B4 Magazine Berkshire Issue 5

B 4 Magazine

The legal challenges facing our businesses in 2013

Gardner Leader Roundtable

Past, Present and Future

Haslams Celebrates 175th Anniversary

Spotlights the increasingly vital relationships between the education sector and business

The Business of Education

I S S U E 5 S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 w w w . b 4 - b u s i n e s s . c o m

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

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

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

B E R K S H I R E E D I T I O N

So What is B4?

Join the B4Community

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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.

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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 (re-strictions may apply due to capacity limitations and we do have some Platinum Ambassador only events). Mem-bers can also promote their status on company e-mails and websites with our new B4 Member icons

Why Not Upgrade to an 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.

The rate to become an Ambassador is £250+VAT per annum.

Join B4 for as little as £150+VAT per annumB4 Membership is based on your number of employees and not the number of staff who could attend events:Rates start at just £150+VAT for sole traders and other single person entities.Rates increase to £250+VAT for 2 to 5, £375+VAT for 6 to 20 and so on. See www.b4-business.com for full details.

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Welcome to Issue 5.

This issue of B4 sees the first of a series of integrated supplements in the magazine which appears

in all three editions of B4 – Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. Over the past two years,

having interviewed some of the Thames Valley’s leading educational establishments, I have seen

the link between these establishments and the local business communities in which they are located

increasingly work together for the ultimate benefit of their pupils and students. Hence, we have

published The Business of Education which shines a light on some of the initiatives already in place

and exciting plans for the future.

Also in this issue we feature a fascinating Roundtable discussion hosted by Newbury based solicitors,

Gardner Leader where local businesses talk about the legal challenges they face in 2013. We also reflect

on the fantastic B4 Ambassadors’ event at The Racecourse Newbury in January where almost one hundred

B4 Ambassadors, Members and their guests from the B4 network of over six hundred members were

wonderfully looked after and entertained – a really fabulous day out for all.

We welcome Haslams to this issue of B4, celebrating a phenomenal 175th Anniversary this year – one of

Berkshire’s oldest established businesses – so well done from the entire B4 community to all of you, past,

present and future. A warm welcome also to new B4 contributors, Pareto Lawrence and Hennerton Golf

Club. We also meet BDO’s new man at the top, Simon Brooker.

This issue also sees the results of a Lingo Telemarketing survey which many of you will have kindly

participated in, the launch of B4TV and the Seven Minute Success Interviews and the B4 Events Diary.

2013 sees a fantastic series of events lined up at some fabulous locations including The Vineyard,

Buckinghamshire New University, Rhodes House, Aylesbury College, The Oakley Court, The Forbury Hotel,

The Manor Hotel, Hawkwell House Hotel, The University of Oxford Examination Schools and Blackwell’s.

For members, please make sure you register for these events as soon as possible – see the B4 Events tab

on the B4 website and the Diary Page in this issue – and for those of you thinking about joining B4, why

not come along to see what B4 is all about? We’re also currently looking at the B4 membership structure

and so those of you who are on the verge of joining might be advised to do so sooner rather than later!

Enjoy B4

Welcometo B4

B4 Magazine was established in 2006 to provide Oxfordshire businesses with a clear voice to raise theirprofile and to help businesses connect. With B4 Berkshire, we hope to achieve greater success now thatthe model has been established and refined. Direct mailed to three thousand business decision makersin Berkshire every quarter, and with a further four and a half thousand copies circulated to key outlets,featured businesses and made available at B4 events, we hope to make a mark in Berkshire businesses.

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 connect with our networksin Oxfordshire and Berkshire. See more at www.b4-business.com which will give you access to bothOxfordshire and Berkshire networks, and now also Buckinghamshire.

WHY NOT FOLLOW B4 MAGAZINE ON

www.b4-business.com

ContactsIf you want to contact B4 MagazineTelephone: 0118 317 7183E-mail: [email protected]

PublisherB4 Magazine is published byDesigns On Ltd, The Firs,Headington Hill, Oxford OX3 0BT

ChairmanColin [email protected]

EditorRichard [email protected]

Events DirectorTina Rosser

Client Services DirectorJohn F [email protected]

Art EditorRob [email protected]

Assistant EditorLorna [email protected]

ProofreaderSue Rosser

Editorial Contributors

Jackie JarvisKelly StroudLouise EsplinLucy HolmesTracey Jefferies

B4 Photography

Richard ShymanskyStudio 8 www.studio-8.co.uk

Studio Photography

Richard Shymansky of www.hillsandsaunders.co.uk

Subscriptions

For free Subscription, please contact:Telephone: 0118 317 7183E-mail: [email protected]

Each business with a Berkshirepost code is entitled to one free copyper issue. For additional copies and forbusinesses outside of Berkshire, there isan annual subscription charge of £25.

© Designs-on Ltd and B4 Magazine.Whilst every attempt has been made toensure that the content of this publicationis accurate and correct in every way, thepublishers cannot be held responsible orliable for any inaccuracies or errors withinthe publication. Information reproduced fromthis publication is permitted with the expresspermission of the publisher and theadvertiser, where relevant. All informationis correct at time of going to press.

About Magazine

Richard Rosser Editor

17. BDOFeaturing SimonBrooker

90. BlenheimPalaceWritten by Kelly Stroud

26. Reading 107Featuring Sir JohnMadejski

32. GrantThorntonWritten by Tracey Jefferies

MeetTheWriters

20LEAD20 Gardner Leader Roundtable :

Companies across Berkshire andBuckinghamshire joined representativesfrom Gardner Leader to discuss legalchallenges and concerns

24 The Racecourse Newbury: B4Members enjoy first class hospitality andracing

28 Haslams Celebrates 175thAnniversary: Past, Present and Future

45 If You Have to Think….It'sToo Late: With British motorsportlegend Robb Gravett

55 The Business of Education: Ournew supplement looks at the interactionbetween the education sector and the localbusiness community

80 Is B4 Speaking Your Lingo?: Thefindings of Lingo Telemarketing's B4member research

www.b4-business.com6

11NEWS11 B4 News

15 Newbury Racecourse

19 Institute of Directors

51 B4 Diary Page

24SPOTLIGHT

17ADVICE17 Simon Brooker of BDO: Talks to

B4 about the forthcoming PKFmerger and the future

31 Manches LLP: The Pryce of revenge -how not to divorce

32 Adding Value as Standard: HowGrant Thornton add value to their customers

42 The Pareto Lawrence Principle:How to focus on your business andget more out than you put in

36PROPERTY36 Oxford Innovation: The Bracknell

Enterprise and Innovation Hub isopen for business

48 New Year Inspiration atJohnsons Buildbase: Fancy a bit ofDIY? Buildbase get you in the mood

91CONTACTS

www.b4-business.com 7

B4 contents

27SERVICES27 Reading 107fm: Sir John Madejski

takes to the airwaves

38HEALTH38 Hennerton GC: A young, progressive club at the forefront of change

40 The B4 Bike Ride fromEdinburgh to Blenheim Palace:Join in, sponsor us, donate - find out howto here

82WIDER B482 Your Manor:

B4 enjoyed a simply divine stay atThe Manor Hotel, Weston-on-the-Green, the new home of TheOxfordshire Restaurant Awards

86 Destination Blenheim Palace...: A role to play on the global stage

88 Exciting Times: Claire Stiles talks to B4 about theforthcoming changes at WILA and thecompany's 20th birthday

78MARKETING78 A Great Time to Talk Turkey!:

B4 Platinum Ambassador, Phil Strachan, talksto B4, hot off the press!

84 B4TV - 7 Minute SuccessInterviews: B4 are moving into videoand we spotlight our interview with SimonMcCrum of Darbys

46R&R46 Mal on Sunday: Malmaison launch the ultimate Sunday brunch menu

52 Reading FC: The stadium that neversleeps

B4 Platinum AmbassadorsWe would like to thank our B4 Platinum Ambassadors for supporting B4 Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. To find out more about joining them and over five hundred B4 Member companies, please call us on 0118 317 7183.

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With annual memberships starting at £150+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 0118 317 7183 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 Membership for single person businesses. Rate increases for 2 to 5 employees to £250+VAT, 6 to 20 employees to £375+VAT per annum, £500+VAT for 21 to 50, £900+VATfor 51 to 100 and £1200+VAT for over 100 employees. The Ambassador scheme is separate and subject to a different charge.

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B4 newsGrundon’s operations across Oxfordshire andBerkshire have played a major role in helpingachieve a company-wide certification system,thought to be the first of its kind in the wastemanagement industry.

The company’s BSI-approved IntegratedManagement System is the result of a two-yearprogramme to raise standards across the three keyareas of health and safety, environmentalmanagement and quality management.

The project was spearheaded by Benson-basedcompliance manager Toni Robinson and IMSmanager Nicola Currant.

“We’re thrilled to have completed the IMSprogramme and, thanks to some terrific teamwork,we passed the BSI audit with flying colours,” saidRobinson. “Lots of people talk about an integratedapproach to improving standards, but not manycompanies are able to actually achieve it.

“We have worked hard to achieve improvementsand deliver real benefits for our customers.”

In Oxfordshire, the company has operations inBanbury, Benson and Ewelme; plus Beenham,Colnbrook and Knowl Hill in Berkshire.

Grundon sets new standards across Oxfordshire and Berkshire

Wilson Partners Corporate Finance continues tomake its mark in the Thames Valley as the “goto guys” for maximising shareholder valuefollowing a very busy 2012 with the sale ofspecialist accident management companyVision Vehicle Solutions Ltd.

Martin Wills Joint MD of Vision says, “Our sale hasenabled us to fulfil our exit strategy whilst at thesame time given us the opportunity to grow thebusiness and be an important piece in a muchlarger group. We see it as an ideal fit with enormoussynergies”.

Markerstudy Group is the £1Billion turnover,diversified insurance group, led by Kevin Spencer,employing more than 2000 staff and providescomprehensive and accessible personal linesinsurance solutions to over 350,000 policyholders.

Wilson Partners Corporate Finance advise dynamicowner managed businesses on Exits, Acquisitions,Management Buy Outs, raising Debt or Equity.

Contact Adam Wardle T: 01628 770 [email protected]

Sale Of Vision Vehicle Solutions To Markerstudy Group

At times I look at my web site and enjoyits layout and at other times consider how it iscommunicating.

My opening statement is ‘Bbite provides businessimprovement coaching and mentoring togetherwith business intelligence research services whichenable companies to capitalise on change andconvert opportunities more efficiently.’

A bit fluffy. Too high a fog index (in linguistics, theGunning fog index measures the readability ofEnglish writing) or in other words not straight –talking enough

Maybe I should aim to create a dialogue and trendit on Social media using popular # hashtagssomething like #Bbite #Biz #Coach #Mentor #BI#Research #Change #Opportunity #Efficiency

Or maybe LinkedIn or Facebook or telephone orface to face.

As ever the customer is always right. Socommunicate to their preference and taste. Buildcommunication, clarity and commitment throughdialogue whatever your customer’s preference.

www.bbite.co.uk

To get your news in the next edition of B4 Magazine, contact the news desk on 0118 317 7183


B4 news

Clifton Ingram LLP solicitors is pleased tosupport the West Berkshire Training Consortium(WBTC) by taking on another young apprentice.

Remie Twist now works in Clifton Ingram’s Readingoffice 4 days a week and spends the remaining dayat College learning the necessary key skills she canapply in the office. This is the second apprenticeClifton Ingram has taken on as part of the WBTCscheme. In 2010, Daisy Randall joined the firm asapprentice and having finished her training is nowemployed with Clifton Ingram as a legal secretary.

Tim Read, Partner at Clifton Ingram said “We reallyenjoy helping our apprentices progress their careerand in return we get a keen member of staff ateconomical cost.”

For more details on the apprentice scheme pleasecontact Rachel Eaves at WBTC on 01635 35975.

WTBC awards Clifton Ingram a Certificate ofExcellence for training. From Left to Right: Tim Read,Remie Twist, Andrea Wood (WTBC) , Jim Paterson,Daisy Randall

Clifton Ingram Solicitors Help Young Apprentices Kick Start Their Career

2013 sees a formidable line up of events withone venue still to confirm.

We started the year in fine style at The RacecourseNewbury in January, but have a further tenevents to look forward to. All events are open to allB4 Members as part of their membership (atno extra cost). Berkshire locations include TheOakley Court Hotel, The Vineyard and TheForbury Hotel; Buckinghamshire locations includeBuckinghamshire New University, Aylesbury Collegeand The Compleat Angler; Oxfordshire locationsinclude Rhodes House, The Manor Hotel, Hawkwell

House Hotel, The University of Oxford ExaminationSchools and Blackwell’s.

See below for an announcement about our newmembership packages, but for now members cantake advantage of our membership rates from aslittle as £150+VAT per annum, which includes amagazine listing, access to all of these events andweb presence including unlimited access to thewebsite for press release and event uploads. I thinkyou’ll agree that joining B4 makes great sense andwill help you to connect with over 500 of theThames Valley’s leading businesses.

From 1st May we will be launching newmembership packages. Existing members willcontinue to enjoy the benefits of their membershipuntil renewal, but new members will be offered adifferent range of options. We are also excited abouta value added package of benefits which will be anew addition to the B4 Membership – subscribe tothe B4 e-Newsletter at www.b4-business.com tobe kept up to date about these developments orcall us in the office for more information on 01494373183.

2013 B4 Events and Membership

On 14th March experts from The Stone Federation,Fila and Marmox helped us launch our new DesignStudio by presenting 3 CPD seminars to anaudience of local Architects and Interior Designers:‘The Importance of Correct Cleaning and Sealing ofNatural Stone’ ‘Selecting the Correct Stone’‘Overcoming problems associated with tiling inbathrooms’ (Summaries are available atinfo.amarestone.com/blog)

The Amarestone Stone Design Studio is a uniqueresource where local professionals can access anextensive range of stone samples, stone-masonry

and expert technical advice on the use, installationand maintenance of Natural Stone for domestic andcommercial interior and exterior projects.

You can register your interest in future events atinfo.amarestone.com/cpd_signupAlternatively, if you have any specific queries relatingto current or forth-coming projects, call or email andwe will be happy to help.

Steve and Denise [email protected] 260 8070

B4 Berkshire Member, Amarestone, launches new Stone Design Studio

We help our clients avoid expensive mistakes bysourcing the right stone for their project, on timeand on budget.

Our experienced and friendly team of fitters can seeyour project through to completion and our stonemasons are on hand to produce any bespokepieces such as vanity-tops, staircases, fire-surrounds,feature panels and book-matched slabs.

We can also supply all the quality ancillary products

you will need including Mapei adhesives andgrouts; Fila stone sealers, waxes and cleaners;Marmox construction boards and wet-roomproducts and Varme electric under-floor heatingsystems.

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1,500 budding astronomers travelled to The Racecourse Newbury andwere seeing stars of a very different kind when BBC Stargazing Live tookup residency for one evening in the Grandstand and around the stunninggrounds.

The BBC transformed the venue into three interactive floors dedicated tohands on workshops including teaching people how to use thermal imagingcameras, inflatable planetariums, talks from astronomy experts and a web chatwith a NASA astronaut.

The Racecourse Newbury Sees Stars

B4 Business members were the first to taste thenew Chef Tables menus at The RacecourseNewbury, when the venue hosted us at one oftheir race days.

The chef team has drawn inspiration from aroundthe globe for a new menu offering, with sharedfood options themed to different styles of cuisine.These can be incorporated as part of the daydelegate rate for meetings and conferences orordered separately.

The American Table featured mini beef burgers withtomato salsa and fresh salad; the French Table, minibaguettes roast tomato and brie, tuna provincial,bayonne ham and cornichons; the Italian Tableencompassed toasted bruschetta and an antipastiselection of ham, salami, olives and a fresh Italianstyle breads and the Eastern Table had deliciousAsian spiced wok noodle stir fry and spiced ricesalad with fresh mango and sultanas.

Chef Tables launch

Following the flurry of engagements during themost romantic month of the year, theRacecourse Newbury has launched a selectionof ceremonies to suit all budgets and tastes. Foreach the happy couple can work with the chefteam to create a menu of freshly prepared,beautiful dishes.

The ‘Royal’ wedding allows people to get marriedin the prestigious Royal Box, which has a civilceremony licence and can seat up to 45 peopletheatre style, with a dining room, bar and privateentrance.

For larger weddings, the ‘Grand’ wedding takingplace in the Grandstand holds up to 550 peopleand features a blank canvas of 1059.55m² pillarfree space, enabling couples to create a ceremonyand reception in one space or utilise draping toreveal a dance area.

Couples can also take elements from each with the‘Create Your Own’ wedding, choosing their favouritesetting and bringing in external caterers.

To arrange tour of the different spaces pleasecall 01635 39671 or [email protected]

Royal weddings with The Racecourse Newbury

Don’t miss out on booking your company the ultimate Christmasextravaganza for 2013.

The Racecourse is already taking bookings and enquiries for its WinterWonderland spectacular which will bring the glamour and beauty of atraditional white Christmas to the Royal County.

To register your interest please [email protected]

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BDO's latest Thames Valley Business Barometerhas revealed that businesses need to ensurethat they are properly prepared when they arelooking for funding.

From recent interviews with Thames Valley basedbusinesses BDO discovered that those who needto re-finance can do so successfully and remainprofitable and successful. What is essential to thisprocess is preparation; Simon explains theirconcern for unprepared businesses in similarfinancial situations: "The banks ask questions thatare easily dealt with if you are sufficiently prepared.If you're not prepared and you go to a bank withouta business plan, your results are a little weak andyour current lender isn't interested, then it will be adifficult time for you. In this type of situation it isessential to be advised early - and that is why weare keen to help those businesses who are havingtrouble".

There is most definitely light at the end of thetunnel then. We are, as Simon explains,exceptionally lucky to be living and working in theThames Valley area. "There are so manytremendous businesses around us with somefantastic success stories and we've got many clientsthat are growing very confidently, despite therecession". BDO Reading itself is also growing atthe steady and respectable pace of 10% p/a. Yetperhaps hinting at the formula to their continuedsuccess, Simon proposes that what they really wantis for growth to be at 12%.

In terms of business confidence there are,according to Simon, two things currentlyhappening: “The first, is that businesses are getting

used to the difficult environment that we work in,so there are a lot of businesses that have put offdecisions and are now saying: ‘We’ve waited longenough and although the time isn’t perfect now, itprobably won’t be perfect for the next five years,so let’s do it now’. The second aspect is that we areseeing some positive growth in businessconfidence, despite its fragility”. When combined,these two crucial elements lead to businesses, asa whole, performing better and with moreconfidence.

This view is bolstered by the fact that BDO hasnoticed a shift away from continued cost cutting,and an increase in productivity. Most of the ‘easy’cost cutting has already been achieved and furthercost cutting naturally leads to a fall in productivity.The increase in productivity is tied to an increasein efficiency, aided by the growing importance oftechnology based business activity in the ThamesValley area.

With the compelling statistic that 95% of BDO’sclients say that they will still be with the firm in twoyears (a figure that has been independentlymeasured by Lighthouse Global, Client ListeningProgramme), it is no secret that BDO’s success isdown to their quality of service. The firm’sconsistent focus on providing an exceptionalservice to customers is of course, largely down tothe staff at BDO. “We’re very proud of our staff.When you are selling the quality of a service it isthe people delivering it who are key. We are verycareful how we choose our staff and have hadsome fantastic success with school leaverprogrammes. The proportion of people enteringaccounting from schools has grown enormously –

we’ve had some really great young talent comingstraight from school as well as university”, saysSimon.

The success of the team at BDO is partially reliantupon the enthusiasm that Simon has for his newrole, “I just love it, and the staff here know I love itand this really gives you the opportunity to makeyour mark on the business a little bit more”.

BDO has recently agreed a deal to merge with PKF.This merger has been met with keen enthusiasmon both sides: “We had some partner meetings atBDO and PKF and there is overwhelmingsupport… I didn’t hear any dissenting voices at all”.However, despite the excitement that the mergerhas caused, it does not distract from the reality thatit is a challenging task. “These are two really bigbusinesses to bring together. You’ve got to go intothese things with your eyes open – there is lots ofdetail”. Post-merger PKF will operate under theBDO LLP brand, “We are very proud of the fact thatthe two firms create a financially strong businesswith leading mid-market sector and geographiccoverage.” As part of BDO’s international network,with revenues of $6bn across 138 countries,Thames Valley businesses will also greatly benefitfrom deeper expertise and international reach at alocal level.

So, with such bourgeoning success and theexcitement of BDO’s merger with PKF on thehorizon, it seems there is a lot to look forward tofor BDO LLP.

www.bdo.uk.com, [email protected] 9254488

SIMON BROOKER OF BDOAs their new merger with PKF approaches, coupled with the transfer of three partners from BDO’s London office,Danny Dartnaill, Philipp Prince and John Dennison, BDO Thames Valley is going from strength to strength. B4 talksto Simon Brooker about his new role as Lead Partner, business confidence and how BDO achieve some prettyenviable statistics.

“Businesses are getting used to the

difficult environment…and we are seeingsome positive

growth in business confidence, despite its fragility”

B4 ADVICE

newsFor many of us, preparing statements of ourbusiness performance over the past twelvemonths is also a natural time to refine our goalsand plans for the coming year. Will werealistically hit our short-term objectives and arethey still aligned with our medium term plansand what of the longer view? How do wedevelop ourselves and our teams for thechallenges ahead, ensure we don’t repeatmistakes and cascade positive actions andoutcomes around the organisation?

It’s puzzling why we tend to undertake these tasksso infrequently when common sense suggests that

development and sharing of best practice are thingswe should do on an on-going basis. If you’rereading this article, chances are you’re in businessand as such you will be in an extended group ofdirectors and senior managers all going throughsimilar planning processes.

Being an IoD member gives you access toinformation and advisory services (legal, tax,business information etc.), extensive facilities in PallMall, regional IoD hubs etc. but remember that yourlocal IoD branch is a focal point for development,inspiration, education and more. We run a widevariety of events to support this and most include

an opportunity to network and meet with like-minded business people at breakfast businessmeetings, dinner meetings, social gatherings orbusiness supported events. If you haven’t been toan IoD event why not come along to one soon (forfurther details on IoD or branch events please [email protected] ) and let’s see what we cando to help you reach your aims.

Good luck with your plans.

Barry LewisChairman, Berkshire Branch

A taxing time …… Words from the IoD Berkshire Chairman

IoD Berkshire Events

Date: 6/06/13 Venue: Sunsail, The Port House, Port Solent, PortsmouthPrice: £170 + VAT Members & guests, £180 + VAT Non members

Join us for an exhilarating day of sailing on the Solent with Sunsail & theirmatched fleet of Sunsail F40 yachts. Challenge your customers, colleagues orjust yourselves! This is our 12th successive year. For individuals or teams.

Sailing Regatta – Fun competitive racing for teams or individuals

Date: 20/06/13 Venue: L’ortolan Restaurant, Church Lane, Shinfield, Reading, RG2 9BYPrice: £26 + VAT Members & guests, £36 + VAT Non membersThese events are opportunities to network with other members, gain knowledge on the discussion topics which will be useful for your business and help othermembers with your thoughts and ideas.

L’ortolan Breakfast Workshops - Digital Economy

Date: 07/07/13Venue: Leander Club, Henley on Thames, RG9 2LPPrice: £175 + VAT Members & guests, £200 + VAT Non members

A unique opportunity to share the ultimate Henley experience with colleaguesor family on the final day of the 2013 event.BOOKINGS MUST BE MADE BY 10 MAY

Finals Day at Henley Royal Regatta

18 www.b4-business.com

Date: 10/07/13Venue: Leander Club, Henley on Thames, RG9 2LPPrice: TBC

We are organising a special IoD package for the Henley music festival startingwith Dinner at Leander Club followed by Beach Boys concert in the mainenclosure, please contact Juliet Rushent for further details [email protected]

Henley Music Festival, 2013

www.theforburyhotel.co.uk [email protected] Tel: 0118 9527 770

The Forbury Hotel, 26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJ

A luxury five-star hotel in the heart of Reading, the Forbury

is a beautiful 23 bedroom hotel designed for both business

and pleasure. Our four meeting rooms boast the latest

technology and are both stylish yet functional providing the

ideal location for meetings and events. All our meeting rooms

are fully air conditioned with natural day light, all also offer

complimentary Wi-Fi.

We offer a range of bespoke packages for both day and

residential meetings, full details of which can be found on our

website, www.theforburyhotel.co.uk. Whether you are looking

for a meeting space for a couple of hours or a couple of days,

our beautifully appointed meeting rooms can be tailored for all.

The Cellar provides the perfect venue for business meetings, a

boardroom style table and luxury chairs that present you in the

perfect position, suitable for meetings for up to twelve guests.

Any of our other public rooms can be used for meetings also.

The Lounge is available for impromptu meetings while the

Library is ideal for more formal events.

For larger events our Eden room is ideal, hand painted flowers

cover the walls of what was the original council chambers

along with the original fire place. Ensuring your meeting is

memorable for all the right reasons.

For presentations, lectures or film screenings, we can offer our

own private Cinema. A maximum of thirty guests can be seated

in Italian leather seats ensuring their comfort and attention is

focused in the right direction.

Meetingsat the Forbury


GARDNER LEADERROUNDTABLE

A range of subjects were covered including thecomplexities of employment law particularly;unfair dismissal claims and flexible working.Issues were also raised around the Bribery Actand what may be seen as bribery versushospitality, as well as questions around thelegalities behind online and social mediacommunications. The merits of monthly legalretainers, to help businesses become morepreventative rather than reactive with regards tolegal problems, were also discussed.

For Derek Rodgers, The Managing Partner ofGardner Leader and Chair of the Roundtable, themeeting was vital to help the firm understand thereal issues facing businesses. “We want to providea broader service to help people achieve theirobjectives. We want to share experiences ofchallenges that businesses have faced recently orare expecting to face in the future, and hopefullygarner some ideas as to how we can face thosechallenges and help our clients. For that reasonwe're pleased to invite a wide range of businessesto attend this Roundtable session.”

Derek opened the discussion by asking RossWilson, as a supporter of growing businesses, whathe feels are the key commercial problems facingbusinesses today.

The Bribery Act“The biggest challenge on the legal front has to beThe Bribery Act. There are a number of businessesthat have almost survived on providing anintroductory fee or commission to win business. Bethis tickets to an England sporting fixture or generalhospitality of some sort. The Bribery Act is a greyarea and it’s difficult for some businesses who havebeen reliant on hospitality. This heightens if abusiness is exporting where different rules andregulations come in to play.”

Derek explained that the Act's definitions of whatconstitutes bribery can be confusing for businessesand Malcolm Wicks of Three Step Consultingcommented. “There are a number of businesses inthe UK that have had a certain way of conductingthemselves over the years. I’ll give you the exampleof the construction industry where questions arenow being asked as to what they can and can’t doand that’s a disruption to business. I also see somecompanies taking a risk with marketing campaignswhich could be interpreted as sailing close to thewind. From a legal point of view it’s a massivedisruption.”

Greg Humphreys, a Partner and Head of theGardner Leader Commercial Team added, “there isa bit of a concern about this – you almost need to

do a risk assessment yourself. The introduction ofThe Bribery Act reminds me a little of the Healthand Safety Act – a lot of people were over-eggingwhat people had to do and there was a massivereaction to it. As it settled down, people realizedthe obligations weren’t as onerous as they originallythought.”

Owen Hughes of Eyes Wide Open raised the issueof respecting the country and culture you areattempting to win business in. “You have to bear inmind what market you are operating in. If you dobusiness in the Middle East, ‘gifts’ are all part andparcel of doing business. It’s an accepted part ofdoing business and if you don’t do it, you will beoffending the party you are trying to do businesswith. It’s their culture, and if we recognize TheBribery Act over culture, then we are not beingcompetitive. It’s easier to define what is right andwhat is wrong here in the UK, but, if you take tencustomers to Twickenham and feed them in oneof the restaurants, is that hospitality or is thatbribery? That’s the grey area. Giving a customer aRolex is fairly cut and dried.”

Ross Wilson: “My biggest concern is that Directorsare aware of their responsibilities but don’t knowenough about it to articulate it to their staff.Malcolm mentioned the construction industry and

Companies across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire joined representatives from Gardner Leader solicitors to discusslegal challenges and concerns. Around the table were founders of Wilson Partners Limited, Laudis Business Advisers,100 Percent IT, Three Step Consulting, Vici Language Academy and Eyes Wide Open (see separate panel).

B4 LEAD


I am involved with a fast growing company whospecialize in fit outs and most of their business isconducted through agents and if you cut thatsupply off, where does the business come from?”

Unfair Dismissal and DiscriminationNathalie Danon-Kerr of Newbury based company,The VICI Language Academy, commented, “this isanother area of concern and significant importancefor me which needs legal advice. I had anexperience with having no confidence in a memberof staff who happened to be from another country,which added a potentially racial element to theproblem. We had to seek legal advice to deal withthis very sensitive issue.”

Julie Taylor, an Associate in Gardner Leader’sEmployment Team, commented, “there aremeasures to follow in such a case – it’s not aconclusion which is reached overnight and it’simportant to follow the right procedure. It’s alsoimportant to make sure there are no racial motivesfor dismissal and to ensure that the reasons fordismissal are fully justified.”

John Panczak of Laudis Business Advisorsexplained how it is important for businesses toaddress problems in advance, through appraisals,rather than sit on them and let them fester. “There

is a tendency for people to sit on problems ratherthan flush them out. I think a lot of businesses willbecome very worried about discrimination claimsand need to be better prepared to deal with them.”

Julie: “Discrimination is a very difficult area butultimately the employee would need to put a casethat their dismissal was for an unlawful reason suchas age or race. It’s also important when takingsomeone on to build in a review process to ensurethat the new employee is meeting expectations sothere becomes a clear and justified case againstthat person if they are not performing. This will alsohelp to assess whether they are able to help youtake your business forward.”

Malcolm: “Is the onus on the individual to proveunfair dismissal or the company to defend itself?”

Julie: “It depends on the type of claim, but usuallyit’s for the employee to prove that they have beendismissed and then for the employer to show thatthey had a fair reason and followed a fair procedureand then the tribunal will decide if it was fair in allthe circumstances.”

Derek: “The media is suggesting that employeerights and the accompanying red tape is a key areaof concern for businesses.”

Ross: “I haven’t been an employee since I was 27,but I am on the side of the employees. I rememberwhat it was like to be a member of staff and I justthink that there are so many tools at the disposalof the employer whether it's before they take on anew recruit, during employment or if they decideto dismiss someone. The onus has to be on thebusiness to get it right. It’s all too easy to say it’ssomeone else’s fault, i.e. the under-performingemployee. But it has to be down to the employerto follow the right procedures and ensure that ifand when the day comes to let someone go, theyhave played by the rules and there is no comebackfrom the employee.

“My plea to businesses is that quick decisionsshould be slowed down a bit. Do more researchinto who you are employing because a quick fix canoften lead to a long term problem.”

John: “I’m a big believer in aligning the interests ofemployees with the employer. One key way to dothis is motivating them with share options – theyare then interested in the long term prosperity ofthe business. When you are growing, it’s a greatway to get everyone on the same page.”

Owen: “Share options are great but you have toalso create loyalty amongst your employees. Just

“My biggest concern is that Directors areaware of their

responsibilities butdon’t know

enough about it to articulate it to their staff ”

treat your employees well, act decently and yourstaff will be on side. Communicate well, and be fair,then your staff will be loyal to you. Maybe it’s anaïve approach, but if you treat others how youwould like to be treated, then 99% of the time youshould have a loyal workforce.”

Julie: “I agree completely. If you can discuss issuesat an early stage, this can often turn a negativesituation into a very positive one.”

Nathalie comments that staff are key for herbusiness and it’s crucial to be on top of what shecan and can’t do when it comes to employmentlaw. “For me it’s all about staff. When you have asmall company like ours, we have to take on staffas we have done over the last 12 to 18 months.Employment law is scary for us, and this isheightened when you go out networking andpeople tell you that you can’t do this or do that. Itbecomes very confusing.

“If someone takes me to court one day will I haveto produce lots of detail about what has been saidand what has happened? If so, when is thisinformation documented? When do we have timeto do this?

“I had a court claim against me for someone Ididn’t even employ, someone I was talking to aboutworking for us who I took to two meetings withprospective clients. I didn’t like her approach in themeetings and although one of the clients wantedto work with us, I decided not to employ theperson. I was summoned to attend anemployment tribunal to face the case against me.In the end, this person backed down as I stood myground and knew she didn’t have a case againstme, but that was sleepless nights, energy and amassive disruption to my business which I couldhave done without. For small businesses, who areapparently great for the economy, these sorts ofdisruptions are not at all helpful.”

Julie: “The Government is looking at lots ofproposals to help businesses in cases like this suchas imposing fees on the claimant to make a claimwhich will hopefully prove as a deterrent. I haveacted for a couple of businesses recently which hadquite legitimate reasons for acting as they did butstill had claims made against them. In both cases,we advised the client to spend a bit of time clearlyoutlining why they weren’t in the wrong and thatthey had followed proper procedures which wassufficient for the claimant to stand down.”

Flexible WorkingJohn: “I believe this can be a very motivational wayof working. Fit in with your staff and this can helpincrease productivity.”

Nathalie offers her staff considerable flexibility butthis has caused problems in the past. “I offer mystaff a lot of flexibility and allow them to work as itsuits them to work. They can work from home, theycan work independently. A lot of my staff like thefact that we are flexible. You do have to be carefulbecause you need to treat everyone the same. Iallowed one employee to work from home at half

term as she has children plus other benefits to helpher work around the family. Another employee saidto me that she didn’t have this flexibility becauseshe didn’t have kids. In a way she felt discriminatedagainst.”

Ross: “Smoking is another area where non-smokersfeel discriminated. Why should smokers get extrabreaks? We have one person who smokes who isnow feeling so isolated that they are giving up –the smell of smoke in the office is anti-social andalthough you can’t discriminate, you either have tolive with it or the smoker has to, voluntarily, giveup.”

Monthly Legal FeesRoss: “I spend most of my life chairing BoardMeetings. In this privileged position I can see whatis going on across the board and, as a result, I amable to give out so much work to my network ofcontacts. I see all of the problems coming up inboard meetings and, more often than not, I canprovide a contact to help solve that problem. I oftenwonder whether a lawyer should get themselvesinvolved in retainers to attend board meetings ofSME’s on a monthly basis and pick up work fromthe problems that will inevitably come out of thatmeeting. They could raise their hand when issuesarise – health and safety, terms and conditions,

Bribery Act, the whole gambit of legal issues whichwill come up.”

John: “That’s what a professional service providershould be, a trusted partner who is invited to keymeetings to help problem solve and find solutionsfor their client. 90% of the conversation may wellbe irrelevant, but you could have a massive impacton the 10% which is relevant.”

Nathalie: “The idea of having a professional sit inon meetings on a monthly basis would be great forme. Thinking about large solicitor’s bills is very scary,but I would definitely pay a monthly fee to havelegal representation at a monthly meeting, as aform of insurance. Our insurance costs andaccountancy costs are already very expensive butthese are dwarfed if a large legal bill comes in soany sort of prevention would be most welcome.Even if it was just a retainer so that I could pick upthe phone whenever anything major happens inour business. For example, we recently took on fivenew staff so if I could just pick up the phone andask what I needed to make sure I was doing in light

of this change, that would be fabulous. I would seeit as another insurance policy.”

Ross: “I also wonder whether solicitors do enoughon the health check side of businesses. A quarterlycheck up would be great and save a lot of the‘reactionary law’ which inevitably has to happenwhen things go wrong. A quarterly health checkwould help prevent a lot of problems and save onfees. It then makes businesses think more aboutwhat they are doing, do more due diligence beforetaking someone on, think about the implications ofworking with a supplier from overseas.”

David Blundell of 100percent IT Limited added,“We are paying our accountants a fixed monthly feeand I would definitely do the same with a solicitor.”

Greg: “We do operate like this already for someclients. A retainer relaxes the client and doesn’t stopthem from calling us when there might be aproblem.”

Derek: “It’s better for us when the client doescontact us more regularly – it gives us a betterhandle on their business and we can both thenprevent the problems in advance rather then dealwith them after they have arisen.”

The Use of Social MediaRoss: “What does everyone think about socialmedia? Is this an area you are having to give muchadvice on? What do we allow our staff to do? Howare they allowed to use Facebook in a mannerwhich doesn’t conflict with the brand and the ethosof the company?

Derek: “It is certainly a big issue but it’s also an areawhere you have to reach a balance. The wholepoint of social media is that it is instant, it isaccessible, spontaneous and it’s personal. If youwere to approach it on a strict legal basis you wouldconstantly be seeking permission to do everythingconnected with social media and that takes youaway from all of the key benefits of social media.

“You do see some social media polices which runfor pages and pages. You either take that approachor you take another approach which wassummarized to me as putting yourself in theposition that you are in a pub with a local journalist,the vicar, your mother and your wife all in earshotand you’ve just got to be careful what you say!

“I think social media is dealt with if you justunderstand it in the first place and adopt commonsense.”

Malcolm: “It’s not just social media, it’s lots ofdifferent technology that just keeps coming inwaves. For example, how should we use Dropbox?There’s so much to consider, so much is constantlychanging and that increases the risk of everythingwe do.”

www.gardner-leader.co.uk


“I think social media is dealt with if you just understandit in the first

place and adopt common sense”

Derek RodgersChair Person & Managing Partner, Gardner LeaderAs well as managing partner of Gardner Leader,Derek acts for businesses of all sizes, helping themto achieve their objectives. This might be theformation, acquisition or sale of a business or thehandling of venture capital and private equitytransactions. Derek also prepares shareholderagreements and commercial contracts includingconfidentiality agreements, agency & distributionagreements and terms of business.

Ross Wilson Business AdvisorRoss Wilson has built a career centred on offeringadvice and support to entrepreneurs from start-upsthrough to maturity and exit. Having sold hisprevious business, Williams Allan Group in late2000 he took up the role of Chairman, RSM Tenon Thames Valley for six years.

He then joined his two sons as a fellow directorand business advisor in 2008 to launch WilsonPartners Limited, which is a firm of charteredaccountants, tax and business advisors. WilsonPartners has grown 35% every year, employsaround 20 people and was voted ‘Best General TaxPractice in the UK’ in 2011.

Nathalie Danon-KerrVici Language AcademyNathalie specialises in Modern Foreign Languages- Teaching - Cultural Training - Communication -Leadership. Her goal is to inspire individuals andcompanies to adopt modern foreign languages aspart of their communication strategy. She hascreated The VICI Language Academy, which servesbusinesses who appreciate the value of speakingto European and global customers in their nativetongue.

Owen Hughes Eyes Wide OpenWith over 20 years’ experience in developingstrategies and programmes for brands such asBAT and BMW, Owen specialises in developingCRM strategies. This focused understanding ofcustomers and their behaviour is integral to EyesWide Open's approach with each client to developthe best marketing strategy for their business.

John Panczak Laudis Business AdvisorsJohn trained as a Chartered Accountant with PwC,and has many years’ experience at Finance Director(FD)level in entrepreneurial fast growth hightechnology companies. He was co-founder of abiotechnology company which raised £3m in firstround finance, and FD at a technology licensingcompany. John is now joint owner of LAUDISBusiness Advisors with Nick Richards . Togetherthey offer Non-Executive Director services and ExitPlanning services to businesses across the ThamesValley.

David Blundell100 Percent ITCambridge graduate, David Blundell is the founderand Managing Director of 100 Percent IT, anInternet Service Provider that provides Internetconnectivity and server resources to SMEs acrossUK and Europe.

David enjoys creating robust, cost effective ITsolutions that enable his customers to grow theirbusiness. He is a technology expert and advisesother ISPs on building secure, reliable networks.

Malcolm Wicks Three Step ConsultingMalcolm is a Marketing professional with 20 yearsexperience in helping businesses understand moreabout their customers. He has managed marketingteams for CRM, Business Intelligence, CustomerExperience and Data Warehousing and hasimplemented hundreds of marketing programs andstrategies. For the last 10 years Malcolm has beena marketing consultant working with clients such asTesco and HP to the Zambian Ministry of Healthand Dennis the fire engine maker. His company,Three Step Consulting, works with companieswhose marketing is not meeting their expectations.Malcolm has also lectured at Henley BusinessSchool and was Vice Chairman of IoD Berkshire.

Greg HumphreysPartner and Head of the Commercial Team,Gardner LeaderGreg specialises in all aspects of CorporateCommercial Law - advising businesses oncorporate and commercial matters and commercialproperty matters. This ranges from the sale andpurchase of shares and business assets, companyrestructuring and corporate governance topreparing shareholder and business partnershipagreements.

Julie TaylorAssociate in the Employment Team, Gardner LeaderJulie deals with all areas of employment law. Sheoffers straightforward advice to individual clients ontheir employment rights as well as to small andmedium sized companies on ways to reduce therisk of employment litigation as a consequence ofcrucial business decision. Julie also ensures thatbusinesses are appropriately protected witheffective contracts and policies.


24

B4 SPOTLIGHT

THE RACECOURSENEWBURYThe Racecourse Newbury launched its ChefTables food offering at the B4 Ambassadorsnetworking event on 16th January. These areplatters themed to different styles of food whichcan be incorporated as part of the day delegaterate for organisers or ordered separately.

These include the American Table featuring minibeef burgers with tomato salsa and fresh salad; theFrench Table with mini baguettes roast tomato andbrie, tuna provincial, bayonne ham and cornichons;the Italian Table encompassing toasted bruschettaand an antipasti selection of ham, salami, olivesand a fresh Italian style breads and the EasternTable with Asian spiced wok noodle stir fry andspiced rice salad with fresh mango and sultanas.

Amanda Ellis, Conference and Event BusinessDevelopment Manager commented:

“All food is prepared by our own chef team freshlyon site, allowing us to control and monitor thequality of everything produced. Working with head

chef Darren Fairminer, we aim to set ourselvesapart from other conference venues by making thefood served at corporate events an experience thatpeople can look forward to, just as you would on araceday when dining in The Hennessy, our finedining panoramic restaurant.”

Guests at the event enjoyed the hospitality in theFred Winter Suite which was theirs exclusively forthe day. With a balcony overlooking the finishingline of the racecourse, this is the ideal place to stillbe a part of the action. A tour of the racecourse’sother facilities was also available for those lookingfor inspiration when organising their next meeting,conference or awards ceremony, with capacityacross the venue ranging from as few as 2 – 1,000people. The Grandstand has three floors of eventspace with 1000m² of pillar free floor space perfectfor larger conferences while the exclusive Royal Boxis ideal for board meetings of up to 50 people.

www.racecoursenewbury.co.uk

www.b4-business.com



B4 SERVICES

SIR JOHN MADEJSKI TAKESTO THE AIRWAVES ONREADING 107The new series started at the end of Januaryand is sponsored by Hays, the leading recruitingexperts.

In each of the 60 minute programmes, ReadingFootball Club Chairman and owner of Reading 107Sir John Madejski talks to some of the ThamesValley’s most successful business people andcommunity leaders. The programme takes theform of an informal conversational interviewbetween Sir John and his guests, giving listenerssome interesting and inspirational insights into theirvaried lives and careers. Guests are also asked tochoose three of their favourite songs to be playedduring the programme.

With such an abundant array of successfulfigureheads of enterprise and community endeavorin the Reading area, Reading 107 has not beenshort of suitable candidates to take part. Guestshave included Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor of theUniversity of Reading; Mark Sheldon, ManagingDirector, Home Counties, Hays; Chris Carter Keall,Vice President of Oxford Properties Group; KevinByrne, Founder of Checkatrade; Chris Sykes, ChiefExecutive of Volume; Charles Brims, High Sheriff of

the Royal County of Berkshire; Paul Bampton,Managing Director of Sansome & George; The HonMary Bayliss JP, The Lord Lieutenant of the RoyalCounty of Berkshire; Steve Fawke, Manager ofBroad Street Mall, and many more planned for therest of the year.

Sir John Madejski is enthused by the challenge ofbecoming a host on the air: “I’m pleased to beinterviewing so many interesting people who makea great contribution to the wonderful communityin which we all live. These stories are incrediblyinspiring and I’m sure Reading 107’s listeners willfind them as fascinating as I have.”

Much of the content of 'The Sir John MadejskiInterviews' relays some compelling personal storiesof career and business building from a huge rangeof different backgrounds and disciplines, andReading 107 was extremely pleased to secure Haysplc as the sponsor. Hays plc is a leading globalprofessional recruiting group and is the expert atrecruiting qualified, professional and skilled peopleworldwide, being the market leader in the UK andAsia Pacific and one of the market leaders inContinental Europe and Latin America. As at June

last year, Hays plc employed almost 8,000 peopleworldwide, operating from 245 offices in 33countries across 20 specialism’s. Mark Sheldon,Managing Director, Home Counties, of Hays, whohimself has been interviewed for the programme,is delighted to sponsor 'The Sir John MadejskiInterviews': “We have been recruiting for theregion’s employers for over 20 years and know firsthand that the individuals behind theseorganisations have many interesting stories to tell,so these interviews with successful business figurespromise to be both inspiring and insightful.”

The programme really is worth a listen, so be sureto tune into Reading 107 every Sunday at noon,either on FM, online, or via the Reading 107 app,to hear some of these stories. But don’t fret ifyou’ve missed an interview that’s already beenbroadcast, all interviews are available as a podcaston the Reading 107 website!

Support your truly independent local radio stationand become part of the Reading 107 community.

www.reading107.com

Reading 107 has launched a new radio programme ‘The Sir John Madejski Interviews’ on Sundays at Noon.


B4 SPOTLIGHT

2013 marks an exciting year for Haslams Chartered Surveyors in that it celebrates its 175th anniversary making it oneof the oldest firms in Reading, and indeed one of the oldest surveying practices in the UK.

HASLAMS CELEBRATES 175TH ANNIVERSARYPAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

PASTHaslams was established in 1838 when twofarmers, brothers James and Charles Haslamsteamed up to provide advice to their peers onthe valuation of agricultural land in Reading andthe surrounding areas that had become subjectto compulsory purchase by the Great WesternRailway.

The following year, the pair set up offices in BroadStreet, now part of the site occupied by John Lewis.In the late 1890’s, the founders’ descendentDryland Haslams was admitted into the Partnershipand the firm became “Haslams & Son”. Dryland’sbrother was responsible for designing the buildingof 156 Friar Street, where the firm was to be basedfor more than a century.

Haslams’ portfolio of clients has included a varietyof recognisable names over the years, such asSuttons Seeds, Huntley and Palmers, HeelasDepartment Store (now John Lewis) and theUniversity of Reading. Many of these, or theirsuccessors, are still represented by the firm to thisday.

In 1986 the firm was renamed “Haslams CharteredSurveyors” and lately in 2009 the firm became anLLP, Haslams Surveyors LLP.

The practice moved in to its modern headquartersat County House, Friar Street in 2007.

PRESENTFast forward 175 years and Haslams are nowone of the leading independent firms ofSurveyors serving the Thames Valley andbeyond. With a team of eight focused anddynamic Partners specialising within the GeneralPractice, Commercial Agency and BuildingSurveying sectors the firm provide propertyadvice to a very wide range of clients.

The Practice offers a full range of propertyconsultancy services including; property valuations,rent reviews, lease renewals, business ratesappeals, building surveys, asbestos reports and

schedules of dilapidations. The firm also has aparticular specialism in residential and commercialdevelopment land working closely alongside bothland owners and developers.

We pride ourselves on a Partner led approachensuring all our clients receive professional, preciseand commercial advice on their property issues.

To demonstrate the breadth of our expertise, overthe past 12 months we have dealt with thefollowing:

Development Sale of Former Reservoir Site, BathRoad, Reading

• On behalf of Thames Water, we sold a site of 5.5acres suitable for residential development.

• The property was placed upon the open marketand Bewley Homes Plc was selected as thesuccessful purchaser.

• Thames Water and Bewley Homes Plc jointlyachieved planning permission for the developmentof 80 new dwellings and the sale completed at theagreed price.

Planning Appeal on a development of 126 newdwellings with 2% affordable housing provision

• We were instructed by the University of Readingto act as an Expert Witness in giving evidence ondevelopment viability at Planning Inquiry.

• The Council’s requirement was for a 40%affordable housing provision but we successfullyargued that planning permission should be grantedfor the proposed development with just 2%affordable housing provision.

• A partial Costs Award was granted in favour of ourclient.

Aberystwyth University Rating Appeal

• We were instructed by Aberystwyth University toinvestigate various rating assessments on its threecampuses and other University buildings in thetown and submit appeals where appropriate.

• Following detailed negotiations with the ValuationOffice, reductions were negotiated in all of theappeals submitted resulting in substantial savingsfor the University.

Roc Search – Office Search and Acquisition

• We acted on behalf of Roc Search, a growingrecruitment consultant who wanted new grade Aoffice space in Reading.

• We were asked to undertake a search of themarket for suitable offices which offered them thecorrect image and room for expansion.

• We then negotiated on their behalf and the finalchoice was 7th Floor, The Blade which was securedon competitive terms with Roc Search’s desiredtimescales.

Pre Let of 208,000 sq ft Distribution Centre toBrakes Bros on behalf of Standard Life

• As part of on-going instructions to market the 53acre Suttons Business Park in Reading, wenegotiated leasehold terms (on a pre let basis) withBrakes Bros in respect of a temperature controlleddistribution centre of 208,000 sq ft.

• We provided commercial advice together withStandard Life’s other development consultantsthroughout the legal process.

• The unit was successfully completed in Spring2012 within the required timescale and on termswhich provided Standard Life with an attractiveinvestment.

For further details or to meet members of the team,visit our website at www.haslams.co.uk.

FUTURESo what does the future hold?

With such a strong team of focused and dynamicindividuals, the practice has a very exciting futureand indeed there are already several high profileinstructions in the pipeline for 2013. The firm alsoplaces a strong emphasis of succession planning asdemonstrated by its young Partnership age profileand active graduate recruitment program.

Managing Partner Conrad Hill commented “We areextremely proud of our history and delighted to becelebrating such a milestone. 2013 looks to be avery exciting year and we are holding a series ofevents to mark the occasion and to say a particularthank you to our clients, past, present and future.”

If you would like to get in contact, Conrad’s detailsare below.

Conrad Hill Tel: 0118 921 1524 Email: [email protected]


After Vicky Pryce's marriage to Chris Huhnebroke down in 2010, she disclosed tonewspapers that her former husband had liedabout swapping his speeding points in 2003.Distressed at her husband leaving her for hispolitical advisor, Carina Trimingham (who hadbeen in a civil partnership); Vicky Pryce'sdisclosures led to two guilty verdicts for herselfand Chris Huhne of perverting the course ofjustice and then to two immediate custodialsentences of eight months.

Mr Justice Sweeney found that Vicky Pryce hadbeen motivated by an implacable desire forrevenge with little consideration for the widerfamily. He said that she had a controlling,manipulative and devious side to her nature.Chris Huhne commented that revenge eats youup. "It does worse things to you than to the personyou are attempting to attack". He went on to saythat Ms Pryce's decision had meant that moneythat might have been put aside for the kids hadinstead gone on paying their large legal bills.Mr Huhne has found himself estranged from histhree children and experienced the humiliation ofhis son's critical texts to him being read out in court.The children now find themselves with two parentsin jail whose careers have been wrecked and whohave suffered public humiliation.

Aside from the issue of swapping speeding pointsand attempting to pervert the course of justice,there is another lesson to be learnt here, inparticular for anyone contemplating divorceproceedings. Tempting as it may be to wreakrevenge as a scorned spouse, the consequencesof so doing, can be calamitous. The Huhne andPryce verdicts were preceded by a report from theLegal Ombudsman into family law which happensto be titled "The price of separation: Divorce relatedlegal complaints and their causes".

The report confirms that there are some obviousreasons why divorce gives rise to complaintsagainst divorce lawyers commenting that even themost consensual separation is likely to involvefeelings of sadness, disappointment and guilt andnoting that separation may be non consensual,involving allegations of betrayal, abuse andinfidelity.

The report discloses that a lot of the complaintsinvolved costs and issues concerning the quality ofthe advice given. Several case studies areappended as examples including one study wherevery sound advice was given but the client hadunreasonable expectations and had not listened tothat advice.

As the Pryce family has experienced, a good familylawyer ought to be able to take the heat out of theacrimony that there may be, and put the needs ofthe children first. They should also be able toadvise on the best process option for that particularfamily, whether it be mediation, collaborative law,a roundtable meeting, private arbitration or theCourt process.

The Huhne and Pryce verdicts demonstrate thatdivorce can be a cruel journey often involvingrevenge and strong emotions of bitterness anddisappointment for all concerned, includingchildren. The Berkshire public should, in theunfortunate event of having to instruct a familylawyer on divorce or separation, look to engage aspecialist, and ideally a family lawyer who is amember of Resolution, as members subscribe to acode of conduct to be conciliatory where possible.The Legal Ombudsman’s report also reminds usthat listening to the advice of the appointed familylawyer is paramount.

Kerry Fretwell, Family Law Partner, ManchesLLP Reading: 0118 982 2658 or [email protected]

THE PRYCE OF REVENGE -HOW NOT TO DIVORCEKerry Fretwell, Family Law Partner at Thames Valley law firm Manches LLP, outlines lessons to learn from the Prycedivorce and recent Family Law Ombudsman report findings

“The Huhne and Pryce verdicts

demonstrate that divorce can be a

cruel journey often involving revenge

and strong emotions of bitterness”


B4 ADVICE

Grant Thornton’s Technology sector CorporateFinance Team continued to be the mid-marketadviser of choice in 2012, across the ThamesValley and beyond, working with clients on 30transactions during the year, reaffirming theirposition the go-to UK financial adviser.Transactions included work on behalf of Tessellaand 8el.

The sale of Tessella Ltd to its managementteam, backed by Mobeus Equity Partners

The Thames Valley team advised the shareholdersof Tessella on the sale of the business tomanagement. The transaction enabled the founder,Kevin Gell, to move away from day-to-day

management while retaining a key position withinthe business and on the Board.

Tessella is an IT services business, based inOxfordshire, which provides outsourced softwaredevelopment capability to large research anddevelopment projects within the public sector andcommercial organisations. It boasts an impressiveclient list including the British Library, the JETproject, GSK and Akzo Nobel. Tessella is a globalbusiness with offices in the UK, US and theNetherlands. It recruits its staff, the majority ofwhom have PhDs from the best universities aroundthe world, equipping them to utilise theirpredominantly science and mathematicsbackgrounds into software development projectsfor commercial and research environments. Thetransaction values the business at £18 million.Grant Thornton took the deal opportunityexclusively to Mobeus, recognising both a culturalfit and the advantages of a tried and tested Mobeusdeal structure for the circumstances of Tessella andits stakeholders.

Commenting on the deal, Wendy Hart, Head of

Technology and Corporate Finance Partner at GrantThornton, said, "We are very pleased that our longassociation with Kevin and the Tessella team hasculminated in a deal which is so tailored to theircircumstances and aspirations. Tessella is a highquality business with significant potential, built onsolid intellectual foundations. I have no doubt thatwith Mobeus's support and Kevin's sage advice, themanagement team will take the business onwardand upward. We wish them well and very muchhope we can continue to work alongside them ontheir journey."

Tessella Founder and Non-Executive Director KevinGell added: Grant Thornton have been mybusiness advisors and auditors for over 12 years,

so when I came to consider selling the business,our longstanding relationship and their credentialsin the sector made them the logical choice. Theyseamlessly worked across departments includingcorporate finance, audit, tax and financial planning,to provide me with the best advice to maximise myreturns and get the deal done. Their hard work,dedication and flexibility ensured the transactionwas completed in what continue, clearly to bedifficult market conditions. I also look forward tocontinuing our relationship with Grant Thorntonduring the next stage of Tessella’s growth.”

Selection Services’ acquisition of 8el

Grant Thornton advised Palatine Private Equity andSelection Services Limited on its acquisition ofAggregated Telecom Limited (trading as 8el).

Selection Services, based in Kent, is an IT managedservices provider, working within the SME market,delivering a broad array of managed services andsolutions, bespoke projects and expert strategicadvice.

This acquisition strengthens Selection Services’managed communication expertise and results ina combined entity generating revenues of over £35million and with more than 400 staff helps thegroup pursue its strategy of building a substantialbusiness that offers a full suite of IT services. GrantThornton has a strong relationship with bothPalatine and Selection, having advised on theoriginal MBO in 2011. This relationship combinedwith technology sector expertise allowed GrantThornton’s team to work closely with them,providing corporate finance and corporate taxadvice. Commenting on the deal, Duncan Lamb,Partner in Grant Thornton’s Corporate Finance teamsaid, “We are very pleased to have supportedPalatine and Selection in successfully completing

their second bolt-on acquisition. This leaves thebusiness well positioned to strengthen its serviceoffering and build on its successes to date. We lookforward to working with them on futuretransactions.”

Palatine Private Equity Partner Tony Dickin added:“We are delighted to have concluded our secondacquisition since the original MBO of Selection. Theacquisition of 8el brings a wealth of knowledge andexpertise in managed communications, access tonew customers and additional geographic reach.Overall, it strengthens our position as we continueto become the leading IT services provider to theSME market. We will be looking to make furtheracquisitions to complement our business. GrantThornton has been a trusted adviser since theSelection deal and we look forward to working withthem to achieve our objectives.”

www.grant-thornton.co.uk

ADDING VALUEAS STANDARDAsked the question, most businesses would like to think they add value to their customers and clients insome way. Grant Thornton enjoys an enviable reputation in the technology sector for doing just that. Articleby Tracey Jefferies


“Grant Thornton have been my business advisors and auditors for over 12 years, sowhen I came to consider selling the business, our longstanding relationship and

their credentials in the sector made them the logical choice”

33

“We will be looking tomake further acquisitions to complement our business. Grant

Thornton has been atrusted adviser

since the Selectiondeal and we lookforward to working

with them toachieve our objectives”

B4 ADVICE

BROWNS R E A D I N GUnit R7, The Oracle Centre, Reading, RG1 2AG

Telephone: 0118 950 3137 Email: [email protected]

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Last Food Order: 10 .00pm (Fr i & Sa t 10 .30pm)

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B4 PROPERTY

THE BRACKNELL ENTERPRISEAND INNOVATION HUB ISOPEN FOR BUSINESSRecently benefitting from an extensiverefurbishment, the Bracknell Enterprise andInnovation Hub at Ocean House is now openand providing a professional and secure basefor businesses. With existing Oxford Innovationcustomers already moving in and more state ofthe art development on its way, the Hub offersyoung and growing companies a buzzing,proactive working environment from which torun their business.

Located on the 12th floor of Ocean House withstunning panoramic views of the surrounding area,the hub offers various office solutions for start-up,

growing and established businesses. Office space,shared office space, hot desking and virtual officescan all be rented on flexible terms, allowingoccupiers to be free of any long-termcommitments.

The Hub also offers a dedicated service providingbusiness support in a number of key areasincluding business planning, raising finance, tax andnational insurance, and trading standards. Withsuch a proactive approach to support provision anda broad range of office space options, the BracknellEnterprise and Innovation Hub ensures that it hasthe perfect solution to help every business thrive.

March this year will see the Bracknell team open abrand new Club b Business Lounge at the Hub,supported by Bracknell Forest Council and B-LineBusiness Supplies. The Club b lounge will be athriving base for business training workshops andnetworking events; as well as providing an open-plan shared co-working environment and creatingopportunities for inter-business collaboration. Withfree access to Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, the Club bLounge is set to become a valuable addition to theBracknell Enterprise and Innovation Hub.

Colin Chambers of Solus Micro Technologies, hasbeen an Oxford Innovation customer for over


“ We are sopleased to welcomethe companies thathave recently made

the Bracknell Enterprise and Innovation Hubtheir base forbusiness ”

twelve years and has just relocated to the BracknellEnterprise and Innovation Hub. He explains, “Idecided to continue my working relationship withOxford Innovation because I have always beenextremely happy with the service they provide andthe staff are always professional, welcoming andfriendly. With a comfortable, stylish interior andpanoramic views for miles around Bracknell, theHub really is the perfect work environment.”

Jo Willett, Regional Director for Oxford Innovation,adds, “We are so pleased to welcome thecompanies that have recently made the BracknellEnterprise and Innovation Hub their base forbusiness. The Hub is now a hive of activity and weare looking forward to welcoming many morecompanies in the next few months. I am particularlydelighted to be launching the Club b lounge, whichwill provide a unique space for young companiesand entrepreneurs in Bracknell. We will have anexciting events programme starting in April and withmembership of the lounge free to any business, Iam looking forward to it being a really lively spacewithin the Hub.”

Ocean House is situated in the centre of Bracknell,an area currently known as the Technology Capitalof the Thames Valley and home to many majorinternational brands such as Dell, Waitrose, Hewlett

Packard and BMW. With the M3 and M4motorways close by and the train station just ashort walk away, the Bracknell Enterprise andInnovation Hub is ideally located for business,allowing travel to the capital in just under an hour.

Other companies that are already benefiting frombasing their business at the Bracknell Enterpriseand Innovation Hub include Content Keeper, IDMand JHP Training.

About Bracknell Enterprise & Innovation HubBracknell Enterprise & Innovation Hub providesoffice space, virtual offices and meeting rooms in aserviced environment. Located on the 12th floor ofOcean House in Bracknell and with a dedicatedonsite centre management team to greet yourvisitors, manage your calls and take care ofthe facilities management, companies can focuson running their business. Offices vary from 110 sqft to 450 sq ft, which can accommodate between1 and 6 people, but multiple offices can also betaken if more space is required. For moreinformation, visit www.bracknell-hub.co.uk.

About Oxford InnovationOxford Innovation is a leading operator of businessand innovation centres that provide office andlaboratory space to companies throughout the UK.

The company also provides innovation services toentrepreneurs, including business planning advice,coaching and mentoring.

Oxford Innovation also manages three highlysuccessful investment networks that link investorswith entrepreneurs seeking funding from £20,000to £2m. During the last five years, the investmentnetworks have helped over 90 companies raise£19.5m. For more information: www.oxin.co.uk

Oxford Innovation is part of SQW Group. Otherdivisions and associated companies include SQW,a leading provider of research, analysis and adviceon sustainable economic and social developmentsolutions to the public and private sectors, andSQW China, which operates from Hong Kongproviding economic and management consultancyservices to China and the international market. Formore information: www.sqwgroup.com

For further information please visitwww.bracknell-hub.co.uk or contact JanetHumphrey, Centre Manager on 01344 388000or [email protected]

A YOUNG PROGRESSIVE CLUB ATTHE FOREFRONT OF CHANGE INTHE ESTABLISHED WORLD OF GOLF

In October 1992, Bernard Gallacher declaredHennerton open by hitting the first drive downthis picturesque, yet intimate course, sittinghigh on the hills overlooking Reading andHenley-on-Thames. The then Ryder Cup Captainwas captivated by the beauty of the countrysideand the advantages made by sculpting thecourse into the natural undulations of the hillsand valley.

The mature surrounding landscape had the benefitof making the course feel already bedded-in,avoiding the “converted field” feel that many newlydeveloped courses of the 1990s tended towards;here the course rolls with the land, showcasingpanoramic views across the Thames Valley.

Peter was inspired to develop Hennerton afterseeing the magnificence of Augusta andWentworth. His vision was to create an equally

beautiful course at Hennerton and to open up thebeauty of the extraordinary countryside and shareit and its vistas with as many people as possible.Where previously there stood cattle and prize pigs,the rolling countryside was transformed andpresented as one of the best 9-hole courses in theregion.

But of course, Peter’s dream didn’t stop there. In2006, after much planning and a notinconsiderable investment to purchase adjoiningland, Hennerton evolved into the unique andchallenging 18 Hole Par 65 course it is today.

The resulting 18 holes have been imaginativelydesigned into the chalk valleys, dropping downfrom terraced tees into peaceful secludedcountryside and rising up onto raised contouredgreens where the views take in the surroundinghorizons dotted with Lebanese cedars.

As a consequence of the course being tuckedwithin protected woodland, Hennerton is a coursethat demands and rewards a high degree ofjudgement and accuracy rather than relying onmere big hitting. It is unique in being an excellenttest of one’s short game and also unique in that onaverage you can finish a round in under four hours– perfect for those of us with busy lifestyles.

Peter still overseas the maintenance of the courseand his sensitivity to the land shines through withthe course gently cushioning the surroundingwildlife – conservation, always a high priority, istantamount here with, for example, pondsspecifically developed for the Great Crested Newt.The 9th hole winds gently by “Badgers Bank” andnow a plethora of wildlife take advantage of theday-to-day tranquillity of the course. Naturally shycreatures are often found here, including fallow andmuntjac deer, green woodpeckers and the not so

Hennerton Golf Club is a true joy to play, whatever your age or your handicap. As you discover this hiddengem in Berkshire, you will be rewarded with a warm welcome that is not easily replicated at older and moreestablished Clubs. Hennerton Golf Club in Wargrave was conceived by Peter Hearn whose family has livedon and farmed the same land where the Club now lies since the early fifties. With the Club now coming tothe end of its first 20 years, and after much celebration, Zara Hearn, Peter’s daughter and now GeneralManager of the Club, met with B4’s Richard Rosser and took time to reflect on what has been achieved inthe two short decades since the Club was established.

B4 HEALTH


common huge red kites that often settle along the12th fairway in a faux menacing stance.

Our ethos is to welcome newcomers to theclub and to the game of golfAs a relatively young Club, Hennerton takes its dutyto progress the game of golf very seriously. Thiswas never intended to be a Club to compete withthe established grande dames of Reading, Sonningor Henley because the vision was to go beyondsuch hallowed institutions and to providesomething completely different.

As a small Club, Hennerton always has had one bigintention: to be at the forefront of the new era ofgolf and to provide an equitable playing field forplayers of all abilities and to help each playerbecome involved at any level. The Club has movedwith the times and has leapt at the opportunity tobecome involved with a scheme that endorsed

these same ideologies. England Golf developed thenational scheme of GolfMark in 2007 to award toClubs with certain established standards forcoaching & playing, club environment, childprotection and duty of care. Hennerton took notime in taking up the scheme and was proudlyaccredited with GolfMark in 2008.

Our ethos at Hennerton, which all our membersunderstand and actively support, involveswelcoming newcomers to the Club and to thegame of golf. It is not often that a visiting golfer trulyfeels at home at a Club other than their own, buthere at Hennerton that welcome comes from themembers as well as the staff - and it’s anatmosphere that encourages visiting golf societiesto return year after year.

What Hennerton does best is to provide arelaxing club and inviting atmosphere People come to Hennerton for different reasons;for the love of the game as well as for the socialfeel of the Club - but they always return becauseof the friendly inclusive atmosphere. Our membershave a packed social calendar and the Clubhouseand our facilities, the bar, restaurant and meetingroom are used throughout the year by the localcommunity for all sorts of parties and occasions.The Clubhouse is a very popular venue with golfersand non-golfers alike for celebrations and Sundaylunches and the Clubhouse team, ably led byClubhouse, Restaurant and Bar Manager, PaulDeaney, will ensure that all your wishes are cateredfor at the budget agreed. Everything, from formaldining to cocktail parties and less formal barbecues- including the ever popular hog roast - are held atthe Club, all with the benefit of the beautifulbackdrop of the surrounding views.

With a modern, purpose-built and flexible meetingand training room capable of catering for businessmeetings of up to 60 individuals, Hennertonprovides the perfect venue for presentations andnetworking. It is the ideal off-site business venue,particularly if you want to round off a day with aquick round of golf.

However, at the end of the day, what Hennertondoes best is to provide a relaxing Club with aninviting atmosphere for families and friends to playgolf, whether mixing together in competitions orsimply unwinding on the driving range. Despitebeing set in such an affluent area, the club providesthe opportunity to join a welcoming Golf Club atan affordable price to fit in with people’s individuallifestyles – for example, children have freemembership when their parents or grandparentsjoin.

A home from homeThe way the Club is run engenders a totally non-elitist and homely feel, without any divisionsbetween the management, staff and members.There is certainly none of the slow moving innerworkings of endless committee involvement butinstead a fast-paced small committee who rapidlywork through any potential issues and makedecisions. Hennerton is a Club that is only everslowed down by the weather!

But don’t just take our word for it. Come alongand find out for yourself what Hennerton isall about, perhaps initially for Sunday lunch orto visit the Clubhouse bar and drink inthe welcoming atmosphere and breath-takingviews. Try out our driving range or visit ourwell stocked Pro-Shop where our PGAProfessional, Glenn Johnson or our ClubProfessional’s Assistant , Warren Harris, will be

happy to discuss all golf-related matters with youor arrange individual or group lessons.

We are confident that when you drive throughHennerton’s gates that first time and see what wehave to offer, you will find it just as hard to resist asso many others have in the course of our first 20years.

Call Zara on 0118 9401000 or [email protected] if you wouldlike to find out more about one of Berkshire’sbest kept secrets.

See www.vouchoffers.com which has greatdeals for Hennerton Golf Club.


The B4 Bike Ride - Edinburgh to OxfordMay 24th to May 27th, 2013

The B4 Bike Ride launched in 2012 with our 270 mile trip from Paris to Blenheim Palace. The 2013 challenge sees the group cycle from Edinburgh to Blenheim Palace, a 411 trek over four days.With five great charities to raise money for, why don’t you get involved…or even join us?!

How To Get Involved

Shirt SponsorGet your company logo on the team shirt from just £50 – contact the office to book.

Come on the Ride Want to really get involved? Why not join us. We have 5 spaces remaining and would love to

have you on the ride with us. Contact the office to find out more.

Restaurant Partner

Make a donation

We have five fabulous charities that we are riding for. Log in to the donation page below and make your donation today!

http://virginmoneygiving.com/team/teamb4

Cheque donations can be made payable to 'B4 Bike Ride' – please send your cheques to B4 Charity Bike Ride, The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford OX3 0BT

HotelsBanking Partner Accommodation Partner Finish Line Partner

Communication Partner Media Partner Support Vehicle Partner Fitness Partner

GREG BARNESBreckon & Breckon

“I want to be challenged and this is a bigone – really looking forward to it. It’s a longway but I am sure as a team we will pull ea-chother through. Heard great things about theParis ride so can’t wait for the trip from Edin-

burgh in May!”

Rob ScotcherB4 Magazine

“I really enjoyed the ride from Paris to Oxfordlast year. Not only was it a great experience,but the team were a fantastic support and wereally gelled as a unit, both on and off the

road. Can’t wait for this year.”

Richard RosserB4 Magazine

“Last year was quite a mountain to climb butwe got there – the rest of the team were a

massive support and helped me up more thanone tough hill! This year we’ve raised the bar

again – it will be a real test.”

Tim SpittlesHawkwell House Hotel

“I have always thought about getting involvedin more organised rides connected to charity,and this seemed an ideal way to combine

getting involved with B4 and doing somethingthat I enjoy. The sense of achievement will be areal buzz for me, the group and for Helen and

Douglas House”

John F KennedyWildbore & Gibbons LLP“The B4 Team is always a great group of

people to cycle with and the camaraderie fromdoing such a challenge is a wonderful

experience. I am glad to be part of a really diverse team who will all work together toachieve the joint goal – getting to Blenheimand raising as much money as possible!”

Ciaran Cullen

JOIN THE 2013 B4 BIKE RIDE - WE HAVE

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN US ON THE RIDE, PLEASE CALL RICHARD NOW TO BOOK YOUR SPACE – JUST 5 SPACES REMAINING!!!!Call 01865 742211 or see oxfordshire.b4-business.com

intouch crm“Last year I took part in the Great North Run

and decided I wanted a different challenge thisyear. I have never really cycled any great

distances I believe this will be the toughestchallenge yet! I’m actually looking forward togetting stuck into the training and the ride

itself.”

Graham UptonHigh Sherfiff of Oxford

“I've done a lot of long rides including Land'sEnd to John O'Groats, C2C and even Newcastleto Edinburgh but mainly on my own or in verysmall groups and I'm looking forward to ridingwith a big group with fullback up. The routelooks great and should be a brilliant ride.”

Mark Attwood, Gavin Smith and the team Browns Oxford

Craig AstonAston & James

“First, it will be great to raise money for thevery worthy charities we are riding for and sec-

ondly it will be great to ride alongside mybrother and build some good business relation-

ships as well as friendships”

Darren AstonAston & James

“I was impressed with the effort the team putin last year! It really did sound like something I

wanted to be a part of this year. I like a challengeand I am very much looking forward

to it”

Jackie JarvisMarketingco

“I do always what I can to support the cancercharities. My father died of cancer 5 years agoand I feel that it is important to do all we canto help other sufferers. He would be very proud

of our efforts.”

Nigel PursallOrangestripe

“I really enjoyed the camaraderie lastyear. It was superb and looking forward to itagain with some of the 'Paris 12' plus some

new faces. I can’t wait to take part in this ride!there will be the feeling that another large

challenge has been achieved!”

Stuart PalmerBower & Bailey

“I am taking part in the B4 Charity Bike Ride tochallenge myself. It provides a great

opportunity to really get to know my fellowparticipants.My wife’s mother died of cancer

and my parents have luckily both survived can-cer in recent years so this is a chance to do

something positive”

Rupert ReidSecurity Exchange Ltd“No-one who has witnessed Helen and

Douglas House’s work in helping both childrenand their families deal with the last few precious days of their lives can fail to be

moved. I am riding to raise funds so that theycan continue their fantastic work”

James WhiteIntouch CRM

“We have extended the distance this year aswell and so riding 130 miles in 1 day is goingto be a real challenge, but I am up for it.

It will be great to raise money for charity andalso for a personal cause that I am supporting

here in Somerset where I live”

YOU?

THE PARETOLAWRENCE PRINCIPLE:HELPING YOU TO FOCUS ON WHAT REALLY MATTERS IN ORDER TOGET MORE OUT OF YOUR BUSINESS THAN YOU HAVE TO PUT IN.

At Pareto Lawrence, we work with businessowners who have achieved a measure ofsuccess with their business, having attainedgood levels of turnover and profitability. It isoften the case, having invested years in buildingtheir businesses up, that these business ownersquite reasonably expect certain levels of “pay-back” and consequently often take high levelsof remuneration.

Over the past 3 or 4 years, we have been able tohelp a number of relatively small but nonethelessextremely successful businesses to achieve verysubstantial levels of growth and profitability whichwe don’t believe that they would have achievedwithout our assistance. As a direct result of this,over this same period, our Total Planning System™has provided the basis for no less than four featurearticles in Tax Adviser magazine.

What we notice very often is that the close circle ofadvisers who assisted the incorporation and startof a business have been retained as advisers. Thisis despite the fact that in many cases the growthof the business and the increased tax liabilities mayrequire advice that is on a different level. Acting onthe same sort of advice year in year out may allowthe business to survive but not necessarily to thrive.

Business Owners should seek a secondopinion and a fresh perspective

The combination of the burden of the day to dayrunning of a business and the time demands ofattending to the increased complications of dealingwith a business’s financial demands and levels oftaxation, often means that businesses stop growing.As a result, after several years of stagnation, manybusiness owners simply but wrongly accept thatthis is as good as it gets for their type of business.It can all seem like too much hard work for too littlereward.

It is precisely at this critical point of impendingstagnation that business owners should seek a

second opinion and a fresh perspective on whatcan be achieved with their business in order torevitalise it and even more importantly, to providea fresh perspective on what can be in it for them!

One of the problems facing business owners is thatthey obtain advice from a variety of sources, muchof which is ‘well meaning’ but based on limitedknowledge. Far too often, these advisers do nottake into account the vitally important personalfinancial planning aspect (or lack of it) and theimportant longer term personal aspirations andgoals together with the personal values of thebusiness owner. If you stop to think about it, howcan anyone possibly properly motivate a trueentrepreneur without knowing this?

At Pareto Lawrence, we offer a complimentary‘discovery’ meeting to prospective clients and it isduring this initial informal exploratory meeting thatClients make us aware of the details of any existingfinancial arrangements. It is at this point that theyalso often provide us with fundamentally importantinformation relating to their aspirations in terms ofwhat level of personal wealth they want to achievein life – and by when.

Every Client is very different and the leveland nature of the support they require differsaccordingly

During these ‘discovery’ sessions, we often finda substantial disparity between the financialarrangements that they have in place and the typeof financial arrangements they should have in orderto realise their aspirations. Given that there is oftena very large financial gap to make up, it is our roleto find the money or the strategic options that willenable them to get back on track. That we will fulfillour planning role properly is clearly very importantfor the business owners themselves as they willwant to identify and then achieve their full potentialin terms of wealth creation.

After the ‘discovery’ meeting, we will have a good

understanding of how to add value to theirbusiness and personal lives but of course everyClient is very different and the level and nature ofthe support they require differs accordingly.

One example that immediately comes to mind istwo enthusiastic Clients who really were workingfar too hard on their business. So, as well as doingour normal planning for these Clients, we spent agreat deal of time persuading them to delegate andtake a great deal more time off. As a result offollowing our advice, their business has achievedremarkable growth and they have recently had avery attractive offer for their business and a sale hasnow been agreed. Now they can sit back and reallyenjoy the fruits of their labour.

Another example was the Client who, despitehaving a very successful business, had had weakadvisory input and the business was in danger offailing to the point that the business owner waslosing sleep over it. Too many of the ‘advisors’ tothat business only were mindful of their owninterests and even his bank had done him adisservice. However, after a great deal of work overtwo years to reverse the substantial financialdamage done, we are now starting to see somevery positive results. Our Client’s stress level isdown, the business is going from strength tostrength and next year’s profits are looking veryhealthy indeed. All part of the overall financialplanning we put in place, and in a considerablereversal of fortunes, our Client’s wealth creationplan is also healthily back on track.

Clients often retain us to protect the wealththat they have created through thegenerations ahead

Another business we assisted and advised wasprofitable but the profits were divided and therewas an agreement in place relating a large financialsettlement to one of the Directors. Initially, itseemed as if there was no way forward for thisbusiness, but that was until we applied tools and

Getting the full potential out of your business is not easy. The sheer amount of work involved on a dailybasis in order to run a business can seriously limit your vision of the true potential of that business. It canalso prevent you from getting the best out of it. Ray Best talks to B4’s Richard Rosser about the provenvalue of a comprehensive planning approach using the Pareto Lawrence Total Planning System™ for businessgrowth and wealth creation.

B4 ADVICE


creative concepts from our Total Planning System™.This enabled them to avoid or eradicate a numberof financial issues and simultaneously enabledthem to make significant tax savings. We were ableto provide the strategies to pay off and retire oneDirector. This business is now owned 100% by ourClient and with pre-tax profits now up at £400,000,the business is entering into a new phase ofgrowth.

Then there is the Client we first met four years agowho had little spare cash and seven credit cardsand who is very complimentary about our service.We provided his business with a reasonableamount of cash at the inception and provided amore strategic approach to the financial planningof his business and his profits have grown steadily.He has informed us that we have taken (almost all)the financial stress out of running that business,allowing him to focus on his various businesses (hehas several now and is about to achieve a massiveleap forward) and achieve the growth that he has.It would be nice to claim that this was all the resultof our planning but mostly what the application ofour well-proven Total Planning System™ has doneis to allow this business owner to realise his trueentrepreneurial potential.

Of course, it is all very well accumulating wealth butresearch clearly indicates that however wealthy oneis, within three generations, 92% of that wealth willbe dissipated due to the impact of taxation anddivorce or separation. That’s the reason why ofteneven after accumulating wealth, clients often retainPareto Lawrence to protect the wealth that theyhave created through the generations ahead.

For details on how Ray Best’s Total PlanningSystem™ connects all the dots essential todelivering business growth and wealth creation forbusiness owners or to arrange for an initialcomplimentary ‘discovery’ meeting, please contacthim on 0845 241 0207.

Ray is a published author of “Partnership andShareholder Protection” and “Inheritance TaxSimplified” and is a regular contributor to TaxAdviser magazine.

www.paretolawrence.co.uk

“As a result of following our advice, theirbusiness has achieved remarkable growth andthey have recently had avery attractive offer fortheir business and a sale has now been agreed.”


Berkshire born resident, and British motorsport legend Robb Gravett has spenta decade creating what today is the only fully compliant, track based advanceddriver training company in the country.

IF YOU HAVE TO THINK...IT’S TOO LATE

After completing a hugely successfulinternational motor-racing career Robb hasused the experience he gained on track todevelop the most effective driver trainingplatform in existence. Having won over ahundred races and eleven championships in aprofessional career spanning sixteen years Robbfounded Ultimate Car Control in 2001.

Driver Encoded KnowledgeHaving spent more than five years developing andtrialling the programmes that now make up thecompany’s core offering, Robb is confident thatUltimate Car Control is now the emerging leader inits field and is setting new standards in drivertraining and road safety.

From the company’s operational base at the worldfamous Transport Research Laboratory inCrowthorne, Ultimate Car Control runs regularcourses for people of all ages, both genders and alldemographics aimed at improving the driver’sability and saving the lives of people of Berkshireand the rest of the country.

With a fleet of new Volvo and Jaguar cars, Robb andhis team of highly trained professional instructorsdeliver bespoke driver training courses to

individuals and companies at any of twelve sitesacross the country.

Courses available include:DEK – Driver Encoded Knowledge: Superior carcontrol for drivers of high performance motor carsEPD – Excellence in Professional Driving: The mostinnovative educational fleet driver trainingprogramme in existenceDEK Inspiration: The ultimate dynamic drivertraining experience in the countryDX – Drive Xtra: The shape of things to come foryoung and inexperienced drivers

Ultimate Car Control also has a series of specializedcourses focusing on the needs of high profilepeople and their families, for overseas visitors anddiplomats, for chauffeurs and close protectionofficers and will tailor courses to suit the specificneeds of the individual.

Audited accident reduction rates of nearly 50% arejustification that what Robb has created reallyworks! This coupled with reduced insurancepremiums, a reduction in vehicle running and repaircosts means that Ultimate Car Control is having aprofound effect on business in these difficulteconomic times.

B4 BerkshireAs an active B4 member Ultimate Car Control isdelighted to offer its services to our fellow B4colleagues for all their driver training and businesscompliance needs.

A complimentary risk assessment audit for B4members will identify the issues that need to beaddressed by each individual company.

Thereafter Ultimate Car Control will provide a fullservice offering at special discounted rates availableexclusively to B4 members.

ACT on the ACTAre you concerned about your exposure to theCorporate Manslaughter Act? If so act on the acttoday and call Ultimate Car Control for advice.

Robb Gravett and his team are ready to speak toB4 Members about their driver training needs andinvite you to call us for advice and assistance.

Contact us on: 0845 459 1002 or email:[email protected] or visit ourwebsite: www.ultimatecarcontrol.com


B4 SPOTLIGHT

“Ultimate Car Controlis now the emergingleader in its field andis setting new

standards in drivertraining and road

safety”

Mal on Sunday is the perfect way to while away a Sunday afternoon withfamily, friends or the weekend papers, and it’s also great for people withsore heads or those who are allergic to washing up too.

The menu boasts three courses with dishes to suit all tastes for just £19.95per person. Kids under 12 are also invited to join the party for £7.95.

Firstly, diners are invited to start with a tasty selection of hors d’oeuvres fromthe Chef’s Table, which boasts a generous selection of cold meats includingcured hams and salamis, artisan cheese, crackers, chutneys and deliciousterrines. A tasty array of freshly prepared salads are on offer, alongside crustybaked breads and delicious freshly baked pastries.

If you’re craving something to satisfy a sweet tooth, Chef can prepare pancakesor waffles accompanied by your choice of delicious toppings, including freshberries, chocolate sauce, maple syrup or crunchy M&Ms.

A selection of heartwarming mains are up next, including huevos rancheroswith pancetta, black pudding, peas, spicy tomato sauce and eggs served in itsvery own frying pan. Also available is Mal steak frites, wild mushroom risottowith tarragon and mascarpone, grilled swordfish with roasted vegetables, Malburger with bacon, Gruyere and fries, corned beef hash topped with a friedduck egg or salmon and cod fishcake with spinach and herb sauce.

For the more traditional Sunday luncher the menu also features a half roastNormandy chicken or roast prime rib of beef, both served with all thetrimmings.

The decadent desserts, include traditional sticky toffee pudding with pecancaramel sauce, Crêpe Suzette prepared to order by Chef, classic crème brûlée

MAL ONSUNDAYMalmaison Reading has launched the ultimate Sundaybrunch menu, ‘Mal on Sunday’


B4 R&R

with spiced madeleine, artisan cheese, cracker and chutney or the Mal hotchocolate with marshmallows, white chocolate and vanilla ice cream is theperfect treat.

Diners in need of a pick me up can choose from a selection of cocktailsincluding a Chase Marmalade Martini, Maple and Vanilla Bellini, Screwdriver,Hemingway Martini, Tequilla Sunrise, Mimosa, Coco Caipirinha or Virgin MalShirley Temple.

There’s also an extensive Bloody Mary menu with traditional favourites suchas a classic Bloody Mary or for the more adventurous a Bloody Murder withBombay Sapphire Gin, brown vinegar, wasabi and cherry tomatoes.

To make your reservation for Mal on Sunday at Malmaison Reading call084469 30660. Mal on Sunday is available at the hotel from 12pm - 4pm.

Malmaison Reading is located within a Grade 2 listed building, just a few stepsfrom Reading railway station. Its 75 rooms and suites are the perfect place torest your head, whether you’re visiting Reading for business or pleasure.

Each room has the complete set of Mal ingredients including great beds forsleepy heads, moody lighting, en-suite bathrooms with baths, power showersand super fluffy towels and digital TVs. Plus if you’re feeling peckish, each

rooms comes with a fully stocked mini bar including serious wines and naughtynibbles.

Other little luxuries include same-day laundry, exclusive toiletries that you'reencouraged to take with you, 'vroom' 24 hour room service, fast and free Wi-Fi, hairdryers, ironing board and iron and complimentary tea and coffee makingfacilities.

The hotel’s seductive bar serves smooth strong beers, astounding wine anddangerously good cocktails. A cosy brasserie, located on the ground floor,boasts delicious dishes, passionately prepared with ethically produced, locallysource ingredients.

Boutique hotel group Malmaison has 12 perfectly placed properties across theUK, including; Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds,Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford and Reading. It will also belaunching a new 91-room property in Dundee, slated to open Summer 2013.

www.malmaison.com/locations/reading


48 www.b4-business.com

As birds begin to nest and snowdrops poketheir heads through the soil, many of usdecide our own habitats could do withbrightening up too. With this in mind,builders’ merchant Johnsons BuildbaseOxford will launch its 2013 landscapingcatalogues on 1 March 2013, aimed atattracting both the professional tradespersonand the DIY enthusiast.

Named National Builders Merchant of the Year2012, Buildbase is one of the UK’s fastestgrowing builders’ merchants with 130 branchesnationwide. Its flagship Oxford branch was thefirst to open and has its roots in the local firmfounded by the Johnson family more than 120years ago.

One of Oxfordshire’s oldest and most well-known businesses, the company’s five-acre sitein Cowley holds extensive stocks of all theprincipal timber and building materials neededto make the most of our living spaces. Allproducts are backed up with first-class customerservice provided by experienced and helpfulstaff.

Kitchens, bathrooms and tilesSince nothing improves the look – and value –of a property more than a revamped kitchen orbathroom, Johnson’s Buildbase is currentlyrunning a winter sale, which ends on 28February.

There are tempting bathroom offers galore, fromcomplete suites, shower sets and enclosures, toquality bathroom furniture. In addition, the saleincludes accessories such as taps, mirrors andtiles – the important finishing touches that canturn a tired bathroom into a stylish one.

In the kitchen department, selected kitchencarcasses have been reduced, as well as

worktops, hob and oven packs, and wastedisposal units, among other items.

Stumped for design ideas? A wander throughthe extensive kitchen, bathroom and tilesshowrooms at Watlington Road or a talk with aknowledgeable member of staff should inspireyou. The variety of high quality kitchen andbathroom collections on display ranges frommodern to traditional, and can fit most budgets.

“Since the showroom refurbishment wascompleted in time for Christmas 2012,” saysBuildbase Branch Manager, Craig Tarrant, “weare happy and encouraged by customers’responses to our new look. Our comprehensiverange and services cater for all budgets. We arepleased to be able to offer 0% finance and lookforward to the coming year.”

Garden landscapingWith the kitchen and bathroom spruced up andlooking good, it’s time to head outside to givethe garden a make-over. Here again, you are insafe hands. Buildbase prides itself on beingable to supply everything for the garden but theplants – although it does stock topsoil, turf andpre-planted sedum matting.

Attractive landscaping can greatly increase theappeal of the garden and is another way ofadding to the value of property. The Oxfordbranch stocks a wide range of timber and stoneproducts, as well as fixing products, includingsand and gravel, and preservative and cleaningproducts.

Hard landscaping materials available includestone, slate and tile paving, decorativeaggregates, walling, edging, fencing and gates.Timber garden products are another area ofexpertise. If you have a yen for creating a quietcorner in your garden, you’ll find a range of

NEW YEARINSPIRATION ATJOHNSONSBUILDBASEAt this time of year everyone’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts ofhome improvement. After the harshness of winter, this is theseason when people take a long, hard look at their homes andgardens – and find them wanting.

49

decking, arches, arbours, gazebos, pergolas, sheds andgarden furniture to choose from.

Unsure about tackling a job? Buildbase can provideinformation on construction and information, or directyou to a website where you’ll find help. If you are notintending to do the work yourself, branch staff can usetheir local knowledge to put you in touch with contractorsin the area.

As for completing the job, Hirebase, the plant, tools andequipment hire division of Buildbase, offers a widevariety of products to hire on a short or long-term basis.Hirebase can supply hand and power tools andequipment, as well as safety equipment and protectiveclothing. Whether it’s a shovel or a circular saw, aconcrete mixer or a sledgehammer, having the right toolmakes all the difference.

Going greenEnvironmental awareness is high on Buildbase’s agendaand the company has taken a number of greeninitiatives. It is committed to responsible sourcing andwherever possible products are sustainably sourced andethically traded. Most timber products, for example, areobtained from sustainable, well managed forests andwoodlands, and carry FSC and PEFC certification.

Continuing the green theme, Johnsons Buildbase stocksthe latest in rainwater harvesting systems to assistgardeners in coping with unpredictable weatherconditions. 2012 might have been one of the wettest onrecord but who knows what summer 2013 might bring?Wise gardeners are prepared for anything.

In addition, ‘green areas’ in the kitchen, bathroom andtile showrooms display sustainable products to helpconsumers cut their household heating and energy bills.

Long establishedWith a trading history that can be traced back generationsand a current reputation for providing outstandingcustomer service, Johnsons Buildbase is one of the mostrespected companies in the Oxford area, trusted andrelied on by both trade professionals and DIY enthusiastsalike.

Johnsons Buildbase Oxford is in Watlington Road,Cowley, where there is plenty of parking and easy access.

www.buildbase.co.uk

B4 PROPERTY

“Johnsons Buildbase is one of the most

respected companies in the Oxford area,trusted and relied on by both trade

professionals and DIYenthusiasts alike”

For more information about how we can help you, call 07789 711997, email [email protected] or visit www.hr2you.co.uk

Our Services

We will help your business go from strength to strength

and make your Managers feel like Superheroes

Free HR health check worth £200, offer ends

31st March 13

health check Free HR

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B4 diaryEvent Organiser Venues Date Time Event Details

Blackwell’sExamination SchoolsRhodes HouseThe ManorHawkwell House

11th Apr4th Jul12th Sep2nd Oct21st Nov

6.00pm““““

B4 Members & Guests’ Networking Events

Bucks New University, Aylesbury CollegeThe Compleat Angler

25th JunTBCTBC

6.00pmTBCTBC


Oakley Court HotelThe VineyardThe Forbury Hotel

TBC28th Aug17th Oct

6.30pm6.00pm5-8pm


Royal Berkshire Conference Centre

16th Apr 9.00amTVT&D will be exhibiting at ‘The Future of Berkshire Business’ Expo

The Clare Charity Centre, Saunderton

27th Apr 9.00am

‘Barclays Cashflow Challenges Clinic’ in partnership with Buckinghamshire Business First- Aimed at helping small businesses understandthe importance of managing and forecastingcashflow and how to do it successfully. To book please visit: cashflow-challenges-clinic.eventbrite.com

Bucks New University, High Wycombe Campus

27th Apr 11.00am

Undergraduate open day - find out more aboutBucks New University's great range of under-graduate courses. Full details atbucks.ac.uk/opendays

Bucks New University, High Wycombe Campus

1st May 5.00pm

Postgraduate and professional open evening -this event offers a great opportunity to find outabout Bucks New University’s postgraduate andprofessional courses. Full details atbucks.ac.uk/openevenings

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

23rd May 6.30pm

Buckinghamshire Ambassadors EnterpriseAwards - Dedicated to recognising the achievements of companies in Bucks. Honouring leadership, vision, innovation andstrategic accomplishments. To book please visit: buckinghamshire-ambassadors.org

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

O X F O R D S H I R E

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

THE STADIUMTHAT NEVER SLEEPSAs another football season nears its climax this May, Madejski Stadium will continue to host multitude ofevents and activities throughout the summer sporting break.

B4 R&R


Tournaments and events are scheduled to takeplace on the pitch, including a star studdedmusic concert featuring Jessie J and JLS.Madejski Stadium also houses the RoyalBerkshire Conference Centre, with exhibitions,meetings and conferences taking place all yearround, making the Stadium one of the mostversatile facilities in the Thames Valley.

This summer you have the opportunity to takeadvantage of these world class facilities here atMadejski Stadium.

Enter your company for the Royals CupThe first event to take place at the stadium thissummer is the Corporate 6-a-side Tournament, theRoyals Cup, which takes place on takes place onSaturday, May 25th just one week after the climaxto the football season.

As the Reading FC players depart for the summerbreak, the Royals Cup is a great opportunity tograce the turf of Madejski Stadium. You and yourcompany can be part of this great event withbookings now being taken.

The Corporate 6-a-side competition has beenrunning for over 10 years and has cemented itselfas one of the stand-out corporate events of theyear in Reading. The 2012 Royals Cup saw over 30teams from local companies battle it out on thehallowed turf of Madejski Stadium.

This is your chance to showcase your skills in frontof family, friends and colleagues who all get freeentry to the stadium on the day. The Royals Cup isa six-a-side competition with entries of up to eightper squad. For the eighth year running, the price forentry has been held at £590 + VAT per team.

The 2013 Royals Cup Package includes:• The opportunity to play at least four games onthe Madejski Stadium pitch

• A commemorative photograph of your team inthe stadium

• A half page placement in the tournamentprogramme, featuring company details and teamline-up

• A food and drink voucher for each player• Complimentary admission for companycolleagues, friends and family

• Trophy presentation for the winners andrunners-up

To enter your company’s team into the tournamentplease contact: Jake Wood, 0118 968 [email protected]

Play on one of the best surfaces in theThames Valley!

As an alternative to the Royals Cup tournament,Reading FC also takes bookings for the MadejskiStadium pitch and its fantastic facilities throughoutMay and June. Dates are filling fast so if you wantto play on one of the best surfaces the ThamesValley has to offer, get booking now.

Hiring the pitch is a fantastic way to entertain yourclients, reward employees or just have fun with a

group of colleagues.

Madejski Stadium offers your company a uniqueentertaining experience ranging from facility hire tobespoke event organising.

Pitch Hire Options Include:• Play on the hallowed turf in a tournament or full90 minute format

• Access to changing rooms and media facilities• Variety of catering facilities available• Combine a fun football event with conferencing• On-site 4 Star Hotel• Limited hire slots are available for May andJune 2013

To enquire please call Liam Royden on 0118 9681132 or email [email protected]

World Class Conferencing FacilitiesAs well as pitch hire you can also take advantageof the fantastic Royal Berkshire Conference Centre,the largest conference facility in the Thames Valleyhoused within the Madejski Stadium complex.The conference centre, with its 40 Conferencerooms, can cater for any type of event fromconferences of 500 through to one to oneinterviews. The centre's largest room, the PrincessSuite, is ideal for dinner dances and when usingthis room you gain the Windsor Lounge. Thisspacious area overlooks the Millennium MadejskiHotel, and is ideal for drinks receptions.The 201 bedroom Millennium Madejski Hotelwhich is linked to the conference centre, offers 4star deluxe accommodation for residential coursesand boasts two new restaurants; Le Café and thefine dining restaurant, Cilantro. The hotel also hasa gym and a swimming pool, as well as a spa whichoffers relaxing treatments. To contact the RoyalBerkshire Conference Centre, call 0118 968 1333or e-mail [email protected]

There’s plenty going on before the end of theSeason!

Before we know it the 2012/13 football season willbe drawing to a close. With just four matchesremaining at Madejski Stadium prior to the summerrecess, be sure not to miss out on the action whilstenjoying VIP Royals Hospitality.

Hospitality places are selling out fast as local rivalsQueens Park Rangers and Southampton as well asreigning Barclays Premier League ChampionsManchester City travel to Madejski Stadiumbetween now and the end of May. The fixtureagainst Five times European Cup Winners, Liverpoolis totally sold out throughout the Stadium andHospitality.

Reading FC caters for all tastes and budgets withhospitality packages ranging from three-coursemeals to relaxing and informal bar options.

For your chance to watch fantastic football in VIPstyle, call one of our Reading FC Sales Team on0118 968 1010 or e-mail your enquiry [email protected].


Three great days of golf for £50 + Vat per person per round.

Enter a team of two for three separate days of golf for £300 + Vat.

Dates as follows:

Ring Colin Rosser on 01865 742211or email [email protected]

Have you got what it takes to be

Oxfordshire’s leading business golf team?

The 7th Annual B4/MGroup Golf Cup

Three great days of golf for £50 + Vat per person per round.Oxfordshire’s leading business golf team?

Dates as follows:

Enter a T Three g

t days of golf

Dates as follows:

a team of two for great days of golf

f r three separate d f for £50 + Vat pe f for £50 p

th ee separate d days of g r person per roun

r £3 days of golf fo 0 + Vat. nd.

300

Ring C Colin Rosser on 018 65 742211or email c siness.com

Ring Colin Rosser on 01865 742211or email [email protected]

THE BUSINESS OF EDUCATIONI N A S S O C I A T I O N W I T H B 4 M A G A Z I N E

Professional Training is key to future career success

Thames Valley Training & Development

The world’s largest creative media college

SAE Institute Oxford

Brave New World - OCVC leads a fresh approach to education

Oxford & Cherwell Valley College

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

See The Business of Education on line as a separate supplement. Want to feature in

next year’s edition?

Call us now on 0118 317 7183.

THE BUSINESS OF EDUCATIONI N A S S O C I A T I O N W I T H B 4 M A G A Z I N E

74 Reading College

67 Cokethorpe School

62 Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking

58 Intro by Sally Dicketts

68 Bloxham School

64 SAE Institute

59 Intro by David Podger

76 Oxford & Cherwell Valley College

70 Buckinghamshire New University

66 Pegasus Theatre

60 Thames Valley Training & Development

From the producers of B4 Magazine

You don’t need to be an employment expert to know that today’s youngpeople face a very different jobs market than their parents did.

The economic downturn and a shift in employment culture means it isunlikely that people starting out today will enjoy long careers with a singleorganisation.

Just last month the media declared that Britain could be on course for itsthird recession in four years, following news that the economy shrank0.3% in the last three months of 2012.

Youth unemployment is at an all-time high, having exceeded the onemillion mark, and the prospect of a further recession will do little foremployer confidence.

However, whilst there are undoubted challenges, today’s young peoplealso face immense opportunities.

We are living through a time of unprecedented technological change andthis generation is at the cutting edge of a revolution in the way that wecommunicate and engage.

The Government is investing in funding and support for new businessstart-ups, for young people in particular, as a means of stimulatingeconomic growth. For these new business builders, the routes to theircustomers and markets are more direct than ever before thanks to thetechnology at their fingertips.

What these changes require are new approaches to teaching, learning andassessment that help our young people to navigate the challenges andmake the most of the opportunities that surround them.

To thrive in this new landscape our students will need skills of teamwork,resilience, creativity and problem solving. They will need to be adaptableto change and be prepared to collaborate beyond the boundaries oftraditional employment sectors.

As a provider of post-16 education and training we are working locally andnationally to drive educational reform, using entrepreneurial principles tohelp our students succeed in the 21st century workplace.

We are helping students to develop the enterprise-related skills that willgive them the best chance of success, whether they launch out on theirown or go on to work for an SME or big business.

This approach recognises that the learning experience must be rooted incommercial environments that teach real-world skills. Students must havethe opportunity to put what they learn into practice every step of the way,and to take risks in safe environments where they can learn, grow anddevelop.

Partnerships with local employers and business leaders are central tohelping us develop meaningful programmes that go far beyond the simplework experience placements of the past.

Find out more about our approaches on page 22.

Sally Dicketts is Chief Executive and Principal of Oxford & Cherwell ValleyCollege

MAKING THE MOST OF OPPORTUNITY

OXFORD & CHERWELLVALLEY COLLEGE



I am delighted to have taken up the challenge of starting an entirely newtraining and development business for the region, the result of a BucksNew University initiative to provide services to the wider businesscommunity.

Although closely associated with educational institutions and a subsidiaryof Bucks New University, Thames Valley Training & Development has verymuch a commercial focus. We are tasked with engaging with businessesto address some of the skills gaps that exist in the region. One strikingexample of this is that, despite being the national hub for entrepreneurialdevelopment in digital technology, local employers find it difficult to recruitenough ICT technicians. We are helping to fill this gap by offering entrance-level industry ICT certification from HP and Cisco from our state-of-the-artfacilities in High Wycombe.

Similar gaps exist in the provision of training for support staff to theprofessions, most notably the accountancy and legal professions. Inassociation with our partner, Aylesbury College, we are developing coursesfor professional qualifications from bodies such as the Association ofAccounting Technicians (AAT), the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives(CILEx), and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). These will beavailable from September of this year.

A major catalyst for growth in the regional economy is sales expertise –often neglected in vocational training. We are launching an Institute ofSales and Marketing Management Level 3 Certificate in Sales andMarketing this April to develop the skills needed to drive increases inorders.

Thames Valley Training & Development may be new, but it draws upon awealth of experience derived from the excellence of its long-establishedparent, Bucks New University. Because of our close links with theUniversity, we can also provide alternative pathways towards academicawards for those who wish to complement their professional trainingwith University qualifications.

ContactsC: David Podger, [email protected]: Thames Valley Training & Development, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, HP11 2JZT: +44 (0)1494 603060W: www.thamesvallleytraining.com

THAMES VALLEY TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Heading up the organisation is David Podger, atraining and development professional withmore than 20 years’ experience at a senior level.

“We can offer the best of both worlds because wehave the benefits of the University, such as theexcellent facilities and support services, but at thesame time we are an autonomous organisation

with complete independence in the way weoperate and the courses we provide,” he said.

“We work very closely with different professionalbodies to ensure our qualifications are accredited,and all our trainers or instructors come from thecommercial world. They bring real-life workplaceexperience to enable our course participants to

gain the relevant skills they need for theirworking careers.”

“Research shows that across the wider ThamesValley area, there is a requirement for more peopleat support levels, particularly in the IT sector wheregood technicians are in short supply. The entry levelIT qualifications that we offer such as HP ATA or

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING IS KEYTO FUTURE CAREER SUCCESSA wholly owned subsidiary of Bucks New University, Thames Valley Training & Development was officially launchedin mid-2012 and offers a wide variety of IT, business and management courses taught by professionally qualified andaccredited instructors.


Cisco CCNA, make a very good starting point forsomeone to fill those gaps,” he said.

David says the qualifications can also standparticipants in good stead if they want to continuetheir studies. For some, he says, gaining anintroduction to higher education via professionalqualifications can provide a vital stepping-stone toa future degree course, and the company’s uniquelinks with the University mean the team is able tosupport them throughout the process.

For businesses and individuals with specific trainingrequirements, he has this message: “We stand byour strapline, professional training, deliveredprofessionally. Our offering is very muchprofessional, practical training that is designed toimprove performance.”

“The real benefit is that our links with the Universitymean we are here for the long term. Bucks NewUniversity has made a substantial commitment insetting up this business and our ongoingassociation means there are many ways we

can help to equip the region with the skillsand qualifications it needs for sustainedeconomic growth.”

About UsThames Valley Training & Development exists toprovide an alternative vehicle for employers andindividuals to engage in professional development.Our promise is ‘professional training, professionallydelivered’. All our instructors are subject expertswith extensive professional and commercialexperience and relevant training qualifications.

It is a measure of the confidence placed in us byindustry that we are proud to have been selectedas one of the very few organisations globallyto offer the new HP Accredited TechnicalAssociate certification, and the only organisationin the UK to be able to deliver this training to thosefrom outside academia.

Courses are offered in a variety of formats, eitherextensively as part-time evening classes ormore intensively as full-time courses. We also

deliver training in-house at your premises andwould be happy to discuss your trainingrequirements with you.

FacilitiesOn-site training is delivered from the iconicGateway building on the Bucks New UniversityHigh Wycombe campus. Winner of a Royal Instituteof British Architects award, the Gateway buildingcontains a learning resources and technologycentre and boasts state-of-the-art facilities. ICTtraining is delivered in specially designed labs,supported by designated technical staff.

Participants on Thames Valley Training &Development courses have access to theUniversity’s learning resources centre and qualifyfor a discounted membership for the superblyfitted out gym on the ground floor of theGateway building.

Instruction is delivered in comfortable, purpose-designed teaching spaces equipped with the latestlearning technology.


“We work very closelywith different professionalbodies to ensure our qualifications are

accredited, and all ourtrainers or instructors

come from the commercial world.”


SUPPORTING THE EDUCATIONSECTOR IN OXFORDSHIREFrom its world famous university down to itsprimary schools, Oxfordshire has always beenproud of its education system. At Lloyds TSBCommercial Banking, we work hard to ensurewe support this system as much as possible.

With several routes for schools to choose, fromindependent schools to academies, it ismore important than ever that educationalestablishments have the support they needto manage their finances properly.

At Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking, alongside theNational Association of School BusinessManagement (NASBM), we have developed anaccreditation programme to make sure ourEducation Relationship Managers have a thoroughgrounding in the sector.

Martin Warren, who is one of these RelationshipManagers in Oxfordshire, said: “We know that asrunning a school day-to-day is such a demandingjob, it can be a challenge to balance this witheffective financial management. That’s why weaim to become an integral part of a school’ssupport network to help them manage theirmoney properly.

“As part of this, we offer a dedicated educationbank account, which is suitable for both statefunded schools and academies, as well as otherservices such as ParentPay to allow easy, onlinepayments for items such school dinners, field tripsand extra-curricular clubs.”

This is alongside our other services for schools,such as a high interest deposit for any surplusfunds and even the arrangement of cashcollections for you by our authorised securitycompany.

One of the biggest changes that the educationsystem across the country has seen in recent yearsis the introduction of academies. Since theprogramme was introduced in 2000, there are nowover 1.25 million pupils across the UK receiving anacademy education.

In Oxfordshire, ten per cent of primary andsecondary schools have converted to academystatus with more potentially looking to make thechange. This goes to show that while the academyprogramme continues to court controversy, it looksset to feature on the educational landscape foryears to come.

The aspects of school life affected by the changeto academy status are wide reaching. One of the

highest regarded benefits to converting – thefreedom from local authority control – can alsobecome one of the biggest burdens if not properlyresearched and managed.

This highlights the importance of proper budgetaryand financial control for academies. Many chooseto employ a School Business Manager inrecognition of the fact that education professionalsmay need support with the financial responsibilitiesof managing an academy.

Martin Warren added: “It can prove challenging totake budgetary control from the local authority andthis really brings home the importance of a strongfinancial support network.”

Independent schools

At Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking, we also offersupport to the independent schools sector, whichpresents a very different set of opportunities andchallenges to those of state schools.

With independence from Government in terms offinance and governance comes the need for

management and control more akin to that of abusiness. As a result, we have a team ofRelationship Managers who are fully immersed inthe independent schools sector to enable them tohelp achieve their ambitions.

We can work with management teams to providefull banking facilities. Also, as independent schoolsmay have ambitions of growth to help them thrivein such a competitive sector, we can also providefunding packages to help support expansionprojects.

Loans can be secured up to a 25-year term, andthrough the Government-backed Funding forLending scheme schools can benefit from up to aone per cent reduction in the interest rate.

Peter Rogers, who is an independent schoolsspecialist at Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking, said:“Those management teams in charge ofindependent schools are custodians and plan forthe long term success of their school, and we aimto support them in providing the best education forthe next generations.

“We understand that independent schools face allthe challenges of education as well as business, soour Relationship Managers work hard to becomean integral part of their support network to helpthem overcome these hurdles.”

No matter what the status of your school, theOxfordshire-based Lloyds TSB CommercialBanking team is here to help you achieve yourambitions. For more information, please contactPeter Rogers (07836 618 323) or Martin Warren(07921 548 532). Alternatively, you can visitbusinesshelp.lloydstsbbusiness.com/industry-focus/education

Any property given as security which may include your

home, may be repossessed if you do not keep up

repayments on your mortgage or other debts secured

on it.

All lending is subject to a satisfactory credit assessment.

Lloyds TSB Bank plc Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street,

London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales no.

2065. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services

Authority.

“We know that as running a schoolday-to-day is such ademanding job, it can be a challenge to balance this with effective financial

management. That’swhy we aim to

become an integralpart of a school’ssupport network to help them manage their

money properly.”



Your chance to study for a creative media degree – in 2 years!

In schools and the world of Higher Education, SAE Institute Oxford is firmlyestablished as a dominant player when it comes to teaching creative mediatechnologies.

They have gained a global reputation for preparing students to becomeprofessionals, laying the foundation for their chosen career in the creativemedia industries.

SAE’s Littlemore Park facility (33,000 square feet) is not only a state of the artcreative media campus offering bespoke teaching facilities; it is also the worldheadquarters to 55 campuses in 27 countries. HRH the Duke of York acceptedan invitation from SAE Institute to attend the official opening as guest of honourand unveil a plaque declaring their new global headquarters officially open.

The Institute was the first to pioneer a combination of practical hands-ontraining with a solid theoretical grounding creating world-class professionals

specialising in audio production, 3D animation, digital filmmaking, gamesprogramming and web development.

Now, 37 years on, they are the world's largest creative media college andimmensely proud of their fast track 2-year BA/BSc (Hons) degree programmes,validated by Middlesex University.

Such is their standing within the creative media industries; they are able toattract the top industry names to speak at their distinguished guest lectures,sharing their experiences and knowledge with students.

Visit the campus and you will see that support is always on hand; putting theirstudents first and at the very heart of everything they do, providing excellentresources and exceptionally high standards of teaching that include one-to-onetutoring.

oxford.sae.edu

SAE INSTITUTE OXFORD



TRANSFORMING LIVESTHROUGH PERFORMING ARTSMagdalen Road has been home to Pegasus,one of Oxford’s most exciting arts venues forthe past 50 years. Following our major buildingredevelopment in 2010, the iconic coppercladding has housed a modern interior ofworld-class standards with its bar and cafe,theatre space, dance studio, dressing rooms,meeting rooms and workshops.

Fundamental to Pegasus is our belief that youngpeople are our future and we strive to engage,inspire and equip them for their lives ahead. Weare justifiably proud of our national reputation foryouth activities and opportunities. Last year alone,we held over 2,000 workshops and worked withmore than 9,000 young people, 137 artists and 87volunteers.

And at Pegasus, it is about so much more than ‘just’the performance. Throughout their time here,young people find that as their confidence andsocial skills develop, so they discover an aspirationto aim higher in life outside of Pegasus. Weabsolutely believe in empowering the young andnever cease to be impressed at how well they riseto the challenges of the leadership roles andresponsibilities we offer them.

Recently we sent a young representative to theUnited Nations in New York to take part in aninternational presentation of a performance calledthe Gaza Mono-Logues that we had staged here inOxford.

And during MESH, our international festival of youtharts, our Youth Theatre members not only performalongside groups from all over the world but areinvolved on the Planning Committee where theirresponsibilities range from attending meetings, toorganising advertising and PR to fundraising inorder to host the visiting groups.

Pegasus are now in the second year of our excitingCreate for Change project which aims to use thearts as a vehicle for young people to explore globalissues. Working with OXFAM, the Youth Theatre areexamining the topic: ‘Food, Poverty and Justice’ andwill perform in two unique shows and tour localschools, leading workshops and discussion on theissues raised. They are also busy behind the scenesdesigning costumes and sets and will take ontechnical roles for the shows, gaining hands-onexperience of stage-management, lighting andsound.

Through their involvement at Pegasus, the youngacquire a myriad of skills. Not just technical orperformance skills. Not just social and interpersonalskills as they work as part of, or lead, a team. Butmore than all of this, by their engagement in thewhole process of showcasing the performing arts,they are exploring who they are and who they havethe potential to be.

Rosanna, aged 18, has been a member of Pegasusfor 8 years. She has leant technical, leadership andteaching skills and even travelled to France and

Russia with the Youth Theatre Group. She nowworks as a Youth Assistant for the Design andMaking Group, leads sessions and is herselfdelighted now to be ‘playing a part in building theconfidence of other young people.’

Will joined Pegasus’ Youth Theatre Group at 8 yearsof age. He describes how he found an immediatehome and how members of staff quickly became ‘mentors and role models.’ He chose to pursue adegree in theatre, which led to an MA in Theatre atthe University of Exeter. He is now applying for aPHD. Will says ‘Institutions like Pegasus are part ofthe life blood of Great Britain, not just artistically,but socially as well.’

Pegasus would like to warmly thank all thecompanies who have supported us, includingDragon School, Finders Keepers, HMG Law,Henmans Freeth, John Wiley & Sons, Lucy’sProperties, MINI plant Oxford, Oxfam, Oxford BusCompany, Rotary Club Oxford, Roundtable, OxfordBrookes University, Oxford University Press,Torpedo’s and Unipart among many others.

If you would like to find out about the partnershipopportunities that your business could enjoy withPegasus, contact Bel Crewe 01865 812 173 oremail [email protected]

www.pegasustheatre.org.uk


COKETHORPE SCHOOLAbout Cokethorpe SchoolCokethorpe is a thriving and energeticcoeducational day school that offers the full 4 to18 age range with distinct but inter-dependentJunior and Seniors Schools on the same site. Itis a member of HMC, IAPS and The Society ofHeads. Founded in 1957, it is situated in 150acres of inspirational Oxfordshire parkland, twomiles from Witney, ten from Oxford. We operate 22bus routes, which encompass a large area, andover 70% use this service exclusive for Cokethorpepupils. There are a variety of scholarships andawards on offer and means-tested bursaries(financial assistance) are also available.

What are Cokethorpe’s Strengths?We strive for academic excellence without being ahothouse and we encourage our children tochampion their strengths and challenge theirweaknesses in a friendly, supportive and productiveenvironment. There are a lot of families with morethan one child in the school, catering for their sonsand daughters of differing ages. This contributes toour family atmosphere and we are proud of ourreputation for being a happy, stimulating and caringcommunity where children will flourish and excel.

How would you define a Cokethorpe pupil?We look for rounded individuals with enquiringminds who are open to learning with interest andenthusiasm and who achieve in as wide and varieda way as you can possibly imagine. Our pupils areencouraged to test and learn about themselves, todevelop a concern for others and to growintellectually, physically, socially and emotionally.They are purposeful, happy and unpretentious and

we encourage our pupils to understand thatlearning is a lifelong endeavour.

Tell us more about the Junior SchoolThe size of the Junior School is such that there is aperfect balance between being large enough toprovide a lively, diverse and enriching atmospherewith opportunities for trying many different things,sport fixtures, music ensembles and healthyacademic competition, and small enough for anintimate and caring environment where thededicated and enthusiastic staff know the childrenas individuals and there is a distinct sense ofbelonging and wellbeing. The Junior School retainsits distinct character whilst benefiting from beinglinked to the Senior School. Children get to knowolder pupils through shared activities and feel partof a wider community and they gain enormouslyfrom having access to the Senior School facilitiesand the academic and sporting specialist staff.Whilst the independence of the Junior Schoolensures a real sense of progress as children moveinto Year 7, the continuity in education means theywill benefit from knowing many of the Senior staffand the School site.

What about pastoral care?We take seriously the business of looking after ourchildren and value our reputation for outstandingpastoral care. The House system, personal tutoring,year-group specific social and health programmes,and a joint Anglican and Roman Catholicfoundation create a positive support structure. Allfocus on development of the whole person,encourage loyalty and participation, and instil asense of personal responsibility. Having pupils aged

four to 18 on the same site fosters an atmosphereof mutual support, where everyone knowseveryone else and looks out for each other.

What about academic matters?Through a process of target setting and progressreview evenings we aim to challenge our pupils toconsistently produce the very best they can. 2012saw our most successful GCSE and A Levelexamination results to date, with 41% achieving A*-As grades at GCSE and 73% achieving A*-B gradesat A Level. Nearly all students go on to HigherEducation, enrolling on a variety of degrees andfoundation courses, many at Oxbridge and RussellGroup universities.

What kinds of extra-curricular activities are on offer?In addition to the wider curriculum (trips,workshops and visiting lecturers) there are manyclubs and societies that extend the work ofacademic departments and encourage a diversityof interests. An hour at the end of each day andextended Friday lunchtimes are for an extensiverange of over 50 ‘AOB’ activities, from yoga toAmerican Football, and public speaking to Japaneseculture. In addition, a flourishing programme ofmusic, drama, art and sport provide numerousopportunities for pupils to get involved in concerts,performances and competitions of all kinds. Otheractivities include the Duke of Edinburgh’s AwardScheme, Young Enterprise, language exchanges,ski trips, sports tours and cultural trips abroad andthere is a World Challenge expedition to Thailandin the summer of 2013.


BLOXHAM SCHOOLBloxham School has lined up an impressiveteam to jointly present its Annual Careers Fairto its 5th and Lower 6th form pupils at theschool in early March.

Representatives are drawn from the school’salumni, parents past and present and, teachersand governors and will offer advice and specialistknowledge on a rich diversity of future careersincluding Brewing, Design, Engineering, Fashion,Charity Sector, Journalism, ManagementConsultancy, Market Research, Marketing, Mediaand Film, Medicine, Aviation. Police, PublicRelations, Law, Surveying, Teaching (Secondaryand Primary) and Financial Services Industries.

This invaluable fair gives Bloxham pupils thechances to hear directly from local business andindustries the skills that are being sought in the ageof digital media and electronic communications.That the information is often coming from peoplewho one wore the Bloxham blazer makes thewhole experience so much more real and hasbeen appreciated by generations of Bloxhamists.

The Careers Fair complements other career workbeing carried out throughout the senior school.Bloxham is fully committed, for example, to theISCO ‘Inspiring Futures’ programme and‘Futurewise’ which sees pupils receive personalisedcareer guidance and planning following on from

the paper-based Morrisby psychometric profiling.‘Future Focussed’ Training, which involves 1 weekoff timetable at end of L6th develops Leadership,Presentation, Management and CommunicationSkills in an intensive body of work.(www.isco.org.uk)

Further practical business acumen can be pickedup by those who decide to join Bloxham’s ‘YoungEnterprise’ schemes each year. Although theschool’s popular Business Studies departmentspearheads the Young Enterprise Scheme theplaces are by no means limited to those followingthe Business Studies A level course. This schemehas been very successfully run at Bloxham over a


number of years and has seen the Schoolsuccessfully winning awards and even going abroadas one of the UK’s choisen representative teams.The pupils gain hugely from the experiences, fromthe failures as well as the successes. Coming upwith a product concept from scratch and involvingthemselves in the product design ,manufacturingand pricing, marketing and sales processes is asteep learning curve as is the face to face contactwith the general public at one of the many tradefairs where they try to sell their ideas and productsto the unsuspecting shoppers! It makes businesscome alive and provides them with manyimportant lessons for life.

A high percentage of Bloxham pupils will be lookingto extend their education at Universities andColleges post A Level and the options open toyoungsters has never been greater. Clearly thefinancial impositions on students in recent yearshas made choosing the right course and the right

university even more important than ever andworking hand in hand with the other careers adviceis guidance on plotting their way through the verycomplex and ever changing maze of highereducation and career options.

Further inspiration for Bloxham pupils (and theirparents!) will come at the Founderstidecelebrations in May when the guest key-notespeaker will be Melody Hossaini, a contestant inthe 2011 series of ‘The Apprentice’ on BBC TV.Although Melody was ultimately not the one hiredby Sir Alan Sugar she did leave with his accolade ‘awoman of exceptional ability, ringing in her ears.She is now putting those considerable abilities todriving her own Social Enterprise company‘InspirEngage International’. It is her inimitableinspiration and drive that Melody will be deliveringto the Bloxham pupils this year as she offers hersupport in building confident, work-ready andenterprising youngsters.

The life skill set that pupils need to leave formaleducation with has never been more importantthan it is today in a modern and global jobmarketplace. The ability to show flair, flexibility,imagination and to be prepared to go not just theextra mile but the extra 5 miles is key Bloxham isconfident that it will continue to turn out youngmen and women fit for purpose for the world thatawaits them and that they will be a generation thatwill become used to hearing the expression ‘You’reHired!’ as they enter the world of business andenterprise.

(The photo below shows the BloxhamYoungEnterpise Stand at the Cowley trade Fair 2013)

www.bloxhamschool.com

With Professor Ruth Farwell at the helm as Vice Chancellor and ChiefExecutive, the University benefits from strong leadership coupled with adistinct clarity of vision to shape education through addressing the needsof students as well as businesses in Buckinghamshire. By Kelly Stroud.

Buckinghamshire New University earned full university status in 2007, just oneyear after Ruth Farwell left London South Bank University to take up the role atBucks, with an objective of converting it from a university college.

The University currently has around 9,000 students enrolled on a combinationof undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, in addition to work-basedfoundation degrees. Keen to develop those already in employment, Bucks alsooffers a wide variety of professional and short courses.

Bucks New University has achieved success in its short history and hasdeveloped a good reputation for its industry-linked courses. Ruth explains whatattracted her to leave the bright lights of London for a county with a uniqueentrepreneurial spirit that boasts the most start-ups in the UK.

“I was appointed to the position of Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive in 2006with the initial aim of achieving university status, but it was about more thanjust that,” explains Ruth. “The college already offered degrees, the challengewas to provide a vision centered around its strengths and identifying what thosestrengths were in the first place.

“It was important to determine what kind of university we wanted to be. Thereis now a clearly established vision of employer-focused education which hasbeen developed around Bucks’s early culture with its essence still shiningthrough. We operate a friendly and supportive environment for students andstaff.”

Bucks was shortlisted for a 2012 Times Higher Education Leadership andManagement Award for the Estates Team’s role in managing a £62 millioncampus redevelopment programme which has been at the core of Ruth’sstrategy.

“When I first came on board, the University was split between three campuses.The majority of facilities were not fit for purpose. For example, our market-leading courses in the area of music production didn’t provide students withaccess to the equipment they would be expected to use in industry.”

“We debated various estates strategies and eventually took the decision to selloff two sites and to consolidate. We also took on a new site at Uxbridge, whereour nurse education is based, in a strategic decision to strengthen therelationship with NHS London in order to ensure our students are based closerto the hospitals where they undertake placements and will eventually work.”

The University has invested heavily in its centralisation with the consolidationof its previously divided Wellesbourne and Chalfont campuses into a renovatedand expanded High Wycombe campus.

In addition, the Uxbridge campus provides students with healthcare simulationfacilities that are state-of-the-art and enable a much more hands-on learningapproach. These include a full sized ward and a fully-equipped operatingtheatre and recovery room/high dependency unit, which together feature allof the essential clinical learning environments to ensure simulated learningexperiences with the latest interactive manikins are both realistic and accuratefor students and for NHS employees.

Ruth explains: “We invested returns from selling two campuses, borrowedmoney and used reserves, not only in nurse education but across the boardcovering music production and drama performance too. When we have visitors,for example from hospitals to Uxbridge, and from a UKTI delegation fromaround the world to High Wycombe, they’re extremely impressed with ourfacilities.”

The investment has paid off in more ways than one. In September 2012, Bucksbecame one of the largest providers of adult nursing training across Londonfollowing NHS London’s higher education allocations for the next three years.

In addition, the University has gained contracts with NHS South of England toprovide nursing education programmes for the NHS in the Thames Valley.

SHAPING EDUCATIONFOR BUSINESSBuckinghamshire New University in High Wycombe has made a positive impact on the trickyeducational roadmap that students are required to navigate in order to gain and remain inemployment.


These partnerships are going from strength tostrength with Bucks training more than 350 nurseseach year.

The state-of-the-art Gateway building in HighWycombe also boasts a learning resource andtechnology centre, events hall, gym, sports sciencelaboratory, dance, drama, music and videoproduction studios, library and meeting rooms. In2010 the building was the proud winner of a RoyalInstitute of British Architects (RIBA) Award forarchitectural excellence.

Forming alliances to increase visibility Ruth established a clear vision for Bucks NewUniversity from the outset with the full support ofa strong team around her. The aim is to ensureBucks is a leading professional and creativeinfluence, shaping higher education for the benefitof people and employers.

In order to achieve this, Ruth has developed aclever and impactful personal strategy, effectivelyimplemented to strengthen the University’sproposition. This is focused around three areas toensure the University gains increased visibility byforming strategic alliances.

1. The national and higher education sectorRuth is in the middle of her second term as Chairof GuildHE, one of two recognised representativebodies for higher education in the UK. Theorganisation is involved with lobbying to persuadethe Government, politicians and official groups onissues around higher education and also provides

members with an abundance of support throughinformation, networking and events.

Ruth is also on the board of the Higher EducationFunding Council for England (HEFCE), which isresponsible for distributing public money for highereducation to universities and colleges in England,and ensuring it is used to deliver the greatestbenefit to students and the wider public.

2. Educational partnersBucks has strong partnerships with local colleges inthe region to help provide students with an optionto study closer to home. This includes AylesburyCollege, Amersham and Wycombe College, andthe University is also a major partner in the newBuckinghamshire University Technical College(UTC) which is soon to be built in Aylesbury andwill provide 14-19 year olds with the opportunityto take full-time, technically-oriented courses ofstudy specialising in construction and IT.

3. Local businessesThe University is locked into the local businesscommunity and was one of the first investingmembers of Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF).Ruth also sits on the board of the BuckinghamshireThames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership(BTVLEP).

“The BTVLEP is a real success which I believe is dueto the commitment from the outset to ensure wehave an equal number of business people andlocal authority as part of the board. It is a realmeeting of minds and we are genuinely seeing real

successes, for example, our campaign for superfastbroadband,” explains Ruth.

“My aim is to work with the local businesscommunity to identify missing skill sets that we andour educational partners, as providers of education,can help to fulfill by providing businesses withdirect access to students that have developed theskills required to help business prosper. Byidentifying the current employment gaps, we canhelp businesses to plan, grow and evolve.”

“The University is committed to Buckinghamshire’scontribution to economic growth by helpingbusinesses to recruit the right people now. We alsoaim to ensure that in five years time, there are notthe same skills gaps as there are at present. Ouraim at Bucks is to prepare a pipeline of people withthe right kind of skills and attitude.”

Lost in translation It isn’t uncommon to hear employers complain ofrecruitment issues. The terms: ‘good people arehard to find’ or ‘we just can’t find the right person’would have been experienced by most of us in thebusiness community.

Ruth says it is all down to lack of communication:“Through my work with local businesses, I knowthat employers often don’t know where to look forthe right kind of employees. Equally, young peoplewho are trying to get into work are saying they don’tknow what employers want. They read a jobdescription and still ask what the job is about. Thetwo need joining together and that’s how BTVLEPand its educational partners can really help.”


“There isnow a clearly

established vision ofemployer-focused

education”Prof Ruth Farwell

It is no secret that the county has a lowerproportion of 20-29 year olds. Despite its proudclaims to be the most entrepreneurial county in theUK, the profile of a typical start-up is oftensomebody older, perhaps in their 40s, potentiallycoming back to the county or starting a secondcareer.

Ruth champions the need to lower the agedemographic in Buckinghamshire and it can onlybe achieved by providing young people withgreater opportunities that will in turn reflect theneeds of employers:

“The demand from students for courses isn’tnecessarily in the areas where job vacancies exist.An emphasis needs to be placed on gettingmessages to people who are making choices aboutwhat to train for. For example, we know there is arecruitment need for engineers, which recentlyhasn’t been a popular subject for students to take.We therefore need to work on actively selling thoseroles to present them as an attractive career withgreat prospects.”

Through her work with BBF, Ruth is currentlyinvolved in establishing a virtual employers group.The aim is to generate an exchange of informationabout businesses and industry providing peoplewith a useful resource in one place for recruitmentneeds.

Ruth explains: “There are gaps to be filled on bothsides, for job seekers and recruiters. There is so

much emphasis on readying students foremployment but we also need to look at how thatis facilitated. It isn’t just about equipping peoplewith the correct skills, students need to considerbecoming a rounded professional which includesdeveloping important capabilities such asnetworking.

“There is a real chance for prospective employersto take an interest in students at an early stage. Byinvesting in an individual’s education, through partsponsorship or funding, it is possible to ensure thatperson fits with your organisation developing theright business acumen in addition to skills from theoutset.

“Awareness of business now starts in school withstudents opting for business studies. It is importantthat awareness is facilitated early on but with thatcomes additional responsibility of ensuring youngpeople are well-rounded individuals. Students needto be encouraged to engage with higher education,further education or schools in order to contributeto society later on in life.”

The future Bucks New is a leading modern university, drivingprofessional and creative excellence. The coursesoffered are intended to prepare graduates foremployment as well as enhancing professionalcompetence for those already in employment.

Externally, partnerships with employers, publicsector commissioners and other educational

providers, are fundamental to the delivery of theUniversity’s strategy.

The University’s partnership approach keeps Bucksrelevant and up-to-date and ensures students areprepared for the real-life challenges of the 21stcentury workplace.

Ruth concludes: “In year six of my role, I’m hugelypleased with what we have been able to achieve.Everyone at the University has really beensupportive of me since day one.

“Moving forward, we are very clear about what wewant to be. The aim, as it has been since I arrived,is to look after students in addition to links withemployers to provide employer-focused education.We will continuously try to develop this area as itreally does serve the higher educational purposesof today.”

Through Ruth’s forward-thinking attitude, Buckshopes to retain some of the 20-29 year olds thatgraduate each year to seek employment within thecounty.

Equally, with the thriving and prosperous businesscommunity that Buckinghamshire has to offer,those students who fled the nest to studyelsewhere at 18, may even come to realise that lifea little closer to home most definitely has its perks.

Contact: 0800 056 5660 or [email protected] see bucks.ac.uk

Bucks New University is keen to developalliances with businesses across the ThamesValley and would like your input in shapingeducation to suit employer needs.

There is the chance to improve knowledge andexpertise within your business or workplace byoffering training to employees whilst in work, witha range of short courses and continuingprofessional development opportunities on offer.

The University also offers business support services,conferencing facilities, consultancy services,knowledge transfer partnerships, productionservices and recruitment services.

With an ‘open door’ policy, the team is happy todiscuss services for businesses, individualentrepreneurs, public and voluntary sectororganisations.

To find out more about the services and trainingavailable at Bucks New University, please contactthe For Business team on 01494 522 141 ext.4022, or email: [email protected]

If you would like to explore the opportunitiesfor educational partnerships, please contactSally Skea on 01494 605253, or email:[email protected]


PARTNER WITH BUCKS

IN PRINCIPALPrincipal Lesley Donoghue is a big part of theon-going change at Reading College and, havingworked in Further Education for twenty fi veyears, Lesley’s passion and commitment are stillat their maximum today. She recognises what ishappening all around her and knows whatneeds to be done to achieve the excellence thatshe knows Reading College and its students arecapable of.

Lesley has been the Principal at Reading Collegesince its change from Thames Valley University tothe much improved educational facility that it istoday; she has given the present and futurestudents more choice for their chosen careers withcourses that will give a wide range of paths to selectfrom. Implementing courses that range from Level1 to Level 4, the College has opened up new doorsto allow in students from all backgrounds because,as Lesley puts it, “it is a challenge to break that cycleand to move into employment and to get ready foremployment”. Reading College is doing its level bestto help students from disadvantaged familieswhere, historically, qualifi cations are rare andunemployment more frequent, to improve theirquality of life.

The college wants people to ‘get their fi rst foot onthe ladder’ and have helped them do this bydeveloping short programmes that will enable themto work effectively within the college and be able tomove on quickly into employment. As Lesley states‘direction is all and achievement is all’ and these‘short and sharp’ programmes enable them toprogress quicker which is especially useful forpeople who can’t or don’t feel like they could stayin education for a full year.

Education is a key institution necessary for oursociety to grow both in knowledge and awarenessof the expanding opportunities of the world, not justin Reading. There is so much out there for students,whether they are from state school or public schooleducation and Lesley is quite obviously aware ofthat. “Sometimes, further education colleges tendto do their own thing and don’t always take accountof what’s happening around them, but certainly we,in this college, intend to do that and are doing that.”

Lesley continues to build strong links with localbusinesses for work experience and apprenticeshipsto help both staff and students obtain a vitalunderstanding of the skills needed and whatbusinesses want from their employees. ReadingCollege provides students with the training neededto successfully excel, in part, due to these closelinks and the insider knowledge provided fromthe employers.

The joining of Reading College with B4 Magazinehas enabled the college to obtain a strong tie withoutside employers. Aiding students by giving themmore opportunities to thrive within their courses,whether it be Media, Graphic Arts, English or Maths,there are options available for everyone that willgive them something more; if they apply touniversity or go into full time work - whatever paththey choose- having real working-life experience isinvaluable. “The opportunity to work with B4 hasbeen incredible. Giving students a taste of real lifebusiness is invaluable for them. We recently had astudent photograph Sir John Madejski at ReadingFC and others have presented their ideas to B4about design improvements. We are nowwelcoming B4 clients to the College to have

professional photographs taken for the magazineand this is all gold dust for the students andreinforces our links with the business community.”Commented Lesley.

It is hoped that in 2012, Reading College’sUniversity Technical College will be opened as afantastic addition to Reading itself. Reading’s UTChas been recently approved by the Government’sUTC nationwide programme and intends toproduce highly qualifi ed staff for specialised roleswithin cutting edge technological companies.

As tuition fees rise for universities, colleges likeReading College are going to be in more demanddue to the increased opportunities available, suchas the Level 4 courses which provide pre-degreelearning and compliment any further education.

At Reading College there is currently one Level 4Art and Design Foundation course and two more tobe added next year which will be 2 yearprogrammes; one in Business and Enterprise, theother in Childcare which will ‘give students moreopportunities to stretch’ and it can be seen thatReading College is a ‘great stepping stone’ foruniversity. But Lesley has made it clear that ReadingCollege ‘gives the best opportunity of increasingstudent’s life chances’ and that’s what any studentwould want from an educational institution; wherethey feel they have an opportunity to do more, tobe more.

www.reading-college.ac.uk

Reading College students Gloria Arias and Jack Phillips met with their Principal, Lesley Donoghue, to find out moreabout the College’s ethos and future plans. This article was written and designed by Gloria and Jack.



Photography Carolina Soler G

omes

• 1955: Opened as Reading College of Technology

• Later became Reading College and School of Arts and Design

• 2004: became part ofThames Valley University

• 2010: Re-launched as Reading College

• 6000 local learners

• 900 further education courses

• Wide range of Entry Level to Level 5 courses

• Curriculum includes: IT, engineering, hair and beauty, health and social care, construction, accountancy, business, creative arts and media,

catering and A-levels

• Wide range of apprenticeships with local businesses

• Varied higher education programmes

• University Technical College (UTC) specialises in computer science

and engineering

• Industry partners of the UTC include Microsoft, Cisco, Peter Brett Associates, Network Rail and University of Reading

MISSIONTo help local people maximise their talent,knowledge and skills through a stimulatinglearning experience which gives them the edge to compete in Reading’s enterprising

global economy.

“A teacher affects eternity, he can never tell where

his influencestops.”


BRAVE NEW WORLD

Spend any time at Oxfordshire’s largest providerof vocational training and you are likely to beasked to part with some cash.

That’s not because Oxford & Cherwell ValleyCollege is short of funding, but because its studentsare busy developing the business acumen neededto succeed in today’s workplace.

Whether it’s the craftsmen in residence producingbespoke commissions at the prestigious NationalSchool of Furniture, fashion students sellingjewellery and tote bags, or hospitality and cateringstudents promoting the restaurant’s special offers,a commercial approach comes through loud andclear.

Of course it’s not just about making money. Walkinto any learning environment and you are likely tofind students engaged in projects with a real-worldflavour – whether it’s business students pitchingtheir marketing assignment to a Dragons Den-stylepanel of experts or creative media studentsdeveloping the brief for an external filming project.It’s an approach which has already caught theattention of Ofsted, which visited last year as itsought to identify best practice in promotingenterprise-related skills and the entrepreneurialcapabilities of 16 to 19-year-olds.

The focus is also forging closer links with localbusinesses, many of whom came along to thecollege’s first ‘conference season’ last October tofind out how students were being made ready foremployment.

Sally Dicketts, Chief Executive and Principal ofOxford & Cherwell Valley College (OCVC), said: “Intoday’s marketplace it is not enough for studentsto achieve a qualification alone. We need to equipour students with the transferrable skills thatemployers demand and that could also help themto succeed as one of the increasing number of newbusiness start-ups.

“Employment has changed radically in ageneration, and the way that we educate and trainour young people must also adapt so that they canthrive. We want to provide an environment wherestudents can develop real-world skills incommercial environments, where they can takerisks and develop their curiosity and resiliencethrough independent learning.”

The college is working at a local and national levelto promote grassroots enterprise as a member ofthe Gazelle Colleges Group, a cluster of furthereducation colleges using entrepreneurial principlesto drive educational reform. The network hasattracted some big names, including originalDragon’s Den panelist Doug Richard who will speakat OCVC in March. As a founder member ofGazelle, OCVC students also get access to initiativessuch as the Start-Up Britain bus tour, which broughta host of young entrepreneurs and businessadvisers to the Oxford campus last year.

OCVC recognises that to promote an enterprisingculture, it needs to walk the talk. To this end it hasset up its own Community Interest Company,SweetFE, which operates as a social enterprise and

is able to generate income for social good. SweetFEis connecting a group of around 50 ambassadors– drawn from the local business community andfrom the college’s own staff team. Theseambassadors act as mentors for new studentbusinesses (through an incubation scheme) andalso meet to develop ideas that will generateincome or improve ways of working. Among thesuccess stories have been SweetFE Learning, anonline resource where students can have theirwork published, and the Oxford campus car parkingscheme which generated £70,000 in its first year.

Sally said: “We realise that we need to embody thebehaviours and principles that we are helping ourown students to develop. SweetFE has helped usto achieve a cultural shift which is now being feltacross the sector and which is also improving linkswith the local business community.

“In the year ahead we will be further developingour approach by establishing learning companies,which will provide students with employment aswell as a qualification and enable us to build on thework to date.”

If you are a local business and would like to findout more about SweetFE or other ways to getinvolved in the work of Oxford & Cherwell ValleyCollege, contact [email protected].

www.ocvc.ac.uk

An enterprise academy, business incubation scheme and commercial operations led by teams of talented students.It may not sound like your typical further education college, but Oxford & Cherwell Valley College is leading a freshapproach to education that equips young people for success.

09/11/2012 10:46

Phil Strachan


A GREAT TIME TOTALK TURKEY!It happened again! Sad news really – butthe results of research just recentlyconducted and published have indicatedthat over 95% of Business Owners,Entrepreneurs, Marketing Directors andMarketing Managers who commissionBranding, Identity and Graphic Designprojects, ended up with a turkey at theend of last year. Sad news all round -except perhaps for Bernard Matthews!

But it didn’t have to be this way- if only theyhad gone to and worked with Strangebrewfor all their Branding, Identity and GraphicDesign needs. The fact is that despite goodintentions and stout resolutions (plug forGuinness there!) made at the start of theyear, they all just fell into the trap of failingto break with tradition, failing to be differentand therefore ended up just like everyoneelse – headless chickens who had cookedtheir goose, almost certainly heading for areal roasting. Put very simply, they failed tothink brand - not bland!

Bad news all round for all – exceptperhaps for Paxo!

To crown it all, the research very clearlyconcludes that all businesses and brandsbehaving in that manner will never rule theroost. It goes on to note that by choosingto follow the flock and operate on a wingand a prayer, such businesses and brandswill simply be left without a leg to stand on,left to fight for the leftovers and destined toend up totally plucked and well and trulystuffed. Bad news all round for all – exceptperhaps for Paxo!

Without wishing to make a meal of thesefindings and at the same time attemptingto cut through the inevitable gobbledegook,the research makes it very clear that it istime to ruffle some feathers. Some basicfundamental truths, some of which may atfirst seem totally unpalatable, need to be

brought home to roost if businesses andbrands are to have any chance of carvingout a real opportunity for themselves andgetting a decent slice of the action.

The research concludes that business andbrand owners should never duck theirresponsibilities and that they should takegreat care not to kill the goose that laid thegolden egg.

Taking a quick gander at the topline results,it is all too clear that what is sauce for thegoose isn’t necessarily sauce for the ganderand that every business and brand requiresits own individual recipe that is both creativeand original. It is also manifestly clear thatall high-flying business and brand owners

need to understand their businesses andbrands better. They should therefore givefree range to the strategic and creativestrengths of their chosen Branding, Identityand Graphic Design partners rather thansimply relying on growing their businessesand brands organically. They quite simplyneed to think brand - not bland!

Bold, frank insights and a generoushelping of mirth

Finally, the research notes that many thick-skinned and chicken-livered business and

brand owners who fail to keep abreast ofthe latest Branding, Identity and GraphicDesign thinking, might turn tail and takeflight at the very idea of sticking their necksout too far and running fowl of establishedconventions.

The research goes on to say that if theydon’t like the heat, they really should getwell and truly out of the kitchen. Theresearch strongly recommends that theyshould appoint a really good Branding,Identity and Graphic Design partner such asStrangebrew who can make sure that theythink brand - not bland and won’t end upwith a turkey at the end of the year - andwill help add to their festive cheer in 2013with an injection of bold, frank insights anda generous helping of mirth.

If they don’t, it will probably just be toughturkey all round again at the end of 2013.

And the moral of this story is that if youdon’t want to end up with a proverbialturkey at the end of 2013, leave theproduction of turkeys to Bernard Mathewsand leave the stuffing to Paxo. Instead,place your trust in Phil Strachan andStrangebrew for all things Branding, Identityand Graphic Design related – and let himhelp you to dish up success on a plate byhelping you to think brand - not bland.

To make sure that you don’t end up witha turkey at the end of 2013, please callPhil on 07770 753 975 for an initial nocharge meeting to find out how aninjection of Business and Brand Alchemyfrom Strangebrew could really benefityour business or brand this year.

www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

Hot off the press - some topical food for thought and something to chew over in the year ahead toensure that you keep abreast of latest thinking in Branding, Identity and Graphic Design - Phil Strachanof Strangebrew shares his recipe for success with B4’s Richard Rosser.


“The research goeson to say that ifthey don’t likethe heat, they

really should getwell and truly outof the kitchen”

B4 MARKETING

Direct Mail(Email & Post)

Field Sales Activities 37.3% (19)

37.3% (19)

37.3% (19)

21.6% (11)

58.8% (30)

58.8% (30)

70.6% (36)

70.6% (36)

96.1% (49)

96.1% (49)

56.9% (29)

Telemarketing

Events / Roadshows

Networking / Memberships

Company Website

Social Media

Digital

Other (specified)

100 20 30 40 50

Advertising (e.g.Magazine, Radio)

PR (e.g. Editorial,Newsletters)


Company Websites 66.7% (34)

25.5% (13)

17.6% (9)

62.7% (32)

47.1% (24)

39.2% (20)

35.3% (18)

33.3% (17)

43.1% (22)

33.3% (17)

72.5% (37)

Social Media


Direct mail (Email & Post)

Field Sales Activities


Digital

Telemarketing

100 20 30 40

Events / Roadshows

Other (specified)

Emailed Newsletter Link (B4)

18% 12%

70% Telephone Survey

Telephone Call, Email link sent

Networking & Events

The Magazine

Other

Website, Email & Newsletters

Referrals

Workshops & Seminars

4%6%8%

16%

34%

32%


The BriefB4 and Lingo Telemarketing partnered to create a survey of 313 B4 memberswith certain aims in mind, to include;

1. To check that the B4 membership is happy, 2. To find out what other features/ activities they would like from the B4 membership and 3. Within their ownbusinesses, B4 members were asked what sales and marketing activities weremost popular in 2012 and what they will be focusing on in 2013.

The market research campaign took place over several days in late December2012 and early January 2013.

Campaign Outcomes – see Figure 1Of the 313 customer records on the B4 database, 51 scripts were completedin total (16%). Of the 51 completed surveys, 6 (12%) were completed as a result of theonline B4 Newsletter link and 45 (88%) as a result of telemarketing interaction.36 (70%) were completed over the telephone with a telemarketer and 9(18%) were completed online as a result of the telemarketer conversationfollowed by an emailed link to the survey. These figures demonstrate the valueof telemarketing and follow up.

Companies ContactedFrom the 51 companies that completed the survey, a high proportion (39%)of these companies are in the business and professional services industrysector. Business efforts were focused either nationally or internationally for 35%of the companies whilst the remaining companies’ focus was in southerncounties only.

Areas where B4 is most valuedB4 members were asked to rank the major reasons for continuing membershipas either Strongly Agree, Agree, Somewhat Agree and Don’t Agree. Theresponses were as follows:

In more detail, with the focus on networking in 2013, 10 people said theywould like to see a change of format including an increase in networkingevents. Holding networking events in a wider range of local areas was alsorequested by 10 people. Some people asked for introductions at events anda list of attendees, although it is a B4 policy not to give out a list of attendees.

Every respondent agreed, to some degree, that the quality of the magazinewas a reason for their membership – 39% strongly agreeing. 35% of peoplestrongly agreed that the B2B networking opportunities were a reason for theirmembership. However, some members are beginning to complain of a lackof focus in the magazine – what they’d like is more concentration on newcompanies, and more focus on themes, although few suggestions were made.We would like direct examples from our members.

The email newsletter was least valuable, with 23% of people disagreeing thatthis was a reason to continue the membership. It is interesting that one of thecompanies who said that they did not agree that the email newsletter was ofsignificant value to them, did complete the survey via the online newsletter.

B4’s areas for focus are therefore the website, which is being revamped in2013 with some great new features enabling members to communicate witheach other and their staff more easily, and the e-mail Newsletter which is nowbeing sent out each week rather than on an ad hoc basis.

Focus for 2012 – see Figure 3When asked where they had focused their new business activity in 2012, 96%of companies said via their company website and through networking andmemberships. 70% of companies said they used PR (such as editorial andnewsletters) as well as social media.

When asked to rank these activities as 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice, the mostpopular first choice was networking, with 27% of companies putting this activitytop and 19% of companies putting networking as their most popular secondchoice.

It is interesting that telemarketing (21%) came out below direct mail - emailand post - (56%) as an activity focus for 2012 as this survey statistically provesthat telemarketing is significantly more successful than direct mail in achievingresults. In this survey, 88% of the completed surveys were a direct result oftelemarketing activity opposed to 12% from email activity.

Focus for 2013 – see Figure 4When asked which business development activities they plan to focus on in2013, the majority of companies (72%) are focusing on networking andmemberships, followed by company website (66%) and social media (62%).

If you'd like to comment on these findings or provide us with morefeedback on your membership, please contact us on: 01865 742211.

We asked B4 members, Lingo Telemarketing, to hit the phones and ask our B4 members where we were going rightbut, more importantly, where we could make improvements. After all, the only way to keep everyone happy is tokeep moving forwards. Lingo also took the opportunity to ask our members how they would be winning new businessin 2013. With thanks to Su, Penny and Antonia.

IS B4 SPEAKING YOUR LINGO?

q COMPLETE SURVEY BREAKDOWN w AREAS WHERE B4 IS MOST VALUED

Aspect Strongly Agreeor Agree

SomewhatAgree

Don’tAgree

B2B Networking Opportunities 76.5% 17.6% 5.9%

Raises Your Company Profile 82.4% 11.8% 5.9%

Local Business & Community News 70.6% 17.6% 11.8%

Mix of Business Sectors / Industries 76.4% 17.6% 5.9%

Quality Events 76.5% 19.6% 3.9%

Quality Magazine 86.3 13.7% 0%

Website Features 58.8% 27.5% 13.7%

E-Mail Newsletter 49% 27.5% 23.5%

Direct Mail(Email & Post)

Field Sales Activities 37.3% (19)

37.3% (19)

37.3% (19)

21.6% (11)

58.8% (30)

58.8% (30)

70.6% (36)

70.6% (36)

96.1% (49)

96.1% (49)

56.9% (29)

Telemarketing

Events / Roadshows


Company Website

Social Media

Digital

Other (specified)

100 20 30 40 50




Company Websites 66.7% (34)

25.5% (13)

17.6% (9)

62.7% (32)

47.1% (24)

39.2% (20)

35.3% (18)

33.3% (17)

43.1% (22)

33.3% (17)

72.5% (37)

Social Media


Direct mail (Email & Post)

Field Sales Activities


Digital

Telemarketing

100 20 30 40

Events / Roadshows

Other (specified)

Emailed Newsletter Link (B4)

18% 12%

70% Telephone Survey

Telephone Call, Email link sent

Networking & Events

The Magazine

Other

Website, Email & Newsletters

Referrals

Workshops & Seminars

4%6%8%

16%

34%

32%


B4 SPOTLIGHT

e LOOKING BACK ON 2012, WHICH ACTIVITIES DID YOU USE TO GENERATE NEW BUSINESS?

r WHICH BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES DO YOU PLAN TO FOCUS ON IN 2013?

It’s the little touches which make the difference.The clever shaping of the entrance drivecentrepiece hedges into sheep as you drive into The Manor, the hotel’s new signature logo, isingenious and has instantly provided TheManor, formerly Weston Manor Hotel, with anidentity which relaxes its guests and adds atouch of humour.

Overseeing the transformation, Christian Kaberghas a background steeped in qualityestablishments including The Goring, Great Fosters,Le Meridian Piccadilly, London Hilton Park Lane andThe Lanesborough, and he is certainly relishing inhis role at The Manor. “We decided that, as wewere starting with a blank sheet of paper, we wouldgive the hotel a new name and anew identity.Hence, the sheep. The real ones which reside inthe grounds, were to be our signature and we haveused them across everything – our smart newbrochures, menus, dressing gowns, everything –and they have been very well received. With overtwenty four years of experience within hotels,restaurants, contract catering and a privatemembers club, I have managed to create a verybroad knowledge of our industry. I am nowimplementing these skills by turning The Manorinto a luxurious retreat, a haven for the morediscerning guest where service, excellence andquality are taken for granted.”

It’s a project Christian and his team can rightly beproud of. Under the former owners, I was nevershown past the front reception but ever since ourfirst meeting back in September, Christian hasoutlined to me what was to be done to what hasnow been completed and it has been a pleasureto see the overhaul step by step, to see his and thenew owner’s vision come to fruition. Although thereare still changes in the pipeline, the results to dateare stunning.

Prior to checking in, I was to meet Christian and hisExecutive Chef, Tyrone MacConnell, for a meetingabout the 2013 Oxfordshire Restaurant Awardswhich are taking place at The Manor on 1stOctober. We were meeting in the new Snug, theold hotel’s offices, which provide a light and airyspace in which to have private meetings orafternoon tea – we did both! The adjacent morningroom has had a similar makeover, with sumptuousfurnishings and tasteful décor. These aresophisticated spaces which have really elevated theproperty to five star status.

Tina was to meet me later at the hotel so I took theopportunity after the meeting to check in and relaxin our beautifully appointed room. It was a realhome from home room, with everything you mightneed, most importantly an amazingly comfortablebed which became too hard to resist after a long

week – an hour later I was awoken by a knock atthe door after falling into a deep slumber.

Tina was ready so I quickly changed and we madeour way to the bar for a pre dinner drink. A first! Wewere actually early for a review and it gave us timeto enjoy the property and take our time with amuch anticipated drink, my first of 2013! We tookto our high chair seats at the bar of Bertie’s, astunning hotel bar with a spectacular drinks display,rich green walls and dark wooden furniture,adorned by hunting art and fabulous equinesculptures. This was a bar, a real bar and Vito, theattentive Italian bar tender, was on hand with mymedicine and an astonishing mind of informationabout our drinks, his homeland and life generally.It was a wonderful way to start the evening.

Francisco, our attentive maître d’, showed us themenus so we could prolong our stay in our newfavourite bar, so we deliberated over the mouth-watering choices for a good fifteen minutes beforemaking our way to The Baron’s Hall, accompaniedby the hotel’s resident dog, Holly, a beautiful goldenretriever who never left our side in the communalspaces of the hotel but who knew the restaurantwas a no go zone.

Dating back to the 11th century, the Baron’s Hallhas been carefully restored to show its linen fold

Undergoing a major refurbishment, The Manor at Weston-on-the-Green is enjoying not only a facelift but acomplete rejuvenation. Under the expert stewardship of General Manager Christian Kaberg and his morethan able team, the new owners are creating a gem just five miles from Oxford.

YOUR MANOR


B4 WIDER B4

oak-panelling to ensure an unsurpassed diningexperience. Above the Baron’s Hall is the originalMinstrel’s Gallery where private dining parties upto sixteen take place. The five course tasting menuchanges daily, and Tina went for this whilst I chosefrom the full à la carte menu, accompanied by aglass or two of chilled Macon Villages, whilst Tinaplumped for a glass of champagne. Our scallops,pigeon, honey roast duck and beef, plus a fewmore courses for Tina, not to mention the rhubarb

and custard we shared for desert were allpresented immaculately and the tastes werespectacular. We couldn’t find fault in any way andour waiter was attentive throughout, offering anexcellent knowledge of the food we were enjoying.

We were so enchanted with the bar that we madeour way there for an after dinner drink and moreinspirational chit chat with Vito, by now ourfavourite bar tender in the world! But that bed wassoon calling and we said our goodnight’s to Vito,

Francisco and Holly and enjoyed a peaceful night’ssleep and woke to snow on the lawn – a magicalsight!

We showered and returned to The Baron’s Hall forbreakfast, where naughty Danish, egg’s benedictand scrambled eggs and salmon were our choices.Once again, attentive and polite service and a firstclass breakfast to set us up for a day out.

The Manor provided us with a real ten out of tenexperience. Great food, excellent service and awonderful room. If this is part way through therefurbishment, well, we’ll just have to check out thefinished article, won’t we!

http://themanorweston.com

The Manor at Weston-on-the-Green has 28beautifully appointed rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. With only the finest bedlinen, pillows and beds to ensure you havea night of sweet dreams. Enjoy the rangeof luxury bath & body goodies, and wrapup in a fluffy dressing gown.

Settle in and enjoy the view from yourwindows. Help yourself to a glass ofcomplimentary sherry as you unwind. Roomservice is available for a more private evening,or for a relaxing breakfast in bed.

In the grounds of The Manor you will findmuch to please: discover the hidden knotgarden – scene of many secret trysts over theyears. Pick up a mallet and enjoy a game ofcroquet on the lawn. The team of gardenersplant and tend for all seasons. Languidly orenergetically, revel in the heated pool. Enjoy adrink and a snack on one of the beautifullyappointed terraces and watch the sun set overthe fields beyond.

The gardens at The Manor at Weston-on-the-Green are designed to celebrate the changingseasons. Stroll along the scented lavenderwalk in summer, or wander through thewoodlands during autumn and listen to thebirdsong.

Discover the secret Wedding garden, perfectfor a summer celebration. Slip through anopening in the yew hedge and you will findthe heated outdoor swimming pool, whereyou can relax with a drink after your dip.

The south and west facing terraces invite youto linger as the sun sets, and lights the warmstone of the beautiful Manor.

Celebrate the seasons at The Manor atWeston-on-the Green with changing menus toreflect the best in local, seasonal produce. Thekitchen brigade is led by Executive ChefTyrone MacConnell. Take your time to enjoythe fabulous five-course tasting menu in theoak-panelled Baron’s Hall; relax in Bertie’s Barwith a sandwich made with the finestMontgomery cheddar. Soak up the sun on theTopiary Terrace and indulge yourself withfreshly cooked fish and chips, or treat yourloved one to a Champagne afternoon tea inthe elegant Morning Room. The Manor cancater for all your requirements, from breakfastto a midnight snack.

http://themanorweston.com

Visit The Manor for the B4 Event on 2ndOctober - sign up at the B4 website.

“We decided that, as we were starting with a blanksheet of paper, we would give the hotel a newname and anew identity. Hence, the sheep”

MORE ABOUTTHE MANOR


B4TV –7 MINUTE SUCCESSINTERVIEWS

Something new from B4 – the first in a new series of 7 Minute Success Interviews starting with the manbehind the success of one of Oxfordshire’s leading firms of solicitors, Simon McCrum of Darbys. So whyvideo? We talk to B4’s very own presenter and B4 member, Jackie Jarvis, who helped B4 come up with theidea.

“I initially approached B4 about a series of coaching videos, but wesoon realised this would be time consuming, costly and there wouldbe no guarantee that we’d generate the web traffic. Attention spansare becoming shorter and shorter these days, so Richard and I decideto focus on what B4 is good at, delivering good news. We felt that bypackaging an interview into a specific time period, on an interestingsubject, would be the way to go.

“And so the B4 7 Minute Success Interviews were born and we had theopportunity to interview the charismatic Simon McCrum, Managing Partner ofDarbys at the fantastic new Conference Annexe at the Said Business School. It

was the perfect setting, and with the expert skills of Sander Aben and XXXX atShining With Productions we put the first interview together.

“Through the series of B4 7 Minute Success Interviews I aim to get to the heartof what ambitious business owners have actually done to really makesomething great happen in their business. I believe that we can learn a lot fromthose who have overcome challenges, have a real passion for what they doand have taken brave and positive action to make their businesses work well.There are a lot of really interesting, inspiring people in businesses of all typesand sizes who have a story to tell and have implemented strategies that achievepositive results


“I want the B4 Success Interview series to capture the best of what has madea ‘real difference’ when growing a business. We are looking for business

owners who want to share their insights to inspire others. I will help you tocapture this through our relaxed video interviews and you just have to tell us

how you have made it happen!

So if you think you’ve got what it takes to be the star of the show, get in touchwith B4 now. Packages for the B4 Success Interview start at £1,750+VAT andinclude a double page spread in B4 Magazine, use of the video for your ownwebsite and other media and our promotion through B4 on Twitter, e-Newsletter and the magazine. If you want to make your interview part of amore in depth company video, we can arrange for this alongside the SevenMinute Interview so you have the complete package to promote your business.

Call us now on 01865 742211 and if you’d like to see the results of ourinterview with Simon, log on to www.b4-business.com and click on Videoand Photo.

“I believe that we can learn a lot fromthose who have overcome challenges,have a real passion for what they doand have taken brave and positive action to

make their businesses work well”


B4 MARKETING

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DESTINATION BLENHEIM PALACE...A ROLE TO PLAY ON THEGLOBAL STAGE

From high-end weddings with guest lists thatcould often rival most celebrity newspapercolumns, through to James Bond themed teambuilding events, exquisite fine diningexperiences, and a strong British heritage,Blenheim Palace has it all.

But all isn’t enough for the team behind BlenheimPalace who have bigger plans in mind. As Head ofSales, Paul Liczbinski’s challenge is to transform hisvision into reality, enabling surrounding businessesto benefit from the success of Blenheim Palace inaddition to supporting Oxford internationally.

“I joined Blenheim Palace in November 2011 soI’ve had a good 12 months here to put groundroots down, and in that time I’ve built a strong teamwho have proven their experience and capability ofdelivering a busy calendar of high-end and bespokeevents,’ explains Paul Liczbinski.

“Last year, we were very much focused on ourhome market, but Blenheim Palace has a fargreater reach and appeal than that. The Olympicsprovided a strong showcase for the UK as adestination to host events and it is now time forbusinesses to ensure they profit from that success.”

Paul Liczbinski is looking further afield than the UK

with a destination marketing strategy that spansEurope, Middle East and African markets (EMEA). “Our marketing and sales plans include exhibitingat international shows to ensure that BlenheimPalace and Oxford are noticed, pushing us to theforefront of event organiser’s minds. This willinclude taking a stand at IMEX in Frankfurt.

We will also target conference and event organiser’sdefined by sector, for example, oil and gas, banksand insurance companies. We are working closelywith Visit Oxfordshire to ensure the county isshowcased on a global stage.”

International plans for Blenheim Palace go hand-

in-hand with a fruitful partnership Paul Liczbinski isdeveloping with a business a little closer to home. “Oxford Airport share similar ambitions to us andour offerings most definitely complement eachother. The airport has authorisation to fly peoplein from Lagos (Nigeria) and Moscow. People fromhigh-end markets now have the opportunity to flydirect to Oxford presenting a perfect opportunityfor a Blenheim Palace meet and greet.”

According to Nigerian newspaper, Punch, theacquisition of private jets is a luxury trend whichrose by 650 per cent between 2007 and 2012, anindustry worth a sum of $6.5bn in the last fiveyears. With this in mind, Paul Liczbinski continues:

“We would like to provide African events from finedining through to African weddings. I would like todo the same for Russian and Chinese events andweddings and have plans to strengthen ties inthose markets.”

Blenheim Palace is already one of the UK’s mostsought after wedding venues. This enables PaulLiczbinski to present a strong case to hold fourweddings per week, including Thursday andSunday, whilst ensuring that high standards aremaintained with only one wedding held at onetime.

2013 is the year that Blenheim Palace starts to realise its full potential, according to Paul Liczbinski, Headof Sales, as he explains ambitious plans for ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’ to B4 Magazine, writes Kelly Stroud.


B4 WIDER B4

“Last year, we werevery much focused onour home market, butBlenheim Palace hasa far greater reachand appeal than

that”

Conferences that wow

To support its expansion into other markets,Blenheim Palace is about to launch a newmeetings and conference offering. The Palacepresents a choice of seven impressive conferenceand meeting rooms that have recently undergonea facelift.

Blenheim Palace offers a number of conferencepackages and have the staff and capability toprovide bespoke events delivered to an extremelyhigh standard with options available for a widerange of budgets.

The Palace has also recently formed a partnershipwith nearby Heythrop Golf Course, which can nowbe extended to delegates.

Scope for new events

Visitors to Blenheim Palace can already experiencea vast array of events from The Blenheim Triathlonthrough to Sunday Jazz Brunch and there are plansto introduce a series of food entity based eventslater this year with themes such as canapé making,defined champagne tastings and cocktail making,to name a few.

Paul Liczbinski still has ambitions to add more toan already busy calendar: “We are Britain’s GreatestPalace and in terms of event venues in the UK, Iwould place us in the top five for quality, size ofevent and flexibility. We have 2,100 acres andcould easily host a client event for up to 12,000people.”

“The Palace is only just starting to realise its fullpotential and we are now bringing the right peopletogether to ensure it happens. Whether it is awedding, fine dining event or conference, ourevents will always be tailored to suit our clients’individual needs and treated with utmostconfidentiality.

“One thing is for sure, we can absolutely guaranteethat Blenheim Palace has the ‘wow factor’ thatguests will always take away with them,” concludesPaul Liczbinski.

Blenheim Palace is home to the 11th Duke andDuchess of Marlborough, and is the birthplace ofSir Winston Churchill. The Palace was created aWorld Heritage Site in 1987, in recognition of itsarchitectural importance.

Set in over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brownparkland in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds,Blenheim Palace is a world-renowned visitorattraction and a superb venue for weddings,banqueting and conferences. Blenheim Palace is“Britain’s Greatest Palace”.

If you are interested in hosting an event atBlenheim Palace, contact 01993 813874 or [email protected]. To keep up todate with Blenheim Palace news and events, visitwww.blenheimpalace.com


“We are Britain’s Greatest Palace and interms of event venues inthe UK, I would placeus in the top five forquality, size of eventand flexibility”


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Claire Styles talks to B4 about the forthcoming changes at WILA and the excitement surrounding its 20thyear of trading here in the UK.

EXCITING TIMESIn February 1993 Mike Collett joined the thenWILA Leuchten GmbH, Iserlohn, Germany andthe UK operation of WILA Lighting Limited wasformed in September of 1993. The WILAbusiness was started in Mike’s home with somegarden furniture that was used for a desk andchair, a mobile phone and a fax machine andone other member of staff.

WILA moved into its Didcot offices in September1993, before relocating to its current offices inGrove, Wantage 7 years later, and November 2010saw the opening of WILA UK’s manufacturingfacility in Abingdon. Claire explains, "As thebusiness grew in size and success we alwaysretained the family feeling mentality with thepeople we employ, and this now forms part of thecompany culture. She continues “We are a veryclose knit team and believe in and understand ourvalues. Trust, honesty, integrity and respect areessential ingredients to ensuring our continuedsuccess as a profitable business unit. WILA boastsa large company ethos through our means ofrecognition and remuneration. We are proud tohave been accredited with IIP since 1997. This initself is a huge achievement following the dramaticchanges within the standard, the demise of fundingand support networks such as Business Link, andthe fact that we remained accredited as an Investorin People during our own period of change andthrough the MBO process”.

2013 is a BIG year for WILA in the UK for morethan one reason; It is not just the 20th year oftrading, but WILA will also be celebrating the launchof the NEW WILA Vision and Strategy, the NEWarchitecturally led website and the introduction andlaunch of the NEW and exciting alphabet range inthe coming months, whilst maintaining a leanoperation here in the UK.

Claire goes on to say “WILA currently employs 33members of staff across the two sites in the UK andan additional 100+ in Germany”. Claire proudly tellsus that out of the 33 employees, 6 have been withthe company over 10 years, including herself anda further 10 over 5 years. As much as we wouldlike this to be higher we recognise and understandthe changing industry and markets we operate in.

Claire explains that WILA has introducedan Apprenticeship Scheme this year, withapprenticeships available within administration andtechnical Sales support.

The successful individuals will be placed on a twoyear training plan and will work in each departmentfor a 3 month period whilst continuing to improvetheir knowledge and skills further. They will do thatinitially via the NVQ route and if successful they willhave the opportunity to go on to do professionallyrecognised qualifications. In previous years WILAhas supported numerous employees onapprenticeships, NVQ trainee schemes and

professionally recognised qualifications such as CIMMarketing Diplomas, MSc in Light & Lighting,Management & Leadership qualifications and anMBA.

Claire and the management team are passionateabout how all departments at WILA pridethemselves in delivering exceptional service andsupport whether that be from a sales inquiry,quotation, through to an order, productdevelopment, purchasing, assembly, post salessupport if required or an accounts or systemsquery. All departments are cross trained wherepossible to ensure that systems and processes arein place to meet all eventualities.

Claire goes on to say, “Oxfordshire itself has seenmany changes in recent years and although Oxforditself has a large number of people employed inuniversities and the public sector, it also hassignificant jobs in other sectors including publishing,tourism, hospitality and a growing hi-tech sectorfuelled by a highly-qualified workforce. Whetherthose positions be full time permanent, temporaryor part time it is difficult to get a real feel of theemployment statistics”. Claire is confident thatWILA will continue to be strong in a verycompetitive market as the team it has is highlyskilled and talented and is the vital ingredient to itscontinued future success.

www.wila.com


B4 WIDER B4

“Trust, honesty, integrity and respect are essential ingredients to ensuringour continued success as a profitable business unit”

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� 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

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CONTACTS DIRECTORYAdvice..................................................................................................................................................91Business Services....................................................................................................................91Charities & Government Organisations.............................................93Conference, Events & Venues........................................................................................93Event Managment Technology..........................................................................93Education........................................................................................................................................93Finance..............................................................................................................................................93Health & Leisure.......................................................................................................................93Travel........................................................................................................................95

HR..........................................................................................................................................................95IT & Telecommunications.................................................................................................95Marketing & Design...............................................................................................................95Printing.......................................................................................................................95Public Relations...............................................................................................................95Media......................................................................................................................95Property & Building...............................................................................................................95Restaurants & Bars............................................................................................................95Retail....................................................................................................................................................95

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

ADVICE

LEGAL

Pitmans LLP PChristopher AveryManaging Partner0118 958 0224 www.pitmans.com

Field Seymour Parkes APenelope GardenAssociate0118 951 6312www.fsp-law.com

Gardner Leader LLP ADerek RogersManaging Partner01635 508080www.gardner-leader.co.uk

Morgan Cole LLP AMichael StacePartner0118 955 3000www.morgan-cole.com

Rickerbys LLP0118 925 6100www.rickerbysthamesvalley.com

Belinda Knight 0118 900 1712www.belindaknightsolicitor.co.uk

Clifton Ingram LLP 0118 957 3425www.cliftoningram.co.uk

ACCOUNTING

BDO LLP AJulian Frost Lead Partner0118 925 4400www.bdo.uk.com

Grant Thornton AJim RogersAssurance Partner0118 955 9114www.grant-thornton.co.uk

Wilkins Kennedy0118 951 2131www.wilkinskennedy.com

Wilson Partners01628 770 770www.wilson-partners.co.uk

Ardhurst Accountants Limited 0118 925 3286www.ardhurstaccountants.co.uk

Berkshire Accountants Ltd 07794 510499www.berkshireaccountants.com

Chariot Tax Services 0118 986 3738www.chariot-tax-services.co.uk

Pareto Lawrence Ltd0845 241 0207www.paretolawrence.co.uk

BUSINESS ADVICE

Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP0118 959 7222www.crowehorwath.net

The FD Group0118 948 1080www.theFDgroup.co.uk

Parfitt Cresswell01753 271640www.parfittcresswell.com

Strategic Finance Director Limited07967 681774www.strategicfd.co.uk

Thomas International01608 659910www.thomasinternational.net

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

Direct 2 PA AEmma WattsExecutive PA0118 932 6698www.direct2pa.com

The Business Growth Show0121 632 2300www.thebusinessgrowthshow.co.uk

Clinical Professionals0118 959 4990www.clinicalprofessionals.co.uk

Pace Equity Ltd01491 577889www.paceequity.com

id-choices0845 519 6237www.id-choices.co.uk

Agenda for Change01453 731 773www.agendaforchange.net

Bbite07836 205262www.bbite.co.uk

Support Star Limited07739 459469www.mysupportstar.co.uk

JFP Strategic Planning01344 872230www.jfpstrategic-planning.co.uk

BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS

Institute of Directors, Berkshire Branch ABarry LewisChairman, Berkshire Branch0118 942 9608www.iod.com

FSBARichard KnightEast Berkshire Branch Chairman01256 767837 www.fsb.org.uk

Click BerkshireAHarriet SlingoOwner07725 740311www.clickberkshire.co.uk

The Business Wealth Club 01869 278900www.thebusinesswealthclub.com

Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group01753 870500www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk

B4 contacts


Lime Blue Solutions is an independent full service venue finding and event management agency, established in Maidenhead in 2004.

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FLACKWELL FINANCIAL SERVICESSenior Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

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Bracknell Business Club01256 767837

BUSINESS SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT

Archway Business Solutions Ltd 0118 324 0135www.archwaybusiness.com

INSURANCE

Coversure Insurance0800 093 57 80www.coversure.co.uk

Vision Vehicle Solutions Ltd01628 780011www.vision4accidents.com

SECURITY

RISK Management Security Services01494 469189www.riskmanagementsecurity.co.uk

TRANSPORT

EMT Jets Global Aviation 08453 888248www.emtjets.com

CHARITIES & GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS

Berkshire Community Foundation0118 930 3021www.berkshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk

Connect ReadingClare WrightManaging Director0118 959 1236www.connectreading.co.uk

Daisy’s Dream0118 934 2604www.daisysdream.org.uk

Child Matters07788720612www.child-matters.co.uk

CONFERENCE, EVENTS AND VENUES

MalmaisonPPaul WatsonGeneral Manager0118 956 2300www.malmaison.com

Oakley Court HotelPRichard SmithSales Manager01753 609988www.principal-hayley.com/theoakleycourt

The Bird in Hand Country Inn01628 826622www.birdinhand.co.uk

Fredrick’s Hotel, Restaurant & Spa01628 581 000www.fredricks-hotel.co.uk

The Forbury Hotel01189 527 770www.theforburyhotel.co.uk

VENUES

The VineyardPHayden BowlGeneral Manager01635 528770www.the-vineyard.co.uk

EVENT MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY

The Active NetworkABanks HolcombeSenior Manager Emerging Markets0207 313 5744www.activenetwork.com

Lime Blue Solutions01628 780211www.limebluesolutions.com

EDUCATION

Reading CollegePLesley DonoghuePrincipal0118 955 4300www.reading-college.ac.uk

Reading University0118 987 5123www.reading.ac.uk

FINANCE

BANKING

Lloyds TSB CommercialP01442 233261www.lloydstsbbusiness.com

RBS Corporate BankingADonald MacDonaldUK Head of Deposits & Director, Professionals07768 427379www.rbs.co.uk/corporate.ashx

Santander Corporate BankingAPaul RobinsonRelationship Director0118 921 1621www.ukcorporatebanking.com

Coutts ReadingATim McInerney

0118 373 3513www.coutts.com/locations/reading

Barclays Corporate07766 362053www.barclayscorporate.com

Handelsbanken0118 959 5444www.handelsbanken.co.uk/reading

TAX PLANNING

Your Money FriendATed YeatesFounder0208 123 1193 www.yourmoneyfriend.co.uk

HEALTH AND LEISURE

ARTISTIC & CULTURAL

Stanley Spencer Gallery 01628 471885www.stanleyspencer.org.uk

BEAUTY

Electric HairAAlan ShortDirector and Salon Manager0118 957 1010www.electric-hair.com

FITNESS

Berkshire Fitness07825 259612www.berkshirefitness.co.uk

SPORT

Reading FC LimitedPSir John MadejskiChairman0118 968 1100www.readingfc.co.uk

Bearwood Lakes Golf ClubAMartyn NorrisHead of Marketing0118 979 7900www.bearwoodlakes.co.uk

Hennerton Golf Club0118 940 1000www.hennertongolfclub.co.uk

Newbury RacecoursePAmanda EllisConference & Events Business Development Manager01635 40015www.racecoursenewbury.co.uk

Magnolia ParkP01844 239700www.magnoliapark.co.uk

LEISURE ACTIVITES

Team Activity Group0845 130 2248www.tag-events.com

Bedlam Paintball08453 707571www.bedlampaintball.co.uk


B4 contacts

Bulk Deliveries of B4 MagazineWould you like copies of B4 Magazinefor your establishment?

Great for office receptions, hotels andconference venues.

Join Malmaison, The Forbury Hotel, Reading FC, Reading College, The Vineyard, Newbury Racecourse and more

Contact us now on 0118 317 7183

Individual CopiesIf you would just like to receive a copy to youraddress in the main mailing, please send yourfull name, company and postal address to usat [email protected]

Magazine Contact us now on 0118 317 7183or email [email protected]

The Lookout Discovery Centre01344 354400www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/lookout

Nirvana Spa0118 989 7500www.nirvanaspa.co.uk

TRAVEL

Momentum HubAAndrew Riley Chairman0800 0726075xwww.momentumhub.com

Livingstone’s World of Travel Ltd0844 888 8383www.livingstonesworldoftravel.com

HR

HR2YOUPSarah MorrisManaging Director07789 711997www.hr2you.co.uk

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

IT SERVICES

In Touch CRMPJames WhiteManaging Director0800 056 6452www.intouchcrm.co.uk

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Everything EverywherePMike TomlinsonSmall Business Marketing Director07968 107671www.everythingeverywhere.com

MARKETING & DESIGN

ADVERTISING

B4 MagazinePRichard Rosser Managing Director01865 742211www.berkshire.b4-business.com

Focal Point Advertising Solutions 01256 767837www.focal.co.uk

DESIGN

Clever Little Design01628 627853www.cleverlittledesign.co.uk

Blink Design & Print01865 742211www.on-the-blink.com

Voyage Design01189 835510www.voyagedesign.co.uk

MARKETING

Strangebrew Brand AlchemyPPhil StrachanProprietor07770 753975www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

The Social Media CaféAAmanda Hill Founder0844 3305679www.amanda-hill.org.uk

GloooRobin ParkerPartner01865 595707www.glooo.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILM PRODUCTION

Hills & SaundersARichard ShymanskyPhotographer07878 162452www.hillsandsaunders.co.uk

Take One01494 898919www.takeonetv.com

PRINTING

Dartnell UK Ltd 01635 278568www.dartnell.co.uk

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Esplin PRALouise EsplinFreelance PR Consultant01235 850115www.esplinpr.co.uk

Morgan PRANigel MorganFounder0845 00 33 666www.morganpr.co.uk

MEDIA

Reading 107fmPTony GrundyActing MD0118 986 2555www.reading107fm.com

PROPERTY & BUILDING

PROPERTY SERVICES

Haslams Surveyors LLPPConrad HillManaging Partner0118 921 1500www.haslams.co.uk

Synergy Facilities Ltd ALiz MaloneyManaging Director0844 800 2823www.synergy-facilities.co.uk

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SERVICES

Oxford Innovation LtdPJo WillettMarketing and IC Development Director 01865 261400www.oxin-centres.co.uk

Berkshire Centres at:Crowthorne Enterprise Centre01344 751 600www.crowthorne-ec.co.uk

Lily Hill House01344 317 900www.lilyhillhouse.com

Quintons Specialist Commercial PropertyAdvisors01635 551441www.quintons.co.uk

INTERIORS

Amarestone0845 2608070www.amarestone.com

RESTAURANTS & BARS

Browns AGeneral Manager0118 950 3137www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/locations/reading

Island Bar and Restaurant0118 9479530www.islandbar.co.uk

RETAIL

BuildbaseATim FeltonRegional Director South01635 573716www.buildbase.co.uk

The Vintage Affair07855 951825www.thevintageaffair.co.uk

Vintageniewww.vintagenie.com

B4 contacts


B4 is designed by Blink Design & Print e: [email protected] t: 01865 742211

We know how important time is when you are dining with clients or when you simply want a quick, light lunch with friends.

So dine with us until the end of March in our California Bar and enjoy a one course lunch from a selection of dishes paired with one glass of wine in one hour for just £15.

However, if you’re not short of time, we’d love you to stay longer!

Please call 01635 898463 to book

Discover more: www.the-vineyard.co.uk

The Vineyard, Stockcross, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8JU

*Available Monday to Friday between 12pm and 3pm.

Documents

B4 Magazine Berkshire Issue 5