Birmingham Business Post Edition 30

C O N T E N T SThe Bond Company 4Etc. Venues 5Pertemps 6Nicklin LLP 8Dyke Yaxley 9Kennet Equipment Leasing 10Sir Thomas White Loan Charity 11The Media Collective 12Ember Television 14Poppleston Allen 15Documotive 16Park Inn by Radisson 17Paragon Hotel 18Hoar Cross Hotel Spa Resort 19Champneys 20Harvey Nichols 21Blitzworld 22Top Barn Activity Centre 23Swat Force 24The Farmers Boy Inn 25ChaoBaby 26Yo! Sushi 27The Shakespeare Inn 28Deer Park Hall 30Astons Coaches 31Fiat Professional 32DPD UK 34Britannia Goodwins 35Mercedes-Benz 36Lichfield Accident Repair Centre 38Andy Gale MB Services 40Smart Care Repair 41Bullwell Trailer Solutions 42Reynolds of Rushock 43Knights of Stafford (BMW) 44DPE Automotive 46Forward Industrial Products 47Aston University 48Chiltern Railways 49Specialised Building Plastics 50Nick Gray Building Plastics 52Davroy Contracts 53Gould Singleton Architects 54Hanley Trade Frames 57Morris Property 58Crest Nicholson 59Catherdral Group 60Liberty Shop Fitters 63Lyntech Systems 64JMS Solar 67BNK Solar 68Contemporary Garden Rooms 69Progressive 70Apex Supply Chain Technologies 71JB Packaging 72Lawrence Recycling & Waste Management 73Cooper Group UK 74Malvern Instruments 75Beakbane 76Euro Towers 77CD Engineering 78Mako Precision 79Vinci Energies 80SSAB Swedish Steel 81Enterprise Electrical Services 82

Welcome to edition 30 of the BBP, the onlymagazine that showcases the best in businessthroughout the region.

As ever we are talking with decision maker’s right across the business spectrum focusing onwhat sets their companies apart, allowing you the opportunity to really engage with their ethos,and helping you make the right choices for yoursupply chain.

Birmingham Business Post11 Canalside Office Complex,Lowesmoor Wharf,Worcester WR1 2RR

Tel: 08000 807 809Fax: 01905 726 467E: [email protected]: www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

Publisher: PIL (Europe) LimitedPrint & Design: Heron Press UK

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Reproduction in whole or part prohibited withoutpermission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictorialmedia for this publication are sent at owners risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PIL (Europe) Limited or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorialsubmissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope.

DISCLAIMER

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that advertsand articles appear correctly, PIL (Europe) Limited cannotaccept responsibility for any loss or damage causeddirectly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarilythose of its publisher or editor.

Birmingham Business Post

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Birmingham Contents pg:Layout 1 05/12/2011 14:18 Page 1

BUSINESSES who rent office space from The Bond Company

are not just tenants - they’re part of a thriving community.

Charities, design and marketing companies, social enterprises

and non-profit organisations have all taken up residence in The

Bond Company’s city centre five sites, all situated in carefully and

sympathetically restored historic buildings, next to the Grand

Union canal.

Within this urban oasis, all enjoy 24-hour security, tenant and visitor

parking and the opportunity to relax and enjoy a drink or bite to eat

at the friendly on-site Café. Those clients who are only renting one

of the seven flexible conference rooms, suitable for all types of

events and meetings and always in demand, also have access to

the same range of services. It all adds up to a great range of

facilities provided at competitive prices - 10% discounts are also

available to charities - no wonder confidence in the future is high.

“Based on our predicted figures we about to enter our best ever

financial quarter,” reveals Professor Tony Collier, one of The Bond

Company’s three directors.

“We are currently recruiting more staff and upgrading our conference

room facilities with the latest HD plasma screens and laptops.

“We are about to begin a large set of bookings for OCR’s (Oxford

Cambridge and RSA Examinations) autumn training courses and

the rooms remain popular: Birmingham City Council and lots of

well known charities book them, including Cancer Research UK,

Accord Housing, MIND and Shelter.”

It was in 1988 that Tony teamed up with Tim Davies and Peter

Southgate to launch The Bond Company, with the aim of creating

innovative and progressive regeneration within Birmingham. In the

early days, they did everything from driving cranes to carpentry

and glazing but the intervening decades have see the company

grow to the current complex of professionally managed flexible

office spaces for all types of business within beautifully renovated

buildings and with an outside courtyard.

“We began with just two sites and gradually acquired more which

have been carefully renovated to maintain the original character

features while providing suitable office accommodation,”

explains Tony.

“In the past six years we began and developed the conference

facilities, with the latest technology available for presentations and

meetings, and an on-site catering team.”

Now there is also the support of a core team of experts, friendly

professionals lead by Operations Manager Jackie Marwaha, who

works closely with the directors to achieve quality of service on

all sites.

“We all meet regularly to discuss our services, marketing strategies

and team work and are always communicating to ensure we work

together to produce a fantastic service for our clients,” Tony adds.

“We are looking forward to the future knowing that we have

already played a major role in Birmingham's renaissance.”

“We’re eager to make new friends, meet new clients from all

walks of life and work to make an exciting, vibrant contribution to

the region’s future.”

“We aim to continue to create a community of diverse interests

centered on this historic and attractive part of Birmingham,

helping to make the city a great European centre for culture,

creativity and enterprise.”

For further information about The Bond Company,

its services and facilities, visit www.thebondco.net,

telephone 0121 766 7400 or email [email protected].

THE BOND COMPANY, 180 - 182 Fazeley Street, Birmingham, B5 5SETel: 0121 766 7400 Email: [email protected] www.thebondco.net

PLUS: FLEXIBLE, COMPETITIVE OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE TO LET

Our newly expanded facilities provide a comprehensive service forall occasions from busy one day conferences seating 200 with 12separate breakout spaces to small private meetings. Our majorfunction suite Waterside overlooks the Grand Union Canal.

Board MeetingsTraining SessionsInterviews

Networking EventsLectures & SeminarsExhibitions

Fashion ShowsAnnual General MeetingsPrivate Parties

The Waterside

4

4728 1pg advertorial:Liberty 01/12/2011 12:28 Page 4

ETC.venues puts the special in specialist when it comes to

finding the perfect place in which to hold that important

business gathering.

Every one of its 10 venues is created entirely for conferences,

training and meetings - right from carefully designing the spaces to

aid thought and focus and enhancing them with inspiring art, to

providing top quality food aimed at not only satisfying busy

delegates but feeding their brains too. It’s such focus on the more

unseen aspects that make a corporate gathering really memorable -

along with the ample provision of the more usual: high spec AV

equipment and free Wi Fi for example, that means its venues are

sought after by some of the country’s most prestigious professional

services companies.

“Our venues offer a highly professional and very effective working

environment,” says Guy Booth – the Venue Manager of their

Birmingham venue, Maple House. “The overriding benefit is that

there are no distractions or compromises that a delegate might find

at a hotel that is juggling other business streams or types of event –

we focus purely on business events and provide the best possible

environment.”

With most of the top banks, financial services firms, legal practices

and public sector bodies, including the NHS departments, regularly

meeting at an etc venue, it’s no wonder the company is booming. In

four years, it has doubled its centres, from five to 10, including its

first venture outside London – Maple House in Birmingham’s

Corporation Street. Opened three years ago, the 22-room centre,

(with the largest room holding 160), has collected IT Training Venue

of the year, BDRC Gold Standard Award and Silver in The Heart of

England Awards while its chefs were winners at the prestigious

CCE/IACC Chef's Challenge Awards.

Like every etc site, immense thought and consideration has gone

into the surroundings and service to ensure they bring out the best

in visiting delegates, with the overall interior design complemented

by the company’s artistic leanings.

“We’ve been collecting pieces since our first venue opened and we

now have more than 600 pieces including sculpture, DVDs,

installations and wall-mounted art,” reveals Guy

“It helps our venues to be even more inspirational, creating an

atmosphere that generates ideas and discussion. It also influences

our outlook on interior design – we choose items that are not only

functional and expertly designed but are also a bit of an eye opener.

With natural daylight “a must”, colour and light are carefully

considered, Guy says, adding: “Our training rooms are a neutral

backdrop designed to aid focus, but complemented by vibrant

coffee lounges and restaurants, giving a powerful ‘pick me up’

during your breaks.”

Delegates can be sure of more than just a ‘pick me up’ thanks to

etc.venues’ approach to food, designed to not only tingle the

tastebuds but stimulate the ‘little grey cells’ as well.

“Our in – house chefs ensure we go way beyond the ‘curly

sandwich’ approach to venue ‘catering’. And it certainly works when

it comes to bringing in the bread and butter with etc.venues

expanding rapidly despite the difficult market conditions.

“Our specialist offering is well liked by event bookers and the new

venues we are opening receive a huge amount of interest, we are

looking to open more regional venues in Birmingham and other

major cities as well as looking to expand in London too.”

For further information about the facilities at Maple House

telephone 0121 212 8200 or email: [email protected]

For details on Maple House or the London venues in the

etc.venues portfolio go to www.etcvenues.co.uk,

where you can also book on-line.

The best things in life are FREE...

...with 22 meeting and conference rooms and a reputation for the best service in the industry - Maple House is the leading venue in Birmingham. Come and have a free lunch and see you for yourself - just call the team on 0121 212 8200 and quote ‘Business Post’ to book.

FREElunch at Maple House

in life ar sebehT

...FREE re s gnihtts

Maple House

lunch atnch atl

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mingham. Come and in Biry - Maplevice in the industr

ference rooms and a

etc.venues

5

4801 1 pg advertorial:CD Engineering 01/12/2011 12:31 Page 5

Pertemps celebrating 50 golden years in recruitment

As the saying goes from tiny acorns mighty oaks grow and thathas certainly been the case for recruitment company Pertemps.

1961 saw Pertemps founded by Constance Watts. With the fullsupport of her husband Walter (who took out a £500 loan tofinance her dream) and thirteen-year-old son Tim she embarkedon a business that was to become an epic success.

Although Constance had no formal training and knew littleabout recruitment, she had something that proved to be evenmore valuable in business and that was a doggeddetermination to succeed.

Constance opened the first branch of Pertemps from a smalloffice on Temple Street in Birmingham city centre and once upand running there was no stopping her. In the first year thecompany had a turnover of £50,000.

By the summer of 1970 a second office had been opened inWolverhampton, it was at this point that Constance’s son TimWatts got onboard as he offered to run the office on a‘temporary basis’. The rest as they say is history.

The company attributes much of its success to its people andhas grown by taking a positive and proactive stance on lookingafter all of its people whether employees, applicants or clients.The number of awards and accolades the company hasreceived has proved the success of this method of working. Inthe past 12 months alone Pertemps have received the followingtributes:

• Best Company to Work For in the £100 Million plus sector by Recruitment International

• Best Company ‘Star’ Status

• 38th in the Sunday Times top 100 companies

• Named as one of Britain's Top Employers 2011 by the CRF Institute

• Pertemps Scotland awarded Best Service at the GO Awards

• 106th position in the Sunday Times Top Track 250

It’s not only the awards that mark Pertemps out as an excellentcompany but also the fact that at this years company awardsceremony 4 people were presented with gifts for 25 years withthe company and 16 people were recognised for 10 yearsservice.

The ceremony that was held at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena andmarked the launch of the company’s Golden anniversary yearsaw the Midlands branches walking away with many awardsthe Temple Street branch received an award and Birminghamcommercial (located on Bennetts Hill) manager JacquelineBullock was named as the company’s best newcomer.

Another local award winner was Anna McGinty, area managerfor the Birmingham and Worcester industrial arm of thebusiness. Anna was awarded the Connie Watts award; this veryspecial award was inspired by the legacy of the companyfounder. The winner is voted for by colleagues and peers withinthe business and is awarded to the person that people feelalways goes the extra mile. Anna who has worked for Pertempsfor 22 years was a very worthy and deserving winner. Speakingabout the win at the time she said: “I certainly wasn’t expectingto win and it came as a complete shock, I was totallyoverwhelmed and Tim Watts said some very kind words. All inall it was emotional and very special.”

In the past five decades the business, which specialises inindustrial and commercial recruitment has gone from strengthto strength and is now one of the largest independentrecruitment consultancies in Britain boasting over 100 branchesacross 70 towns and cities in the UK.

visit us online www.pertemps.co.uk

BEST COMPANIESTO WORK FOR

2011

Pertemps Peopleare leading the wayPertemps People

are leading the way

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Pertemps are celebrating 50 years in recruitment. That’s 50 years of matching the right people to the right jobs.

In 1961 we started from a branch in Birmingham and have become one of the largest independent recruitment consultancies in the UK. We have achieved this by making sure we know our business inside out whether in the commercial & secretarial, industrial & technical or professional & skilled sectors.

Our Birmingham, Redditch and Worcester branches work with a range of clients across the Midlands from major organisations to small businesses. Whether you are looking for temporary staff to help you through the busy Christmas and New Year period or somebody for a permanent role our experienced and knowledgeable teams will be able to help.

FOR INDUSTRIAL ROLES CONTACT: Birmingham 0121 233 2222, Redditch 01527 68585 or Worcester 01905 611555.

FOR COMMERCIAL ROLES CONTACT: The Bennetts Hill branch who will be happy to help on 0121 643 5000.

7

4916 2pg advertorial:HorseWorld 01/12/2011 12:35 Page 7

Helping SMEs obtain valuable business finance

For many smaller firms, it is becoming increasingly diffi-cult to obtain funding from their bank as lending rules become stricter.

However, while bank loans or overdraft facilities may be the first op-tions that many people think of, there are other methods of obtainingthe valuable funding needed to help take a business forward.

Having served the West Midlands region for the last 80 years,Halesowen-based Nicklin LLP is taking positive action to helpother companies enjoy similar longevity by assisting them in ac-cessing valuable business finance.

Nicklin Business Finance Ltd, a subsidiary company of Nicklins,specialises in finding new avenues of funding for businessclients which may have been overlooked, or which the clientmay not even be aware of.

While many banks are increasingly reluctant to lend to SMEs,Nicklin Business Finance has access to a number of new fun-ders who are genuinely enthusiastic about lending to busi-nesses.

Recognising that business owners already have enough red tapeto deal with on a day-to-day basis, Nicklin Business Finance isdesigned to make the whole process as simple and as straight-forward as possible with the focus firmly on finding the best pos-sible solution for SMEs in need of funding.

For a start, businesses can retain their current banking facilities,avoiding the complications which can come with switchingbanks. Unsecured loans of between £10,000 and £100,000 areavailable with VERY competitive interest rates starting from just6.4% AER and no early repayment charges. Crucially, loans canbe used for any business purpose, such as working capital orasset purchase.

Minimal information is required and the whole process can takeas little as five working days from start to finish, depending oncircumstances.

Harvey Owen, managing partner at Nicklins, said: “We know fromspeaking to our SME clients that it is getting harder and harder to ac-cess funding via more traditional methods such as banks.

“However, what many business owners do not realise is thatthere are other methods available. At Nicklin Business Finance,we specialise in finding alternative sources of funding for ourclients, whether this is through lenders or grants.

“We offer our clients independent, impartial and confidential ad-vice on their business finance requirements, dealing with lendersand funders on their behalf.

“Valuable funding is out there waiting – our aim is to ensure ithelps the businesses that need it the most.”

Nicklin Business Finance is offering a free initial meeting with en-trepreneurs and business owners to discuss new funding alter-natives and any other financial requirements they may have.

Further information is available by telephoning Steve Harris on 0121 550 9916

or emailing [email protected]

Church Court, Stourbridge Road, Halesowen B63 3TTe-mail: [email protected] | t: 0121 550 9916 | f: 0121 550 9390

icklinNBusiness Advisers

Nicklin, giving you the whole-life service...

SMALL ACCOUNTANCY FIRMOF THE YEARAWARD 2010

icklinNBusiness Advisers

Harvey Owens Managing Partner

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4686 1pg:Layout 1 01/12/2011 12:46 Page 8

A SHROPSHIRE accountancy firm is heading stateside ina bid to attract new business overseas.

Dyke Yaxley Chartered Accountants, has launched a new officein Cleveland, Ohio, and Rob Whittall - one of the company'sconsultants - will split his time between the UK and the USA.

The official launch follows five years of research and businessnetworking during which Rob developed a portfolio of corporateand individual clients in need of both UK and/or USA tax or accounting advice.

"Many of the corporate clients are UK companies who arelooking to expand into the US, and during my time here I workwith their team to help translate the way the US tax andaccountancy systems are run,” he says.

"This means companies don't have to give up their existingaccountancy support here at home, as I can work with theirrepresentatives and help them manage the transition as theytake their first steps overseas."

Rob also works with UK residents who are moving to the USAas they often need to complete tax returns in both countries.

"We also work with US residents who live here as they arealways required to file a US tax return, no matter where they areliving in the world,” he adds.

"As the UK and US have different tax year ends, we have towork with both systems to try to minimise the amount of taxpeople have to pay and maximise their ability to use foreign tax credits."

The launch of the US office is the latest installment in thedevelopment of the award-winning Dyke Yaxley, based in OldPotts Way, Shrewsbury. With a team of more than 90 staff,including nine directors, the company is able to assist more than3,500 clients, all of whom benefit from its wide range of servicesand expertise.

The high quality of service is underlined by the range ofaccreditations and awards it holds: It is an accredited Investor inExcellence and was Midlands Excellence Medium Sized Firm ofthe Year for 2008/09. It has also won the Customer ServiceAward at the 2010 Shropshire Business Awards

Managing director Helen Thomas says: “Our reputation is builton quality, integrity and trust for all the services we provide andthe relationships we have with clients, stakeholders andsuppliers are crucial to our success.

“We ensure that our people know their role in deliveringexceptional client service and are trained to the higheststandards of technical expertise and client care.

“We're delighted that our US office is now officially established,and very grateful for Rob's commitment and hard work indeveloping a firm footing for this new service.

"It's a new business area for us and we're looking forward tobuilding even stronger links with businesses in the UK and theUSA who want effective and professional advice that will makeall the difference."

For more information about Dyke Yaxley, please visit www.dykeyaxley.co.uk.

To make an enquiry, telephone 01743 241281 or email [email protected].

We’ve got the Atlantic coveredOur USA office is now open. Bridging the gap for companies andindividuals trading transatlantic:

Dyke Yaxley, Chartered Accountants,1 Brassey Road, Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury SY3 7FAT: 01743 241281 F: 01743 235794 E: [email protected]: www.dykeyaxley.co.uk

Dyke Yaxley LLC, Certified Public AccountantsPO Box 1805, Mentor, OH 44061–1805T: +1 216 470 5633 E: [email protected]: www.dykeyaxley.com

United States tax and accountancy advice

Business advice for UK companies expanding into the United States

Tax returns for UK residents relocating to the United States

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AS the economic storms continue to batter business, onecompany is providing a safe and sound financial solutionto help you ride the monetary turmoil.

More and more SMEs are turning to Kennet Equipment LeasingLtd, a finance broker based in Coleshill. Kennet are becomingso sought-after for their business finance that their alreadyimpressive results have seen a 44% increase over the last 6months, as it arranges vital equipment leasing for more andmore UK companies.

Now Kennet is busy recruiting more staff to cope with theincreased demand. With a raft of exciting new contracts under itsbelt and some of the biggest names on their books for financedeals, they are fast becoming a major force in SME finance.

And with awards on the shelf - the company was namedOutstanding Introducer by ING from 2008 through to 2010 - there’s every good reason for businesses to benefit from its’ services.

Explains Chairman Steve Swift: “Leasing through Kennet is theway forward for any business, whether they have cash in thebank or not.

“As a result of the recent banking crisis, a lot of financiallenders are required to keep more in “reserve”. This makes itincreasingly difficult for SMEs to borrow money and purchasenew or used equipment, as there is an increasing reluctance forbanks to lend.

“This has affected small and medium businesses the most.Despite the economic downturn, many businesses are lookingto ride out the economic storm or may just need to invest inorder to survive.

“This is where Kennet Equipment Leasing is becoming vital tolong-term sustainability. With equipment leasing, security islevied on the equipment itself, so business property is not atrisk. Couple this with easy budgeting and regular payments that won’t alter throughout the term of the lease – even ifinterest rates change – and you have the perfect solution tobusiness finance.”

There are also tax advantages to leasing, and by using anindependent finance broker such as Kennet to acquireequipment, you also protect any credit facilities you have withyour current bank.

This is how it works. You choose the best equipment for yourbusiness requirements and Kennet will help to arrange finance.

Not only does this mean that the buying process is trouble-free,but the equipment supplier receives 100% of the invoice valueonly after satisfactory delivery and installation.

“We work with some of the UK’s largest funders, and haveaccess to more than 20 companies through whom we canarrange leasing finance, depending on your needs andcircumstances,” says Steve.

“Finance can be arranged for a wide range of businessequipment, and our customers range from large PLC’s to soletraders.

“Even if a company does not have cash reserves to buyequipment and invest - or is reluctant to use this money in caseit is needed for something else - leasing provides an affordableand manageable way of moving forward.”

“All Kennet staff are highly competent, well trained, professionalpeople who pride themselves on the service they provide andlook forward to working with you to find the solution to yourbusiness finance requirements.”

For further information visit www.kennet-leasing.co.uk

telephone 01675 469200or email [email protected]

The benefits of leasing100% Tax Efficient

All payments qualify for up to 100% tax relief, which can dramatically reduce costs, in most cases by around 21%.

Improved CashflowKeep cash in your bank.

Unsecured BorrowingThe equipment that is being leased is the only security

that is generally necessary.

Spread VATVAT is spread in equal chunks across the agreement

(rather than payable up front)minimising cash-flow disruption.

KENNET EQUIPMENT LEASING 20th Anniversary

10


telephone Barbara on 0116 2046620www.stwcharity.co.uk

THE SIR THOMAS WHITELOAN CHARITY

INTEREST FREE BUSINESS &EDUCATION LOANS

(EST.1542)

FROM software developers to importers, from florists to

film makers - the Sir Thomas White Loan Charity is

changing lives and boosting the local economy by backing

young entrepreneurs.

In these recessionary times, when banks are more cautious than

ever about offering loans to start-up business, the Leicester charity

is providing a lifeline to those needing that vital injection of cash to

send them on their way. It’s an Equal Opportunities organisation,

providing loans of up to £12,000, interest free for nine years, to

eligible candidates aged between 18 and 35 and also offers post

graduate interest free education loans of up to £5,000. Yet its key

focus is on helping young businesses, not just start-ups but those

under three years old too - which can’t get funding elsewhere.

Already it has helped thousands

over the centuries - yes

centuries. The charity was

founded in 1542 by one of the

City’s most generous

benefactors. Last year it

approved 27 loans but its 18

volunteer trustees are eager to

help scores more and want to

hear from as many enterprising

locals as possible.

Those for whom it has already

provided a vital stepping stone

include a hairdresser who now

has four salons throughout the

area and a recruitment agency

with a current £500,000

turnover. One of its biggest

successes is retailing giant

Currys - it started life as a small

bicycle shop, backed by a loan

from the charity. One of the more unusual schemes was for a

franchise to provide an office water system that draws the liquid

from the air while another involved helping fund equipment for an

applicant who wanted to offer a tree felling service and use the

wood to make furniture.

“There’s a great variety of schemes that come through, some

of which are quite imaginative,” smiles Barbara Amos, Clerk to

the trustees.

“Another we had was from a woman who is providing made-to-

measure wedding dresses for the Indian community who like to

have English-type wedding dresses for the English part of the

ceremony. I’m always impressed and sometimes amazed with

the ideas they come up with. Occasionally, a business plan isn’t

everything it should be and I think the applicant will be refused,

but they come and are so intelligent, so enthusiastic and really

seem to have a feel for the type of business they want to go

into, you can’t but help give them the chance.”

What’s more, Barbara points out, the trustees are all very

friendly - there’s no scary Dragon’s Den-type scenario here.

To be eligible to apply for a loan you must be within the age

requirement and:

> either resident in Leicestershire or Rutland and/or currently

starting/ operating a business based in Leicestershire or Rutland;

> have a net annual business income of less than £25,000 per

annum, after tax and drawings;

> have business assets of less than £25,000;

> be able to personally demonstrate that the business has the

potential to succeed;

> be able to demonstrate that you have a real need for the loan and

that the project would not proceed without assistance from the

charity; meaning you can demonstrate insufficient personal funds or

credit status to secure the funds required from elsewhere.

To apply for a loan or for further information,

telephone Barbara on 0116 2046620

or visit www.stwcharity.co.uk.

Sir Thomas White

11

4799 1pg advertorial.qxd:Reynolds 01/12/2011 13:02 Page 11

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SCHOOL’S never out for the forward thinkers at The

Media Collective - they’re always happy to go back to the

classroom and are warmly welcomed when they do.

With its ability to offer a whole host of solutions under one roof,

the West Midlands design agency and production workshop is

used to coming top of the form with its numerous clients in the

education sector who don’t want the hassle of going to lots of

different suppliers.

“Many of our schools projects may start with providing a

solution in just one area such as updating signage, but once

they discover all that we can do and all that we have done for

many other schools then they see the benefit of keeping

everything together,” explains managing director Matt Wattis.

“They are realising that their image and

values are important and need to be

managed better and we have now built

up a solid reputation as a great partner

for many in the area.”

Based at The Piggeries, on Southfields

Farm in Packington Lane, Coleshill, and

with another office in Northern Ireland,

The Media Collective incorporates

designers and project managers, freelance designers, problem

solvers, artists, producers, directors, printers and more.

Offering relevant media design solutions across a variety of

mediums including web and video, a large part is print based,

ranging from stationery, leaflets and brochures, to signage and

exhibition displays.

Projects can start from the conceptualisation of a logo

through to the whole presentation of the brand, its products

and its values with customers varying from small start-ups to

large corporations.

The company is particularly proud of its digital print department

which can produce high quality large format print,

signage/displays, including outdoor and architectural signage,

POS displays, exhibition displays, banners, vehicle livery etc.

Alongside production, The Media Collective can make the

design phase a reality through its installation service, provided

by its dedicated production staff and use of professional fitters.

“We are able to offer our customers many solutions under one

roof,” emphasises Matt. “Design and print for the education

sectors is a big part of what we do, helping schools manage all

their promotional needs.

12

4527:Media 01/12/2011 13:16 Page 12

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3 Princes Drive Industrial Estate, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2FD01926 515010

[email protected]

1996 Forest Stewardship Council A.C.

By buying products withthe FSC label you aresupporting the growth ofresponsible forestmanagement worldwide

PEFC/16-33-439

celebrating 20 years ofinnovative, creative print

Litho• All Heidelberg presseswith CIP3 colour control

• Working 24 hours Monday - Friday

• Producing corporate brochures,folders, leaflets & flyers,

newsletters, magazines, manuals, marketing material and

business stationery

Digital• HP Indigo press

achieving great colour range

• High quality, similar to litho

• Ideal for short runs - anything from 10 to 500

• Producing business cards, letterheads,leaflets, posters and newsletters

Centreprint UK Limited are proud to be associated with

“Our huge experience with many different schools is a real

asset and we believe that we know what they need and how

we can make their budgets go that bit further.

“All of our staff are CRB checked to give schools piece of mind

for when we have to work on site.”

That high regard in which The Media Collective is held is

demonstrated by a lengthly list of educational clients, which

includes Coleshill School, Caludon Castle School, Coventry,

Ash Green School, Bedworth and Grace Academy, which runs

three schools across the Midlands.

Good relationships also abound in its private sector portfolio,

with clients such as IM Group Ltd, Baxi Group Ltd and Premier

Guns, enjoying the close personal contact with the team.

“Encompassing everything is a desire to care for our client and

help them find the best solutions in the most cost-effective

way,” emphasises Matt.

“We have seen, especially in the education sector, companies

miss-sell and provide inappropriate solutions with no eye on

building relationships. Some people don’t look beyond the job

in hand. We try and offer our customers a service that is above

and beyond.”

For further information on the company and its

products, visit www.mediacollective.co.uk,

www.theprintingroom.co.uk, www.printhandbook.co.uk,

telephone 01675 463918 or email

[email protected]

13

4527:Media 01/12/2011 13:16 Page 13

AS the importance of online video grows as a formidablemarketing tool, Birmingham’s Ember Television is wellplaced to harness that power.

One of the main video production companies in Britain’s SecondCity, the last year has seen demand for its expertise soar, with morethan half of its output devoted to creating footage for online ratherthan TV broadcast. Managing director Catherine Allen attributes theincrease to changing attitudes to the internet and online marketingplus the blanket availability of fast download speeds.

“A website used to be something extra, now it’s a necessity,” shesays. “It’s the same with online video because it’s all part of the digitalmedia landscape which is becoming an essential marketing tool.

A Yahoo! study in May showed that advertiser recall andremembrance of the brand correlated with how professional avideo appeared. Viewers also considered professional-look filmsto be more personal to them. Further research has shown thatplay rates, time spent watching and number of videos viewedactually double when recommended from Twitter or Facebook.

“That’s why Ember uses social media to distribute the video, aswell as producing the video itself,” Catherine says.

Based in Digbeth, the company produces high-quality video fortelevision and online platforms, backed by a combination of 20years of Sky and ITV broadcasting experience.

Its executive director is Robin Powell, the business reporter forSky News who has previously reported for ITV News and Sportand who brings his skills and experience to presenting many ofEmber’s productions.

“We have a fresh and cutting-edge approach to the onlineenvironment and video in general, believing in fundamentallyshowing rather than telling. We aim to make our videos asengaging as possible while offering a fun, friendly andprofessional service.” says Catherine.

The skill is not just in the creation, however. The Ember teambrings its expertise to bear on distribution too, somethingCatherine acknowledges, is quite an art.

“Videos can get buried and be hard to find,” she says. “We usethem as a way of pulling people into a website from other partsof the internet and really target the audience.”

Now it’s preparing for the October launch of The Ember Formula, away of calculating a clear return on investment that an online videogains a client, by assessing which part of the buying cycle the videois best placed, and combining it with a focused distribution strategy,to ensure it is watched by and engages with the target market.

It’s that detailed, focused approach that has already gained Embersome prestigious customers, including Siemens,Trinity Mirror, Toyota,The Independent, The Church of England, Birmingham City Council,Warwick University, the London School of Economics, the Universityof Nottingham, Staffordshire Police and Investment Week Magazine.

But not everyone is as used to appearing on camera as Robin is- for many the prospect is quite daunting - but Ember isdedicated to ensuring the process is easy and fun.

“We use the people in the company who are the mostcomfortable,” says Catherine.

“It may seem like a big step but we media train them so that theyfeel at ease and Robin brings across his Sky News expertise.Nothing goes on camera that they’re not relaxed about.”

To find out more about Ember Television and its services, visit www.embertelevision.co.uk.

To make an enquiry, email [email protected] telephone 0121 771 3382.

Launch of Ember Television (L-R) executive directorRobin Powell, managing director Catherine Allen

and creative director Pesala Bandara.

14

4555 1pg.qxd:Layout 1 01/12/2011 13:41 Page 14

Poppleston Allen is the leading licensing practice in the UK,serving the niche market of licensing and gaming, aboutique firm concentrating purely on their specialist area.

The company was founded by Jeremy Allen and SusannaPoppleston in 1994.

Sadly the firm lost their senior partner, Jeremy Allen, earlier thisyear, however, the news that Poppleston Allen are top rated inthe latest Legal 500 shows that the firm is moving forward in amanner which is in keeping with his legacy; described as being'head and shoulders above other firms for licensing work,’ theywere delighted when the latest issue of The Legal 500 reachedtheir London and Nottingham offices. All six partners in the firmwere recommended within The Legal 500 United Kingdom2011 edition, more than any other licensing firm in the country.

The entry read, “Within Licensing, Poppleston Allen is a first tierfirm, head and shoulders above other firms for licensing work.Clients include Mitchells & Butlers, Pizza Express, and industryassociations such as the British Beer & Pub Association, whichthe firm advises on licence applications, transfers and judicialreviews. Graham Cushion is ‘an expert in his field’ ofprosecutions and regulatory crime; ‘excellent’ managing partnerJonathan Smith has ‘enormous expertise in handling licensingand hearings’; and Lisa Sharkey and James Anderson arenoted for licensing and gaming. Nick Arron is ‘always helpfuland proactive on gaming matters’.

Jonathan Smith commented “It's been a tough year for us allhere at Poppleston Allen, with Jeremy passing away in June.The quotes within this prestigious guide are ones that Jeremywould have been proud of, and testimony to him and the otherfounding Partner, Susanna Poppleston, who built such a strongteam to carry the name on, a team that remains at the forefrontof licensing law in the UK”.

The firm retains its position as leading licensing lawyers throughtheir close involvement in licensing policy and advising thefollowing industry bodies: The British Beer and Pub Association

(BBPA), The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), BEDArepresenting the late night-time economy, and the Wine andSpirit Trade Association (WSTA)

Their client list demonstrates the breadth of their involvementwithin the licensed sector and includes major plcs as well assmaller operators and independents. Just a few of the otherwell known names they advise include Gordon Ramsay, Ask,Carluccio's, Jamie's Italian, Yo! Sushi, Zizzi's, House of Fraser,Jarvis Hotels, Stonegate, Butlins, Northern Racing, ShowcaseCinemas, Vue Cinemas, and Warner Leisure. The company’sfuture lies within the gaming and licensing sector; they may,perhaps, open other branches, but would always stay withintheir core specialism.

Poppleston Allen Nottingham Office

37 Stoney Street, The Lace Market Nottingham NG1 1LS

Tel: (0115) 953 8500

Fax: (0115) 953 8501

www.popall.co.uk The leading licensing solicitors in the UK

Nottingham Office 37 Stoney Street • The Lace Market • Nottingham • NG1 1LS • Tel: 0115 953 8500London Office 88 Kingsway • London • WC2B 6AA • Tel: 020 7936 5869

email: [email protected]

UP TO YOURNECK IN IT?

Jonathan Smith Managing Partner

Poppleston Allen has received a prestigious accolade from their peers.

15


How are Social Housing organisations meeting the challenges of new

government initiatives to work smarter and reduce costs whilst

improving customer service?

SAM Dhadwar, Director of Finance for Accord Group, one of the Midlandslargest Housing Associations illustrates just one of the challenges facinghis organisation with an eye-opening statistic.

“Before we implemented an EDRM & Workflow solution a piece of papercould have the carbon footprint the equivalent of an oak tree, a formcould need signatures from two or three different people who are basedon two or three different sites so a piece of paper would go out forsigning, come back to main office then get sent out to another building,then get sent back again.

“Not only did it take an awfully long time, the amount of paper we weremoving around was horrendous.”

It’s not the only social housing organisation inthe region that’s reaping the rewards. The OrbitGroup, operating across the Midlands, EastAnglia and the South East who provide over35,000 homes and Black Country HousingGroup (BCHG) have also invested in new ITsystems to boost effectiveness.

All three are typical of the changes taking place nationally within the socialhousing sector as it tackles new Government policies, causing landlordsto review operations, where efficiencies and savings can be achieved andhow to increase customer satisfaction. IT systems play a critical role in allthis - being instrumental in saving time, space and resources through thesetting up of document and records management systems.

Orbit, Accord and the BCHG have all been working with Documotive whoare based in Sutton Coldfield. Documotive is the leading supplier ofDocument and Process management solutions to the Social Housingsector and provides systems and services to over 50 organisations acrossthe UK. Orbit, which owns and manages more than 35,000 homes and

employs more than 1,800 people, is transforming its IT systems andservices to make them more effective for staff and customers.

David Leach ICT Director explains “We face a wide range of challengeswhilst streamlining processes and driving efficiencies, but the benefits faroutweigh the challenges and we hope we will be able to provide an evenbetter service to our internal and external customers.”

Black Country Housing Association (BCHG), the landlord of nearly 1,800homes and provider of other services such as energy efficiency andcareers advice has implemented a smart invoice management solution tostreamline invoice processing and manages all customer and propertyrecords electronically thus significantly reducing the need to produce andstore paper whilst providing more effective management.

The result is extra office space, reduced paperwork and greater efficiencyand satisfaction - not least from its finance team and from suppliers whoare being paid more quickly.

Maralyn Barnes says: “We can only say how good the invoicemanagement system is and what a fantastic improvement it has madewithin the Finance department, we know exactly where an invoice is, whoit’s with and how long they’ve had it, which makes things much faster andmore efficient.”

Hemant Patel, the BCHG’s IT manager confirms that being less reliant onpaper brings a host of benefits.

“Any documents that relate to a tenancy or property can be linked and it’sa lot easier to search for things rather than trawl through filing cabinets tofind bits of paper, not to mention the hugespace saving and increased efficiency inaccessing information” he says.

The Accord Group, an organisation with11,000 homes that provide a range of servicesacross the region, has adopted a EnterpriseDocument Management System (EDRM)which has proved critical in allowing instantaccessibility from various sites and saving on paper and printing costs.

Sam Dhadwar says the organisation is working towards a leanerenvironment and improved use of storage space, revealing that the newsystems have enabled the conversion of storage space into customer ITaccess points.

To find out more about the solutions being employed by Accord,

Orbit and BCHA please see www.documotive.co.uk or telephone

0845 241 0220.

fully integrated document management

housing management

finance management

Asset management

HR

Fully Integrated Document ManagementDocument Scanning ServicesMailroom scanning

VIVO Voids ManagementComplaints ManagementDocument Management

Purchase to Pay ProcessExpenses ProcessSundry Payments ProcessDocument Management

Fire Risk AssessmentHeath & SafetyDocument Management

Starters/Leavers ProcessStaff Appraisal Processe.recruitment ProcessHoliday Request ProcessDocument Management

AC

CESSIBILITY

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YYTYE

BLACK COUNTRY HOUSING GROUP

orbitgroup

Social Housing F A C I N G T H E C H A L L E N G E S

16


Park Inn Birmingham West provides a host of festive fun

Whether it’s a work Christmas dinner, a big family lunch, a partynight, or even a NYE knees up, Park Inn Birmingham West hasit covered.

With a range of packages to choose from, local residents andbusinesses can find the perfect celebration for them this Winter.Our modern and stylish RBG restaurant will be offering a rangeof dining packages all with high quality waiting staff andexcellent prices. Guests can choose from a variety of menus,from three-course blow-outs to buffet style.

For those who are keen to dance the night away after dinner,Park Inn Birmingham West is hosting a range of Party Nights,where guests will be able to take advantage of our bar, andparty to the sounds of our resident DJ until the early hours of themorning. Accommodation is also available for party-goers whowould prefer not to have to worry about getting home after theircelebrations.

Highlights of activity at Park Inn Birmingham West include:

• Delicious Festive Lunches served in our stylish RBG restaurant - £15.95 per person

• Fabulous Disco Party Nights and Tribute Nights with festive buffet or three course meal starting from £17.95 per person

• New Year’s Eve Champagne reception, gala buffet and dancing till 1am - £29.95 per person

All Park Inn hotels are accepting bookings for Christmas eventsnow. Call 0121 609 9988 for more details or pop in and pick upa brochure. Don’t forget to book early to avoid disappointment!

The staff at Park Inn Birmingham West looks forward to helpingyou have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

For further information please contact

Peter Sivy, General Manager

Park Inn by Radisson Birmingham West

Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, West MidlandsB70 6RS

T: +44 (0)121 609 9988, F: +44 (0)121 609 9937

[email protected]

parkinn.co.uk/hotel-birminghamwest

Christmas

2011

Hotels you can rely on:

Let’s celebrate Enjoy Christmas and New Years Eve at the Park Inn Birmingham West, the perfect venue! A wide range of great themed events and tribute nights.

To make an enquiry or place a booking call us now on 0121 609 9988.

Park Inn by Radisson Birmingham WestBirmingham Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 6RST: +44 (0)121 609 9988, F: +44 (0)121 609 [email protected]/hotel-birminghamwest

44157 Christmas Poster.indd 1 31/05/2011 14:18

17


Exciting news from The Paragon Hotel!

Major changes are happening at The Paragon Hotelbrought about by the appointment of a new GeneralManager, Martyn Smith.

Martyn brings a wealth of hospitality experience to the Paragonwith many years of hotel management in prestigious properties.Martyn is taking the opportunity to refocus the hotel with theoverriding emphasis being to ensure a guest experience that notonly satisfies but exceeds expectations. Martyn firmly believesthat a happy staff ensures a happy hotel and he is equipping allof the departments with the necessary tools to allow the teammembers to comfortably do their jobs. A number of other newfaces have joined too, and a happy, professional and veryenthusiastic team is now in place. It is very clear to me that thewhole team is driven to take The Paragon in a very differentdirection than before!

Of course, Rome wasn’t built in a day and the physical changeswill be ongoing but some of the changes already made include:

Naylor’s Bar is being refurbished and is now open all day from8.45am every day serving coffee and morning pastries followed bytraditional, hot and cold dishes from 12 noon through to 9.30 pm.

All 12 event rooms have been updated and offer every modernbusiness facility including complimentary wifi, conferencefacilities, plasma screens and projections. All have naturaldaylight and can accommodate intimate meetings from sixdelegates up to events for 550 guests. Few other venues offerthis capacity so close to the city centre and with the hotel’s owncar park offering over 150 complimentary parking spaces fordelegates The Paragon offers one of the best conference venuesin Birmingham.

A major programme of redecoration and refurbishment is beingundertaken, some of the bedrooms on the first floor have beenredecorated; corridors have been freshened up and there ismuch more planned for 2012. Needless to say, all of therefurbishment is being done ensuring the original character ofthe beautiful Victorian Gothic Grade 2 Listed building is retained.

So, the future for the Paragon is very exciting and to celebratethey have planned a really outstanding programme of events forthe Christmas Holiday, from a traditional Christmas lunch onChristmas day itself, with a present for each child, to festivelunches, Glam Party nights and Comedy Party nights, they arecertain to have something to offer everyone

The Paragon Hotel

145, Alcester Street

Birmingham

B12 0JP

0121 627 0627

www.theparagonhotel.co.uk

PARAGON HOTELBIRMINGHAM

PARAGON HOTELBIRMINGHAM

18

4870 1pg:Layout 1 01/12/2011 13:55 Page 18

This superb English stately home, set in 100 acres ofstunning grounds, combines the opulence and eleganceof a bygone age with all the modern comforts required by21st century guests.

The jewel in its already gem-encrusted crown is the superbluxury spa resort - a sanctuary of peace and tranquillity wherethe cares and stresses of modern life just melt away. The smilesbegin the minute you arrive at Hoar Cross Hall - and that’s justfrom the friendly and welcoming staff.

By the end of your stay you, too, will be smiling havingexperienced all the Spa Resort has to offer - superb service,luxurious surroundings and a wealth of special touches thatdemonstrate why Hoar Cross Hall Spa Resort has been namedEngland’s Leading Resort at the World Travel Awards for the lastsix years running.

Situated in Staffordshire, the hotel is a favourite choice of manyhousehold names, including Katie Price, Catherine Zeta Jones,Amanda Holden, Danni Minogue, JLS and Clive Owen.

It’s also a popular venue with the corporate sector, its drawingroom perfect for meetings for up to 150 people, gala or themeddinner, while those requiring smaller galleries can choose from theHalifax or Meynell Suites, overlooking the four seasons garden.

No matter what your reason for visiting Hoar Cross Hall, you willalways find a friendly welcome and fine dining in the style of yourchoice: from the Champagne Bar, Grand Ballroom dining room,the Plantation Restaurant or the Oasis Garden Room Coffee Bar.

If you enjoy outdoor activities you can hone your golfing skills atthe resort’s Golf Academy with PGA Professional nine-holecourse, driving range and practice areas or try your hand attennis, croquet, boules or archery. Alternatively simply strollingor job through the lakes and grounds which have wildlife inabundance, taking in the formal gardens, the Italian Roof Terracegardens, water features and beautiful flora.

Those who like to keep in trim will find a superb range offacilities in the resort’s gym where the specialised team offitness and health professionals provide advice and help,working with you to help achieve your goals. Yours for a realget-away-from-it-all experience, there is also the Eden Day Spa,

just the place to give men and women the opportunity to taketime out and refresh and recharge their inner batteries.

You can all indulge in a full range of holistic beauty treatmentsand therapies and spend as long as you like in either theslumber or meditation rooms.

There’s also the opportunity to take a leisurely dip in one of twopools, one of which is salt water, or revitalise your mind andbody in the hydrotherapy pool, the whirlpool spas, steam rooms,saunas, saunarium or the unique Water Grotto areas. You couldeven try out the outdoor hot tub on the sun terrace.

The only stately home in England to incorporate a spa resort,Hoar Cross Hall is an exceptionally special place, where everyguest is exceptionally special.

Why not visit - your own personal Eden is not as far away as youmight think.

For further information, visit www.hoarcross.co.uk. For reservations, gift vouchers and enquiries,

telephone 01283 575 671, email [email protected].

Contact the Spa reception on 01283 575 747 or email [email protected]

Hoar Cross Hall Spa Resortthe

21st Century spa experience

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Hoa

ross Haar C Cross Hall

espa R Resort S Spa R all l

21s

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21s xperience

spa e

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A stay at Hoar Cross Hotel Spa Resort is like finding your own little piece of paradise.

Special People And Their Friends Relax And Have Fun StaysAt Hoar Cross Hall Spa Resort.

The Perfect Escape For Birthdays, Anniversary CelebrationsAnd Pre-Wedding Parties With Their Favourite Friends

Telephone Reservations on 01283 575671 For Your Special Rates

Voted England’s Leading Resort at the World Travel Awards for Six Consecutive YearsElegant resort offering the last word in relaxation, health & happiness

Welcome to ParadiseAT HOAR CROSS HALL SPA RESORT

Enjoy the sumptuous pleasures of staying in an elegant English StatelyHome with all the facilities of a superb modern Spa Resort.

Wonderful surroundings.

Traditional elegance and �rst class friendly service. Salt Water &Hydrotherapy swimming pools, Aerobic & Yoga suites, 4000sqft

Gymnasium, Slumber Lounge, Toning Tables, 9 hole golf course anddriving range & Relaxed Happiness.

Superb Surroundings, �ne dining, �oatation tank, toning tables,hydrotherapy baths, aerobic, step and �tness classes. Massage or facials

and many exercise classes, Indian head massage, pedicures, spatreatments, unique water grottos, water massage areas, a full range of

Clarins, Thalgo, ESPA, Elemis, Maria Galland treatments.

Buy Your Favourite People The Perfect PresentA Gift Voucher To Paradise

Gift Vouchers from £25.00, For reservation enquiriesand current special o�ers please

Telephone: 01283 575671 or email: [email protected]

Enjoy a two day one night stay including breakfast,lunch, à la carte dinner

from only £139 per person

www.hoarcross.co.ukHoar Cross • Near Yoxall • Staffordshire • DE13 8QS

19

4722 Hoar Cross Hall 1pg Advertorial:Layout 1 01/12/2011 14:02 Page 19

Inner calm, outer beauty – Champneys is the place to sootheaway the stresses of modern day living, the place to hideyourself away and reap the benefits of taking time out, all incomplete comfort, with the finest spa treatments around.

What started as a slimming club in 1970 has today become thenation’s favourite spa brand, one that also successfully launched itsspa collection into Boots, the UK’s leading chemist thanks to anexclusive partnership – with a range of spa products with pricesfrom as little as £5 they are accessible to all women.

Flying the flag for British beauty, Champneys was recentlyrecognised as one of the UK’s best skincare, bodycare, and spabrands by the Professional Beauty Awards. A family-run businessand a luxury spa brand, Champneys has changed the way womenbuy into health and beauty by making its spa products and spasaccessible and affordable.

With four fabulous resorts Champneys offer the very latest in healthand leisure facilities, deliciously healthy cuisine and an extensivemenu of traditional and alternative treatments. Choose fromChampneys Springs in Leicestershire, the UK’s first purpose builthealth resort, Champneys Henlow in Bedfordshire, a Georgianmansion with a traditional health spa atmosphere, ChampneysForest Mere in Hampshire set in an area of outstanding naturalbeauty or the original Champneys Tring in Hertfordshire establishedin 1925 by the naturopath Sir Stanley Leif.

In times where uncertainty has bought trust in a brand to the forelike never before, Champneys has remained consistent to its brandvalues to ensure trust with its loyal customers. Spa packages are

continually developed and updated to ensure that Champneyskeeps one step ahead of consumer demands and trends and staysahead of the competition.

With a heritage of 80 years experience in health, beauty andwellbeing, Champneys therapists provide the highest standards inChampneys health resorts and on the high street, too. The Townand City Spas introduce the brand to people who are not aware ofChampneys and also potential guests who feel it isunattainable. Champneys philosophy is affordable luxury.

Champneys is the place to be …

For more information visitwww.champneys.com

from

£25Gift Vouchers

The Perfect Flexible Christmas GiftWhat a treat! Just imagine...a cosy, relaxed atmosphere, a dip in the pool or an invigorating workout, or quite simply indulging in deeply soothing spa rituals. What better way to while away the day and enjoy the benefits of a spa break.

For an utterly indulgent and flexible gift buy a Champneys voucher from just £25 and let your loved one choose how they spend it.

From pampering days and stays and over 100 treatments, to our luxury Spa Collection products and Day

Spas, there is plenty to tempt!

To buy call 0843 316 22 22 or visit www.champneys.com/sparkle

20


HARVEY NICHOLS

Harvey Nichols Birmingham celebrates ten years of

success in the city this October with a sleek new look

and a host of exciting launches.

A decade ago saw one of the most luxurious names in retail

open its first boutique store on the site of the former Royal Mail

sorting office. The area was redeveloped in to The Mailbox, a

chic landmark that has since been credited as one of the UK’s

finest shopping destinations.

Heralding a retail revolution in the region, Harvey Nichols

Birmingham has, since day one, showcased a cherry-picked edit

of fashion’s most coveted names, from internationally-renowned

labels such as Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs to a niche

selection of brands including Acne and Lucy in Disguise.

Today the award-winning store is an emphatic success,

continuing to offer the very latest brands and services in

womenswear, menswear, beauty, accessories and food.

An impressive re-design for the store’s tenth anniversary ensures it

remains the most iconic fashion and lifestyle destination in the city.

For the very first time, the menswear department will offer a

dedicated Private Shopping Suite for its male clientele,

alongside the introduction of international super-brand, Calvin

Klein. There will be a larger shopping area, offering an

increased selection of the leading designer collections.

Shoes and accessories have also re-located to a larger space,

with an extensive range from the hottest names – including

Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Uggs' new premium line

of footwear – whilst stellar accessories brand, Mulberry, has

more than doubled in size.

In Beyond Beauty, the store welcomes exclusive launches from

Stila and Sue Devitt cosmetics and skincare, as well as cult

make-up brand Benefit. Italian heritage brand, Marco Bicego,

will also open an in-store boutique of exquisite jewellery.

A stylish new Espresso Café and Perrier-Jouët Champagne Bar has

also been unveiled, twice the size of the original cafe and located at

the centre of the store. With commanding views across the city, it is

the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, or

simply relax with a glass of Champagne. The impressive menu

focuses on locally produced and sourced ingredients.

From day one, Harvey Nichols has led from the front when it

comes to style in the city; where we set the trends, others follow,”

says Kevin Breese, General Manager, Harvey Nichols Birmingham.

“As we reach our ten-year milestone, we continue to bring

exciting, new labels to Birmingham, many of them exclusively.

“We have fabulously loyal customers, who have each made

Harvey Nichols the success story it is today. We will continue to

build upon our reputation and deliver the very best shopping

experience imaginable, exceeding all expectations.”

HARVEY NICHOLSCELEBRAT ING A DECADE OF SUCCESS

T H E M A I L B O X - B I R M I N G H A M

M O D E L W E A R SL u c y i n D i s g u i s e m a x i d r e s s £ 2 8 5

C E L E B R A T I N G A D E C A D E O F S U C C E S S

Sass & Bide Pride of Honour dress£780

Lucy in Disguise Dip dye dress£285

21


POP star Gary Numan may sing about cars - but he

knows the crew at Blitzworld are the people to see when

he wants to buy a buggy.

So do ‘petrol head’ Jay Kay, of Jamiroquai fame, and Sheffield

United star Gary Speed. They may be celebrities, but they’re

also motoring enthusiasts or car collectors who know about

engines so it’s no surprise that when they want a buggy, they

turn to the UK’s biggest kit-car manufacturer.

With an HQ in Stoke on Trent, sites in Bishop Aukland and

Birmingham and a Polish agent, the team of seven, led by

managing director Steve Malpass, really are racing ahead in the

kit car world.

The company designs and manufactures buggies and 4x4s,

either for self build or, as factory-built, ready to drive - and all

customised to suit individual requirements. Its latest exciting

project involves developing an electric powered buggy and

follows hot on the heels of its success in building a buggy for

the MOD and the eco Car 2009 for Shell.

You may have even seen some of its

adrenaline-boosting machines on TV -

its Joyrider Sport and Hammerhead

150cc buggys were part of an off-

road gadget vehicles challenge in

Channel 5’s Gadget Show earlier this

year and Steve was the focus of a

Central News Be Your Own Boss slot.

Whether you want a road legal machine or one that’s off-road,

whether it’s for a youngster or an ever-young buggy enthusiast,

Blitzworld will have just the right kind of machine. It also sells

imported buggies - but only after every single one has been

modified by Blitzworld and rigorously tested. “If they are not up

to the job, we don’t sell them,“ insists says kit car-mad Steve

who gave up a nine-to-five job to turn his hobby into a million-

pound turnover business. “And our new vehicles all receive our

own one-year parts and labour warranty.”

Many customers like to use the buggies on their own land but

those without large acres are regular visitors at Blitzworld’s

popular track days which it holds around the Staffordshire area.

And even those without their own wheels are welcome -

Blitzworld ensures there are plenty of its vehicles available for hire.

Cementing its status as a one-stop-shop for the serious buggy

owner, Blitzworld also carries out all kinds of repairs, happy to

work on other makes, and if that involves making a new part

from scratch, has the design and manufacturing capabilities to

do so. Parts are not often a problem, however, as it stocks

everything for its current range of buggies and has a second-

hand section too, can make those no longer available and, with

its own fabrication and welding shop, can cater for any

modifications, from moving seat positions to building a

complete vehicle.

Always innovative, its newest venture is to offer complete

IVA / SVA kit car testing and under take any modifications to

pass the tests.

For further information about these and Blitzworld’s range of

buggies, to buy from the new online parts and accessories

shop or to see more about its track days and shows

involvement, go to www.blitzworld.co.uk.

To make an enquiry, call 01782 208050 or email

[email protected]

Mobile Vehicle Electricaland Electronic Specialists.

T: 01461 337281 E: [email protected]: 07850 742 416 W: Worldofwiring.co.uk

•Vehicle Wiring Looms (Kit, classic, modern or motorsport),•Vehicle Key Programming,•Classic Car Keys,•Reversing Cameras,•Digital Instrument Panels.

World Of Wiring is proud tobe a supplier to Blitzworld.

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22

4434:Blitzworld 01/12/2011 15:20 Page 22

TOP Barn - top activity centre. Adventurers love to test their

mettle at this hotspot for excitement.

Whether they’re adrenaline junkies or novices, activity seekers come

from miles around for the thrills and spills to be found within the 90-

acre site at Holt Heath, near Worcester.

Be it a small group of friends, a large corporate team building

experience, an educational group, a stag, hen or birthday party, Top

Barn can devise something to suit; happy to provide a package

tailor-made to specific needs of the group.

Archery, rifle shooting, treeless ropes course, climbing, zip wire, low

ropes course and team challenges are just some of the options

available, while the 10-acre lake opens up a world of water fun,

including canoeing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, raft building,

wobblyboarding and power boat driving.

Or you can release your inner child on the inflatables: Bouncy castle,

Battle Zone and 40ft Human table football - take your air-filled pick. If

you can’t pack everything in in one day it’s not a problem - Top Barn

has its own camping facilities, including brand new sleeping ‘pods’

showers, toilets and changing facilities for youth and education

services while its on-site catering can provide all groups with

breakfast, lunch and dinner.

“Your outdoor challenge is our area of expertise” says owner David

Harper. “With a large lake and the River Severn close by there are

plenty of water-based activities for you to try, and with acres of open

space and woodland, we have loads of fun things - something for

everyone.”

David and his wife Di are part of the Harper family, which has been

associated with Holt since 1939, and have lived and farmed at Top

Barn since 1967. Then a traditional family farm, it already reflected

the family’s deep desire to share the beautiful Worcestershire

countryside with visitors and was open to people with pick your own

fruit, a Caravan Club CL site, and fishing pools.

In the last 20 years, diversification has seen a business centre

developed from farm buildings and the lake into the activity centre.

With David and Di managing the business centre, while their three

sons and their families each successfully run their own Top Barn

enterprises, which include a harvest shop, farm produce, a rally site

and angling centre.

With a full-time team of six and a large freelance back-up, the

activity centre is is an approved BCU (British Canoe Union) training

centre offering canoe and kayak qualifications, an approved RYA

(Royal Yachting Association) training centre offering sailing,

windsurfing and powerboating qualifications and fully accredited by

AALA (Adventure Activities Licensing Authority).

The excitement is not just confined to the activities taking place here

- there’s eager anticipation about what the future holds as the centre

plans develop even more activities including an abseiling tower and

indoor caving.

With expansion plans incorporating the developments of further sites

in not just Worcester but the South of France and South Africa,

there’s plenty to keep the adrenline flowing for not just visitors but

the staff and owners too.

For further details and to book an activity or course at

the centre, visit www.topbarnactivity.com.

Alternatively, telephone 01905 622 223

Top Barn Activity Centre, Worcester RoadHolt Health, Worcester WR6 6NH

Telephone: 01905 622223Email: [email protected]

www.topbarnactivity.com

WATER BASED ACTIVITIESSailing Windsurfing Kayaking Canoeing

River Trips Raft Building Board GamesPower Boating

LAND BASED ACTIVITIESClimbing Zip Wire Treeless Rope CourseLow Ropes Team Challenges Inflatables

Archery Rifle Shooting BMX & Mountain BikingOrienteering Scavenger Hunts

Abseiling (Coming Soon) Caving (Coming Soon)

TOP BARNACTIVITYCENTRE

THE PERFECT CHOICEIN WORCESTER FOR:

Corporate Team BuildingSocial Events & ConferencingSchools Activity Programmes& Outdoor Learning Solutions

Wet & Wild Holiday Clubs & Youth CampsFund Raising & Sporting Events

Birthday Parties & Equipment HireVenue Hire

ONLY 5 MILESFROM WORCESTERCITY CENTRE!

We’re on

WET ‘N’ WILDSchool HolidayActivity Days

8-16 YearsSummer Holiday

22 July ‘11 - 5 Sept ‘11

Autumn Mid-Term21 Oct ‘11 - 31 Oct ‘11

Spring Mid-Term10 Feb ‘12 - 20 Feb ‘12

Easter Holiday30 Mar ‘12 -16 April ‘12

Bank Holiday7 May ‘12

Summer Mid-Term1 June ‘12 - 11 June ‘12

NEW IN 2011INDOOR RIFLE SHOOTING

CLIMBING WALL

£35 per dayor £150 per week

BOOK NOW TORESERVE A PLACE

Call Rob on07525 071 155 or

01905 622223

23

4727 1 pg advertorial.qxd:Liberty 01/12/2011 15:25 Page 23

T

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Virtual Venture Limited | 8 Bolton Road | Leicester | LE3 6AB

squaring the circle...

bespoke websites withfull content management

Call for a free quote on 07887 920979 or email [email protected]

Virtual Venture Limited is a leading provider of fully content managed websites. At Virtual Venture we believe in empowering our clients so that

you can make changes to the content on your website rather than having towait weeks and pay extra for a web developer to add content.

Fox EvansChartered Accountants

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visit www.foxevans.co.uk to see how we can help your business

Comprehensive Management Information, Support and Advice

We offer fixed fees and a free initial consultationPlease contact Mark McLean or

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Coventry's own Call Of Duty Black Ops Arena:

It all started 12 years ago when a local man from Coventry setout to take the experience industry by storm, and today thisman is proud to be the owner of Coventry and Birmingham'slargest activity provider which is known as SplatforceEntertainments Ltd. The man we refer to is none other than thebusiness guru himself Ty Gulliver, born and bred in Coventry, Mr Gulliver isn't your everyday Joe Bloggs. After a turbulent timewithin his education Mr Gulliver set off at the early age of 15 on hisjourney to become the business man he is today. It’s not everydaythat you hear about positive success stories or of a person who justlike to help others succeed, but with Ty and his team success comesnaturally as his company is run more like an entrepreneurial businessschool for people with great ideas who want to succeed.

Introducing the 1st of it's kind in the UK: SWATFORCE Coventry’sanswer to the Call Of Duty Black Ops computer game, the globalgames industry is big business this year, helped in part by online playwhich has seen audiences expand to record levels, and Mr Gulliver iscashing in on an industry which contributes £1billion a year to theUK's GDP. Mr Gulliver has opened the doors to the UK's first Indoorsimulated Combat Centre in Coventry based on the legendarycomputer game giving gamers the chance to recreate the game atthe newly transformed Rialto Plaza building in Coundon. Mr Gulliversaid '' When you consider how many people play this game online itmade perfect sense to open a facility for people to actually play thegame for real, so we did just that!!!”

With an 86K refurbishment, 20 tradesman, 2,400 meters of 3x2wood, 350 litres of paint, 1,200 sheets of 8x4 ply, 600 meters ofcarpet ,150 paint spray cans, 12,000 screws and 1128 hours oflabour, 10,000 tea bags, 401b of sugar, 1,200 pints of milk, thevenue was built over a 12 week period and includes real life gothicgods, sand pyramids, three level fort, 13ft tower, alley ways andcorridors and is complete with a bar and seating area.

HOW SWATFORCE IS PLAYED: Upon arrival players will sign in andchange into their Swat gear which includes: Tac vest, Body vest,Head and eye protection, they will then have a full safety briefingbefore entering the game zone where they will be handed their semi-automatic hand pistols and ammunition (rubber rounds) they will thenbe given their mission statement which could see them completinggruelling challenges and hostage situations. The age limit forSwatforce is 10 years and above and is perfect for Birthday parties,stag and hen parties, corporate team building events or just somefun with friends and family.

Mr Gulliver finished the interview with '' This is an exiting time, butthis venture is not just about building the business but also to provideactivities for Coventry's young generation, this venture is importantbecause there is not a lot for youngsters to get involved with andthese activities help get them off the street, that is one of the drivingforces behind Splatforce Entertainments''

Swat-forceThe Indoor Simulated Combat Centre

85 Moseley Avenue, Coundon, Coventry CV6 1HR

visit: www.coventrypaintballcentre.co.uktel: 0844 381 4080

24

4797 1pg:Layout 1 01/12/2011 15:27 Page 24

restaurant & accomodation, Gloucestershireaward winning country pub, restaurant & accomodation, Gloucestershire

THE pies the limit for a Ross-on-Wye pub, famed for its

home-cooked pies and British food, thanks to a £350,000

boost from Lloyds TSB Commercial.

The award-winning Farmers Boy Inn, has expanded its bed and

breakfast business and scored a significant try with Worcester

Warriors Rugby Club in the form of a major catering contract to

supply more than 30,000 pies. Husband and wife team Phil and

Manda Kiernan are over the moon at their success - but say it

couldn’t have been possible without the help and support from the

bank. They have owned the 17th century Farmers Boy Inn, on the

Herefordshire and Gloucestershire border, since 2000 and now have

an annual turnover of £500,000 and employ 12 people. Affiliated to

the pub is a pie and deli shop which sells high quality and locally

sourced produce, as well as a nationwide pie delivery service,

MadaboutPies.co.uk.

Now, having approached Lloyds TSB Commercial the couple have

been able to invest the resulting £350,000 loan on expanding the

business - increasing the inn’s four bed and breakfast rooms from

four to eight. And Phil successfully clinched the catering contract

with Worcester Warriors after Mark Corfield, relationship manager at

Lloyds TSB Commercial, suggested the business merits of supplying

leading local sporting venues with the famous Mad About Pies

products.

"Since taking over the Farmers Boy Inn we have worked hard to

enhance the its public profile, as well as successfully expanding the

business model to incorporate a wider range of services, including

the pie and deli shop, Mad about Pies and the B&B

accommodation,” says Phil.

"Lloyds TSB Commercial has been incredibly supportive of our

efforts to progress and we have certainly appreciated its backing

over the past few years. In particular, the initial introduction and

strategic input that has led to our contract win with Worcester

Warriors Rugby Club demonstrates the wider help and support that

the bank provides on a local level. It is incredibly pleasing to have

received lending support from Lloyds TSB Commercial, in order to

help drive our growth plans. The proficient service and effective

ideas that we continue to receive from Mark have been dedicated

and efficient - he fully

understands what we are

looking to achieve and has

provided the financial support

needed to drive our plans."

For Mark, the exciting developments at

the Farmers Boy Inn only help to demonstrate

Lloyds TSB Commercial’s commitment to encouraging businesses.

"The Farmers Boy Inn is a well-established and highly respected

business with a loyal, and yet diverse customer base that includes

regular locals as well as a growing number of visitors from outside of

the area,” he says. "Our investment and on-going support is a result

of the clear strategic objectives that Phil and his team have outlined

in order to maximise future growth in the company.

“Their recent success in securing a significant new supply contract

with Worcester Warriors Rugby Club embodies the passion, energy

and drive for future growth that is testament to the business's

success.

"At Lloyds TSB Commercial, we work hard to establish solid working

relationships with all of our customers. We want to provide

businesses such as this with the knowledge, support and guidance

to encourage growth, whatever the economic climate."

High class butcher to the Catering Trade

PETER JEFFERIES& son

Est 1975

Tel / Fax 01242 515666

We are proud to supportThe Farmers Boy Inn / Madabout Pies

PETER Est 1975

& sonR JEFFERIES

5

el / Fax 0 THigh class butcher

01242 515666radeT to the Catering Ross Road - Longhope - Glos - GL17 0LP

Tel - 01452 831300 Email - [email protected]

award winning country pub, restaurant & accomodation, Gloucestershire

We are proud to support Mad About Pies

r accouaaub, rest restay puntrry pug couard winninwward winninaaw hiresrrsoucesteln, Gotidaatiomrant & acco e

el - 01452 831300 Email - [email protected] Road - Longho

l - [email protected] ope - Glos - GL17 0LP

uk

25

4708 1pg new copy.qxd:Precision Windows 01/12/2011 15:29 Page 25

ANCIENT East meets the most modern West when thetrue taste of the Orient comes to Birmingham’s BullringShopping Centre.

Flavours and cultures fuse seamlessly together to provide an excitingcombination for all the senses with the opening of ChaoBaby in theheart of the UK’s landmark shoppers’ paradise.

This is no ordinary Thai restaurant; this is a Thai banquet-styleexperience representing the country’s vibrant street market culturewith all of its rich and theatrical sights and sounds.

Part of the Chaophraya Group, ChaoBaby is one of three newrestaurants being built at the Bullring’s social hub Spiceal Street, anentire dining street which is part indoor and part outdoor and openson Thursday November 24.

“Chaobaby has a theatre kitchen where diners can see our Thaichefs preparing dishes from only the freshest, finest ingredients,”promises group marketing and sales manager Louise Hitch.

“There’s a wonderful array of authentic dishes featuring classic’s fromdifferent regions of Thailand. Destined to appeal to shoppers andbusiness people alike, the restaurant’s laid-back concept makesguests feel at ease, in comfortable and convenient surroundings.”

The restaurant is third ChaoBaby in a group which has been slowlygrowing across the north of England since 2004 and is now leadingthe way in Thai fine dining in the UK.

The Bullring establishment is the company’s eighth overall and itsarrival marks the latest stage in an active plan to expand and roll outeven more around the country.

Chaophraya Group, pronounced Chao-pi-ya, takes its name fromThailand’s main waterway which, in ancient times breathed life intothe families who lived along its banks.

Today the river is still regarded as part of the essence of Thailand, anessence which is summed up into this family of brands which allfocus on Thai fine dining while celebrating the unique core values offreshness, focus, flare, fun and family.

While ChaoBaby’s banquet concept replicates the feel of a Bangkokstreet market, the Chaophraya brand represents more of a finedining concept, Yee Rah fuses Thai and European dishes together ina slightly more casual dining environment and Palm Sugar is thegroup’s high-end cocktail bar concept.

With Chaobaby in the Trafford Centre, Manchester, having just wona Best Newcomer of the Year, Louise is confident that theChaophraya Group’s approach to Thai fine dining is one that willsoon prove to be a hit with Birmingham food connoisseurs.

“We are perfect for any occasion,” she promises. “From a quicklunch to an evening meal with friends, our restaurants provide anexperience you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

“We are immensely proud to be joining the new Spiceal Streetdevelopment at the Bullring and are very much looking forward tocoming to Birmingham.”

For further information about ChaoBaby Bullring and to book online, visit www.chaophraya.co.uk

You can also keep up to date on all the latest events andoffers at the restaurant and elsewhere by following the

Chaophraya Group on Twitter@ChaophrayaThai

www.chaophraya.co.uk

OPENINGWinter2011

Chaobaby opening on Spiceal Street in Bullring, Birmingham...

ANCIENT East meets the most modern West when the true taste of the Orient comes to Birmingham’s Bullring Shopping Centre.

ChaoBaby‘s authentic Thai Tuk-Tuk willbe offering free rides and they will be sampling throughout the day giving shoppers a chance to experience their delicious menu.

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26


The excitement is building at YO! Sushi Brindleyplace, asthe winter chills develop YO! Sushi launches its winterwarming specials. From the 18th October right throughuntil the end of March 2012 everyone will be asking thequestion ‘Do you Katsu?’

The winter specials focus around their, hot and tasty, Katsu dishes.Katsu means to ‘win’ or ‘be victorious’, and these dishes arecertainly all winners. You can choose between, or order several, offive new specials. Tilapia Katsu – Crispy fried tilapia covered inJapanese bread crumbs with a coriander mayonnaise, Tofu Katsu –Fresh tofu seasoned with shichimi chilli powder in Japanese breadcrumbs with a soy and vinegar sauce, Beef and Ginger Katsu –Minced British beef with hot beni shoga (Japanese pickle), sweetpickled ginger and fresh ginger in Japanese bread crumbs with afruity sauce, Soft shell Crab Katsu – Crispy fried soft shell blue crabin Japanese bread crumbs with a hot and spicy chilli sauce, and ofcourse YO! Sushi’s famous Chicken Katsu Curry – Chicken Katsuwith rice, a mild curry sauce and Japanese pickle. If you have nevervisited one of YO! Sushi’s restaurants you might be surprised to find

that YO! Sushi is not all just raw fish, seaweed and cold rice. YO!Sushi offers a great range of soups, rice and noodle based dishes,tempura, hand rolls, and katsu curry, as well as sushi, sashimi,salads and desserts. Whatever tingles your taste buds, you will findplenty to choose from among their selection of over 80 Japaneseinspired dishes. YO! Sushi is the way to go, call in and be seatedwith a menu and then help yourself to dishes from the conveyor belt,or place your order with a team member. The dishes are allcolour/price coded and range between £1.70 and £5 per plate, soyou will always know what to expect when your empties are tottedup at the end of the evening.

Plus, this Christmas you can “Make YO! your own for the night” byarranging for YO! Sushi to be your private venue over the Christmasperiod, it’s perfect for corporate or private Christmas parties. All youneed to do to make this yours is contact the General Manager IainKing at [email protected] or call 0121 222 0875. Youcan create your own packages starting from just £15 per headwhich can include food, bubbly, music, even a Karaoke machine ifrequired so make sure you contact YO! Sushi Brindleyplace soon soyou don’t miss out! Alternatively YO! Sushi can even come to you. Ifyou need that WOW factor for a special event and want to impressyour guests you can bring the YO! Sushi experience directly to yourown home, office or venue of your choice. YO! Events offers customentertainment packages with a portable conveyor belt at the centrestage of your event so you can have a real YO! Sushi restaurant inyour own space. Expertly trained Sushi chefs will prepare dishes infront of your very eyes and for the true Japanese experience, whynot add some geisha waitresses?

This year let YO! Sushi make your celebration stand out from thecrowd, you won’t be disappointed and neither will your guests.

For more information about YO! Sushi visit the web site at www.yosushi.com

yosushi.com

Chicken Katsu Curry (N)Chicken katsu with rice, a mild curry sauce and Japanese pickle.

Tofu Katsu (V)Fresh tofu seasoned with shichimi chilli powder in Japanese bread crumbs with a soy and vinegar sauce.

Beef & Ginger KatsuMinced British beef with hotbeni shoga (Japanese pickle),sweet pickled ginger and freshginger in Japanese bread crumbswith a fruity sauce.

Tilapia Katsu Crispy fried tilapia in Japanese bread crumbs with coriander mayonnaise.

Softshell Crab Katsu Crispy fried soft shell blue crab in Japanese bread crumbs with a hot and spicy chilli sauce.

£1.70£2.30£2.90£3.40£3.90£4.30£5.00

(V) Vegetarian(N) Contains nuts

27

4861 1pg Advertorial:HorseWorld 01/12/2011 15:50 Page 27

THE Shakespeare Inn has been quenching the thirsts of

those in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter since its

heyday - now a massive refurbishment has seen the

glorious Victorian hostelry revived as a polished and

sparkling gem.

A three-week closure saw the red-brick building with its grand

arched windows gutted and fitted out to resemble the kind of

building that would have been familiar to the goldsmiths and

silversmiths who used it in the mid 19th century - but with a

definite 21st century twist.

The original old bar remains but gone are the red plasticky

booths, which have been replaced with smart new leather

Chesterfield-style seating.

Brass fittings abound once more - not least with traditional

brass taps - and the walls are a funky black.

What’s more, the old ‘value’ menu has been replaced - with

qualified chefs responsible for an exciting range of freshly

prepared dishes.

Include its large heated beer garden and you have a bustling

pub in Summer Row that is now part of the Nicholson’s group -

the Mitchells & Butlers brand of hostelries specifically picked for

their hearty ales, delicious foods, historic heritages and friendly

welcome. “The Shakespeare is a really homely atmospheric pub

which has been restored to its traditional Victorian glory,” says

assistant manager Matthew Barry.

“We have six cask ales, three of which are rotating guests, a wide

variety of draughts beers, an extensive wine range, a selection of

bottled continental beers and a premium range of spirits.”

The team, which includes manager Chris Hall, a kitchen

manager, three team leaders and a handful of experienced staff

are all particularly excited about the new menu.

“It’s a traditional pub menu but with a few twists,” reveals

Matthew. “We do handmade pies, sausage and mash and fish

and chips but we also do fillets of sea bass, cod loin in smoked

salmon, pork confit and half roast duck with a cherry jam - plus

a lot more.”

With a full table service available and a warm welcome from the

friendly, courteous and professional team, it’s no surprise that

people are flocking to enjoy the pub’s food and drink, both at

lunchtimes and during the evening.

And they include the students and lecturing gourmet experts

from next door’s Birmingham College of Food and Mitchells and

Butlers’ own CEO and MD, no less, who often pop in from the

company’s national headquarters just a few hundred yards

away for a bite and a refreshing ale.

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28

4457.qxd:Shakespeare Inn 01/12/2011 15:59 Page 28

��

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��Now pulsing with a whole new vibe, the Shakespeare makes a

fantastic venue for a party, meeting or group event and offers

tailored personalised packages from its food and drink menus

that will suit any occasion boosted by the experienced and

professional team who are always on hand to help plan events

and ensure everything runs smoothly.

His namesake pub may have come a long time after the Bard

wrote in Henry V “I would give all my fame for a pot of ale” -

but add to that “from the Shakespeare Inn” and say “cheers”.

The Shakespeare Inn is open Monday-Sunday from 10am to

11pm and on Fridays and Saturdays until midnight.

For further information, details of special offers and

booking enquiries, visit

www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/

theshakespearesummerrowbirmingham/

or telephone 0121 2368702

Care in one’s own home, in familiar surroundings, is the ideal

for many elderly, disabled or otherwise vulnerable people.

Diamond Home Care is a family run domiciliary care business

that sets the standard for home care.

Diamond Home Care’s cheerful, friendly and highly professional staff

visit elderly and vulnerable people in their own homes delivering a

range of services from personal care, domestic support, meal

preparation, shopping, medication assistance, sitting service (day or

night) and community support (escort to appointments, shopping

etc) Their visits are often the high points of their clients’ days.

When Sue Baines started her business in her converted home

garage in 2007 it was with the determination to deliver the highest

quality services to vulnerable adults in the community. She has

communicated this passion to her staff with the result that the

business has grown from a small family run concern to be the

employer of 50 staff. Due to this expansion they needed larger

premises and have just taken over a new office building off

Birmingham New Road in Wolverhampton

Sue and the family’s ambitious plans don’t stop at just acquiring

larger office and storage premises; they plan to develop the extra

space provided by a warehouse attached to the main building into a

day centre for socialisation and reablement purposes. The company

have also made major investments into the latest ICT infrastructure

and multi-site communication systems.

Wolverhampton is fortunate to have the assistance of such a caring

and professional company. Diamond Home Care are at the forefront

of domiciliary social care for adults, and are planning for the future to

be able to accommodate the increasing need for their services.

Diamond Home Care Ltd

Diamond Social Care Centre,

297 All Saints Road,

Wolverhampton

WV2 1EG

01902 871 075

www.diamondhomecare.co.uk

DiamondHome Care

“Quality Care at Home”“Quality Ca Hom Di

re at Home”me Careiamondd

SidawaysChartered Accountants & Registered Auditors

5/6 Long Lane, Rowley Regis, West Midlands, B65 OJATel: 0121 559 2005 Email: [email protected]

Proud to support Diamond Home Care LtdFeeF Email: F0121 559 2005 el: Te

5/6 Long Lane, Rowley Regi

S d [email protected]@sidaways comFEest Midlands, B65 OJAWWest Midlands, B65 OJA is,

FEE29

4457.qxd:Shakespeare Inn 01/12/2011 15:59 Page 29

COUPLES and businesses seeking that special venue for an

important event are finding it in Deer Park Hall.

Located on the Worcestershire/Gloucestershire border, this stunning

wedding venue plays a key role in helping to create beautiful

wedding day memories.

Its idyllic rural setting, voted as having one of the 'Top Ten Views' in

the country, and exclusive facilities also make it one of the most

impressive conference venues in the Midlands and a first choice for

those organising events, conferencing, product launches and team

building activities.

Most recently the entire nation has been given a glimpse of the

delights that await through recent appearances on national

television. More than a million viewers watched managing director

Caron Steele and her family featured on BBC’s Songs of Praise

edition from Pershore while the Countryfile cameras focused on Deer

Park’s farming enterprises for a feature in its latest series.

Beautiful views and the total privacy afforded by the surrounding

1,400 acre country estate are just the first things noticed by visitors

to the beautifully restored Grade II-listed historic building.

Once inside look out for the spectacular 'wall of glass' in the Bredon

Room, with panoramic views of the deer park and Malvern hills.

Outside, the terraced gardens surrounded by deer, sheep and cattle

offer a wonderful area for wedding photography, reception drinks

and corporate lunches.

Licensed for civil wedding ceremonies of up to 150 guests, Deer

Park Hall can comfortably cater for up to 150 diners, who can feast

on a mouth-watering menu designed by the venue’s own

recommended caterers to suite all tastes and budgets, Menus are

designed with quality

locally sourced ingredients

in mind. The venue also

offers a generous free

corkage allowance.

With a ‘set up day” 24 hours before the main event and a wedding

hostess and experienced team of staff on hand to offer a friendly

and supportive service, all happy couples need to do is relax and

enjoy their special day.

Enjoyment is all part of the package for the team-building days and

leadership challenges that Deer Park Hall provides to enhance any

conference or training course.

The choice of activities is wide and includes laser shot, quad biking,

archery, clay pigeon shooting falconry and team building games

alongside circuits for off-road driving events.

The hall itself, with its oak-panelled function rooms discreetly

housing state-of-the-art presentation equipment, provides a historic

setting for any conference and can cater for up to 100 delegates.

Always flexible, Deer Park Hall can easily adapt to host smaller

business functions, such as training venues, thanks to its Minstrels'

Gallery, Lounge and Boardroom which are available as syndicate

rooms and can be hired on an hourly basis.

Whether you’re planning your dream wedding or a spectacular

business event, you’ll find a warm welcome and the perfect setting

at Deer Park Hall in Eckington, near Pershore.

For further information, go to www.deerparkhall.co.uk

or www.deerparkweddings.co.uk, telephone 01386

750267 or email [email protected]

t: 01886 812251 m: 0780 1699597e: [email protected]

“Are proud to be associated with

Deer Park Hall”

CATERINGK.B.

TEATERINGA ERING

Eckington Manor congratulate Deer Park Hall's success in this year's Worcestershire Welcome Awards

ECKINGTON MANORL U X U R Y A C C O M M O D A T I O N & C O O K E R Y S C H O O L

Catering Luxury Accommodation Cookery Schoolwww.eckingtonmanor.co.uk tel: 01386 751600

Deer Park Hall

30

4598 1pg.qxd:Liberty 01/12/2011 16:04 Page 30

THERE’S no doubt, one of the delights of a group outing isthe shared experience of traveling together - and that canonly be boosted by the knowledge that you’re relaxing in acoach from one of the finest fleets in Worcestershire.

By hiring a coach, you can enjoy all the benefits of travel withoutany of the hassle and inconvenience often associated withtransportation today.

By hiring an Astons Coach, you can make the most of thosebenefits, secure in the knowledge that you’re hiring a serviceyou can trust.

Whether it’s for a day excursion, for a corporate event, or awedding party, the Worcester coaching firm has the perfectvehicle.

There’s something special about traveling in a coach. The fun ofa group excursion starts the minute people climb aboard,knowing they can, mix with their fellow travelers or sit quietly.Taking the opportunity to enjoy the passing scenery rather thanfocus on what’s happening on the road in front of them.

Traffic flows, route finding and parking worries are all in thehands of the coach driver and Astons prides itself on theexpertise and experience of all its friendly drivers who take suchmatters in their stride.

The company is certainly a world away from its origins in1929, when it had just one vehicle - and that was used todistribute coal.

Whether it’s a small party or a major gathering of travellers,Astons can accommodate all. It has15 and 16-seat mini buses,35, 49, 51, 57 and 70-seat standard vehicles, 78-seat doubledeckers and 49, 51, 53, 57 and 59-seat executive vehicles thatare fitted with a toilet, TVs, DVD player and PA system.

To really travel in style, there’s the 22, 36, 38, 39-seat luxurycoaches which feature tables and a kitchenette as well as all thefacilities found in the executive coaches.

It is these luxury models that prove popular with many of theregion’s sporting clubs, who take annual contracts with Astonsfor their team transport, with regular clients including WorcesterWarriors Rugby Club, Worcester County Cricket Club andHereford United Football Club.

No matter the size of coach hired, every one is part of a rigorousprogramme of upkeep and repair, carried out by Astons’ in-house skilled mechanics who work round the clock to ensureall meet the strictest of standards.

And even when life on the open road can throw up a fewsurprises, Astons not only has a 24-hour emergency line, thereis also a duty manager on call during out-of-office hours.

As one of the leading school contract service providers in theMidlands, via Worcestershire County Council, Astons is proud ofits reputation within the region’s education sector.

It also serves the county council by providing public servicetransport and likewise for Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

But Aston’s services, as one might expect, go further than theneighbouring counties.

It arranges continental coach travel and, in line with its aim for“no hidden costs”, can quote an all-inclusive package withdriver(s), fuel, tolls, parking and ferry crossings (if applicable).

Whatever the destination, customers can sit back and relax,secure in the knowledge that with Astons they’re going places.

Relax in a coach from one of the

finest fleets in Worcestershire...t: 01905 820 201 f: 01905 829 249 email [email protected]

31

4613 advertorial 1pg:Layout 1 01/12/2011 16:08 Page 31

32

4813 Maxus Global 2pg:Layout 1 01/12/2011 16:09 Page 32

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4813 Maxus Global 2pg:Layout 1 01/12/2011 16:10 Page 33

HOURS lost while waiting for an important delivery at an

unspecified time are a thing of the past for DPD customers,

thanks to its ground-breaking, award-winning Predict service.

It’s been so successful that it has resulted in record numbers of new

customers for the West Midlands national express parcel delivery

company, contributed to a slew of customer service awards and left

industry experts scratching their heads as to why other carriers have

not offered something similar in the wake of its launch in 2010.

With DPD expanding its Oldbury ‘Superhub’, bringing the latest

video coding technology and a dedicated International Hall,

added to the already powerfully popular service, it’s no wonder

staff are proud to call themselves the Heroes of Home Delivery.

DPD was established in 1970 as Courier Express, changing its

name to Parceline in 1984. It was bought by La Poste in 2000

and took on its current name in 2008.

DPD is a leading operator in the UK express parcels sector,

employing 4,200 people and operating more than 1,700 vehicles

from over 40 locations, while its UK sister company is Interlink

Express, a franchised network that focuses on express parcel

services for SMEs.

The shining light of its specialist delivery solutions is the trail-

blazing home delivery Predict service which gives shoppers a

one-hour window, notifying them by text or email which they can

then use to change the delivery date if it is not convenient.

Not only does it mean less time wasted while waiting for a vital

parcel to arrive, it brings dramatic results for DPD’s first-time

delivery success rate, currently standing at an impressive 99%.

The resulting customer satisfaction is also generating plenty of

repeat business - but DPD is not only a company of choice for

clients - it’s widely recognised as an employer of choice,

delivering more than 2,000 days of training per year and

encouraging a 'promotion from within' culture.

The Predict service is a manifestation of DPD’s obsession with

customer care, which runs from the boardroom, down to the

loading bay and on to the doorstep.

It’s also borne out by a bulging trophy cabinet, many of them

linked to the success of Predict but a healthy handful for its use of

technology, corporate

responsibility and fleet

van operation.

This year alone it has

scooped two: the Motor

Transport Customer

Care Award - one of the

industry ‘Oscars’ - and, hot on its heels in July, the B2B category

of the UK Customer Experience Awards.

Director of Sales and CRM, Elaine Kerr, said: "This was an

incredible double vote of confidence in all that we do. Customer

care is our life blood and we're delighted when the outstanding

achievements of our people are recognised."

CEO Dwain McDonald said: "Winning one prestigious award was

fantastic. Winning two in the same week was amazing! It was

wonderful news for all our employees and demonstrated that real

customer care pays dividends in the current economic climate."

For full information about DPD UK and the range of

services it offers, or to make an enquiry, go to

www.dpd.co.uk

ABC RETAIL

technology delivering

At home or on the high street, DPD is the UK’s best carrier by an hour.We’ve all got something better to do than wait for a delivery. That’s why there’s nothing better than DPD’s unique one hour delivery window, Predict. Whether your parcels are going to home addresses or high street businesses, we’re able to ensure the best possible first time delivery success, and greater customer satisfaction. No wonder other carriers can’t keep up.

Call 0845 9 505 505 or visit www.dpd.co.uk and quote BBP0911

34

4742 1pg advertorial.qxd:Liberty 01/12/2011 16:16 Page 34

AS the recession eases itsgrip. Britannia Goodwinsis playing a major part ingetting the country movingagain - literally.

The Goodwin family has beenmoving homes andbusinesses for 70 years andis still helping them relocate,not just door to door in theUK but worldwide.

That’s despite one of the toughest economic climates fordecades - managing director Robert Goodwin notes that whilehe’s looking forward to the future, even his company has been affected.

“Times have been difficult due to the recession but we havecome through that and are looking to maintain ourimprovement,” he says.

Based on the Aston Fields Industrial Estate at Stafford, thebusiness was started in 1935 by Alan Goodwin, whose expertiseand professionalism quickly ensured that the small companyearned a big reputation for excellent work.

Now run by his son Robert, Goodwins Removals is a majorforce in the industry and is part of Britannia Movers InternationalConsortium, with its own vehicles and staff travelling the globeas required.

No matter what the move involves - Goodwins have worked forStaffordshire Police, the county and borough councils plusdomestic households of all sizes - every one is handled by staff,experienced in every aspect of the preparation, packing andtransport of effects, in a manner expected from a member of theBritish Association of Removers.

“Membership of this organisation is not attained lightly and weare proud to uphold its standards of professional expertise,”Robert says. “We will do everything we can to make your movea pleasure.”

When relocation day is imminent, one of Goodwins trained pre-move surveyors will visit to create a detailed tailor-made plan,itemising what needs moving and whether special equipment isrequired for large or unusual items.

Experts in handling unusual, bulky, fragile and valuable items,the team will pack and transport special belongings usingpurpose-made materials and equipment.

“We look after everything, from glass and chinaware to agrandfather clock or a grand piano,” assures Robert.

At the new home, Goodwins will set out all the furniture exactlywhere specified, unpacking any cartons they have previouslypacked and removing any used packing materials.

For those who want to pack, the company has a large selectionof packing materials available to purchase.

If the move is international, Goodwins Removals can advise onnecessary documentation and offers detailed preparations forthe safe and secure transportation of effects, cars or pets.

Once everything is packed it is carefully transported in deep seacontainers, with Goodwins’ stringently selected agentsoverseeing customs clearance, delivery and unpacking at thenew home.

“We will ensure the smoothest possible move through close co-operation with experts in the destination country,” promisesRobert.

Of course, not every move is door to door, some find they haveto store their effects for a while - but Goodwins Removals canhelp with its 11,000 ft heated, dust free and secure, storagefacility, ideal for long or short term.

“We were the first in the Staffordshire area to offer containerstorage - part of our determination to remain at the forefront ofdevelopments in our profession and provide the best possibleservice for our customers,” says Robert.

“The superb equipment and facilities of a large company back upthe friendly specialist service on which our success is based.”

For further information about Britannia Goodwins Removals, visit www.goodwinsremovals.co.uk and

www.britannia-movers.co.uk or telephone 0800 783 3028

BritanniaMovers International

visit www.goodwinsremovals.co.uk & www.britannia-movers.co.uk

telephone: 0800 783 3028

Moving homes and businesses for70 years..

BritanniaMovers International

35

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36

4793 Mercedes DPS:Layout 1 01/12/2011 16:23 Page 36

Location, Location, Location.

37

4793 Mercedes DPS:Layout 1 01/12/2011 16:24 Page 37

MOTORISTS who care about their

vehicles know where to take them if

some TLC is required.

By bringing them to insurance-approved

Lichfield Accident Repair Centre (LARC),

drivers know their engines will be in the

hands of skilled professionals who value

them as much as they do.

For the last 15 years the centre has

been a byword for quality and service

for all kinds of vehicles, and not just the

family or business saloon.

Motorcycles, horse boxes and even classic cars are all

welcomed by the 28-strong team at the 32,000 sq ft premises

on the Crossfield Industrial Estate, which boasts the very latest

equipment available to the industry to handle the most

specialist of repairs.

They know that the repair of a car requires an immense amount

of knowledge, which LARC is more than equipped to provide -

no wonder the centre is trusted and used by some of the UK’s

leading companies, including Enterprise, Swift cover, Axa and

West Midlands Ambulance Service.

With its own fleet of courtesy vehicles and drivers and 24-hour

recovery service, LARC, also Renault approved, covers the

Midlands, carrying out all sizes and types of jobs; from light

bumps to major damage, modifications and repaints.

Skilled bodyshop engineers and efficient support staff to ensure

top-quality repairs are carried out as quickly as possible while

its specialist paint approved status from the House of kolor

means drivers can be assured their vehicle’s new coat will be of

the highest standard of paint material available.

When it comes to holding specialist supplier status, LARC

excels as it has been awarded that prestigious position by

many big names in the industry, including Vibe, Delphi, Glasurit,

Morelli and De beer.

��

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Telephone: 0121 766245030 High Street, Deritend, Birmingham B12 0LW

ROBINS AND DAYBIRMINGHAM CENTRAL

www.robinsanddaybirminghamcentral.co.uk

LICHFIELDACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE LTD.

38

4493.qxd:Lichfield ARC 01/12/2011 16:28 Page 38

MARK ALLENTRADING AS AUTOSMART

Telephone 07831 269500 [email protected]

Mark Allen independent Autosmart franchisee is proud to support and supply Lich�eld Accident Repair Centre.

Autosmart: suppliers of vehicle cleaning and janitorial products to the trade; no matter what you clean, we will have the right mix of products, equipment and accessories to meet your needs. Demonstrated and delivered direct to your door with no additional or hidden costs; from truck wash to specialist wax, �oor scrub to toilet rolls we do it all...Mark Allen is an independent Autosmart franchisee delivering within a designated geographical area for more details of Autosmart distributors delivering in other areas please telephone 01543 481616

The professional choice for vehicle cleaning products

��(#�� $"��$��$�� "�#��"��

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)��#�"&��'�� "��#�!"��$��! #�$�&��$��!��#�#�� %��#$" ��"��$� �#��!�'�$�� %"��$#*�

The experts at LARC really understand how

even the smallest scuff or stone chip can

make a vehicle look tatty and thus devalue it.

Using colour matched paint and an artist’s

brush, practiced staff can do a smart repair to

mask to chips and fill in small scratches little

wider than a hair, thus making a dramatic

difference to the car’s overall appearance for

as little as from £10 +VAT.

Of course it’s one thing to see your pride and joy restored to its

former showroom glory but, for some, the thrill of driving a

classic car for the first time after months of loving repair can’t

be beaten.

LARC is proud of helping owners reach that moment thanks to

its skilled team who can restore anything using panel

replacement, body shell paintwork, mig welding alluminium

welding, Tig welding and Jig chassis work.

And if customising the vehicle hat you already own, is what you

are looking to do then LARC can also step in, ready to carry

out modifications to your requirements

From general customising to full show car finishes or fitting full

fibre glass body kits - you name it, the LARC team can do it.

What ever the job, an owner can rest assured that their

vehicle will be in safe hands at LARC, whose high standards

and expertise will ensure that its is fully repaired and safe to

drive again.

For detailed information about LARC’s services,

or to get an online quote, visit www.larcuk.com

To make an enquiry, telephone 01543 263377

or email [email protected]

39

4493.qxd:Lichfield ARC 01/12/2011 16:28 Page 39

“Service before breakfast for my Mercedes Benz?”

Yes that’s right, Andy Gayle MB Mercedes Benz specialists,are offering a fast fit service; tyres, break pads, air con top up,etc, with a six am start! Phone to pre book; drop your car off,sit and have a coffee, and still arrive at work on time, or homein time to take the children to school. Such is the commitmentof his technicians to providing the "Breakfast Start Servicing"and indeed to all aspects of customer satisfaction.

Remember last winter when you got stuck in the snow? Andy can now offer winter tyres that will guarantee totransform your vehicle in wintery conditions. No more gettingstuck or cursing your luck because somebody doesn’t knowhow to drive in the snow. Winter tyres supplied by Andy Gaylewill keep you out of trouble!

Mercedes Benz owners from all over the Midlands travel toAndy Gayle for all their servicing and repair needs. If it hasn’tgot a star on it they aren’t interested, such is the commitmentof Andy Gayle and his team to Mercedes Benz that they aretrue specialists and only deal with Mercedes Benz.

Andy Gayle MB is probably the largest independent companyin the West Midlands specialising in the service and repair ofthe Mercedes Benz brand, they provide an all round servicewhether it be routine servicing, or minor & major repairs. Theycover engine repair and diagnostics, gearbox repairs automatic

or manual, axle repair, air conditioning, tyre replacement. Infact "the answer is yes, whatever the question” (conditionsapply) as long as it is about Mercedes-Benz!

On coming to Andy Gayle you will find that the 3 yearManufacturer’s Warranty is not affected when serviced by AndyGayle MB (conditions apply). They are up to 50% lessexpensive than the Mercedes-Benz Main Dealer. They only useMercedes-Benz Germany supplied diagnostic equipment. Yourservice book will be stamped and the service indicator re-set.Vast on-site stock holding of service parts meaning less offroad time for their customers, and enables them to offer afixed price for servicing. They also offer a while you waitservice and MOT, or a free collection and delivery service.

When asked what were the special features that set hiscompany apart Andy replied quite simply “We know whatwe’re doing!” What more could anyone ask.

Andrew Gayle MB Services Ltd

1 Tramway

Smethwick

West Midlands

B66 1NR

Phone: 0121 558 48 48

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.mercedesservicing.com

Don’t Pay DealerService PricesWhen You Can HaveThe Same HighQuality Service HereWe have fully qualified,factory trained technicianswho are specialists in theservice & mechanical repairof Mercedes Benz vehicles• Very reasonable rates, using only genuine

factory parts, unless otherwise requested.

• Over 14 years experience with Birmingham’sonly Mercedes Benz Dealership.

• Fully equipped workshop.

• Loan Cars also available.

0121 558 484807973 [email protected]

1 Tramway, off Oldbury Road,Smethwick,West Midlands,B66 1NR

Services AvailableFull Servicing & repair

with menu pricing

4 wheel alignment facilities,supply and fit tyres

Air-conditioning repairs

Automatictransmission repairs

All computer diagnosticscarried out using the

latest Mercedes BenzStar machine

Free Collection& Delivery

Anywhere in the West Midlands(Conditions Apply)

40


When your car or alloys need care, get smart and go toSmart Care Repair.

Smart Care Repair Limited provides a powerhouse of servicesright in heart of the Midlands, from the latest ‘Paintless DentRemoval’, ‘Be-spoke Alloy Wheel Refurbishment’, to ‘FactoryFinish Bodywork Repairs.

Vehicle owners have invariably made a substantial investmentand are anxious to maintain their purchases in pristine conditionto protect residual values. All processes use state of the arttechniques and products ensuring the highest level of repair inthe Body Shop Industry.

Do you have a Lease Hire agreement that is due to end? Smart Care can help you avoid expensive penalties by usingtheir services instead of paying premium prices charged by theleasing companies. Concerned you’ll be without a vehicle?They provide a free courtesy car while your repairs are beingattended to, so there is no need to disrupt your busy day.

Looking at refurbishing your alloy wheels? Smart Care areexperts in Mobile Alloy Wheel Repairs. If you don’t have thetime to visit them, they’ll visit you either at home or at work thesame day, offering speed and convenience.

Smart Care is celebrating a rise in business growth and havepartnered up with the UK leaders in refinishing Diamond CutWheels. These unique wheels need specialist care and attention,need an assessment this is provided at no extra charge.

You can entrust your vehicle to them with complete confidence,not only have they been trading since 1993, they are approvedby local main dealers and insurance companies and continue toprovide excellent customer relationships with BMW, Audi, AstonMartin, Jaguar and Land Rover.

Mandy Smart and Greg Worthington are very proud of theirteam and what they have achieved, and continue to achievetoday. Mandy says “Our aim is to provide a first class service intransforming our customers and clients vehicles to showroomstandards.”

For more information on the servicesthey provide and the latest offers

call now on 0121 520 7000 or visit www.smartcarerepair.co.uk

smartcarealloy wheel & bodywork repairs

smartcarecall for details

0121 520 7000

tt

alloy wheel & bodywork recarsmart

epairs & bodywork r

smartcareRefurbishment from as little as £35.00

41


Bullwell Trailer Solutions celebrates oneyear at Lichfield HQ

Trailer repairs and maintenance specialist, Bullwell TrailerSolutions, celebrates its one year anniversary at its Lichfieldheadquarters on Thursday (29th September).

To mark the occasion, the independently owned company islaunching a recruitment drive in the Midlands for ten mobileengineers; an amount which will mean a 20 per cent increase inthe workforce since the company's move to Burton Road,Streethay, Lichfield.

Bullwell, which currently employs 75 people, has reported asustained period of growth in both operations and servicecapability, increasing turnover by 20 per cent from £5.6 millionin 2010 to a projected £7 million by its November 2011 yearend; an increase the company attributes to being located in thehub of the UK's motorway network.

Gary Bulley, managing director at Bullwell Trailer Solutions says:"This has been an extremely rewarding year for Bullwell TrailerSolutions and it cannot go unrecognised that this increase inturnover coincides with our move to Lichfield. Being locatedwithin the central hub of the UK's transport system, withexcellent links to the M42, M5 and M6, is essential to abusiness like ours, especially since our mobile maintenance andrepair service is experiencing a period of sustained growth andhigh demand.

"With the company growing as it is, we are now launching arecruitment programme for ten mobile engineers and ideally, wewould like to recruit from the local area. Looking forward, it isimperative that we invest in the company's future, both withhighly trained staff and capital investments into new installationson site and improved equipment for our mobile engineers."

Following a recent investment of £173,000 for an on-siteauthorised testing facility (ATF), Bullwell is continuing to moveforward by investing a further £980,000 into new vans andequipment. This latest investment represents a total of 28 vans,each of which will be kitted out with £15,000 worth ofapparatus including scrutineers, generators, compressors,welders and cutting tools.

Gary continues: "Our predicted end of year results look like wewill be increasing turnover by a further £1.4 million, which is asubstantial move forward and above our expectations for thisyear. It is an exciting time for Bullwell and I know that we allhave high hopes for future expansion in our second and thirdyears based in Lichfield."

With a number of new contracts in the pipeline, the company islooking to expand its bluechip client base which currentlyincludes DHL, Royal Mail, TK Maxx and UK Mail.

Previously located in Tamworth, in addition to the newheadquarters operation, Bullwell has workshop facilities inKidderminster and Swindon. However, the company provides amobile repair service to all major locations across the UK.

Bullwell offers a range of services extending from pay as you goand contract repair and maintenance to a complete take-overof existing workshop facilities and staff.

100 Burton Road

Streethay

Lichfield

Staffordshire

WS13 8LN

01543 416 665

www.bullwellts.co.uk

Delivering quality in trailers

The Midlands’ Premier Commercial HGV/PSV MOT Station

Bullwell Trailer Solutions’ state-of-the-art, purpose-built VOSA HGV/PSV MOT testing station is now open.

The fully certified facility is operated by VOSA staff to carry out MOT inspections on HGV tractor units, trailers and

PSVs.

To support our MOT test lane, we have over 50 mobile HGV trailer engineers nationwide and a purpose-built commercial

workshop in Lichfield.

Managing Director Gary Bulley said: “This is yet another investment in top-class facilities that will enable us to further improve the service we offer to our customers”.

For more information or to book an MOT test, please contact usTel: 0845 602 4130


Bullwell Trailer Solutions Limited. 100 Burton Road, Streethay, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 8LN

Pictured: Kevin Tomlinson, financial director and Gary Bulley, managing director at Bullwell Trailer Solutions

42


MOTORISTS from across the Midlands come to Reynolds of

Rushock, knowing that only the most skilled personnel will be

handling vehicles that are, for many, their pride and joy.

It could be a precious Porsche, the restoration of a loved

Lamborghini or work required on anything else, this respected

motor body engineer takes them all in its stride.

A very thorough approach to vehicle repairs, combined with the

highest of standards, has earned Reynolds’ factory-approved

status from prestigious marques such as Bentley, Land Rover,

Audi, Volkswagen Group including Seat and Skoda, Jaguar

and Porsche.

Reynolds is also one of only a handful of repairers in the UK

that have invested in the specialist equipment required to

successfully repair aluminium vehicles.

Such approvals provide further peace of mind for owners of all

vehicle makes as all staff at Reynolds of Rushock undergo

continuous and rigorous training, ensuring that they are not

only highly skilled, but are also up to date with all of the latest

technical information available.

Whilst proud to attain such prestigious approvals, Reynolds is

equally proud that it remains totally independent, repairing all

makes of vehicle at its 15,000sq ft premises on the Rushock

Trading Estate, near Droitwich.

Regardless of the type of vehicle being worked on, the

commitment to doing the job correctly remains. It’s this

commitment that lies behind Chris’s advice to owners whose

cars have been involved in an accident.

“Many motorists believe that they must follow their insurer’s

instructions. This is not the case. They can and should exercise

their right to insist on using a repairer of their choice, rather

than just accepting an insurer’s recommendation,” he says.

“When a repairer becomes insurer approved, this always

involves discounting of the repair invoice”.

“It goes without saying that a repairer that discounts their work

will have to make compromises somewhere in the repair

process. I wouldn’t accept compromises in the repair of my

vehicle and I wouldn’t expect my customers to accept it either”.

The company motto says it all – “Perfection is no accident”.

Setting it apart from other repairers, Reynolds’ also undertakes

specialist refinishing of prototype and concept vehicles for

major motor manufacturers and takes great pride in the fact

that work has been displayed at international motor shows

throughout Europe and America and has also been seen on the

BBC’s Top Gear.

Restoration work on older vehicles is also a large part of

Reynolds, with many of the 19 staff being classic vehicle

owners themselves, including Chris who has an old Riley

undergoing restoration.

Customers can, therefore, be happy that their cars are in the hands

of highly skilled technicians and also people who are attuned to the

particular sensitivities of these precious pieces of motoring history.

Be it a Bentley, Volkswagen, Porsche or Mini, this year’s model or an

example of yesteryear’s motoring, Reynolds of Rushock will look

after them all.

To find out more: Telephone 01299 250800

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.reynoldsofrushock.com

OF RUSHOCK

OF RUSHOCK

www.reynoldsofrushock.com

t: 01299 250800e: [email protected]

.reynoldsofrushock.comwww sofrushock.comm

43

4787 1pg advertorial.qxd:Reynolds 01/12/2011 16:46 Page 43

t: 08458 336 515 f: 08458 336 516e: [email protected]

www.showcase-interiors.co.uk

PROUD TO PROVIDE KNIGHTS BMW WITH THEIR SHOWROOM FURNITURE

Knights of Stafford the Authorized BMW Dealer in

Stafford, has just completed a fantastic program of

redevelopment at their Lichfield Road site, under

the leadership of the new Dealer Principle, Anthony

Masterson.

Over the last 10 months they have undergone a massive £1.3

million redevelopment of the whole site. The refurbishment has

provided Knights’ customers with an up to the minute

environment that truly reflects the Knights brand, in which to

buy and service their BMWs and MINIs.

The redevelopment has defined the two sides of the business

with both MINI and BMW having separate showrooms and

dedicated service receptions. Customers can enjoy coffee in

Knights’ own Starbucks in a comfortable customer lounge with

plasma TVs and WIFI access. An indoor handover area allows

customers to drive their new and used cars straight out of the

showroom and car parking facilities have been significantly

improved with dedicated diagnostic bays.

The dealership has remained open throughout and customers

have been extremely accommodating during the building work

and are very impressed with the outcome. Anthony Masterson

paid tribute to his team saying that they have been brilliant,

remaining upbeat and happy throughout all the upheaval

caused during the work. Knights BMW are a substantial

employer with approximately 60 staff, all trained to the exacting

standards demanded by BMW and MINI.

Knights BMW strives to exceed their customers’ expectations

and provide all customers with the best possible experience.

As part of BMW’s support for the Olympic Games in London in

2012, and following the appointment last year of BMW Group

as the Official Automotive Partner of the Games, dealers will be

The UltimateDriving Machine

KnightsSouth Staffordshire

01785 246 999

44

4626 2pgs:HorseWorld 01/12/2011 16:50 Page 44

Knights South Staffordshire

Radford Bank

Lichfield Road

Stafford

Staffordshire

ST17 4PQ

Tel: 01785 246 999

www.knightssouthstaffsbmw.co.uk

working with local athletes, supporting their endeavours to

qualify for Team GB or Paralympics GB. Knights BMW are

delighted to announce that they are supporting local archer,

Alison Williamson, as she prepares for the London 2012

Olympic Games. Alison lives in Stafford and does most of her

training in Lilleshall. Alison’s success has gone from strength to

strength, and she has already competed in five Olympic Games

- London 2012 will be her sixth! What a fantastic achievement.

Everyone at Knights is delighted to be sponsoring Alison.

Anthony Masterson, Dealer Principal said: “This is a once in a

lifetime opportunity to get really involved with the 2012 Games.

Our staff and customers are keen to support London 2012 so

we’re really happy to be backing Alison”.

45


DPE Automotive, based in Newton Aycliffe, CountyDurham has extensive facilities at its disposal fromsimple advice, prototype production, cost analysis or fullfactory line production, they can do it all.

DPE-Automotive enjoys preferred supplier status with a variedgroup of suppliers/manufactures on a 1st tier basis. With theirwealth of experience they can deal directly with OEM's andtheir suppliers.

DPE took over a Birmingham based company Sonas, apressings company in Tysley, from the administrators in 2008 inorder to expand their facilities and be closer to theirBirmingham customer base. The take over saved more than100 Birmingham based jobs.

Under the name DPE Automotive, the company has since beenrebuilding its order book and re-establishing its accreditationswhich lapsed when Sonas went into administration. The newmanagement has seen turnover increase from £2.5 to £18.5million in just two years.

The company’s customers include Nissan and Ford Europe andhas benefited from rising demand as sales have soared atGaydon giant Jaguar Land Rover in the past year. The road torecovery has taken another important step when Jaguar LandRover presented its JLRQ Award which is given to supplierswho demonstrate world-class quality and delivery performanceacross every area of the business.

Peter Coates, managing director of DPE Automotive, said thecompany was well-placed to create more jobs. Mr Coates said:“It’s been a long road since we took over Sonas in early 2009as we’ve basically had to rebuild the company”. He added“Over the two sites in Birmingham and County Durham we roseto 198 employees and since 2009 we have increased turnoverfrom £2.5 million to £18.5 million. We are a tier one supplier toNissan, Ford Europe, Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover, and thenew JLRQ accreditation will put us in a fantastic position to winnew business from JLR and therefore create new jobs. It isimportant to remember this award would not have beenpossible without the efforts of our workforce.”

DPE Automotive has also strengthened links with its main supplierUnited Steels based in Kingswinford, which has taken ashareholding. Directors from DPE are also in the process ofagreeing a joint venture with a third party which will furtherstrengthen links between the Tysley site and Jaguar Land Rover.

News

Due to the improvements at the Tysley plant and the already stronglinks with Jaguar Land Rover, the decision was taken to furtherstrengthen the connection and the plant has now been sold to theSertec Group from Coleshill in the West Midlands. DPE now tradesfrom its facilities in the North East of England. DPE Automotivealso recently acquired A&L Pressings Limited from administration inLichfield and has since relocated that business to the North Eastalso. The product range now boasts Grade A Interior Trimproducts for the likes of Aston Martin and Bentley Motors.

Gurney WayNewton AycliffeCounty Durham

DL5 6ULTelephone: 0132 530 0777 Fax: 0132 530 1951E-mail: [email protected]

Birmingham Facility

Vehicle Front Seat

Pressing Lines

DPE-AUTOMOTIVE

LIMITED

46

4754 2pg :HorseWorld 01/12/2011 16:55 Page 46

47


EXCITEMENT is building as the completion date for a massivemulti-million pound refurbishment and the start of a newchapter in Birmingham’s sporting history draws near.

Closed for 12 months, the new-look Woodcock Sports Centre, thehome of one of the UK’s oldest working swimming pools, is due tobe unveiled in September. The project on the Aston Universitycampus has seen the historic centre transformed into a modern,vibrant sports facility that retains and celebrates its unique originalfeatures and its character.

Once operational it will boost the venues operated by the university’sSport Aston, which incorporate the Gem Sports Hall and an OutdoorRecreation Centre, used by the England women’s football team fortraining, at Great Barr.

In just a matter of weeks, sports enthusiasts will find:

• A new two-storey martial arts and dance studio, doubling theprevious capacity and allowing for a wider range of activities andmore dance-based classes.

• An improved and extended gym, now with 120 brand new stations and able to host women-only sessions.

• A new Sauna and Steam Room.• A new, reconfigured interior layout with more space, a viewing area for the sports hall and a Studio Cycling suite.

• New male and female changing for the swimming pool - with the cubicles retained as a historical feature.

• New male and female changing facilities for sports hall and gym users.

• An overhaul of Woodcock Sports Centre’s structure and decorcombining the best of modern functions with unique and beautiful original features.

The rejuvenation only adds to the regular sporting activities:Badminton, Squash, Table Tennis, four five-a-side Football pitchesand one eight-a-side Football pitch - all with 3G astro turf - Yogacourses and a full aerobics class schedule, including Zumba, StudioCycling, Total Tone, Aqua Aerobics and Thighs, Tums and Bums.What’s really going to make a splash, however, is the pool’s return.While work was under way, temporary gym facilities were provided atnearby Priestley Wharf and all other sports and activities, includingaerobics and yoga, were transferred into the Gem Sport Hall. But theswimming, literally, dried up. Director of Campus Services, MikeKirkman, is looking forward to welcoming back the swimmers.

“Woodcock, first built in the 1860s, houses the city’s oldest workingswimming pool and, with a large stained glass window at one end,swimming here feels completely different to being in a modern pool.We are also looking forward to starting children’s swimming lessonson Saturday mornings and can’t wait to give children the chance tolearn to swim in such a beautiful and historic building,” he says.

“It is a Grade II-listed building which makes it stand out from othersports centres, but the refurbishment has allowed us to improve theinside and make areas more modern while keeping its character.

Following the closure of the public swimming pool and publiclaundry, Woodcock Sports centre was handed over to AstonUniversity from Birmingham City Council in 1980 for the nominal feeof £1. We are aware that we have a proud tradition to follow.Woodcock public baths was Birmingham’s first public swimmingpool and we are pleased that today it remains the main public

swimming pool in Birmingham city centre. Whilst staff and studentsform an important customer base all of our facilities are open toeveryone. The enlarged gym is also expected to prove a big draw. Itwill be members only, but Mike points out that the subscriptionrepresents value for money.

“A 12-month membership is the equivalent of less than £25 permonth,” he says. “This includes access to the gym, swimming pool,sauna room, steam room and all aerobics classes. Memberships areavailable not only to students but to all. However, you don’t have tobe a member of the gym to take part in Aerobics classes, Yogacourses, to play a sport or enjoy a swim.

No matter which centre you visit, you can always expect a friendlywelcome from the staff who are extremely versatile. Not only do theyfulfil their normal leisure assistant duties but they are fitness instructortrained, take aerobics classes and conduct swimming lessons.Some staff are also based at the Outdoor Recreation Centre in GreatBarr, itself available not just for the hire of a sports pitch but to hostwedding receptions, corporate hospitality or private celebrations.

“We are known for great customer service with our professional teamkeen to help customers, and try to work with every one we can tohelp them achieve their fitness goals”, says Mike.

For further information, visit www.aston.ac.uk/sport,email [email protected]

or telephone 0121 204 4623

e: [email protected] t: 0121 204 4623

www.aston.ac.uk/sport

Woodcock Sports CentreOpening September 2011

12-month membership (equivalent of less than £25 per month)

includes use of:gym swimming pool sauna room steam room all aerobics classes

Memberships are available not only to students but to al l.

You don’t have to be a member of the gym to take part in Aerobics classes, Yoga courses, to play a sport or enjoy a swim.

48

4650 advertorial 1pg.qxd:Layout 1 05/12/2011 10:23 Page 48

CHILTERN Railways’ recently launched Mainline service ishelping to keep the region’s businesses moving at a crackingpace - and, thanks to its new Business Zone, in comfort too.

Peak times see busy working folk whizzed from Birmingham’s MoorStreet to Marylebone, London, from a mile-gobbling 90 minutes, 28minutes faster than the previous speediest service.

By opting for the Business Zone carriage, passengers can enjoytheir super-quick journey in wider seats, seated at larger tables,luxuriate in ample leg room and complimentary tea, coffee andwater. Plus there’s also ‘always-on’ Wi-Fi connection and plugsockets at every seat.

The launch of the Mainline service follows 18 months of extensiveengineering work on upgrading the line and the Business Zone - aprivate carriage of just 30 seats - is in direct response toconsultations with members of the business community.

Inspired by similar airline services, Chiltern Railways says it fills amuch-needed niche, providing all the valued business benefits offirst class, but excluding non-essentials at a fraction of the cost offirst class.

Marketing director Thomas Ableman says: “Businesses told us thatspace to work and a decent internet connection were absolutelyessential.

“They also told us that additional privacy at key times for increasedproductivity was valuable.”

In response to concerns over payment for non-essentials, food andalcoholic drink is not included in the Business Zone but a dedicatedtrain host will attend to passengers and take at-seat orders, servingrefreshments from the onboard Espresso Bar.

“What passengers didn’t value was paying more than £100 extra fora sandwich, pretzels and a single glass of wine,” Thomas points out.

“We believe the premium economy style service in the BusinessZone creates a new class of travel that could signal the end of firstclass business travel across the industry.”

Passengers wishing to get in the zone can reserve seating at pointof purchase but, unlike first class where an entirely separate ticket isrequired, they simply pay a £20 supplement on top of their standardclass ticket.

The pricing structure allows complete flexibility, with the option toupgrade for both legs of the journey or just one way.

“The Business Zone also beats first class from other providers whenit comes to seating,” adds Thomas.

“Leg room is 520mm and 530mm wide - both higher figures thanany first class train service between Birmingham and London.”

The fastest mainline service sees peak-time trains eating up thetracks from Birmingham Moor Street, via Solihull and WarwickParkway only, before whizzing non-stop to London Marylebone.

Every hour, a fast Mainline train will call at Moor Street, Solihull,Warwick Parkway, Leamington Spa, Banbury and LondonMarylebone while an additional Mainline train will leave BirminghamSnow Hill and stop at Moor Street, Solihull, Dorridge, WarwickParkway, Warwick, Leamington Spa, Banbury, Bicester North, HighWycombe and London Marylebone.

To make life easier for passengers, just three simple walk-up faresare available for all stations between Birmingham and WarwickParkway for travel to/from London:

• Anytime return £75 – travel on any train, anytime.

• Off Peak £50 – travel on any train, except on weekday morning*trains towards London.

• Super Off Peak £25 – travel on any train, except on weekdaymorning trains towards London and evening peak* time trainstravelling from London.

For full details about the service and for ticket pricesand booking go to www.chilternrailways.co.uk/mainline

Nice&fast

Getting you there

FasterExperience Mainline

www.chilternrailways.co.uk/mainline

Nice&fast

49


BEAUTIFUL bathrooms are making a splash in the WestMidlands, thanks to Unique Interiors.

The Birmingham company has been providing a completebathroom fitting service for the last five years, with manydomestic and trade clients keen to ‘tap’ into its expert services.

With a showroom in Stirchley, Unique Interiors is a division ofSpecialised Building Plastics (SBP), which has been serving theplastics industry for more than 30 years.

A stockist of roofline materials, rainwater systems, undergroundand above ground drainage, polycarbonate sheet and a widerange of plastic building products, it also supplies and fitsdecorative pvc internal cladding, the hygienic alternative toconventional tiles for bathrooms and kitchens.

Unique Interiors was initially set up to enable SBP to provide aservice for fitting wet rooms or plastic panels into bathrooms buthas quickly grown to offer a much wider range of products.

“We have our own team of highly-skilled tradesmen who areproficient installers of mobility bathrooms, showers and internalwall cladding, providing ‘the complete bathing solution’,” saysbusiness development manager Patrick Rabbitt.

“We are approved contractors to Age UK and Birmingham CityUniversity and, in addition to numerous domestic installations,recent projects have included the refurbishment of bath andshower rooms within student accommodation at the university,Corus Hotels, several residential care homes andwashrooms/cloakrooms at local primary schools, social clubsand commercial premises.”

A specialist in wall and ceiling cladding, Unique Interiors’professional complete bathroom design service includes a freequotation, plumbing, electrics, flooring, tiling, and the installationof kitchens, sanitary ware and downlighting.

Proud of its membership of the Federation of Master Builders,Unique Interiors is also proud to guarantee all the workundertaken by its team of expert professionals and that it meetscurrent building and electrical regulations.

Further peace of mind for clients comes in the form of thecompany’s full liability insurance indemnity limit of £5 million.

Anyone wanting to view a selection of Unique Interiors’installations will be warmly welcomed by the friendly staff at1516 - 1518 Pershore Road, where the impressive showroomdisplays a collection of first-class, competitively priced sanitaryware together with samples of wall and ceiling cladding and‘Aquastep’ flooring.

��

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BUILDING PRODUCTS

Supplying high quality fascia & soffitsystems to…SpecialisedBuildingPlastics

SPECIALISED BUILDING PLASTICS

50

4408 1.5pg:Layout 1 05/12/2011 10:49 Page 50

JUST 4 ONE is the first single person “Micro Taxi” to

operate in and around the Nottingham area.

The service has been introduced by Where 2 UK Ltd, a popular,

well established, family run, Corporate Chauffeur Company

which has serviced a host of Nottingham companies and

National and International organisations for over 16 years.

Paul Donaldson left the RAF in 2001, to join his father in the

family business. In 2005 with his uncle John they realised that

the market was over subscribed with large vehicles and that

there was great demand for economical, single person provision.

It took 2 years, but finally the local authority, influenced by

environmental concerns, licenced the eco friendly SMART car

for Private Hire use. Two SMART cars, known in the company as

“The Twins”, were commissioned as a subsidiary of the main

company to be known as JUST 4 ONE.

These cheerful and very noticeable little cars are rapidly

becoming a familiar feature of the Nottingham streets, as their

popularity spreads particularly among the over 50’s and those

with mobility concerns. Registered with Age UK, the car’s wide

doors and high seat position make for ease of access.

If travelling alone why not take advantage of their comfort and

convenience and save money on your next trip in the

Nottingham area? Give Paul at JUST 4 ONE a call on 0115

9404111 to be collected in one of their distinctive “black and

white” SMART vehicles, you will be very impressed by the

quality and reliability of their service. Please note they operate

between 6am – 7pm, Mon – Fri.

Where 2 UK Ltd (Incorporating Just 4 One)11a Bexon Court, Foxhill Road, Carlton,Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG4 1SQ

[email protected]

NOTTINGHAM

TUNING & REPAIRCentre

Telephone: 0115 961 9837

We are proud to supportWhere2UK (Just4One)

www.nottinghamtuning.co.uk

“The Class1 fire rated cladding, which is available in 38 colours anddesigns, is quick and easy to install, helps to insulate the roomand reduce condensation, has a wipe-clean surface and unliketiles does not need grouting,” says Patrick.

“We would be happy to arrange for you to view some of ourcompleted installations or discuss any future projects where wemay be of assistance.”

For further information - and a virtual tour - visit www.sbpuk.com or visit the showroom,

which is open from 8am-5pm six days a week.Alternatively telephone 07754 885996 or 0121 458 5082.

51

4408 1.5pg:Layout 1 05/12/2011 10:49 Page 51

"Polycarbonate Sheet - it's what we do"

If you are looking for Polycarbonate Sheet, head to Nick Gray theMidlands specialist supplier. Nick Gray Building Plastics havebeen supplying Polycarbonate Sheet for more than 20 years tothe general public and the trade. They are the leading UK stockistof structured polycarbonate manufactured by Brett Martin in

Northern Ireland. You can relyon receiving the best advicebased on their many years ofexperience. They specialise insupplying high qualityproducts with a personableand friendly service - they gothe extra mile.

Polycarbonate sheeting hasmultiple uses and comes in avariety of thicknessesdepending on yourrequirements. Among itsproperties it is UV stable, safeand easily worked. Thechambered construction

makes it strong but also lightweight with excellent thermalinsulation properties, ideal for roof glazing applications. Coming ina range of thicknesses, tints and colours, clear, opal, blue andbronze, with the option of dual colours in the thicker sheets, it canbe coupled with solar inserts to maximise its insulation potential.

When Nick Gray discusses the uses and properties for thedifferent thicknesses, he describes 4mm as “a fantastic product”,lightweight and durable, made with a fluted construction giving ita great weight to rigidity ratio. It is most suitable for greenhousesand sheds, but sizes need to be limited as its light weight makesit floppy over a large area. 10mm, two and a half times as thick ismore rigid, has a twin wall construction, and is ideal for carportsand pergolas. In this category Nick Gray are proud to stockBorg®, a recycled product made exclusively for them. It is slightly

heavier with a 4 wall construction and heat insulation which iscomparable to 16mm polycarbonate. It is an excellent valueproduct and the colouring goes really well with wood. 16mm, amid-weight product “bridges the gap” to the thicker products.25mm is a 5 wall construction with exceptional rigidity and

strength and is most usually used in conservatories due to its heatinsulation properties, but the “Rolls Royce” of polycarbonatesheeting is the 35mm thick sheet, which Nick describes as having“phenomenal rigidity”, strength and outstanding thermal insulation.The thicker the polycarbonate the better the rigidity and insulation.

Nick Gray are also proud to be the only stockist of Blupal®. Thisis a 25mm sheet made from recycled polycarbonate anddeveloped especially for the koi keeping market. The product isideal to help maintain warmth during the cold winters and beingfrom recycled material it makes it cost effective.

Nick Gray offers a cut to size service and supplies all the glazingaccessories needed to fit the sheet. Their website is full of usefulinformation including short video's with Nick himself showing thedifferent sheets and accessories with suggestions and tips ontheir use. However, if you have any questions or would like furthersuggestions the staff at Nick Gray are more than happy to discussyour requirements.

Place an order with the office and receive a 5%discount for mentioning this article.

Nick GrayUnit 8, Britannia Enterprise Park

Lichfield, Staffs S14 9UY

Call: 01543 543007 Visit: www.nick-gray.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

Supplying Polycarbonate Sheeting to the Trade and Public for more than 20 Years

Tel: 01543 543007 Email: [email protected]

www.nick-gray.co.uk

52


WHEN it comes to resolving your

ceiling requirements, Davroy

Contracts Ltd has got it covered.

Suspended ceilings are just one of

the specialist areas of this

established Great Barr business,

which also provides partitioning,

glazed partitions and plastering for

offices and industrial units the

length and breadth of the UK.

With more than 20 years experience and a team of 15 skilled

staff, Davroy Contracts, in Queslett Road, works with

contractors and end users to bring its expertise to a wealth of

offices and industrial units in the commercial and industrial

markets, from single units to large complexes.

“We offer a friendly, reliable and competitively-priced service and

our workmanship is of the highest quality,” says Paul Durber,

who heads up the business with co-director Neil Reynolds.

Paul’s belief in his staff’s work is born out by the recognised

badges of craftsmanship Davroy Contracts bears, such as its

membership of the Association of Interior Specialists, its

approved contractor status with both the Contractors Health

and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS) and the Building

Register and its position as an Armstrong-recognized installer.

An impressive client list also bears testament to the company’s

reputation - its work can be seen in David Lloyd sports centres,

at Central TV, in national retail chains such as Lloyds Chemists,

at Euston Station in London and at convention and exhibition

centres, not least Birmingham’s own NEC.

Suspended ceilings, says Paul, are not only decorative and

functional but can provide acoustic and thermal insulation as

well as improving sound quality in critical areas.

“We can provide and install ceilings supplied by all the major

manufacturers including Armstrong, OWAcoustics, Ecophon,

Danogips and many more,” he adds. “We can also provide

suspended plasterboard ceilings either flat, sloping, curved or

in other designs.”

For customers looking to install partitions, Davroy Contracts

can handle both categories, permanent or demountable, in the

full range of qualities to suit all budgets and, mindful of safety

requirements is also able to provide and fix fire protection

products and cavity barriers.

Over the years it has gained considerable experience in

incorporating sound insulation into projects for numerous

schemes which require complete privacy, such as hospitals,

company meeting rooms and court rooms, and it can also

boost the sound insulation of an existing ceiling or building.

Once the ceiling, partitions, fire lining and sound insulation work

have been completed, Davroy Contracts can utilise its expertise

still further by taking care of the carpets, lighting, furniture and

decorating. “Whichever internal aspect of the project we focus

on, we always use the highest quality materials and latest

technologies to ensure the surroundings are comfortable and

productive,” says Paul.

“Whether a client is looking for a modern or classical touch,

with our extensive access to reputable suppliers throughout the

UK we can complete a scheme to their tastes and budget.”

And really going from top to bottom, Davroy Contracts can

supply and build mezzanine floors, custom-designed for

specific buildings.

“Increased floor space will enable most companies who have

wasted head room to expand their business in a cost-effective

way,” reveals Paul. “We can provide a fast, precise and detailed

quotation using on-site measurement surveys by qualified

engineers, leading to fast track construction with minimum

disruption to your business.”

For full information about Davory Contracts Ltd

or to make an enquiry, visit www.davroy.co.uk,

email [email protected] or telephone 0121 325 0899.

www.nevilllong.co.ukTel 0121 506 1710 Fax 0121 506 1716

[email protected]

Proud To Be Associated With Davroy Contracts Limited.

We Wish You All Continued Success For The Future

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DavroyContracts Ltd

53

4528:Davroy 05/12/2011 11:00 Page 53

Midlands architect practice Gould SingletonPartnership was established in 1977,

and subsequently became a limited company in 1995 known asGould Singleton Architects. Under the current directors, StephenBullock, Stephen Cox, and Peter Icke, the practice has continuedto flourish and expand developing a broad client base and a verywide spectrum of projects. Gould Singleton Architects enjoysChartered Practice status awarded by the RIBA and is alsoregistered under ISO 9001 & ISO 14001.

Gould Singleton Architects’ vision, expertise and professionalismensure that they offer innovative solutions, whilst responding to alltechnical and commercial considerations in a way that hasdeveloped a position of trust with clients. The enduring relationshipsthus developed have resulted in frequent repeat commissions.

Gould Singleton Architects can offer their clients a completepackage of services, as project managers and architects workingvery closely with Structural Engineers, Quantity Surveyors andM&E Engineers. They offer Site assessment and feasibility,including Building and Land Surveys, covering Planning andBuilding Regulations, Urban Design, construction drawings anddesign services, Party Wall surveying, and expert witness andcontract adjudication services. They also have substantialexpertise in Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments andConservation area submissions and consents, and carry outQuinquennial Ecclesiastical Inspections.

Over 30 years experience has resulted in a wide portfolio ofresidential, healthcare, educational, commercial and industrialprojects, including industrial business parks, individual bespokeoffice and warehouse developments, schools, hospitals and retaildevelopments, procured through both Traditional and Design andBuild contracts.

Some recent examples give some idea of the diversity of theirpractice

Co-operative House, Warwick

For almost 20 years, Gould Singleton Architects have beenworking with Midcounties Co-operative, designing and managingbuilding contracts totalling in excess of £75 million.

In 2009, Midcounties acquired an existing single storey office ofapproximately 25,000 sq ft in area, on the prestigious WarwickTechnology Park. The existing building design and form did notlend itself easily to extension on the ground floor, as the buildingwas surrounded by car parking and mature landscaping, inaddition, the building’s external fabric was in need ofmodernisation. It was decided that the best place to createadditional floorspace would be at first floor level, above the existingroof line. As the building was already of lightweight design, the onlysolution for supporting the new building was to thread newsupport columns down through the existing structure, ensuring thenew floor level was independent to that of the lower level.

A major enhancement to the building was the refenestration of theexisting façade, this would have far reaching benefits for theexisting internal office environment, with lighter working space,significant improvements to the thermal & acoustic performancetogether with a more modern appearance externally.

The completed offices are approximately 40,000 sq ft. andaccommodate in excess of 250 employees. The scheme alsoincorporates new structure for a possible further extension of12,000sqft again at first floor level.

The project was completed in a little over 12 months and had atotal contract value of £3.7m

Harborne High St Regeneration

Gould Singleton has already been part of the successful team onthe recently completed Harborne Central scheme on the formerAll Electric Car garage, and with this in mind together with thesuccess of obtaining Planning permission for a similar atBrassington Avenue, Sutton Coldfield, Guildford based propertyowners, Leadenhall Group Ltd commissioned Gould Singleton tocarry redevelopment appraisals of the site.

After successful pre-application consultation with the Planningdepartment, local retailers and residents, a detailed planningapplication was submitted. Detailed planning consent wasgranted by Birmingham City Council, at the first presentation tothe Planning committee. Birmingham City Council leader, Cllr MikeWhitby felt that the development would be a successfulcontribution to the Town centre

The approved scheme, with a build total construction value ofcirca £12m will provide 30,000 sq ft. retail space and servicing,above the retail area will be 91 residential apartments with 5% tobe for affordable housing, most of which will be 2 bedroom units

Gould Singleton Architects

Proposed New Development –

High Street View

Rear Views of the redevelopment

Co-operative House

54


benefitting from private roof garden areas and private residents gym.To accompany the scheme, a new sub-terrain car park will beformed, providing almost 100 car parking spaces.

RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre, Newbrook Farm,Frankley

Gould Singleton Architects have been working with the RSPCAsince 2007 when they were invited to review proposals forredevelopment at Newbrook Farm, Frankley, just outsideBirmingham. Gould Singleton undertook to prepare FeasibilityStudies and held negotiations with many statutory bodies,Planning Permission was secured in the summer of 2008 for ascheme to redevelop the existing farm for an Animal Re-homingCentre and Veterinary Hospital.

The main Contract works which commenced on site in May 2011consist of a £7.2 million rebuilding programme alongside whichthe RSPCA have launched their ‘Leaps and Bounds’ FundraisingAppeal. The project consists of the refurbishment of the existingbarns and conversion for the new Animal Re-homing Centre fordogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and small animals and a newVeterinary Hospital to provide treatment for sick and injuredanimals referred to the RSPCA.

Gould Singleton have also completed the new build of areplacement Small Animals building for the RSPCA in North Wales,Bryn-y-Maen, at a cost of approximately £300,000 completed inNovember 2010 and have also undertaken the project managementand architect role for new developments at RSPCA Aylesbury for aSmall Animals building and Veterinary Clinic due to start on site late2011, with a Contract Sum of approximately £550,000.

Solihull 6th Form Art & Design Workshop

The Sixth Form College, Solihull is a centre of excellence for 16-19 education, helping young people to stretch their potential.Gould Singleton were involved in the latest expansions to thecampus, this work was carried out over separate phases to suitthe academic diary times of the college.

The initial phase saw studios refurbished for Drama and PerformingArts, as well as outstanding Music facilities, including a recordingstudio. In addition to this a new Dance studio was formed.

Within the second Phase a new Art & Design School has also beenopened replacing redundant Temporary ‘Portacabin’ Classrooms,this building has been carefully designed to make best use of naturallight within the art studios. Also within this Phase, the existingScience laboratories were completely refurbished and in some caseenlarged. The works were valued at: £4.8m.

RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre underconstruction

Higgs & Sons – building the perfect partnership with Gould Singleton Architects.

To find out how Higgs & Sons can support you, call us on 0845 111 5050 or visit www.higgsandsons.co.uk

Formed in 1959 – some 52 years ago - IB Constructionhas established itself as a leading force in the buildingindustry and has an enviable reputation for innovationand excellence throughout the Midlands and beyond.

t: 01902 364455 f: 01902 364456e: [email protected]: www.ibconstruction.co.uk

55

Gould Singleton is especially proud of the extent of their practicewithin the health care sector. They have over 33 years experienceworking within Primary Health Care. They have built over 500schemes throughout the UK. In co-operation with GP Practices,PCT’s, LIFT Companies and Third Party Developers they havedeveloped small surgeries, medical centres, health & communitycentres, LIFT and One-Stop Centres. They are experienced in the

Solihull 6th Form

College


meeting and exceeding requirements of BREEAM Healthcare,AEDET Assessments, and complying with current HTM/HBNguidance, which requires close liaison with PCT, Infection Control,and the Design Teams, all part of working closely with end-users,occupiers to develop the brief. Gould Singleton Architects are firmlycommitted to meeting long term sustainability objectives and haveexpertise in the field of energy efficient buildings.

Gould Singleton Architects Limited

Earls Way, Halesowen West Midlands B63 3HR

Telephone : 0121 550 0359www.gould-singleton.co.uk

Email : [email protected]

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Tel: 01684 571 200 Email: [email protected]: www.spellermetcalfe.com

SpellerMetcalfe is a privately owned Limited building contractorwith offices in the Midlands, Southwest and London from where weprovide a construction, refurbishment and design build service on aNational scale to meet individual client needs.

We are pleased to be working with Gould Singleton Architects

in delivering successful construction developments.

Tel: 0121 212 4542 www.mcbainscooper.com

Gould Singleton Architects

Quantum Construction Limited is a vibrant and innovative Chartered Building Company that undertakes a variety of commercial, industrial, residential and leisure projects around the greater Midlands and UK. We provide a professional and proactive service to ensure all projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget.

Quantum was proud to work with

Gould Singleton Architects to

successfully achieve major restructure

and refurbishment of Alpha House

for Midcounties Co-operative Society.

For more information or to discuss a

project, please contact us to see how

we can help.

www.quantumconstruction.co.uk

QUANTUM CONSTRUCTION LTD Tel: 01827 65544

[email protected] G F Tomlinson Birmingham Limited,

329 Tyburn Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B24 8HJT: 0121 327 2660 F: 0121 327 3110 www.gftomlinson.co.uk

Delivering the complete construction services

for clients across the Midlands

TOMLINSONEst. 1892

EXPERIENCE HOLDS THE FUTURE

Our Business Your Success

Commercial | Education | Environmental | Healthcare | HousingIndustrial | Leisure | Restoration | Retail

56


Hanley Trade Frames Ltd is the home of quality UPVc

windows, doors and conservatories.

A family run business with 30 years experience in UPVc

window, door and conservatory manufacturing, their reputation

is built on reliable friendly customer service, quality products

and competitive prices.

All their UPVc products are manufactured at their Stoke-on-

Trent factory. During 13 years of manufacturing they have

continued to invest by installing the latest hi tech machinery.

Hanley Trade Frames Ltd is proud to be fabricating windows

from Elite 70 Profile from the Spectus Window Systems. Elite

70 is a "state of the art" system, designed and manufactured in

the UK, specifically for the UK market. The quality of Elite 70 is

second to none, it is manufactured in Macclesfield under a

quality management system conforming to BS EN ISO 9001.

The highly skilled Stoke-on-Trent manufacturing team have all

been trained in-house and have been with the company an

average of 8 years.

Hanley Trade Frames Ltd offer top quality products to the trade

at very competitive prices, and the extensive range of products

is available on a very short lead time. Hanley Trade Frames

does not carry out installations so they are not in competition

with their trade customers.

Security is always one of the top priority when home owners

purchase their new windows, which is why Hanley Trade Frames

Ltd fit the TSL High Security System as standard. With its reverse

action moving the multiple sets of mushroom cams it gives a

smooth secure action. This locking system carries the Secure by

Design certification and out performs shootbolt locks.

With a huge range of products including Eco Spec Energy

Rated windows, Vertical Sash Windows, PVC Residential

Doors, Composite Doors, Stable Doors, French Doors, Bi-Fold

Doors, Patio Doors and Conservatories Hanley Trade Frames is

your one stop shop for all things UPVc.

Far Green Industrial Estate

Chell Street, Stoke On Trent ST1 6AZ

Tel: 01782 201150

...for 14 years in business,from all at

Congratulations to...

Hanley Trade Frames

SpectusYour perfect PVC-U Partner

Tel: 01625 420 400

Fax: 01625 413 869

Web: www.spectus.co.uk

57

4271 1 pg:CD Engineering 05/12/2011 11:20 Page 57

Morris & Company is an intrinsic part of the Shropshirebusiness landscape, well-known for construction, with itsMorris Property division developing a substantialcommercial portfolio.

Morris Property remains an active developer, specialising inurban regeneration, from car showrooms to prestigious officeparks and out-of-town retail and trade parks. With over 140years of development experience, Morris Property has grown tobe synonymous with innovation and quality within thecommercial market.

One of the most successful Morris Property commercialdevelopments is the 20 acre Vanguard Trade Park, located onthe north side of Shrewsbury, within the town’s principalcommercial area. The trade park offers a variety of commercialproperties, from trade counters, split between 30% show roomand 70% warehouse consent, nine metre eaves warehousing, apurpose built VW dealership – the largest in Shropshire – andowner occupied premises, constructed to the highest standardfor a number of companies including Capital Appliances,Paperway and Cotteswold Dairies.

The most recent Vanguard phase is Plot 15, which comprisessix new trade counter units totalling 18,500 sq ft. Each unit isbuilt to a high specification, with Kingspan insulated wallpanels, full height glazing to the front elevation and forecourtcustomer parking. The units also benefit from an electricloading door and secure compound to the rear.

New tenants at Plot 15, both with an agreed headline rent of £7.00per sq ft on a ten year lease, are Autoglass, taking Unit A (3,700 sqft) and Toolstation Ltd, taking Units B and C (5,000 sq ft). Also, GSFCar Parts have purchased Unit F (3,700 sq ft) on a 999 year lease.

Liz Lowe, Head of Estates for Morris Property, commented: “Wehave a prudent yet confident approach to market opportunities.Since 2007 Vanguard Park has steadily developed momentumand grown into a leading destination for both local and nationaltrade counter operators.”

Morris Property is currently looking to dispose of their investmentsat Units A, B and C, Plot 15 Vanguard Park. Other investmentopportunities at Vanguard Park include Units 18-20 (5,441 sq ft),let to Total Angling Ltd, guaranteed by the Wynnstay Group PLC,on a lease expiring in March 2016, at an annual rent of £34,000per annum exclusive.

Interested parties should contact Morris Property’s retained agent

Craig Henn at Towler Shaw Roberts on 01952 210222

or Liz Lowe at Morris Property on 01743 234234

To learn more about Morris Property visit www.morrisproperty.co.uk

Morris Property, enhancing the face of Shropshire

call for details

01743 234234

140 years of investment

Investment Opportunities at Vanguard Park, Shrewsbury

58


A DOUBLE honour has bought further recognition to theaward-winning Park Central development in Birmingham.

Two members of the team each scooped bronze at the recentCrest Nicholson Regeneration’s national employee awards.Senior Site Manager Jamie Cooper and Sales Advisor JudithPlant gained the accolades in the Site Manager of the Year andSales Advisor of the Year categories respectively, bringing ParkCentral a double victory in the fiercely contended awards whichsaw competition from colleagues across the UK.

Jamie, 32, has worked for the company for six and a half years,helping to drive forward construction on the award-winningmixed use development in the city centre. Alongside beingemployed full-time on the development, he is studying for hisMasters degree in Construction Management at WolverhamptonUniversity.

Judith joined Crest Nicholson in 2003, selling homes atBirmingham schemes including Park Central, B Central, ManorPark and Bournville Park (where she even sold an apartment toherself!) before returning to Park Central in 2006.

Her previous role as a tracer draughtswoman has provided herwith technical construction expertise which, combined withoutstanding selling skills makes her a key member of the ParkCentral sales team.

Ruth Williams, sales manager for Park Central commented: 'Weare delighted to have two members of the team receivedrecognition at the annual national awards.

“Judith and Jamie's contributions to the company ensure thesuccessful delivery of new homes and happy purchasers to Park

Central which, in turn, has helped to shape this hugelysuccessful new city centre community."

The development, which has recently saw the sale of the1,000th home combines a range of apartments, duplexes, penthouses and freehold townhouses, creating a vibrant new community in Birmingham city centre.

Two-bedroom apartments with extended balconies are currentlyavailable at Lower Parkside, the latest phase of thedevelopment, priced from £145,000. All of the properties enjoyelevated views across the eight acres of landscaped publicparkland that lies at the heart of Park Central.

Each property also boasts a master bedroom with en-suite,double guest bedroom, bathroom, open plan living room withkitchen area including leading appliances, plus French door access to spacious balconies.

Crest Nicholson has been building new homes for more than 40years and is firmly established as a leading developer with apassion for not just building homes, but creating vibrantsustainable communities. Its portfolio ranges from contemporarycity centre apartments and town houses to traditional detachedfamily homes and complex regeneration schemes.

The success of long term partnership developments such asPark Central, as well as innovative low carbon developmentsincluding One Brighton, ICON and Avante, underline the Group'sdetermination to lead the industry in its quest to createinnovative development solutions which positively contributetowards achieving a sustainable future and its efforts in this fieldhave led to recognition in the form of the Queen’s Award forEnterprise in Sustainable Development.

For more information on Park Central, please call thesales team on 0121 666 4666.

Alternatively visit the marketing suite, which is opendaily from 10am until 5pm (until 7pm on Thursdays in

the summer), at Park Central, Mason Way, West Midlands, B15 2EY.

��&&��#� )*�(��(*%�()� '��&$�(��&+)��&$�(��&��&# �+##��)*�� #�%�)��

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Plant gained the accolades in the Site Manager of the Year andSales Advisor of the Year categories at the recent Crest Nicholson Regeneration’s national employee awards.

59

4557 1pg.qxd:Layout 1 05/12/2011 11:27 Page 59

“We’re good at what we do and we deliver what we say

we’re going to deliver,” is managing director Roger

Cockrell’s emphatic statement.

“We stand by the work we undertake and enjoy repeatbusiness through existing clients, with whom we’ve worked formany years, and continually deliver the goods.”

It’s a robust but proven approach. The group, comprisingCathedral Interiors and Cathedral Joinery Manufacturing Ltd,has not only stood firm through the recession, it’s continued togrow and is confidently expecting to keep on expanding.

At the heart of it all are the committed, long-serving 55 staff, allsharing Roger’s passion for quality work, high standards, andthe core principles of honesty, integrity and pride.

His confidence in every single one of that team is, hesteadfastly maintains, 100%.

“Most of them have been with us a long time,” he adds. “Weput a lot of emphasis on looking after our people, training themproperly and making the company an employer of choice.

“They have a clear understanding of each other’s individual rolesand responsibilities, but also have the ability and empowerment towork as individuals within a close knit team to achieve both theaims of the company and the needs of the client.

Within the group, Cathedral Interiors is a commercialrefurbishment business, carrying out the role of principalcontractor for well-known clients on a national basis.

With its experience and history mainly focused on the interiorrefurbishment and new fit-out of restaurants, office space, hotel

suites and national retail outlets, it has successfully completedprojects ranging from £30K up to £1million in value.

“Our aim for the Group is to consistently achieve an annualturnover of around £15m in line with our Five Year Plan, whichwe are on target to reach,” says Roger.

In March 2009, Cathedral Joinery Manufacturing Ltd, with itsestablished, modern, purpose-built factory in Washingborough,near Lincoln and Brighouse, North Yorkshire, became part of theportfolio, enabling the Group to offer a more complete service.

“The company is active in the retail, financial and commercialsectors, handling the manufacture and, if required, installationof bespoke furniture for banking, refits, private and commercialfood sectors,” explains Roger.

“It also provides office fit-out works from staff areas to newlydesigned reception areas and, enhancing our core operation,provides modern CNC machinery, additional volume capacity,full supply and fixing service, design and prototyping andefficient bulk manufacturing.

“Overall the Lincoln and Brighouse in-house joinery manufacturingfacilities, which also work with other materials such as stainless

01403 785270

One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of bespoke and innovative laminate fabricated products

whatever your budget we can make it happen

Cubicle & Washroom Manufacturing Shop-fitting & Construction Marine Industry Office & Contract Furniture Manufacturing Laboratory Furniture Educational Furniture Manufacturing Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Furniture Locker Manufacturing Fire Door Manufacturing Automotive/Mass Transit Industry Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Industries

www.duncanreeds.com

whatever you want

Flooring Services | Domestic & CommercialWood & Laminate Flooring | Ceramic, Porcelain& Stone Under-Floor Heating | Wet Rooms

Vinyl & Terrazzo Flooring | Amtico & Karndean

M 'N' M TILING Ltd

30, Woodhall Drive, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN2 2AB

Telephone: 01522 803861Mobile: 07980 444654

THE reasons Cathedral Goup is so successful are two-fold but simple.

60

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steel, glass and corian and incorporate a fully equipped sprayshop to achieve high quality and specialist finishes, greatlyenhance our customer service.”

With a wealth of blue chip corporate clients in retail and food

chain restaurants and further plans to achieve that £15million

turnover, involving the creation of more jobs and departments,

there is much to look forward to - and back upon.

Roger, created the company in 2003 following 16 years of

experience working for two major construction companies

specialising in retail and leisure developments.

It was the good working relationships with customers he had

established in his previous career that proved crucial when he

started up on his own - with the fledgling business based in his

garage - a key client continued to work with him and their

successful association carried on with more projects being received.

Air Conditioning

Refridgeration

Ventilation

Heating

Plumbing

Heat Pumps

heating and cooling solutions

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Call us for information regarding ourservices on

0800 652 8548e: [email protected] www.askewsltd.com

61


Already on course to achieve its target turnover, the Cathedral

Group continues to work to its Five Year Plan and embrace all the

opportunities the future holds, such as achieving further market

share with existing clients and gaining two new key clients.

“Cathedral has a declared aim to continually deliver high quality

service providing quality finish, on time and on budget,” adds

Roger. “We deliver this through our core principles of honesty,

integrity and pride.

“With our in-house manufacturing facilities we are now more

than ever able to deliver the high standards and levels of

workload that are demanded by our key clients.”

For further information about Cathedral Interiors Ltd

and Cathedral Joinery Manufacturing Ltd, please visit

www.cathedralinteriors.co.uk. To make an enquiry,

telephone 01522 790 900.

Cathedral InteriorsUnit 9 - Five Mile Lane

WashingboroughLincoln LN4 1AF

Cathedral InteriorsWould like to thank all of their

Suppliers for their continued support

SymphonyCoatings

Proud to supportCathedral Interiors

T: 01623 441140 | F: 01623 441458E: [email protected]

In 2006 the purchase of a new

building saw the establishment of

the company HQ, where it remains

today, in Washingborough, near

Lincoln and, as its profile

continued to rise, more staff were

taken on the following year.

As employee numbers and

orders increased, that same year

also saw Cathedral, already

committed to training and

developing its workforce, achieve

Investors in People recognition

and, by December 2008, it had

achieved £4m turnover, which

went on to nearly double by

2009 to just under £8m.

In March 2009 Cathedral Joinery Manufacturing launched its new-

purpose built factory and, because of the success of Cathedral

Interiors and the Lincoln factory, the company expanded further

by buying a manufacturing company at Brighouse.

“The key to our success to date is that we take full ownership

of a project,” says Roger.

“In other words we take care of all aspects of the work, seeing it

through to completion and beyond. This ensures that the client

has full confidence that their whole investment is in good hands.

Quality control processes are key and are continually monitored

and managed via contracts, site meetings and good

communications between company personnel and contractors.

They also involve the completion of KPIs once a job has been

finished. Quality is also enhanced by the attention given to staff

training and opportunities and is borne out the numerous

professional accreditations and recognitions awarded to the group.

These include being reaccredited with both Safe Contractor

and Investor in People status and holding the CSCS Gold

Standard Certificate of Commitment, confirming Cathedral as a

company committed to the pursuit of competence and health

and safety in the workplace.

“We acknowledge that our staff have contributed to the

company’s success. All have ‘can do’ attitudes, work as a

team and support the Five Year Plan. As an employer, I am

committed to their development,” says Roger.

“The manufacturing facility is also keen to train and develop

within the industry and employs an apprentice who started with

us last year. I’m sure that through work experience and college

training he will become an asset to the business.”

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62


Liberty Shopfitters provide a complete shopfitting servicefrom their units in Garretts Green, Birmingham.

At Liberty Shop Fitters they pride themselves on creatingsolutions that actually work for their clients and their stated aimis to exceed their customer's expectations.

Their overriding motto is to keep the customer happy to ensurethat the customer keeps returning for more. Great personalservice is one of their fortes and they strive to put the customerfirst. Where possible they will provide a consultative role inhelping you decide what type of look your outlet requires or takea back seat and work to your design specifications. They aremore than happy to liaise with the client at every stage and tomatch their expertise with the client’s requirements. Whatever thechoice, you will find them an attentive, reliable, conscientious andvery accommodating business partner. Remember, it's their aimto keep you happy and encourage a business relationship thatcontinues to grow as your business expands.

Whether it's a full shop fit, a new shop front, a specialist hairand beauty salon, or merely simple interior work including thesupply and installation of counters and serveries; Liberty aresure to come up with interesting and innovative solutionsappropriate to your personal business style and budget.

They have a fully equipped 2,500 square foot factory wherethey can design and build every component needed to turnyour business into a state-of-the art retail outlet.

Visit their web site to view their exciting portfolio, from whichyou will see that they have worked on a number of extremelydiverse projects, and are able to accommodate most jobs fromthe straightforward replacement shop front to the morecomplex complete refurbishment.

Units 9-10, Gransby Business Park,Gransby Avenue, Birmingham B33 0TJ

Telephone: 0121 786 1201www.liberty-shopfitters.co.uk

Vivid Commercial Interiors Ltd, 3 Willow View, Charlton

Down, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9FQ

Telephone: 01305 268 944

C O M M E R C I A L I N T E R I O R S

Email:[email protected]

C O M M E R C I A L I N T E R

63

741:Liberty 05/12/2011 11:40 Page 63

THERE’S a new ambitious partnership at the helm ofsuccessful commercial and industrial fitout specialistLyntech Systems - but while there’s changes at the top,the committment to quality, service and maintinaing long-standing relationships with customers remains the same.

An exciting future beckons as Paul Ellis and Martin Ward takethe company forward with plans to make its service portfolioeven more comprehensive.

Aided by their experienced Operations Director Fred Grace, and supplemented by a loyal workforce, Paul says it’s allsystems go.

Based on the Maguire Industrial Estate, in Coventry, thebusiness caters for office and industrial environments, offeringfit-outs such as partitioning, ceilings and interior refurbishmentcombined with warehouse storage systems like mezzaninefloors, pallet racking and shelving.

The client base is a widerange of commercialproperty owners andtenants, including schools,universities, offices,warehouses and factories -from small companies tomajor “blue chip” PLCs.

“In short, anyone who isrefurbishing premises orundertaking a new build,”explains Paul. “We havemany prestigious clientsfrom the automotive industrythrough to industry and

education, carrying out contracts from hundreds of pounds invalue to those which can be in excess of £1million.”

Lyntech Systems was established more than 25 years ago byMike and Jackie Lynch and the company initially specialised inthe installation of storage handling systems such as palletracking, shelving, mezzanine floors and small parts storagecontainers.

Fred, whose role Paul acknowledges, has been critical in thecompany’s achievements, joined over 20 years ago as itexpanded, adding commercial interiors encompassing officepartitioning, suspended ceilings, wall storage, computer raisedaccess floors and general refurbishment to its service portfolio.

“These days, more projects are completed on a turnkeyapproach, with the possible inclusion of all facets, such aselectrics, plumbing, air handling and general decoration,” statesPaul.

“The involvement of associated trades to complete the workunder our responsibility has proved successful and many clientsare long standing due to the good level of trust that hasdeveloped over the years.”

It was August 2011 that Mike and Jackie decided to retire andhand over the reins to Paul, who has more than 30 yearsexperience in the industry, 20 of which as a supplier to LyntechSystems.

He shares the ownership with Martin Ward, with a 20+ yearsindustry track record, the last five as owner of Aspire InteriorsLtd, another Coventry interior fit out company which is nowunder the Lyntech Systems umbrella and whose clients areseen as a positive addition to the business.

lyntech systemsCreating a better working environment

Office partitioning | Suspended ceilings | Wall storage | Washroom cubicles | Computer access floors

64


Mezzanine floors | Shelving | Pallet racking | Storage systems | Factory partitioning | Refurbishment

Says Paul: “We can now build upon the past success withlevels of service and expertise that will give customersconfidence that we understand their requirements exactly.

“We are keen to develop both the industrial side of thebusiness, such as pallet racking and mezzanine floors and thecommercial side with office partitioning and suspendedceilings.”

With nearly 30 years of success due to client recommendationbased upon quality workmanship, attention to detail, and aloyal team of staff, Paul and Martin know everything’s in placefor even greater achievements in the future.

“We pride ourselves on our service and we will give that servicewhether the job is small or large,” stresses Paul. “We are verypositive about our future.”

For further information about Lyntech Systems

and its services, go to www.lyntechsystems.co.uk

or follow us on Twitter

To make an enquiry telephone 02476 468 710


01384 261412sales @ baxcrest.co.uk

High quality specialists in the manufacture and installation of single and double skin steel partitioning systemsand associated products.

design manufacture installation

We are proud of our long association with Lyntech Systems

and wish them every success for the future.

partitioning systemsingle and double s manufacture and in High quality specia

ms skin steel

nstallation of alists in the

design manufac .uksales @ baxcrest.co

01384 261412

and associated prodpartitioning system

and wish them every yntec LLyntech Systems

oud of oure pre arW

cture installation

ducts. ms

e. the futur y success forch Systems

long association with r

n

future

Email: [email protected]: 0116 255 1585 Fax: 0116 255 1745

Proud to support Lyntech Systems

65


Frontweb Ltd.The Complete Quality Service

Services Include:

Office refit Office space planning Design, partitioning and office layout Suspended ceilings Decorations Flooring Full range of materials, styles and colours

Plumbing installations Plumbing installations Gas fitting installations Central heating installations

Electrical work General power installations Lighting installations Fire alarm installations Voice and data installations

Frontweb Ltd are proudto be associated with

Lyntech Systems

38 Providence StreetCoventry

West Midlands CV5 6ED

T: 024 7667 3322 / 024 7767 8907

Unit 1-2 | Teeman Place | Old Great North Rd | Sutton-on-TrentNottinghamshire | NG23 6QL

PLSPeak Laminate Supplies

We are proud to support

Lyntech Systems

with our Insulation Solutions

and wish them every success

for the future

01636 [email protected]

B I R M I N G H A M P A R T I T I O N I N GS U P P L I E S L T D.

54 Rovex Business Park, Hay hall Road, Birmingham B11 2AQT: 0121-706-0666 F: 0121-708-1355 E: [email protected]

We are proud to supportLyntech Systems

We are delighted to be associated withLyntech Systems

..serving the Interior fit out markets since 1961

NEVILL LONGINTERIOR BUILDING PRODUCTS

Tel: 01604 667440 Fax: 01604 667445Email: [email protected]

www.nevilllong.co.uk

lyntech systemsCreating a better working environment

66


JMS Solar is part of the established family run specialist

roofing company JMS Roofing and Building Ltd which was

established in 1978. JMS already had a widely spread client

base in both the commercial and domestic sectors, when

Jude Kennefick, second generation, decided to build on

their existing expertise and move into the rapidly growing

field of solar panels, and set up JMS Solar.

The sun is certainly shining on the project, with the company

achieving the sought after MCS accreditation in June 2011.

This accreditation gives customers access to the government’s

feed in tariff which guarantees them a minimum payment for all

electricity generated whether you are using it for yourself or not.

The tariff (rate) for the electricity exported to the national grid is

guaranteed for 25 years. Tariffs are even index-linked so the

income will hold its value for the entire life of the installation.

This generous tariff scheme is only available for installations

installed before 1st April when it is due to decrease, so now is

the time! JMS Solar is offering a special deal for all customers

who agree to have their installation over the next few months.

Winter sun is good for gathering energy too, it is light, not heat,

that fuels the panels.

The benefits of solar photovoltaic energy aren’t limited to

homeowners – JMS Solar has found that the technology is also

a great investment for the commercial and business sector. As

well as offering great financial returns, it also has numerous

environmental benefits.

Our installations to date average more than 11% annual return,

making it one of the best investments available. With the economy

being so unstable, the no safer place to put your money.

At JMS, they believe that the main beneficiary of solar energy

should be the customer, and know from experience that

customers want realistic pay back periods and factual feed in

tariff estimates, technical assurance and the reassurance of

support once the technology has been installed.

Serving the local community for over 30 years, JMS Solar has

earned itself an outstanding reputation for guaranteed

workmanship and customer care. So if you are considering

Solar Panels, and want to be able to rely on good, honest

experienced advice from a well established company, backed

by comprehensive insurance guarantees.

Contact JMS Solar on 0121 442 4942

or visit their website www.jmssolar.co.uk

JMS OLARSEstablished 1978

Save bills generate your own

energy

0121 442 4942

www.jmssolar.co.uk

JMEstablished 1978

SSSSS OLAROShed 1978

JMS OLARSEstablished 1978

The JMS Solar Team

67

pg 67:CD Engineering 05/12/2011 11:50 Page 67

WHEN it comes to going

green, BNK Solar is the

gold standard for advice

and service.

The Birmingham company

has been at the forefront of

renewable energy products

and energy efficient

construction throughout the

region for years and shows no

sign of slowing the pace.

As the need for environmental awareness becomes more

critical, many are looking to save money while reducing their

carbon footprint but, confused by the variety of technologies on

the market, often don't know what to do.

That’s where BNK Solar really demonstrates its credentials,

offering independent advice and technical expertise to ensure

customers, be they individual homeowners, commercial

enterprises of all sizes, schools, housing associations or

churches, get the best deals for themselves and their properties.

“We offer a ‘whole-house’ approach,” assures renewable energy

consultant Josh Kaushal. “We are not a ‘one size fits all’

operation, neither do we isolate and promote particular products

without considering the wider impact on our client’s properties

and lifestyles, for example, installing solar panels on a roof which

is in poor repair and will not be able to handle the load.”

Dedicated to increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, BNK

Solar, in Brighton Road, Moseley, is a subsidiary of B N Kaushal

Ltd, a construction company with more than 35 years’

experience and a multi-million pound turnover.

Since it installed its first photovoltaic panel in 2004, it has

gained an outstanding reputation for quality and customer

satisfaction and has gone on to carry out high-profile projects

such as Bournville Village Trust’s award-winning Eco-House,

incorporating features such as underfloor heating, a ground-

source heat pump and sunpipes, and Medilink’s “i-House”

project designed for intelligent living, home automation and

energy efficiency.

The list of products and services is extensive: Solar

photovoltaic and thermal panels; ground-source and air-source

heat pumps; heat recovery ventilation; insulation using natural

materials; sun pipes; rainwater harvesting; living roof systems;

underfloor heating; permeable paving; LED/low energy lighting;

double and triple glazing, home automation systems and

‘intelligent design’.

Combine these with BNK Solar’s status as an MCS-approved

installer for solar photovoltaic panels, allowing access to

government-backed Feed-in Tariffs, and its accreditation to ISO

9001 standard and customers know they are in the safe hands

of a qualified and experienced team.

“We only use panels and equipment supplied by branded

manufacturers, such as Sanyo and Schüco, who provide quality

products designed to last 25 years and beyond,” adds Josh.

“Should the system go into fault, the

manufacturer’s guarantees ensure fast

and efficient support is available

throughout the lifetime of the panels.”

Being at the top of the tree means

BNK Solar is highly sought-after for

its advice and expertise - which it is

happy to share, keen to encourage

future champions for the planet.

It regularly sends representatives to

give free classroom talks, which have

been especially tailored to a school’s

specific installation and also offers

free consultations and advice to

clients and consumers.

“That includes assistance to architects and designers who need

to advise their clients but may not have access to the specialist

knowledge which we can provide,” says Josh.

“Whether you want to increase your income by generating

energy, beat climbing fuel costs by cutting your consumption or

play your part in protecting the planet, we have a solution to

suit you.”

For further information visit www.bnksolar.com,

telephone 0121 449 1244 or e-mail: [email protected]

David Bellamy and

Josh Kaushal

68

4584.qxd:BNK 05/12/2011 11:52 Page 68

EVERYTHING in the garden’s looking lovely for a

Shropshire company whose luxurious alternatives to a

house extension are proving to be real grand designs

with space-seeking homeowners.

Such is the demand for the bespoke planning permission-free

buildings from Contemporary Garden Rooms, that it has just taken

on larger factory premises and opened a sales office on the

Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire border. Even computer behemoth

Microsoft eagerly snapped up four of its funky ‘myPod’ units to use

as gaming and meeting rooms at a major exhibition this summer.

Schools are also showing an interest - the company recently

designed, manufactured and installed a garden room classroom for

a Swindon school, to glowing plaudits. No longer need something

nasty be lurking at the bottom of the garden; instead more and

more people are gaining stunning havens of tranquility or

architecturally designed eco-friendly modern living spaces.

“Whatever you're looking for a garden office, garden room,

playroom or simply an escape, Contemporary Garden Rooms will

design and deliver a room that you'll be able to use for years to

come and which will impress guests every time they visit,”

promises managing director Paul Jones.

There are four units: The Box, freestanding; fully insulated and

equipped with full electrics, The Graduate, popular with those

wanting a home gym, the myPod - used as dining, sleeping or

office area, as a games room, artists’ studios or music rehearsal

spaces - and The Cube - a perfect outdoor eating or relaxation

area. All are built to the highest standards, as one would expect

from a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, to meet the

new British building regulations and carefully designed so that no

planning permission is required. With the myriad options available

no two are alike but Contemporary Garden Rooms also provides

a bespoke service, working closely with customers to devise

rooms tailor-made to individual lifestyles.

“We can make your garden room designs come to life,” says

Paul. “From the initial free site visit through to the final build stage,

we listen to your ideas and guide you through the process, we've

thought about every tiny detail, which gives us and you the

confidence that we deliver a high quality product that can be used

for a very long time.”

Not only is each building a thing of beauty within the environment,

it’s kind to it as well for Contemporary Garden Rooms takes its

eco-responsibilities very seriously.

“We aim to reduce our carbon footprint, be sustainable, use

good quality recycled products where possible and have a

finished product with very low U value. Each room uses only

the very best sustainably sourced materials; from Western Red

Cedar which does not rot and needs no further treatment, to

tanalized slow-grown Spruce while a recycled rubber roof, with

a 50-year lifespan and doesn’t tear, is designed to endure even

the harshest of conditions. Altogether, we ensure you'll have

years of trouble free use of your garden retreat.”

As one of the few garden room manufacturers to use modern

techniques in the manufacture and construction of our

buildings, Contemporary Garden Rooms is proud of its turn-key

rooms with full manufacturing and installation service.

“In fact,” smiles Paul, “ the only thing we don’t do is grow the

timber!”

For further information about the company, which is based

at Unit 8, Enterprise Park, Newport , Shropshire, TF10 7DW

visit www.contemporarygardenrooms.co.uk

To enquire, telephone 01952 825630 or email

[email protected]

Contemporary Garden Rooms

A perfect startto your dayEach garden room is individually designed

for you. We will position your garden

room in the ideal situation, with windows

and doors arranged to take full advantage

of your views and environment.

...if you are looking for additional living spacewith quality and style, then contact us...

Breathtaking Views

.

Contemporary Garden Rooms

69


FIRE and water - famously - don’t mix, until Progressiveworks its magic.

For more than 30 years it has successfully combined the worldsof H20 and flame in such a way that it has become a companyfor all seasons.

And with the arrival of Carl Enticott at the helm, it’s also a company that’s setting out to make a real splash into the future.

Once Progressive’s contracts manager and having been withthe business for the last eight years, Carl bought the businessupon the retirement of his boss and former owner John Taylor.

The move, he says, is a natural progression for somebody that’salways taken the lead throughout his career, which has includedrunning a pub and, before that, a busy kitchen as a chef.

Backed by his loyal team of five - who are delighted at the latestdevelopment in the company’s history - Carl is all fired up withplans to move the business forward.

Based in Lawford Road, Rugby but covering an approximate100 miles radius, Progressive has been designing,manufacturing, selling, installing, maintaining and exporting allthings swimming pool since 1971.

At the same time, it has been supplying and installing qualityfireplaces for over 20 years and today, its showroom representsthose two facets with half devoted to pumps filters, chemicalsand any product to do with swimming pools, while the other features an extensive display of fires and fireplace combinations,such as gas, electric and multi-fuel log burners.

There is a sound business logic to the unlikely sounding partnership. Carl explains: “The main swimming pool side runsfrom March to October and is its busiest time of year.

“The fireplaces side of things ticks over all year but its busiesttime is in the winter.

If we’re not busy on the pools we’re busy on the retail or installation of the fire side.”

British summer and swimming pools is another unlikely combination but the decades have seen the country’s demandchange dramatically from customers requiring predominantlyoutdoor, summer pools, to thermally insulated, all-season indoorpool complexes and easy-to-erect above ground pools.

Progressive can supply a pool in any size or shape and include awide range of extras such as a counter current machine, underwater lighting and music, saunas, steam rooms, spas and hottubs.

Not all projects are domestic, Progressive teams with architects,builders and developers on commercial pools and has workedextensively on hydrotherapy pools for special schools and healthauthorities.

And once a pool is installed - or refurbished - Progressive cantake care of its service and maintenance, with regular checks byits dedicated pool engineers, thus ensuring early detection ofany problems and avoiding costly repairs.

As comprehensive as the service is, Carl is brimming with ideasto offer even more to customers new and old.

“I’m planning to bring things even more up to date, introducefurther products and services to move with current trends andexpand the swimming pool design and installation side of thebusiness,” he says.

“We’ve been extremely busy and I want to get on with it. Watch this space.”

For further details about Progressives complete range ofservices both for swimming pools and fire places, visit

www.progressivepools.co.uk. To make an enquiry, telephone 01788 577005 or email [email protected].

would like tocongratulate

The Companyfor All Seasonsprogressive

on successfully completing40 years of business and would like towish Carl all the best for the future

Progressive's owner Carl Enticott (left) with manager

Denis Whitehead

The Company for All Seasons

progressive

70

4537 half pg.:Layout 1 05/12/2011 12:02 Page 70

In the latest technological advance in “Point of UseVending” a pioneering new development from Apex SupplyChain Technologies Ltd. that has been sweeping acrossAmerica and uses cloud computing to give a stock controlservice in real time, is now available in the UK and Europe.

Using cloud technology means that as all the data is storedremotely there’s no need for a complicated on site computerinstallation. Forget all the glitches that come with standard modelcomputer controlled vending linked to conventional networks,and the often days of problems while your new system isinstalled; forget any interference with your existing systems,downtime, waiting for engineers to return, delays and hassle.

As long as there is a connection point, and a level surface, Apexwill carry out the full installation within minutes, straightforwardand easy to use, Apex Connect and Go™ Technology makesthe implementation simple. No software to install, nothing foryour IT department to support, Apex’s exclusive Trajectory cloudbased system provides software as a service on demand,coupled with the best vending technology, the Edge Trajectory isa robust solution for any situation, providing reliable dispensing,and stock control.

The Apex system of Point of Use vending makes goodcommercial sense, generating substantial savings, anything from15%, to, in some cases, as much as 50%. Strategic positioningof the machines around the workplace avoids time wasted whilethe workforce trip backwards and forwards to “Stores”. Eachemployee can hold a card so monitoring is straightforward.Stock control is in real time, as an item is removed from themachine a message goes to the central hub, which immediatelyapproves the transaction.

All stock is held securely, and pilferage is virtually eliminated. Thepractice of drawing extra parts which then hang about in theemployee’s toolbox, unused and becoming damaged becomesless prevalent, and can be monitored and controlled. Thesophisticated controls that the system provides will enable acompany to optimize stock levels, control assets, and implementa just in time stock rotation. There are various levels of reportsthat are available to allow management a detailed overview.

There are machines which are suitable for large and small items,from those that need to be checked in and out, such as hand andpower tools, specialised tools, laptop computers and technicalinstruments, to screws and fixings, drill bits and sundries such aswipes and rubber gloves, or combinations of the same.

The news about this exciting system is spreading widely amongend users and distributors, and word of mouth recommendation isproving a key driver in the UK growth of Apex’s exciting andinnovative technology. Supplying distributors, for them to offer themachines free to their clients, is a rapidly growing part of theirmarket, the benefits to the distributor are obvious; it is their productthat is being carried, their market share that is being driven. Endusers who choose to benefit from this system soon find that thecost savings outweigh any initial outlay or leasing costs.

Although the initial applications for this system were in theindustrial and manufacturing areas, a key growth market is themedical field; hospitals and surgeries, pharmacies andlaboratories, are finding that secure, hygienic product andsundry supply is invaluable.

In these difficult economic times, it is the businessesthat move forward and invest in new technology who

are profiting. All companies are looking for ways to cuttheir costs and improve operating procedures. Apex

Supply Chain Technologies Ltd can provide an answer.

Telephone 01905 388194, or email [email protected].

Apex Supply Chain Technologies Ltd.Brook Court,

Whittington Hall,Whittington Road,

WorcesterWR5 2ZX

Apex Supply Chain Technologies Ltd.Brook Court Whittington Hall

Worcester WR5 2ZX

Telephone: 01905 388194Email: [email protected]

www.apexsupplychain.com

71


WHEN it comes to providing temperature-controlled

packaging to carry precious produce from some of the

country’s finest meat, fish and organic food producers, JB

Packaging comes top of the box.

The Brixham business is the specialist of choice for these prestigious

companies who require only the very best to ensure their renowned

goods arrive in peak condition, safely and undamaged.

The last two decades have seen JB Packaging become a leading

supplier of recyclable insulated polystyrene (EPS) boxes and other

food packaging products including: waxed cardboard, foam liners,

ice sheets and pads and sundries.

“Outstanding thermal and protective properties make polystyrene

boxes ideal for keeping food fresh for longer,” explains distribution

manager Martin Stansbie.

“EPS is an excellent cushioning material, ideal for protecting fragile

produce from shock and vibration. Such boxes are commonly used

to carry meat, fish, cheese, cakes and vegetables among other food

stuffs but we also supply boxes for specialty markets such as the

aquatic, reptile and medical industries.”

Founded in 1982, JB Packaging has supplied the South West

fishing industry with EPS boxes to transport fresh fish and since

becoming a part of SCA Packaging Group, now has increased

supply from several manufacturing sites across the country, with fully

accredited design and test centres.

It’s most recent innovation is a range of Deluxe Thermo EPP boxes

which, although lightweight like EPS, are more robust and durable

and so can be reused. Ideal for hot or cold catering, JB Packaging

expects the range to prove popular for a whole host of functions,

such as catering, door to door deliveries, picnic or drinks coolers,

lunch box storage, transportation of live bait or pet food.

Whether it’s just a few boxes or a whole truckload, JB Packaging is

happy to provide exactly what you need - and bring its years of

experience into play to advise those clients who are unsure what

would best suit their requirements.

“Our deliveries are tailored to suit customers’ needs and are

available from stock within 24 or 48 hours with the opportunity to

buy smaller quantities on line,” says Martin.

“We pride ourselves on our friendly, efficient service and customers

can be confident that they will receive the highest standards of

product quality.”

The personal touch extends to welcoming clients who wish to

collect their orders themselves at any of the company sites in

Livingston in Scotland, Northampton, Torpoint, in Cornwall, or

Brixham and providing the opportunity for EPS and card boxes to

be branded with each client’s logo, contact details and contents (a

minimum order quantity is required for this service). And, because of

its manufacturing capabilities, JB Packaging may still be able to help

if, in the slim likelihood, the wide range of packaging sizes available

isn’t quite right for a customer’s specific needs.

Large or small orders, local or national deliveries, hot or cold

contents. When it comes to packaging, this is a company that really

is thinking outside the box.

For more information about JB Packaging, its full range of products

and to order, go to www.jbpackaging.co.uk.

To make an enquiry, telephone 0800 285 1339


www.jbpackaging.co.uk

JBPJ B P A C K A G I N G

For allof yourtemperaturecontrolledpackagingneeds

JBP

72

4814 1 pg advertorial.qxd:CD Engineering 05/12/2011 12:06 Page 72

LAWRENCERecycling & Waste Management

Birmingham’s ‘Zero-to-Land� ll’ Zone

When should you review your waste management?With land� ll tax rates set to rise imminently in 2012, now is the time for businesses to act by taking simple steps to implement increased recycling in the workplace. Every organisation has a legal responsibility to dispose of their waste safely, ethically and with minimal impact to the environment, the Waste Regulations 2011 emphasise the importance of stating which level of the revised waste hierarchy you have implemented when transferring waste.

Recycling and waste management experts Lawrence Recycling & Waste Management, whose Mixed Recycling Facility (MRF) in Kidderminster is the largest in Europe, have the expertise since 1984 to assist local businesses in avoiding land� ll tax costs to in turn o� er long term costs savings, by managing various waste streams to ensure ‘zero-to-land� ll.’

With tailored waste management packages to suit the individual needs of each organisation, Lawrence’s friendly and professional experts can implement a free site waste management audit and advise on all the best options to help other organisations echo this same ‘zero to land� ll’ goal.

How does ‘zero-to-land� ll’ help our environment? “Our ‘zero-to-land� ll’ commitment means Lawrences e� ciently separates and processes all valuable waste streams such as card, plastic, glass and paper etc, in order to trade it as a commodity which is in turn reintroduced into the production cycle,” advises Lawrence’s Managing Director David Lawrence.

“Higher e� ciency in waste management will increase your green credentials and environmental pro� le in achieving accreditations such as ISO 14001 and ISO 18001 as well as long term cost savings. Have you accounted for the forthcoming additional cost of higher land� ll taxes? Have you considered a site audit and plan to minimise the risk of increased cost?”

Lawrence Recycling & Waste Management’s experts are advising businesses about the National Waste Strategy and the increasing Government pressures regarding current legislation.

Key legislation which must be complied with include:

Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005Control of Pollution Act 1989 Controlled Waste Regulations 1992 Environment Act 1995Environmental Protection Act 1990Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste)Regulations 2010 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2010 Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 Waste Management (England and Wales) Regulations 2006

Despite the introduction of separate recycling and general waste bins/containers by local councils, up to 80 per cent of general UK waste still consists of mixed recyclables.

Waste that has not been separated by businesses or households into separate bins ends up contaminated and has to go through a cleaning process, or will very commonly be sent directly to land� ll.

To arrange an appointment or for further information about the value of your current waste and recycling or becoming part of Birmingham’s ‘zero-to-land� ll’ zone, contact Lawrence Recycling & Waste Management.

T: 01562 733712E: [email protected] W: www.lawrencerecycling.co.uk

Bene� ts to your businessCarbon Footprint Reduction Less Energy Used ‘Zero-to-Land� ll’ Potential Cost Savings Increase environmental credentials to achieve accreditation / certi� cation such as ISO 14001 / ISO 18001

LAWRENCERecycling & Waste Management

Your Environmental Recycling & Waste Management Partners Since 1984

E: [email protected]: 0844 800 7713W: www.lawrencerecycling.co.uk

Integrated Recycling & Waste Management Services

Commercial Waste Management:- General Waste- Mixed Recycling- Commodities Trading

Internal SystemsO� ce RecyclingCon� dential Data Destruction

Construction & Demolition Waste

Hazardous Waste Management including WEEE Waste

Best Market Price for Commodities:- Paper & Cardboard- Plastics- Wood- Glass

Quality Recycled Soils & Aggregates

Europe’s Largest Covered Materials Recycling Facility

Achieve ‘zero-to-land� ll’ through recycling

73


FOR a 25th anniversary year it couldn’t be more exciting for

Cooper Group UK - expansion of the hire fleet, expansion of the

premises, leading to expansion of the workforce - plenty to take

the company forward for the next 25 years at least.

Ever since Bob Cooper established the company in 1986 upon realising

the need for an independent service provider specialising in the repair of

refuse collection vehicles, the focus has been on providing a professional

reliable service, and dedication to the management of solutions backed

by experience, expertise and knowledge of the waste collection industry.

Today, it remains a family business, based in Bilston, Wolverhampton,

and it has diversified. Cooper Municipal Services handles municipal

vehicle breakdown assistance, maintenance and refurbishment, Cooper

Hire is the refuse vehicle rental division while Cooper Hiab is the West

Midlands authorised service centre for Hiab cranes and multilift

demountables; supplying, repairing and maintaining Hiab equipment for

practically every user on the western side of the West Midlands. Two

years ago Cooper Group invested in a state of the art spray booth and

equipment and has continued to offer a high quality Commercial and

Municipal paintwork and insurance approved vehicle repairs.

Municipal authorities make up the majority of its client base with

Birmingham City Council, Bromsgrove DC, Bridgnorth DC, Coventry City

Councils, Dudley MBC, Redditch BC, Sandwell, Walsall Metropolitan

Borough Councils, Wolverhampton City Council and Wyre Forest District

Council just some of those served. Says Jonathan. “We’ve got some

good relationships with them and we’re hoping to expand those further

and take the company to the next level.”

That’s certainly going to happen with Cooper Group due to add another

20 new vehicles to its hire fleet, already at an impressive 95, something

it’s planning to headline during its appearance at this month’s Recycling

and Waste Management Show at the NEC.

“The expansion is partly due to demand,” says Jonathan. “However,

Coopers is growing and we want to show both competitors and

customers that we supply new vehicles as well as refurbished ones and

push the business forward.”

The forward momentum will continue in the next year with the

redevelopment of Cooper Group’s two-acre site which will involve

renovating its second workshop to include a new office block, canteen

facility, external HGV training school and stores area.

“We are starting to talk to local colleges about offering training courses

dovetailed with some of theirs for HGV mechanics,” reveals Jonathan.

“At the moment we have 27 employees but we hope that once the

second workshop is completed, it will become a 24-hour facility and

once it’s operational, we will be looking at doubling the workforce.”

So it’s onwards and upwards. Jonathan reflects: “When you think back

to 1986 when Bob started the business and where it has grown now

and the potential to where it can grow it’s quite exciting - and we’re

busy, which is the most important thing.” Cooper Group are a ISO 9001

accredited company and also have Investors in People status and are

actively considering to go for IIP Bronze.

For full details about Cooper Group UK and its services,

go to www.Coopergroupuk.com or

www.Coopercommercial.co.uk. To make an enquiry,

telephone 01902 403826 or email

[email protected]

After Refurb

Before Refurb During Refurb

74

4676.qxd:Cooper Group 05/12/2011 12:10 Page 74

Hot on the heels of a major new product launch in September, there were further celebrations at materialscharacterisation company Malvern Instruments on 27thOctober when HRH The Duke of Kent visited theorganisation’s global headquarters in Malvern,Worcestershire.

There to formally present Malvern Instruments with the 2011Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of InternationalTrade, His Royal Highness spent an hour touring the HQ facility.

Scientific understanding

Established in the 1970s in the town from which it takes itsname, Malvern Instruments designs and manufactures scientificinstruments. These are used to measure the physical andchemical properties of many different types of materials, fromfoodstuffs and pharmaceuticals to asphalt and cement. Thecompany employs a workforce of around 200 at its globalmanufacturing and commercial headquarters, and 600 peopleworldwide. Furthermore, it makes an important contribution toUK trade, with more than 90 percent of production destined foroverseas markets.

Technology tour

During their tour of the Malvern headquarters, the Royal Partyand civic guests learned about the company, its history andfuture plans. Along the way they met members of the Malvernteam and saw examples of products and operations, includinga demonstration of the newly launched, award-winningMastersizer 3000 particle size analyser.

In the applications laboratory His Royal Highness accepted aninvitation to start a measurement by adding a few drops of acream liqueur to the Mastersizer 3000 sampling system andwas intrigued to learn about the breadth of applications forparticle size analysis - just one of Malvern’s areas of technicaland measurement expertise.

Then on to the production area where members of theoperations team demonstrated how systems are assembledand tested, and through to New Product Introduction to seehow Malvern uses Computer Aided Design and ComputationalFluid Dynamics in product development. After finding out aboutMalvern’s approach to industrial design from the marketing andwebsite team, there was a final stop to see the systems and ITinfrastructure that support Malvern’s continued growth.

Proud of public recognition

To round off the visit, the whole of the HQ-based team gatheredtogether for the formal presentation of the Queen’s Award forEnterprise. Accepting the award, Malvern’s Managing Director PaulWalker praised Malvern teams worldwide, saying:

“It is a great honour to receive such public recognition of ourinternational trading success and I am delighted for everyone in thecompany. This is our seventh Queen’s Award and follows on fromlast year’s success in the Innovation category. It really is a tribute tothe talent and dedication of Malvern teams across the globe thateven in challenging economic times we continue to grow ourbusiness both in our established and emerging markets.”

Onwards and upwards

Outward looking from the start, Malvern Instruments long agoestablished a global footprint that now includes direct operations inall major European markets, North America, China, Japan andKorea, a joint venture in India, a global distributor network andapplications laboratories around the world. In keeping with this worldview, the new Mastersizer 3000 was launched around the globe in asingle day via a series of live webcasts that moved through differenttime zones.

“It is more than simply our technology that sets us apart, and makesus the preferred supplier in many areas,” comments Paul Walker.“The way we communicate with and support customers andpotential customers, wherever they are in the world, is immenselyimportant. We are proud of our reputation and achievements both inour home and international markets and I am very optimistic aboutthe year ahead, which will see us continuing to further extend ourinternational businesses, particularly in areas such as Asia and SouthAmerica.”

“And who knows, maybe we’ll even succeed in our aim to collectQueen’s Award number eight!”

Malvern Instruments Ltd

Enigma Business Park

Grovewood Road

Malvern

Worcestershire WR14 1XZ

Tel: +44 (0) 1684 892456 Fax: +44 (0) 1684 892789

For real-world descriptions of Malvern products in action visit www.malvern.com

Read the Malvern blog www.materials-talks.com To find out more about career opportunities visit

http://www.malvern.com/LabEng/company/careers.htm

Royal visit for Queen’s Award winner Malvern Instruments

Examining how systems are assembled andtested

Managing Director Paul Walker accepts MalvernInstruments’ seventh Queen’s Award from HRHThe Duke of Kent

75


KIDDERMINSTER protection specialist Beakbane is

celebrating the sealing of a major deal that has brought jobs

to the region and the potential for even further growth.

The company, which already has more than 120 workers, has

taken on five more after winning the contract from Heller UK to

manufacture hundreds of heavy fabrications for machining centre

tool magazines. It has already invested about £80,000 on plant

and equipment specifically to handle the work, which sees it

producing one magazine fabrication a day - and it is already

planning to do more.

“This shows that we are prepared to make major investments in time

and resources to meet customers’ needs,” says managing director

Mike Southwell. “We’re delighted that Heller has entrusted us with

this major project which adds yet another strand to our portfolio of

services and products for machine tool manufacturers.”

Beakbane is a world-leading specialist in bellows and machinery

protection, supplying components such as telescopic metal slideway

covers, folding concertina covers for axis drives, slideway wipers,

lightweight heavy-duty lamella covers, armoured aprons and roller

blinds. These products are used on equipment that includes

machining centres, milling machines, boring machines, lathes,

grinding machines, laser and waterjet cutting machines, routers and

woodworking equipment.

It complements this with a contract design and manufacturing

service and has been supplying Heller with machine tool

components and fabrications since the 1990s. Previously,

magazine fabrications were manufactured in Germany but the

decision to re-source them in the UK came as part of Heller’s

move to make Redditch its worldwide centre of excellence for

chain-type tool magazines.

Heller UK’s machine tool factory produces four models of four-axis

horizontal machining centres which are exported around the globe

and the Beakbane manufactured products will be used on all of

them. In addition, its fabrications will be incorporated in tool

magazines supplied to Heller’s other plants in Germany and Brazil,

making it Heller’s sole external supplier of fabrications for magazines.

Now Heller only makes in house fabrications for the very largest

machines and non-standard items.To handle the contract, Beakbane

invested in welding equipment, fume extraction and compressors,

as well as the installation of a pit and lift table to allow welding to be

carried out safely and easily without platforms or ladders.

It also added an overhead crane in one workshop so that the new

work could be carried out alongside existing production while Heller

supplied a special welding jig and brought its engineers from

Germany to work closely with Beakbane to qualify it as a supplier.

The five jobs were created so that the factory, in Stourport Road,

can work a full twin-shift system producing the magazine

fabrications.

Heller UK’s Logistics Manager Tobias Grimm says Beakbane was

its natural choice of local supplier.

“We started working with Beakbane over 15 years ago when they

supplied slideway covers for a previous range of machines, so we

knew they were good suppliers,” he adds.

“We started giving them fabrications too, more and more

complicated work, and they did a good job. When we made a

strategic decision to have our centre of competence for chain

type magazines here in the UK we wanted a local supplier for the

fabrications and naturally thought of Beakbane.”

For further details about the company and its services,

visit www.beakbane.co.uk, telephone 01562 820561

email [email protected]

design to manufactureproviding complete outsourced solutions

A magazine fabrication undergoing final assembly at Heller.

Fabrications being loaded for delivery to Heller.

76


Northampton based company, Euro Towers Ltd,who manufacturer aluminum towers and accessproducts, which provide a safer and more efficientway to work at height, are celebrating a triumphantreturn to growth.

At the depth of the recession in 2008, their turnover had

dropped by 70%, and when they had to make 36 staff

redundant, things were looking pretty bleak. After taking advice

and assistance from UKTI (UK Trade and Investment) and MAS

(The Manufacturing and Advisory Service) the company has

been able to turn the situation around.

Sue Verallo, joint owner with husband Roger, who is also the

chairman of PASMA, the leading trade association in Europe for

the mobile access tower industry, explains:

"With UKTI support we were able to translate our websites and

brochures into several languages, which helped the company

when exhibiting overseas. Support was also available to help

with overseas exhibitions, and the great thing was it was all

free. The Manufacturing Advisory Service offered us training on

our new 3D Computer Aided Design System, which has helped

to attract some significant business. They also helped us with

financial support to develop a new product."

Turnover has now started to increase again, thanks to

exporting; which was only one third of the firm's orders but

now accounts for 50% of the annual turnover, and the

company's order book is continuing to grow. They have built on

their success in France and the Middle East by securing over

£1million in orders from France and Singapore for their

aluminum towers and access products, they are also rapidly

developing contacts in Italy.

Among all this discussion of the growth of new export markets

and business it should not be forgotten that 50% of their

business is UK based. Euro Towers are very proud to have

retained their UK customers through the recession. Sue Verallo

attributes their success here to being a UK based manufacturer

that is able to respond quickly to customer requirements.

Something that has really thrilled the Verallos, is the re-

employment of loyal staff members, who had been made

redundant in the dark times. But Sue says,

"We are recovering; making profits again and taking on staff.

But we have not won the battle yet. We have to work extremely

hard: costs of raw materials have gone up but we can't pass

this on to customers, so we have had to really look at the

company, cut back on any overheads, be lean, look at

ourselves and really see where we can save money, be efficient

and find new markets overseas."

Euro Towers Ltd

Unit 5, Edgemead Close

Round Spinney

Northampton

NN3 8RG

Tel: +44 (0)1604 644774

Fax: +44 (0)1604 499544

www.eurotowers.net

EURO TOWERS LTD

Eu ro Towe r s L im i t edUnit 5 Edgemead Close

Round SpinneyNor thampton

NN3 8RG

Tel: 01604 644 774Fax: 01604 499 544

Email : [email protected]

www.eu ro towe r s . ne t

E ROU T WERO TDS L LTDR

TE

d L i i t

nit 5 EdgU

ewoo TEu r

Close emead

eds L im i te r

Euro Towers owners Sue & Roger Verallo

77

4762 1 pg advertorial.qxd:CD Engineering 05/12/2011 12:21 Page 77

WHEN it comes to the hydraulics sector the services and

products supplied by CD Engineering Ltd are, well, manifold.

The family orientated company,

based in Redditch, has more than 35

years experience within the field and,

in that time has evolved into one of

the UK’s leading hydraulic manifold

suppliers. Initially designing and

manufacturing specialised hydraulic

equipment to the plastics industry,

today it can provide manifolds in

standard and bespoke formats.

Business is booming for this small, friendly team which

comprises highly technical and highly skilled engineers who use

the most updated computer-aided design equipment and state-

of-the-art machinery.

The result is a company with the flexibility and expertise to

accommodating any customer requirement in an ever-

challenging environment.

‘Off the shelf’ is not for CD Engineering. It does manufacture a

wide range of standard format manifolds but many customers

need something specific for their own individual system. By

liaising closely with each client, CD Engineering is able to fulfill

that requirement, be it in small or large batches.

In addition its extensive tooling facility covers an array of cavity

formats and, when used in conjunction with the customised

Offline CAM system , allows for reduced setting and

programming times, which in turn has a cost benefit to the

customer. Even if the requirement involves designing a

prototype, that’s no problem for the skilled CD Engineering

team who start by using a simple “thumb-nail” sketch or circuit

diagram to design a manifold. Designs the exact type of

manifold required and uses sing up-to-date Solid modelling

software, we are able to create a fully assembled model for the

customers appraisal prior to manufacture.

They then move on to the latest solid modelling software to

create a fully assembled model to present to the customer prior

to manufacture and which enables them to advise on port

sizes, flow rates, suitable working pressures and materials.

Also produced is a general assembly layout drawing containing

the overall dimensions to ensure the design adapts into the

customer’s system without interference.

With a range of additional products available and the ability to

supply a complete manifold assembly package - a service which

includes the supply, installation and flow setting of cartridge

valves, cross-hole sealing plugs, where applicable, and full test

procedure complete with certificate of conformity - CD

Engineering really can cover all your hydraulic manifold needs.

To make an enquiry, telephone 01527 61942

78

4413.qxd:CD Engineering 05/12/2011 12:23 Page 78

A West Midlands precision engineering company, Mako

Precision Engineering Ltd has moved into new premises

in Bilston.

This successful, precision engineering company is bucking the

trend, and expanding. Substantial investment in new machinery

offering a wider range of services, due to increased demand,

means that they need more space.

Mako Precision Engineering is a specialist machining and

toolmaking company based in the West Midlands region of the

UK famously known as the Black Country, and is very proud to

be part of the manufacturing heritage of the region. They are a

small company of 10 staff, and were formed by a team of very

experienced and skilled engineers who had worked previously

for a successful precision engineering company. The team

realised that they could offer a better, more personal service to

customers and decided to set up on their own, thus Mako

Precision Engineering was born. The company offers CNC

machining, milling, turning, drilling, threading and assembly

services to customers in a wide range of industries, including

toolmaking and patternmaking, motorsport components,

agricultural equipment, automotive, rolling mill components and

parts for the hydraulics industry

Mako Precision Engineering constantly strives to ensure that all

their manufactured parts, procedures and assemblies

consistently match or exceed their customers’ expectations

and requirements. Each member of staff is dedicated to

providing you, the valued customer, with the service, support

and quality you require.

Their experienced and highly skilled CNC engineers have the

confidence and technical knowledge to work to the tightest of

tolerances, regardless of the job specification. They have the

flexibility to use traditional programming techniques (i.e. point to

point and parametric programming at the machine panel) or to

employ the latest DNC linked computer systems and software,

giving them the option of producing programs using the

quickest methods possible, which puts them in the best

position for a quicker turnaround and a more cost effective

result. As a team they get great satisfaction from providing their

customers with a value for money, quality product.

Being based in Bilston Mako Precision Engineers are

conveniently located close the to the main motorway network,

enabling them to offer their services across the UK. As an ISO

9001 registered firm Mako Precision Engineering, employing a

small team of skilled engineers with many years of experience

across a wide range of industries, can rise to the challenges

that modern industry poses. They can offer precision

engineered components in a variety of materials including

standard ferrous, stainless steels, tools steels, aerospace grade

alloys, non ferrous metals, plastics, nylons and PTFE.

So if you are looking for a quality supplier of CNC machining

and other precision engineering services don’t hesitate to

contact Mako Precision.

Mako Precision Engineering Limited

Unit 3, Hare Street, Bilston, WV14 7DX

Tel: 01902 219 125 Fax: 01902 498 009


www.makoprecisionengineering.co.uk

“Everyone here at Q-Fabs would like to congratulateMako Precision Engineering on themove and wish

them success for the future.”FabricationsOn Site ErectionSheet Metal Work

AutoCAD DesignStructural SteelworkArchitectural Metal

Tel: 0121 520 4960 Email: [email protected]: 0121 557 6214 Web: www.q-fabs.co.uk

MAKOPREC I S I O N

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4383 1pg:Liberty 05/12/2011 12:25 Page 79

Lee Beesley, specialists in the design, engineering, installationand commissioning of electrical, mechanical and IT services,has rebranded and will now be known as Actemium.

Remaining as part of the Vinci Energies Group, the Lee Beesleybusiness has been integrated into the Group Network brandActemium, which specialises in industrial engineering solutions andoperates from 110 Business Units across Europe, employing morethan 5500 employees with a turnover exceeding 580 million euro.Members of the Actemium network share best practice and expertiseacross a range of industries that include energy, automotive, food andbeverage, oil & gas, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical, constructionsupplies, infrastructure, metal and steel.

Rochdi Ziyat, Managing Director of Vinci Energies (UK), the parentCompany of Actemium, said: “Overall, the change to Actemium isabout offering ‘more’. More solutions and expertise for ourcustomers, and more opportunities for our employees. Workingwithin Actemium allows us to be part of a powerful network, and toprovide a more collaborative approach with our colleagues who haveindustry expertise across Europe. Most importantly, we will stilloperate from the same UK bases acting as a local provider, workingclosely with our customers.”

Under the strapline ‘Solutions for Industry’, Actemium works withsome of the world’s most high profile and successful companies,including the likes of EDF, Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, PSAPeugeot Citroën, GSK, Sanofi, Danone, Heineken, Total, Shell,Airbus and Veolia. By integrating with Actemium, Lee Beesley has

become part of an international network, where business unitsacross Europe work together to combine resource and expertise inorder to offer more complete solutions.

Ziyat added: “Not only will Lee Beesley customers continue to dealwith a team they already know very well, but they will have access toa range of solutions that have previously only been on offer inEurope. They get access to the all of the members of the Actemiumgroup, who can assist in terms of resources and development, andthere have been a lot of tools and methodology developed within theActemium network that can assist with efficiency and productivity.Overall, it’s about local implementation with a global perspective.Added expertise, added resources and added solutions.

The re-branding to Actemium is a name change. The legal entity ofVinci Energies United Kingdom Plc remains and registered companynumbers and registered office addresses are unchanged. Similarly,there is no re-structuring associated with this re-brand and allcontacts within the organisation will remain unchanged.

For further information on Actemium, please visitwww.actemium.co.uk

LEE BEESLEY DELIVERS MORE AFTER RE-BRAND TO ACTEMIUM

You get a much

MORE powerful local and European network.

We get a shinynew name.

More than just a new name for

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From left to right: Tim Hampshire (BU manager of Actemium Walsall),Chris Hutchinson (BU manager of Actemium Nottingham), BarrieWoolley (BU manager of Actemium Merthyr), Ian Scales (BU managerof Actemium Derby), Andrew Hunter (Operations Director of VinciEnergies UK), Rochdi Ziyat (Managing Director of Vinci Energies UK)and Andy Harvey (BU manager of Actemium Coventry).

80


SSAB Swedish Steel is the second largest source of

supply for organic coated and painted steel in the United

Kingdom and Ireland. It is also a market leader in the

promotion of Aluzinc corrosion resistant steel. Situated in

their own 40,000 sq. ft. freehold premises in Brierley Hill,

near Birmingham, the Company is ideally placed at the

centre of the motorway system, which enables both fast

and efficient distribution.

Being a wholly owned subsidiary of Swedish Steel gives the

company the exclusive rights to market the mill’s painted steel.

Swedish products are renowned for quality and this is why

Swedish Steel has built up a specialist service over the years, in

pre-painted steel and Aluzinc.

They offer cut lengths, blanks, slit coils, shallow profiles and

stucco finished in both organic coated steel and Aluzinc, from

their own modern steel service centre. This is complemented

by ‘just in time’ deliveries which are achieved by holding stock

of customers’ pre-finished sizes or offering a fast, bespoke

delivery service. They also act as the mill’s agent by selling

organic coated steel to profiling companies and composite

panel manufacturers. This direct delivery service from mill to

customer is supported by extensive stocks held in the

company’s factory.

Being part of Swedish Steel provides the company with

financial stability and the chance to invest in any new facet

needed to continually upgrade the quality of both product and

service for customers. The entire staff, all British nationals, are

committed to customer care and believe in a full after sale

service. Thirty years on site management experience in

Swedish Steel, high-grade Swedish laboratories and

technicians, and quickly arranged visits by Swedish personnel,

if needed, provide a total package.

Component manufacturers, who have really taken to their new

product “Prelaq Nova” which in a wide variety of colours and

substrates can be folded, pressed, roll formed or deep drawn

into many different component parts. The latest of these

“Nova” finishes is an “Anti-Graffiti” special coating which makes

it hard to contaminate and very easy to clean.

SSAB Swedish Steel is run by a hands-on management team

of two directors and a National Sales Manager, who between

them have an average of thirty years’ service and experience

each in this specialist industry.

SSAB Swedish Steel Ltd

Narrowboat Way

Hurst Business Park

Brierley Hill

West Midlands

DY5 1UF

Tel: 01384 74660 Fax: 01384 77575

1

More Than SteelHardox Domex Weldox Docol Toolox Armox Prelaq

81


For 25 years a steadily growing number of customers,

domestic and commercial, architects and specifiers, have

been calling on the experience and expertise of Gerard Duffy

and his team at Enterprise Electrical Services, who are

celebrating their quarter centenary in business this year.

When Gerard Duffy decided to strike out on his own and started

his company in 1986 it was with the determination to offer the

best possible service, and to go that “extra mile” for his

customers. These founding principles have led to steady growth

over the years, with the company becoming limited in 1996.

The company’s staff and operatives all share Gerard Duffy’s

passion for service. Many of the 22 staff have been with the

company from its earliest days; the longest serving member

having been with Enterprise for nearly 20 years. Customers, too,

stay with the company for many years, relying on the dual

benefits of service and experience this friendly professional

company is able to offer. It is a testament to the exceptional

standards Gerard demands, and his team provide, that the

company has such a loyal customer base, some of whom who

have been using the company from its inception.

They are electrical contractors who offer a wide range of services

including electrical design, wiring installations on commercial and

domestic premises and reactive maintenance contracts. Although

originally much of their work was in the domestic sector, they now

more generally deal with larger commercial contracts, and are

very proud to have just completed a prestigious contract for the

Drayton Manor Park Hotel.

Enterprise were awarded the contract to work on the project at

Kings Norton Old Grammar School and the Saracen's Head which

won the BBC's "Restoration" programme in 2004 and more recently

the English Heritage project to restore the silver work factory of JW

Evans and Sons based in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. As listed

buildings both of these projects presented new challenges installing

modern lighting to current electrical specifications, without disturbing

or detracting from the original features. The work was both

interesting and rewarding and the JW Evans factory was recently

featured on the BBC programme "Britain's Hidden Heritage"

Enterprise Electrical is accredited by the NICEIC, the National

Inspection Council for Electrical Installation and Contracting. The

NICEIC has been assessing the technical competence of electricians

for over 50 years. Their aim is to protect everyone who uses

electricity from unsafe electrical installations anywhere. To achieve

this, they maintain a register of qualified, competent electricians, who

are re-assessed on a regular basis to ensure high standards.

Customers of Enterprise Electrical can be assured of all the benefits

that being accredited by the NICEIC brings, safety and competence,

compliance with building regulations, an insurance backed warranty,

guaranteed standards and an independent complaints procedure.

Enterprise Electrical are well placed to face the challenges of

the modern competitive market place, they have moved with

the times and are a “one stop shop” renowned in their industry for

quality, and service.

Enterprise Electrical Services Ltd

Unit 7, 129, Western Road, Hockley

Birmingham, B18 7QD

Telephone: 0121 507 0602

[email protected]

��0121 359 5387��0121 359 0191��[email protected]��cewltd.com

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enterprise electrical services Ltd

Lighting Distributors/Consultantsspecialising in LED Lighting.

Est. 1989

Telephone: 0121 313 3333 Fax: 0121 313 3334Email: [email protected]

“Premier Lighting Supplies Ltd would like tocongratulate Enterprise Electrical

on 25 years of business”

82

4472 1pg.qxd:Reynolds 05/12/2011 12:38 Page 82

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Birmingham Business Post Edition 30