe car, our bags were whisked away whilstwe checked in.

The helpful receptionist than showed us to ourroom, but in the process we passed not one,not two but a multitude of incrediblecharacteristics which makes The Forbury standout as a hotel with the maximum attention todetail in every nook and cranny.

The stairs leading to the front door areextravagant enough, providing a good photoopportunity the following morning before weset off on a special visit to London, but thenthe reception area takes some beating withsumptuous soft furnishings and lavish piecesof furniture which are each unique and workbrilliantly together.

The marble flooring throughout was a signatureof the hotel throughout, but the centrepiece isan 86,000 Italian glass bead chandelierrunning the height of the building in the old liftshaft. It’s truly mesmerising, as you gaze up,with lights catching every aspect, throwing offa tiny rainbow from each delicate bead. Quiteincredible.

And then we make it to the room. Wow! Wewere staying in a suite, with a wonderful loungecomplete with high ceiling (no cramming inrooms here) and made to measure furniture,including a beautiful piece which containedbooks, TV, and stereo, not to mention manyfascinating pieces of art. We then went throughto the bedroom. Again more wow and lots ofooh! The bed was vast, the furnishings onceagain perfectly combined and that was beforewe got to the bathroom which was superb.Walk in shower, huge bath and surround soundstereo, all shrouded in sand marble.

It’s a good job we had both arrived ready fordinner as our open mouthed walkabout wouldhave given us little time to pretty ourselves –OK maybe not including me – although it wastempting to jump in the bath.

We chose to have a drink in the attractivecourtyard just off the Cerise Restaurant whereFriday night couples and a larger partycelebrating had gathered. The evening was stillwarm and conducive to one of The Forbury’swonderful cocktails – I had a Sloehito whilstTina plumped for The Last Word. If you can’tmake it for dinner, I would highly recommenda cocktail and if you’re planning to come to theB4 event at The Forbury later this year, makesure you pop in afterwards to sample thedelights of Cerise’s award winning mixologists!

It was time to go through for dinner where wewere greeted by our attentive waitress and,having given our order in the garden, ourstarters arrived shortly after, accompanied by a

glass of champagne for Tina with a bottle ofMacon Village Cave de Lugny which kept mecompany most of the night.

Tina chose the sautéed tiger prawn and babysquid with a soy and ginger dressing whilst Ihad the confit chicken and apricot mosaic withtoasted brioche and baby shoot salad. Bothdivine – we tried each other’s – and set us upperfectly for our main courses. I had thebraised ox cheeks with savoy cabbage, redwine onions and celeriac mash, whilst Tinawent with the fish and had roast monkfish filletwrapped in Parma ham with Jerusalemartichoke puree and oxtail sauce. Not only wereour starters and mains all first class, thepresentation was exemplary and the servicefirst class – friendly without being stuffyalthough professional throughout, mind you, Idon’t think the wine would have gonewithout some friendly encouragement!

For dessert, we shared the apple tart tatin withcaramel sauce and cinnamon ice cream. I’mnot a big cinnamon fan but this workedsuperbly well together and I soon wish we’dordered one each!

The Forbury has 23 luxury bedrooms overthree floors, each with Bang and Olufsen audio-visual systems, Molton Brown toiletries andNespresso coffee machines. All superiorbedrooms have king size beds with Egyptiancotton sheets and duvets, walk in showers,under floor heating, broadband and direct dialtelephones.

You can certainly mix business with pleasure atThe Forbury. All meeting rooms are fully airconditioned with natural daylight andcomplimentary wi-fi. The Cellar provides aunique venue for business meetings up totwelve guests. Other public rooms can be usedfor meetings and The Lounge is also availablefor impromptu meetings and the Library issuitable for more formal events.

The Eden room is recommended for largerevents with hand painted flowers adorning thewalls or what was the original councilchambers. There is even a private cinema forpresentations, lectures of film screenings for upto 30 guests seated in Italian leather seats.

The Forbury is Disney for adults, if that doesn’tsound too twee. It’s mind-blowing to walkthrough and the experiences will stay with youforever, from the stylish rooms to thecontinental ambience of the cocktail ‘garden’,to the formidable performance of the kitchenin The Cerise Restaurant. An easy 10 out of10 experience from the very top to the verybottom of that unforgettable 86,000 beadchandelier!

www.theforburyhotel.co.uk


“There is even aprivate cinema for

presentations, lecturesof film screenings for up to 30 guestsseated, in Italianleather seats.”


“The Water Garden is designed to enable families toenjoy outdoor space with asense of adventure. Each

house is linked by water,ensuring the rich wildlifehabitat is protected and

grows in and around eachbuilding”

Red Paxton

The Water Garden is home to the UK’s firstcanoe safari – where homeowners can step offtheir doorstep, climb into a canoe and head outto the neighbouring Spinney Lake to catch freshtrout. They can then canoe back and cook thefish on their own roof terrace.

Starting from £525,000, all 10 of the four- ‐bedroom Water Garden properties have beendesigned by leading architect, Andy Ramus, whosevision aligns with the eco- ‐architecture credentialsthat Lower Mill Estate has won a multitude ofawards for. Building work on the development willstart in September, with completion expected inSpring 2014.

Each of the 10 properties, which are perfect forfamilies wanting to relax or seek adventure oncalm, safe waters, epitomise open- ‐plan living withinternal living spaces leading out onto large externaldecks. In addition, the roof terrace on each houseoffers incredible views across Lower Mill Estate andthe large open water Spinney Lake.

The properties are also incredibly economic thanksto under- ‐floor heating, LED lightingand a ‘masterswitch’ to ensure all electricity can be switched offat the flick of a button. Bespoke interior touchescan be selected by the buyer as they wish andthere is also the option to have pergolas and herbgardens integrated into the design plan for anadditional cost.

A central garden, which appears to float like anisland in the water, acts as the focal point andcommunity hub of the development. The designconcept sees each of the houses positioned likespokes on a wheel while a connecting body ofwater has been specially shaped to link each houseto one another via canoe. The Water Gardenhouses sit within 550 acres of fresh air and space,with thousands of species thriving within the Estate,enabling owners to truly live side- ‐by- ‐side withnature. Home owners will further benefit fromaccess to the Estate’s award- ‐winning Spa whichis located just a stone’s throw from thedevelopment.

Owner, Red Paxton, comments ‘The Water Gardenis designed to enable families to enjoy outdoorspace with a sense of adventure. Each house islinked by water, ensuring the rich wildlife habitat isprotected and grows in and around each building.”

Since it was founded 16 years ago, Lower MillEstate has been at the forefront of offering freshconcepts to vacation home buyers, all of which putthe habitat first. These include the recent launch ofLakeshore Reserve – an uber- ‐exclusive nine plotprivately- ‐gated development, with plots startingfrom £525,000.

01285 869489www.lowermillestate.com

This July marked the launch of the Water Garden at the award- winning LowerMill Estate in the Cotswolds – an exclusive development of just 10 propertiesdesigned for the very best in outdoor as well as indoor living.

NOW YOU CAN PADDLEYOUR OWN CANOE – QUITELITERALLY – AS THE WATERGARDEN IS UNVEILED ATLOWER MILL ESTATE


B4 PROPERTY

“If you look at your typical fine dining restaurantand the new ‘fine dining’ restaurants entering themarket there’s a big move away from the ‘fluffy’food and more of a focus on great ingredientsflavour and value for money. It’s the same withhotels. If you want 5* accommodation, noteveryone needs three restaurants to choose fromand a spa. But if you’re used to 5* service andsurroundings, how else do you get this? This iswhere I feel Hope House is filling a niche, andthere are other providers like us popping up all overthe country.

“Just because it doesn’t have a full servicerestaurant the perception is that it tends to be lessexclusive. But the concept is gaining traction - allthe things you get in a hotel without the dailyrestaurant. The industry seems to be deformalisingand de-cluttering itself. The industry is becoming

more smart-casual rather than ‘best bib and tucker’,certainly at the high end.

“If you don’t want the frilly bits, the residents bar,the 24 hour service and the restaurants, then HopeHouse Woodstock is ideal for you. We don’t openlyadvertise ourselves on our website as a hotel,although we are on a lot of hotel websites… weare actually classified by TripAdvisor as a hotel. Ifyou want a pianist and ‘Giovanni’ mixing Mojitos, Ican’t do that. But I do have a liquor licence and abar in every suite – and most don’t have that! SoI’ve actually got more than a hotel in somerespects.

“The other key distinguishing feature is that I don’t

furnishings, then you’ll see where we’re comingfrom. And as regards service, we know everyguest’s name, what milk they prefer to drink andwhat tea they like in their mini bar, I know whattype of pillows they want in their suite, I’ve got therecords for what they had for breakfast from thelast time they were here. I check in to many tophotels around the world and often I have tostruggle with luggage from the car park, so Ithought how can I do better than that? My CCTVpings the teams PDA device when a car pulls intothe car parking area and we greet our guest andassist with luggage– I’d challenge anyone when itcomes to service! “I lend guests my chauffeur, I pick them up fromthe airport, I get their car valeted, so I think that the

serve food for lunch and dinner regularly but I doprovide dinners in here (the room where we aresitting, The Vanbrugh Restaurant, is used daily forbreakfast and for resident dinners) for 10 peoplein advance, at £295 a head with a seven coursetaster menu, but that’s £175 for the food and £120for the taster wines. I also do Sunday lunch after awedding or anything like that.”

Hope House has had its fair share of accolades, soPaul’s theory holds a lot of water. “We are thehighest rated 5* accommodation in the UK onTripAdvisor. Our classification is always a bit of aproblem. People ask if we’re a B&B or a 4 or 5 starhotel but we’re not any of those – I think I need tocome up with a new name – maybe ‘BiveB’ orsomething! Some people might think I’m slightlydelusional putting us in the 5* bracket but onceyou see the accommodation and the quality of the

service in Hope House far exceeds many hotels!Everyone gets so excited about 5* hotels, but youpay the price, and when you go to these places youcan get inconsistent service a lot of the time.”

Paul is right. You can pay a lot of money for a 5*hotel and never even see some of the facilitiesyou’ve paid for – how many times have youpacked your trainers and never used them? I knowI have! You get three restaurants but often are onlystaying one night!

So how did Paul conjure up this new model? Whynot a bog standard B&B? “I couldn’t do that! Mybackground is 5* hotels. My attention to detail canborder on obsessive but hopefully it shows. Thenext time you stay in a 5* hotel, check whether thejams are made from fruit picked on site or within amile from the hotel, check if the orchids are grown

Now running of one of the country’s leadingboutique accommodation establishments,ranked in the top 10 best luxury hotels byTripadvisor in 2013, Paul is at the heart of HopeHouse Woodstock and has created the perfecthome from home with attentive but discreetfive star service.

Paul spoke to B4 about the spirit behind HopeHouse and how he feels his 5 * residence is morethan a challenge for the ‘all frills’ five star hotel. Aconnoisseur of quality hotels having served in thehospitality industry for most of his life, Paul feelsthere is a growing demand for pure 5*accommodation.

Hope House Woodstock is the ancestral family home of the Woodstock Money family. Julia, the last surviving Moneyin the UK, runs the business with her eldest son Paul Hageman. The house was built circa 1708 – at the same timeas Blenheim Palace – and it is one of two grand houses in Woodstock designed in Vanbrughian style with baroquearchitecture.

WHEN A 5* HOTELJUST WON’T DO!


on site? These aren’t vital touches, but theydistinguish us, they are our signature.”

Paul has a majestic way of turning a negative intoa positive. He tells me how he hates thesubservient ‘dance’ of a check in when a guest isasked to fill in a registration card and then allcontact details are taken and payment requested. Itend to agree, but with a glint in his eye, hemischievously adds that ‘there’s no need becauseI’ve already got their details because I take paymentup front with the booking!’

Paul’s guests are never in need of anything, as Paulor his able protégé Georgia are on site and on call24/7. “It’s good and bad from my point of view. At

marrows for our special marrow and ginger jam.Breakfast is very organic, very local and it’sexpensive to me but it makes all the difference.Your average small jam pot will cost a hotel about11p – they cost me £1.70!

“We have tried to make breakfast a real event andif you look at some of the TripAdvisor reviews,which is always interesting, you can see the levelof service and the effort we put into breakfast. Wehave tried to take breakfast to a different level: wecan do a cornflake milkshake, we have a full Englishbreakfast omelette.”

Paul isn’t shy about his £495 a night price tageither, in fact he’s rather proud of it, to the extent

least I know what the history of a guest’s stay is sothey don’t have to repeat themselves when staffchange on shifts, but it also means I’m round theclock and look forward to my holidays! But I’m avital point of contact – I can recommend, I canpoint you in the right direction, I can do pretty wellanything, and if I don’t know, you can bet yourbottom dollar I’ll know someone who does!”

And one thing Paul really prides himself on is theHope House breakfast. “We bake our owncroissants, we make our own bread, we mix ourown cereal using malted flakes from Oxfordshire,we make bread using Oxfordshire organic flour, weuse natural local yeast, cheeses are from a localfarm. Wild strawberries are growing outside, thegooseberries are picked from our tree theblackberries and raspberries are picked fromnearby hedgerows … we even grow our own

that he wanted to run an advertising campaignquoting rooms ‘from as much as £495’!

As Paul fairly points out, some of his customers arein Oxford having stepped off a private jet, so theprice of excellent service isn’t really an issue – infact it’s a source of comfort for the royals, the filmstars, oligarchs and the aristocrats that are fastcottoning on to Hope House and the inspirationalman behind the scenes. He really is a Jack of allTrades – and master of most!

So give Paul a ring and don’t forget to quote B4and Paul will do his best to accommodate acorporate mid week rate.

www.hopehousewoodstock.co.uk

“I can point you in theright direction, I can dopretty well anything,

and if I don’t know,you can bet yourbottom dollar I’llknow someone

who does!”


B4 SPOTLIGHT

For the amateur gardener, it is often difficult to know where to start whenit comes to a major project like a garden make-over. Take it from theprofessionals; the place to begin is with the hard landscaping.

Hard landscaping – walls, fencing, trellis, pathways, paving and the like – is thebackbone of any garden. It forms the skeleton that underpins its structure andshape, giving an ever-present backdrop against which the flowers, shrubs andtrees can show themselves off.

How do you choose your hard landscaping? There’s nothing like seeing foryourself. At Johnsons Buildbase Oxford you’ll find dozens of displays to strollthrough, showcasing all that is best in landscaping products. A visit to these‘show gardens’ is invaluable in helping you to decide on the look you want foryour design, whether you are a trade professional or a handy home-owner.

Johnsons Buildbase – and the family firm that preceded it – has been serving

the needs of Oxfordshire for generations. Named National Builders Merchantof the Year 2012, the company is one of the UK’s fastest growing builders’merchants. With 130 branches nationwide and products from the leadingmanufacturers, the company’s aim is to meet all your garden hard landscapingand construction requirements.

In addition, Buildbase is used to working with local tradespeople and the public.Staff have the knowledge and experience to understand the customers’ needsand to meet them. With massive stocks, displays you can walk through, topquality products and competitive pricing, Johnsons Buildbase offers exceptional,specialist customer service.

The design of your garden depends on how you plan to use it. Not everyonelooks upon a garden as a place for grass, flowers and vegetables alone. Forsome, the garden is primarily a play area or a sports ground, where childrencan amuse themselves in safety. For others, it is an extension of their dining


NOW’S THE TIMETO PREPARE YOUR GARDEN FOR SUMMERAfter the winter and spring we have endured, most gardens are not looking their best. Even the mostuninspiring or unkempt plot, however, can be transformed into an eye-catching oasis with planning,preparation and some hard work. As late spring turns into early summer, now is the ideal time to set aboutmaking this transformation.

B4 PROPERTY

or even replacing. Take this opportunity to makeyour fence into a feature in itself. JohnsonsBuildbase has extensive fencing displays, and stockthat includes panels, boards, posts and rails in avariety of styles.

And if you need help in keeping those flower bedslooking healthy, weed-free and tidy, ask about theBuildbase range of fertilizers, weed control fabricand bark chippings.

But landscaping is not all about beautiful blooms,glamorous gazebos and sophisticatedsummerhouses. Johnsons Buildbase also suppliesthe basic materials and tools to get the job done,from bricklaying mortar and concrete, to shovels,

room, an ‘outside room’ where they can entertainal fresco.

Whatever your style, from cottage garden tocontemporary space, good landscaping starts withquality materials. This is true whether you arecreating a new garden, rethinking an old one growntired over the years, or giving your current patch aspruce-up. What materials and products youchoose will stamp your garden with its ownpersonality and individuality.

Modern, folding patio doors enable you to reallyopen up your living space to the great outdoors.Johnsons Buildbase has the latest in softwoodfolding and sliding patio door sets, just waiting tobe installed.

As for the patio itself, Buildbase has a huge stockof materials on display, appealing to every tastefrom modern to traditional, including large stocksof paving and block pavers. It doesn’t even have tobe too difficult.

Creating a new patio can be achieved over aweekend with a patio kit. These are available in awide variety of sizes, shapes and materials – frommellow Cotswold to natural sandstone. For theeven more impatient gardener, there is the latestin patio technology: a complete system thatenables paving to be laid quickly and easily, withno mortar required, in hours rather than days.

wheelbarrows, underground pipes and inspectionchambers.

Creating a stunning garden takes vision andimagination but, with a little help, most people canachieve wonderful results. Experts like JohnsonsBuildbase, with their long and successful trackrecord, backed up by huge stocks of top qualityproducts, are here to help you turn your dreamgarden into a reality this summer.

Visit Johnsons Buildbase Oxford at Watlington Road,Cowley. Plentful parking. Easy access.

www.buildbase.co.uk

If paving is not your style, decorative aggregates,from cobbles to slate, combined with walling andedging accessories, are an attractive alternative.Decking is another popular all-weather solution.Buildbase’s selection includes low maintenancedeck boards in various sizes and designs, as well aslighting, and fixing and cleaning accessories. Timberproducts like arches, arbours, pergolas, sheds andgarden furniture supply the stylish finishing touchesto complete your design.

Good fences, they say, make good neighbours, buta fence should be more than just a boundary.Having taken a real battering during the recentwinter rain, snow and high winds, the chances arethat your fencing will be looking in need of attention

“landscaping is not all about beautiful blooms,

glamorous gazebos and sophisticated summerhouses.

Johnsons Buildbasealso supplies the basicmaterials and tools to

get the job done”


ADVICE

ACCOUNTING

Fish Partnership PPaul LairdPartner

t: 01628 527956w: www.fishpartnership.co.uk

BUSINESS ADVICE

Thirdwave ATony ThomsonManaging Director

t: 01628 487 912w: www.thirdwaveweb.co.uk

Adhere Training Club ALisa ButlerTraining Manager

t: 0844 846 3866w: www.adheretraining.co.uk

RSM Tenont: 01628 478 100w: www.rsmtenon.com

Avocet Investments Ltdt: 01494 726173w: www.avocet-investments.com

The Compliance Bureaut: 07771 733 788w: www.compliancebureau.co.uk

LEGAL

B P Collins ADavid StanningPartner

t: 01753 889995w: www.bpcollins.co.uk

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS

Buckinghamshire Business FirstAPhilippa BattingManaging Director

t: 01494 568941w: www.bbf.uk.com

Federation of Small BusinessesARodney MallinsonChairman

t: 01628 602 983w: www.fsb.org.uk

Institute of Directorst: 01494 718699 w: www.iod.com

ARCHIVING AND STORAGE

StoreNGoAMinesh PatelSenior Executive

t: 07775 702082w: www.storengo.co.uk

The Archive Centre ADavid CoultonOwner

t: 01296 425744 w: www.thearchivecentre.com

BUSINESS SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT

Automatic Vending AssociationAJonathan HilderChief Executive Officer

t: 01494 568 960w: www.ava-vending.co.uk

CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING

Partners With You Limitedt: 01923 842435w: www.partnerswithyou.co.uk

CHARITIES

Horizon Sports Club AAnita TemplarClub Chairman

t: 01844 345432w: www.horizonsc.org.uk

Buckinghamshire CommunityFoundation ARichard DicksonDirectort: 01296 330134w: www.thebucksfoundation.org.uk

Sue Rydert: 0800 917 8123w: www.sueryder.org

SECURITY

Risk Management ASecurity ServicesPeter SmithManaging Directort: 01494 441 805w: www.riskmanagementsecurity.co.uk

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Grundont: 01491 839212w: www.grundon.com

DOMESTIC SERVICES

Busy Officest: 01494 672 233w: www.busyoffices.net

PROPERTY & BUILDING

PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS

Stupples Chandler GarveyAMichael GarveyManaging Director

t: 01494 460 250w: www.stuppleschandlergarvey.com

CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES

CONFERENCES

Kents Hill Park Training & Conference Centret: 01908 358000w: www.kentshillpark.com

VENUES

Hartwell HouseAJonathan ThompsonDirector & General Manager

t: 01296 747444w: www.hartwell-house.com

Call us now on 01494 373 183 to join the growing B4 network.

CONTACTS DIRECTORYAdvice................................................................................................................................................72Business Services...................................................................................................................72Property & Building..............................................................................................................72Conference, Events & Venues......................................................................................72Education......................................................................................................................................73Finance.............................................................................................................................................73Health & Leisure......................................................................................................................73

HR.........................................................................................................................................................73IT & Telecommunications................................................................................................73Manufacturing..........................................................................................................................73Marketing & Design.............................................................................................................73Transport........................................................................................................................................75Retail..................................................................................................................................................75The Wider B4..............................................................................................................................75

P A M B A S S A D O R A

72

B4 contacts

Call us now on 01494 373 183 to join the growing B4 network. 73

FINANCE

TAX PLANNING

Your Money Friend LtdATed YeatesManaging Director

t: 01235 838542w: www.yourmoneyfriend.co.uk

Flackwell Financial Servicest: 01628 525450w: www.flackwell.org

HEALTH & LEISURE

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Magnolia Park Golf ClubPMark McGeehanGolf Pro

t: 01844 239700w: www.magnoliapark.co.uk

The Sculpture Schoolt: 07810 480884w: www.thesculptureschool.co.uk

HEALTH & MEDICAL

DOCTORnowt: 01494 410888w: www.doctornow.org

PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr Lynda Shawt: 07967 271274w: www.drlyndashaw.com

HR

RECRUITMENT

Right Hand HRt: 0844 880 4582w: www.rhhr.com

HR CONSULTANT

HR2YouPSarah MorrisOwner

t: 07789 711997w: www.hr2you.co.uk

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

DATABASE MANAGEMENT

InTouch CRMPJames White Managing Director

t: 0845 310 9973w: www.intouchcrm.co.uk

Macdonald Compleat AnglerAMelissa MooreSales Manager

t: 0844 879 9128w: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

West Wycombe Estatet: 01494 524411w: www.west-wycombe-estate.co.uk

Chicheley Hallt: 0800 085 1660w: www.chicheleyhall.co.uk

The Tree Hotelt: 01494 881183w: www.cadmore.treehotel.co.uk

Latimer Placet: 01494 764422w: www.deverevenues.co.uk/locations/latimer-place.html

EVENT MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY

The Active Networkt: 0207 313 5744w: www.activenetwork.com

CATERING SERVICES

Global Infusion Group AAnthony LaurensonManaging Director

t: 01494 790 700www.globalinfusiongroup.com

EDUCATION

COLLEGES

Aylesbury CollegePPauline OdulinskiPrincipal and Chief Executive

t: 01296 588588w: www.aylesbury.ac.uk

Buckinghamshire PNew UniversityPhil WoodHead of Enterprise

t: 0800 0565 660w: www.bucks.ac.uk

Thames Valley Training A& DevelopmentSunjiv Sharma

t: 0808 231 4818w: www.thamesvalleytraining.com

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES

ComsADavid Breith CEO

t: 01494 561603w: www.coms.com

MANUFACTURING

ARLA Foodst: 0113 382 7000w: www.arlafoods.co.uk

MARKETING & DESIGN

ADVERTISING

B4 MagazinePRichard Rosser Managing Director

t: 01865 742211w: www.berkshire.b4-business.com

DESIGN

Blink Design & PrintPKeith SimpsonSenior Designer

t: 01865 742211w: www.on-the-blink.com

MARKETING

StrangebrewPPhil StrachanProprietor

t: 07770 753975w: www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

First Move Direct Marketing ADavid AmorManaging Directort: 01494 539300w: www.firstmove.co.uk

Urban MediaAElton BoocockFounder

t: 01494 538441w: www.urbanmedia.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILM PRODUCTION

Andrew Gleed Photography AAndrew GleedOwner

t: 01494 718557w: www.gleedphotography.co.uk

Adby Creativet: 020 3239 1084w: www.adbycreative.co.uk


events

THE MANORHOTELWednesday 2nd October 20136:00pm - 8:00pm

Weston-on-the-Green, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX253QL, United Kingdom



‘Network with our members in thestunning hotel grounds’

ABOUT OUR HOSTS

The Manor Hotel at Weston-on-the-Green nestles in the heart of theCotswolds. Proud of its 900-year-old history, The Manor is a country househotel, opening its doors to guests who seek a truly relaxed escape, withfine food, fine wine and beautiful, fascinating surroundings. We invite youto treat our hotel as your home: we do not stand on ceremony here.Explore our house and gardens, take a dip in the pool or a walk in thegrounds. Our doors are open and we invite you in.

The Manor Hotel is within easy reach of the beautiful city of Oxford, andonly five minutes from Bicester Village shopping, Blenheim Palace, andmany other attractions.

Join other B4 Ambassadors, Members and their guests at The ManorHotel with its newly refurbished interior, beautiful grounds and first classhospitality.

This event is open to all B4 Ambassadors, members their guests andnon-members in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

www.themanorweston.comPlease register for the event here:http://www.regonline.com/b4oxmanorhotel

REGISTRATION

B4 contactsPiers Photographyt: 07787 505786w: www.piersphoto.com

Take One Business Communications Ltdt: 01494 898919w: www.takeonetv.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Esplin PR ALouise EsplinFreelance PR Consultant

t: 07775 678237w: www.esplinpr.co.uk

Cirkle ACaroline KinseyChairman

t: 07774 181610w: www.cirkle.com

Cerub PR ACeri-Jane HacklingManaging Director

t: 01494 461784w: www.cerubpr.co.uk

Noble Wordt: 07500 531485

TRANSPORT

TRAVEL

Chiltern Railways ARob BrighthouseManaging Director

t: 08456 005 165w: www.chilternrailways.co.uk

RETAIL

Buildbase ADavid GrimsdaleDivisional Director South East

t: 01438 364627w: www.buildbase.co.uk

Coffox Ltdt: 07736 950673w: www.coffox.tel

THE WIDER B4

Miele Company LtdAt: 0845 365 6600w: www.miele.co.uk

The Art Roomt: 01865 779779w: www.theartroom.org.uk

B4 is designed byBlink Design & Print e: [email protected] t: 01494 373183w: www.on-the-blink.com

Reading Football Club LimitedPSir John MadejskiChairman

t: 0118 968 1100w: www.readingfc.co.uk

The Bird in Hand Country Innt: 01628 826622w: www.birdinhand.co.uk

Rhodes HouseAMartin GubbDirector of Finance

t: 01865 270918w: www.rhodeshouseoxford.com

Lady Margaret HallPBill KempHead of Conference Services

t: 01865 611079w: www.lmh.ox.ac.uk

Williams Conference CentreABrendan CaffreyConference Centre Manager

t: 01235 777900w: www.williamsf1conferences.com

Nominet ALesley Cowley OBECEO

t: 01865 332211w: www.nominet.org.uk

Bloxham School ANick IrvineMarketing Director

t: 01295 724332w: www.bloxhamschool.com

Blenheim Palace PJohn HoyChief Executive

t: 01993 810501 w: www.blenheimpalace.com

Santander AJustin HaywardBusiness Development Director

t: 07809 493563w: www.santander.co.uk

Oxford Fine Dining PSue RandallManaging Director

t: 01865 728240w: www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk

BDO LLPAJulian Frost Lead Partner

0118 925 4400w: www.bdo.uk.com

Become a B4Member?

B 4CALL US NOW ON01494 373183.

Call us now on 01494 373 183 to join the growing B4 network. 75

Haslams Surveyors LLPPConrad HillManaging Partner

t: 0118 921 1500w: www.haslams.co.uk

Bearwood Lakes Golf ClubAMartyn NorrisHead of Marketing

t: 0118 979 7900w: www.bearwoodlakes.co.uk

The VineyardPHayden BowlGeneral Manager

t: 01635 528770w: www.the-vineyard.co.uk


events

THE COMPLEATANGLERThursday 24th October 20136:00pm - 8:30pm

The Regency Suite, Marlow Bridge, Marlow,Buckinghamshire, SL7 1RG, United Kingdom.



‘Stylish, Luxurious and Romantic’

ABOUT OUR HOSTS

B4 Buckinghamshire and Buckinghamshire Business First are pleased toannounce our second joint event held at The Compleat Angler Hotel. Theevent will take place in the Regency Suite situated in the hotel.

The Macdonald Compleat Angler is located in a unique positionoverlooking the River Thames at Marlow Bridge, Buckinghamshire, only40 minutes from London and Oxford and within a short drive of the M4and M40 motorways. Selected as one of the UK and Ireland’s top 200AA four red star hotel’s, its inspirational surroundings provide a calmingbackdrop for meetings and events.

Buckinghamshire Business First‘s aim is to help businesses thrive andgrow by creating a dynamic environment in the Entrepreneurial Heart ofBritain. Our role is to provide the link between public policy and thebusiness community in Buckinghamshire, to bring together the collectivevoice of Buckinghamshire's Businesses, where our members can developtheir skills and knowledge, network and benefit from a range of memberevents.

www.macdonaldhotels.co.ukwww.bbf.uk.comPlease register for the event here:

http://www.regonline.com/b4bbfcompleatangler

REGISTRATION

Documents

B4 bucks issue 5