Birmingham Business Post Edition 32

AUTO TIME solutions

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The Midlands Leading Business & Lifestyle Publication

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case study 3

Valen Fittings, one of the UK’sleading manufacturers ofspecialist butt weld fittingsbased in Walsall, hasreplaced its card clockingsystem with an advancedbiometric solution installedby Auto Time Solutions.

As a manufacturer employing 80members of staff, of which20 employees work night shifts, it isessential for Valen Fittings to have an accurate time andattendance system to ensure an efficient payroll process.

For many years Valen Fittings used a conventional magstripecard clocking system to monitor staff time but this wasproving inadequate at managing the shift patterns worked byemployees and subsequently increased the workload placedon the desks of the company’s payroll staff.

Having recently extended their premises Valen Fittings saw itas a perfect time to ‘modernise’ their time and attendancesystem with an advanced biometric solution linked toAuto:Time Express software.

When staff now clock in they simply place their hand on ahandscan terminal and their identity is verified within seconds.Because the system measures the shape and height of thehand it guarantees that all clocking in transactions aregenuine and eliminates buddy punching – the act of peopleclocking in for one another.

All employee data is instantly relayed to the company server– without the need for human intervention – from whichmanagers can check the arrival time of each employee. Bygaining immediate confirmation of staff attendance managersare able to confirm that employees have clocked in and outas scheduled.

Nigel Genner, Operations Director from Valen Fittings says:“The new biometric system verifies staff identity in seconds sowe can see almost instantly which staff are on site at any giventime. This has made the administrative process more efficient,resulting in increased cost savings and a more accuratepayroll process.

“Not only that but the introduction of the biometric system hasalso improved our compliance to Health and Safety standardsas the system is able to automatically generate roll call reportsin the event of an on-site emergency.”

With the extra bank holiday for the Queen’s Jubilee,European football championships, Wimbledon andLondon Olympics all taking place during the summerin addition to the general school holidayperiod, businesses could be faced withmore requests for time off than normal.James Manning, BusinessDevelopment Manager atAuto Time Solutions says: “Workforceabsence is a constant concern foremployers, but one which could peak this year between Juneand August because of the Jubilee Weekend, Euro 2012 and theLondon Olympics all taking place within a short period of time.

“With people across the UK attending Olympic events and otherslooking to stay home to watch their favourite sporting events ontelevision, employers could see a significant increase inabsences, both planned and unscheduled.”

Auto Time’s advanced time and attendance systems canhelp businesses to significantly reduce the impact ofabsenteeism by accurately managing staff attendance andcomplex working patterns.

Employers urged to prepare for ‘Summer of Sickies’Valen Fittings boosts

payroll efficiency withbiometric solution

or visit www.autotime.co.uk or email [email protected]

...plus enjoy 12months free system

support with this offer!

Call us now on 0121 773 7222

To experience these benefits for yourselfwhy not take advantage of our exclusiveFREE Proof of Concept trial*

AUTO TIME solutions

*Subject to terms and conditions. Offer must end 31st May 2012.

Auto Time'sworkforcemanagementsolutions canhelp youmanage yourstaff moreefficiently whilereducingadministrative burdenand operational costs.

C O N T E N T SSigns Now 4Subcon 2012 6euroLED 2012 7IST Lighting Group 8Ledison Lighting 9CIPS 10Sterling Capital Reserve Ltd 12Ludgate Finance 13ThinCats 14Building Services Design 17Yazzoo 18MAS Associates 19Principal Investment Management 20Franklin Covey 21SEVEN Collaborative Solutions 22IMSM 23Prestige Print and Design 26Reflection Marketing 28Surveillance UK 29The Jennifer Trust 30Body 2 Soul 31Mell Square, Solihull 32Daines and Hathaway 33PJ Robinson and Son Ltd 34Mask-arade 36Bubble Production Ltd 37Stafford FM 38Wool Mountain 39Smart Storage 40Central Joinery 41Steve Soult 42Three Counties Centre 44Orega 45The Public 46Curve Theatre 48Redditch Golf Club 49Broadway Casino 50Hotel La Tour 52Jurys Inn 54The Old Hall Country House 55Holiday Inn 56Fir Tree Inn 58Devlin 60BK International Freight 62CC Tuning 64Viezu Technologies 65Windmill Collection 66GCA 67Practical Minds 68JMS Solar 69Hadley & Co 70Hawkstone Properties 72 Discount Builders 73Mechatherm 74Eurofilms 78Auto Time Solutions 80

Welcome to edition 32 of the BBP, showcasingthe best in business and comment throughoutthe region.

In this edition James Caan talks about his newbook Start Your Business in Seven Days. Pointsfor discussion include the 2012 budget and itsgeneral implications for business, and anexploration of alternative sources of businessfunding for SMEs. The transport industry isreminded of the need to deliver on promises, inorder to help growth across the board; wewelcome the growth of the “staycation”, andreview a superb new Birmingham venue, theAalto restaurant at the Hotel La Tour.

Our next issue will discuss Risk Management forSMEs and the region’s growth despite the socalled recession. As always, we will have newsfrom businesses and decision makers throughoutthe region.

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

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

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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

Birmingham Edition 32 (6):Layout 1 09/05/2012 15:09 Page 3

targeted carbon footprint but we are saving thousands ofpounds on our energy bills and will be benefiting from a £10,080tax rebate for a number of our signs – the savings areincredible”.

LED’s (Light Emitting Diodes) have revolutionised energy-efficient lighting using on average 20% (or less!) of the energyrequired to power a traditional filament or energy saving lampbut offering improved luminescence. LED lighting productsshould last more than 50,000 hours, and with the exceptionallylow failure rate, maintenance is virtually eliminated. LED lightingis solid-state and does not have a filament and so is virtuallyindestructible.

LED’S are so efficient and long lasting that you can reasonablyexpect an illuminated sign to work for over 11 years without anyproblem. By fitting just one Goodyear Dunlop sign (17.5 metresx 5 metres) Signs Now UK were able to forecast, that over thattime an energy saving of 83.9% and a saving on maintenanceand repair of £3,343 per annum would be achieved. The energysavings alone reduce the carbon emissions by a massive 25.89Metric Tonnes.

The initial investment to fit this sign with LED’s was establishedat £16,890 (it is a very big sign and challenging to reach).However the taxman looks very favourably on this type of green

Signs Now UK – the award winning Sign Business ofthe Year is working closely with local companies tohelp reduce their energy bills. In partnership with theworld’s leading LED manufacturer Sloan, they can helpbusinesses benefit from reduced energy bills andEnhanced Tax Benefits through the ECA scheme.

The ECA (Enhanced Capital Allowance) Scheme is a key part ofthe UK government’s programme to manage climate change. Itis managed by the Carbon Trust (www.carbontrust.co.uk) andwas introduced in 2001 to encourage businesses to invest in thelatest energy saving technology. The scheme providesbusinesses with enhanced tax relief for investment in equipmentthat meets published energy saving criteria, and allows the fullcost of an investment in designated energy saving equipment tobe written off against the taxable profits of the period in whichthe investment is made.

GOODYEAR DUNLOP

Signs Now UK have been working closely with Goodyear Dunlopthe world’s leading tyre manufacturer who are a globalpresence, with sites worldwide, and main offices based here atsites across the West Midlands. Goodyear Dunlop is veryexcited by the potential to not only reduce their carbon footprint,but also their huge energy bills, by the introduction of LEDtechnology. The substantial tax rebates are extremely attractivetoo. Chris Cheal, Facilities Manager and Energy Saving Expertfor Goodyear Dunlop, says “Not only are we reducing our

SAVE MONEY, SAVE ENERGY COSTS,SAVE TAX AND SAVE THE PLANET!

(Left to Right) Carlo Matarazzo Manager of Signs NowUK and Chris Cheal from Goodyear Dunlop.

4


Signs Now, Vision HouseCalibre Industrial Park, Laches CloseFour Ashes, WolverhamptonWV10 7DZ

Tel: 01902 791201www.signsnow.co.uk

Signs Now the UK’s awarding winning sign supplier, can save you money on your energy bills save you tax and save the planet ...

investment and offers a 100% tax allowance, thanks to theEnhanced Capital Allowance Scheme, with the result that thepayback time for this one sign is only just over 12 months!

Signs Now UK have put together an impressive team with thehelp & guidance from the Robert Horne Group – the supplier ofchoice for the Sloan LEDs, to ensure that clients get themaximum savings and benefits from the use of Sloan LEDTechnology. As part of their proposal they offer a unique systemwhich consists of Energy Saving, ECA calculations and totalannual savings.

The Sloan LED Company design and develop high-reliabilitylighting products. They are the pioneer in Light Emitting Diode(LED) technology. The company is a leader in the developmentand application of LEDs, serving many commercial, industrialand high-tech industries. By combining over 50 years of lightingexperience with ISO 9001 quality recognition, and strongwarranties. Sloan LED is dedicated to providing the best LEDs,the best support and the best results and has recently beenchosen as the world’s greatest LED company.

So if you are reading this article and your organisation usesilluminated signage of any sort then you should seriously thinkabout replacing your fluorescent tubes with new Sloan LEDtechnology.

For further information about Signs Now UK please

Visit: www.signsnow.co.ukif you would like to know more about

Sloan LED’s then please contact

Carlo Matarazzo on 01902 791 201 / 07814 939 134

or [email protected] for further information and a full cost

proposal on your energy saving and ECA benefit calculation.

www.signsnow.co.uk

5


This year’s Subcon exhibition on 12 to 14 June at the NEC,Birmingham, will showcase a subcontract and contractmanufacturing sector that is set for further growth.

Research commissioned by the event’s organisers shows that notonly will the volume of work grow in the coming year, but OEMsand higher tier suppliers are continuing to take a more strategicapproach to the long-term outsourcing of their production.

Almost 90% of the companies surveyed said they planned toincrease or maintain their level of subcontracting over the nextthree years and 36% had brought work that had previously beensourced in low-cost countries back to the UK.

Subcon’s focus is on the companies that provide manufacturingservices to higher tier manufacturers and OEMs. Whereas with theprimes and OEMs their intellectual property is in the product andthe brands, the intellectual property of the subcontractors in tierstwo, three and four lies in the processes they offer and their abilityto deliver high-quality components to the precision requirements ofthe customer.

Rather than just ‘filling in the gaps’ when the customer needs extracapacity, subcontract manufacturing has evolved to the stagewhere it has become a central part of the manufacturing strategiesof most large manufacturers.

More and more OEMs are finding that using a third partymanufacturer brings a multitude of benefits, not least the ability torespond flexibly in volatile markets.

It allows rapid increases in output without the need for capitalinvestment or recruitment, and can be shut down just as quickly. Itgives access to technology and expertise that economies of scalewould not allow to be brought in-house and it puts manufacturingin the hands of the experts who know how to get the most out oftheir processes.

The increasing reliance on subcontractors has been clear in thegrowth of the Subcon exhibition – between 2007 and 2011 thenumber of exhibitors increased by 91% and the number of visitors by 94%.

It is not just the volume of subcontracting that has grown, thedemands being made on subcontractors have become more

sophisticated. Today’s supply chain managers want to be able tosource a complete package of work from one supplier – a one-stop-shop – which may either have an integrated in-houseoperation or manage a series of sub-suppliers. The customer hasjust one point of contact, one supplier to audit and one invoice topay. And more and more of these suppliers also offer design anddevelopment services too.

Again, Subcon’s growth illustrates these trends. The number ofcompanies offering a ‘one-stop-shop’ service has nearly trebled –with over a third of them also offering design and prototype services.

Subcon Exhibition Manager Jon Clark says: “I think that the UKsubcontract manufacturing sector has only just begun to showwhat it is capable of. I expect to see further dramatic growth in thenext five years – and Subcon will continue to be the industry forumfor all that is best in the contract, subcontract and tier2/3manufacturing sector.”

To find out more and register for your free ticket please visit

www.subconshow.co.uk

Register FREE atwww.subconshow.co.uk

Discover the latest technology Meet world class suppliers Get instant quotes Attend FREE seminars

HEADLINE SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS TRADE PARTNERS

12-14 JUNE NEC BIRMINGHAM

The UK’s Contract Manufacturingand Technology Show

UK manufacturers take on the supplychain challenge

6


The highlight of the global Solid-State Lighting calendar,the euroLED 2012 exhibition, organised by BirminghamScience Park Aston, will provide a unique opportunity fororganisations to penetrate, expand and understandEuropean and global LED and Solid State lighting marketsthrough an extensive exhibition of products, LEDtechnology services and unrivalled networkingopportunities. euroLED 2012 is the ideal place to liaisewith a vast number of specialists, and to catch up on allthe latest in LED and Solid State Lighting industrydevelopments.

Now in its 9th year, theexhibition is moving from theRicoh arena in Coventry to thegreater capacity andaccessibility of the NEC inBirmingham, putting theexhibition in the heart of theMidlands where it belongs. This

major event will consist of an exhibition with over 120 stands,showcasing all the latest technology and applications in the fastdeveloping world of LEDs and Solid State lighting, and includea high profile technology conference and a superb gala dinneron the first evening. The complete euroLED show experiencewill provide attendees with a vast level of valuable information,great potential for debate and discussion, and unrivallednetworking opportunities.

Exhibitors from 30 countries will be showing their products at theexhibition which anticipates an attendance of over 2,000 visitors.The majority of exhibitors, approximately 60%, will be from theUK, with the balance made up mainly from Europe and Asia.

Visitors will have the opportunity to network with the major playersin the LED industry, and gain valuable technological informationabout the latest developments in their marketplace. Visitors andexhibitors to euroLED are representative of a broad spectrum ofroles from manufacturers to distributors, retailers to R&Dspecialists. Most of the visitors to euroLED are senior decisionmakers, and at least 85% are be involved in procurement.

The whole LED and solid state lighting supply chain will beexhibiting at euroLED, including Arrow Electronics, AvagoTechnologies, Carclo, Cree, Forge Europa, Konica Minolta,Osram, and Harvard Engineering. UL, Sunpower, and purEcoLED will be joining this prestigious group for the first time, thuscreating an exceptional opportunity for delegates to gain anoverview of the industry.

A lot of interest and excitement always surrounds the Innovationpavilion which features the latest SMEs, and start upcompanies. This is also where the universities are to be foundwith some of the freshest thinking to stretch the parameters ofLED technology.

The technical conference will contain over 20 presentations frominternational market leaders such as Nichia, Phillips, Osram, andGE Lighting. The Lighting Industry Association will be hostingfree one day seminars, but with only limited space available it isimportant to register your interest as soon as possible.

If your company either uses or producesLED or Solid State lighting technology, this

is the must visit exhibition of the year.

For more information, register or to book tickets, please contact

Michelle Cleaver

T: +44 (0)121 250 3515 E: [email protected]

TAKING PLACE ON 13th & 14th JUNE 2012AT THE NEC, BIRMINGHAM, UK

EXPERIENCE THE WORLD OF LEDS:

Register Now ForeuroLED 2012:

Contact Us:

euroLED 2O12TM

Hear and Meet Lighting’s innovators at euroLED 2012

euroLED 2012 - 13th & 14th June 2012, NEC Birmingham

7


We’ve come a long way since �ickering �ame was the only way to lighten a dark night - but as energy prices rocket and global minds concentrate on green issues, it is LED lighting that is destined to illuminate the years ahead.

The last ten years have seen such signi�cant investment in LED (light emitting diode) core technology that it is now one of the most e�cient arti�cial light sources available,

perfect for just about every kind of lamp technology available.

Dr Geo� Archenhold knows their potential exactly, not just for domestic and commercial budgets but, ultimately the planet - he heads up LED lighting �xture designer and manufacturer Integrated System Technologies (IST), based in Aldridge.

“Just the tube of the most e�cient �uorescent lamp is about 105 lumens per watt (light output per electrical watt) while the latest LEDs can get to about 135,” he explains.

“By 2020 they will reach about 220 lumens per watt, so twice as e�cient as the most e�cient �uorescent tubes.

“If you replace your �uorescent tubes with the best LED technology today the payback can be quite quick if advanced controls are implemented, however by 2020 you’ll get an immediate 50% reduction in your energy costs.”

Do you use halogen MR16 lights? Dr Archenhold says one has the e�ciency of only about 20 lumens per watt - replace that with a top range LED version, such as those produced by IST and you’ll have an energy saving of up to 80% instantly.

There’s even more bene�t, he adds. “If you were buying a new MR16 �xture you’d probably pay about £12-15 for the traditional light source then about £2.50 to replace the lamp every so often.

“With an LED it’s about a £30 outlay but you don’t have to replace the light source. Most people stay in their houses for about 20 years and they’ll last that long.”

But, he warns, don’t be tempted by low-cost alternatives �ooding in from Asia. “They use lower quality LEDs which fail quicker and if you buy 20 they won’t all be the same colour. By contrast, we have a process that ensures they all look the same.”

With the future energy supply concerns darkening, LEDs are, Dr Archenhold emphasises, the way ahead.

He likens the current market to a gold rush, with the industry rushing to launch a myriad of products, but with many lacking the correct skill set, companies are turning to the experts to provide well-designed, easily manufactured, quality products.

“IST is in a really good position because we’ve been developing LED products for well over ten years, and have a group of engineers who fully understand the technology,” he says.

Now Dr Archenhold is keen to evolve the consumer side of the business - and see it become a £100 million global company within the next �ve years.

“We’re expanding very rapidly,” he says. “We’re a good old-fashioned business in high technology; we manufacture in the UK and are not restricted by any bank overdraft or loan.

“We are growing our turnover between 50 and 100% a year and have been pro�table since 2008 by making high quality products at good prices, allowing us to invest everything back in the company.”

Anyone looking to �nd out more about LED bene�ts should give IST a call.

“We’re happy to invite people to see the facility and manufacturing process and demonstrate our products,” says Dr Archenhold. “Or visit our newly upgraded website where you can download product information. Give us a call.

Leaders in LED lighting solutions

You can reach IST on 01922 457712. The website is www.istl.com

Trimless LED MR16 Replacement

LED MR16 Replacement

Dr Geo� Archenhold

Light Fantastic

T: +44(0)1922 457712www.SerenityLighting.co.uk

High quality, cost e�ective LED lighting

Hotel, o�ce/commercial, retail, outdoor, architectural

and domestic applications

Reduce your lighting energy bills by up to 80%

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COVENTRY’S Ledison Lighting is quite literally, shining alight on how we’ll be illuminating our lives in years to come.

Owner Stefanos Kandilidis is in no doubt that LEDs (Light EmittingDiodes) are the future of lighting and he and his team arededicated to making the transformation to this technology from themore conventional sources easy and affordable.

The successful online business supplies quality LED lighting fordomestic and commercial use and prides itself on only using thebest, through its own product range - Ledison - which ismanufactured under strict quality control procedures.

Ledison is a trade name of Voltacon UK Ltd, a company focusedon the design and development of cutting-edge power conversionprojects, such as solar, wind, and hydro, however, the company isalso the official distributor for some of the industry’s award-winningmanufacturers, such as Lemnis Lighting (Netherland) and Ledon(Austria-UK).

Furthermore, warranties are also available to everyone whopurchases LED tube lights directly through the company.

“We can provide you with a variety of innovative energy efficient,economical LED bulbs and tubes, the complete range, in fact,which also includes bulbs and spotlights, candles and floodlights,”says Stefanos.

“One of our key, unique, services is bringing customised solutionsto meet the requirements of specific applications.”

It’s that flexibility for clients’ specific requirements that has led tomuch demand for Ledison Lighting’s expertise - it’s most recentsuccess involves retrofiting 3,600 T8 LED tubes in a Birminghamfactory where automotive parts for one of the UK’s biggest carcompanies are manufactured.

“Our customer will save 60% of the electricity bill for lighting that isan equivalent of £90k per annum,” reveals Stefanos.

It’s not just the financial benefits of LED lighting that have himconvinced that it’s the way ahead.

“They’ve been around for many years but, in the past, wereconfined to mundane applications such as small blinking lightsoften seen on electronic equipment,” he says.

“Recent developments have led to better efficiency, increasedpower output and more generally acceptable light quality, resultingin a new lights for domestic and commercial use.”

In a nutshell, heconcludes, use an LEDlight and it’ll last five timesas long for lessmaintenance costs, besafer to use and simpler todispose, provide a bright,white flicker-free light,reduce your carbonfootprint and save an extra60% more than ‘energysaving’ tubes.

“They will pay forthemselves in as little astwo years from energysavings alone,” Stefanospoints out.

“It’s the best investmentfor your home andbusiness.”

As more and more of uslook to reduce our carbonfootprint, cut our energy

consumption and reduce our fuel bills, LED lighting looks set to bethe illumination of choice for everyone.

For more details about the products andservices available from Ledison Lighting

Visit: www.ledison-led-lights.co.ukCall: 07795 436 749 / 02476 550 216

Email: [email protected]

5 Argosy Court | Scimitar Way | Whitley Business ParkCoventry | CV3 4GA

9


The Chartered Institute of Purchasing (CIPS) Birminghambranch reaffirmed its commitment to support CIPS membersand the local business and education community at a recentevent to celebrate its 80th anniversary.

Held at the Birmingham Council House, the branch were proud tocelebrate its’ achievement as the longest-serving branch in the CIPSnetwork. Branch Chairman, Susan Randall said “we plan to continuegrowing our 800-strong membership by building strong links witheducation providers and businesses in the region – we are contributingin times of recession’’

The event attracted over 125 people, with speakers including CIPSCEO David Noble, Birmingham City Council Chief Executive StephenHughes, and Managing Director of diamond drilling company D-DrillJulie White, who won Vitalise Business Woman of the Year in 2011.

Commenting on the benefits of branch activities for CIPS members,Birmingham City Council’s Head of Procurement Nigel Kletz said “It isoften their only connection with other procurement professionals. Itallows them to network, share experiences and learning, and see howthings are done in other sectors. Outside of this, there are limited waysin which people can gain that kind of experience.”

The event was supported by six Midlands sponsors representing largeand small/medium organisations from diverse sectors. ChamberBusiness Training, Unipart Expert Practices, Nextira One, Real PointDesign, Effective Purchasing and Investors in Excellence all value thecontribution of CIPS at branch level.

Paul Simlett, Unipart Expert Practices said “supporting CIPS isimportant to raise the profile of what UEP has to offer in terms of ourexpertise in Procurement & Supply Chain to the external marketplaceand for UEP to give something back to the profession in terms ofeducation and knowledge sharing’’

Antony Meek, NextiraOne said “we took the decision to sponsor thisevent to promote ourselves in the region. We are not a well knownbrand around the midlands and we are looking to change that. This isa great opportunity to do that’’

Ian O’Donnell, Real Point Design (official designers of the eventpresentation display) said “as the Chairman of the FSB we are keen toengage with large companies to ensure they consider small / mediumbusinesses. Supporting these events is a good way to do that’’

Christine Lambe, Chamber Business Training said that branch events‘’ are a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we do and how wework with the branch. I have to say, this is one of the best branchevent I have ever attended’’

Geoff Roberts, Effective Purchasing said ‘’I didn’t hesitate to comeforward as a sponsor. I have already met with someone who is aregular visitor to other branch events and he is very impressed with theBirmingham branch’’

The event was also an opportunity to honour past branch Chairmanand showcase memorabilia through the 80 years. It is the localvolunteers from the Procurement and Education profession and valuedCIPS members that have successfully kept the Birmingham branchalive and kicking.

Ken Davis, a longstanding member of the branch said ‘’It has been greatbeing part of the Birmingham branch. Over the years I have attendedmany events whereby I meet different people with different experiencefrom different markets and also events like this whereby it is high profile’’

LONG MAY THIS CONTINUE!

Special thanks are extended to the Birmingham branch committee.Joanne Prosser, Mercy Mashem, Muddassir Ahmed, Melanie Halstead (Communications Officer), Susan Randall (Chairman),Barbara Afford (Secretary), Alison Churchill, Lloyd Scott, Janice Allen (Education Liaison Officer)

All photography by James Halstead Photography.CIPS UK

Easton House, Church Street Easton on the Hill

Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 3NZ

For further information Visit: www.cips.org


Linkedin Group: CIPS Birmingham Branch

CIPSChartered Institute ofPurchasing & Supply

Call01780 756 777

Effective Purchasing with CIPS CEO David Noble

Chamber Business Training with CIPS CEO David Noble

NextiraOne and CIPS CEO David Noble

Real Point Design and CIPS CEO David Noble

Unipart Expert Practices and CIPS CEO David Noble

Respecting the past, Building the future

10


Business Confidence is boosted by GovernmentMeasures to Improve Financing and to supportSources of Alternative Finance for Small toMedium Businesses.

Confidence levels among small businesses haveimproved despite rising overheads and problemsaccessing finance.

In a survey conducted by the Federation of SmallBusinesses of more than 3,000 of its members,confidence was shown to be recovering, withmany of the companies polled reporting plans forgrowth in the 12 months ahead.

The survey found, however, continuing concernsabout the cost and availability of finance. Morethan one in five firms cites access to finance as amajor barrier to growth, with 41% of loanapplicants being refused. This is an issue thegovernment is seeking to address, through theexpansion of schemes designed to stimulatealternatives to bank finance which will benefitsmall to medium size businesses.

The government has upgraded the EnterpriseFinance Guarantee (EFG), in which theGovernment acts as a guarantor on bank lendingto small businesses, by increasing the guaranteeon 13 % of banks total lending to 20%.

They have also extended funding to the BusinessFinance Partnership (BFP), which operates besidepension and insurance funds, by 20% to £1.2bn.The idea is to encourage a UK market for privatelending by these funds, with the Treasurymatching the sums that the fund managers have raised.

As part of the scheme £100m will be allocated tonon-bank sources of finance aimed at smallercompanies, such as 'peer to peer' lenders, whofacilitate lending directly between borrowers and investors.

Peer to peer lenders such as Thin Cats and theFunding Circle are an online marketplace where

real people lend to UKbusinesses. The scheme isbased on the person to personlending model established byZopa, Quakle and Ratesetter butrather than financing individuals,the loans are to businesses.Businesses get fast access tofinance to continue growing theirbusiness, and lenders get goodreturns on their money.Borrowers are carefully screenedbeforehand, and in the case ofThin Cats have to be proposed bya business “sponsor”. By cuttingout the high costs and complexityof banks both sides are better off.

An independent task force on nonbank lending, chaired by TimBreedon, CEO of Legal & General,which was commissioned by thegovernment to look at alternativesources of funding reported thatwhile bank lending is by far thepredominate source of externalfunding there is considerablescope to develop the supply ofnon bank lending in line with theUS model.

Business Secretary Vince Cablesaid: “We need to reshape theUK’s finance landscape to betterserve the needs of ordinarybusinesses, helping morecompanies find the support theyneed to start and grow.

“Tim Breedon’s taskforce hasbrought together industry,investors and advisers toprovide evidence and ideas onincreasing the range of financesources available to smallbusinesses. I thank them fortheir hard work and detailedrecommendations, and Ihope this will represent aturning point in businessfinance in this country.”

The Government will reviewthe recommendationspresented by the taskforceand announce itsresponse shortly.

fundingCUSTOMER SOLUTIONS

The government has upgraded the

Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG),

in which the Government acts as a

guarantor on bank lending to

small businesses

They have also extended funding

to the Business Finance

Partnership (BFP)

As part of the scheme £100m will be

allocated to non-bank sources of

finance aimed at smaller companies,

such as 'peer to peer' lenders

VISIT

www.thincats.com

www.fundingcircle.com

www.hm-treasury.gov.uk

www.bis.gov.uk/efg

11


Sterling Capital Reserve Ltd was one of over 150companies exhibiting at Business 2012 at London’s 02arena, at the end of March.

The event was the largestBusiness to Business showheld in the UK, with over26,000 companies attendingto hear from speakers thatincluded Lord Sugar, SirRichard Branson and JamesCaan.

Sterling was especiallyproud to be part of thisevent as they sourced thefunding to put the showtogether through theircontacts as one of thelargest and most respectedcommercial financebrokerages in the Midlands.

When David Griffiths, aChartered Accountant by background, founded Sterling CapitalReserve in 1999, it was in response to a perceived need forcommercial funding to fill the gaps left by the banks.

David explains: “Although Project Merlin was drawn up inagreement with the high street banks, and designed to helpsmall businesses, it is still falling short of its targets. Many banksonly comply with the letter but not the spirit of the agreement.Even when finance is made available, the terms make the loanrepayments prohibitive.

“Sometimes a loan will be offered, but only on the condition thatthe company’s existing borrowing is rolled up into one new loan,at an interest rate far higher than the original one. Also, notevery bank complies with best practice and suggests alternativelenders as they are required to do.

“Perfectly viable businesses in the UK have been stalling for lackof capital and need the help of a properly constructedprofessional commercial finance brokerage.”

Although Sterling does work with a number of high street banks,they have developed excellent relationships across the boardwith providers of alternative sources of funding, acting assponsors for loans through panels of individual private lenderssuch as the Funding Circle and Thin Cats.

As sponsors they use their experience and judgement to assessthe risk, put a proposal together and submit it to the panel. Thepanel takes account of the sponsor’s opinion when making a

decision on how much to lend and at what rates, so onlyproposals from the most reputable and professional sponsorsare likely to succeed.

David concludes: “We arrange finance for a wide range ofprojects, including commercial mortgages, asset finance, cashflow finance, development finance and mezzanine finance forbusinesses across the UK.

“Our clients vary from small family businesses up to largemultinationals and our flexible approach and contacts across theindustry mean that our deals range from as little as £50,000 intothe millions.”

Please visit their web site www.sterlingcapitalreserve.co.uk

or telephone 0115 984 9800

Sterling House10 Wheatcroft Business Park

Landmere LaneEdwalton

Nottingham NG12 4DG

STERLINGCapital Reserve Ltd

David Griffiths

12


Where do you go when the banks don’t want to know?

The challenges businesses face in sourcing finance are never far fromthe headlines these days, with stories like recent Bank of Englandfigures – showing that high street banks fell £1.1 billion short of theirsmall business lending target in 2011 – attracting widespread coverage.

Funding may be difficult to come by, but accessing the right finance atthe right time remains crucial to business growth and survival. Sowhen a business can’t move forward because it can’t source bankfunding, what’s the alternative?

Ludgate Finance, which has offices in Wolverhampton, Coventry andBirmingham, provides a range of business finance services, workingwith businesses who approach the firm directly and those introducedby professional advisors, such as accountants.

Ludgate’s services include a recognised specialism in non-banklending and business development manager Steve Grice, based at thefirm’s office in Gipsy Lane, Willenhall, explains: “Non-bank finance isnow widely recognised as an effective commercial finance option,particularly for smaller businesses.

“Benefits include a faster, case-by-case decision-making process –refreshingly similar, in fact, to the way that old-fashioned bankmanagers used to individually evaluate applications – and lessstringent terms and conditions attached to loans.

“Among the non-bank finance routes we offer is the Business LoanNetwork, or ThinCats which brings together private investors insyndicates to make loans to individual businesses. Borrowers can takeout loans of between £50,000 and £1 million, at fixed competitiverates, for periods ranging from six months to five years.

“Businesses that want to take this route are required to work withsponsors, who carry out due diligence, structure the proposal andpresent the opportunity to the lenders and we are an accreditedThinCats sponsor.

“Our recent ThinCats projects include a £150,000 investment, whichwe secured to support the growth plans of Cannock-based online jobadvertiser Red Advertising. Six major high street banks had turnedRed Advertising down for finance but we were able to structure a dealfor the company in less than five weeks.

“We saw the potential in Red Advertising and knew it was a businesswith a bright future but, unfortunately, banks do not always seem tounderstand the value in non-tangible assets such as intellectual property.They are used to dealing with bricks and mortar as security and so thesetraditional sources of funding are often closed to companies in industriesinvolving high technology and software, like Red Advertising.

“Alongside our access to ThinCats, we offer a finance health checkservice for businesses that want to review their current fundingarrangements with a view to restructuring these more effectively or tofinding additional sources of finance.

“We have also helped a number of clients to make successfulapplications to online loans marketplace Funding Circle, which offersloans ranging from £5,000 up to £250,000 to limited companies andlimited liability partnerships, on a secured, unsecured or large assetfinance loan basis.

“Our knowledge of Funding Circle criteria and processes means wecan add real value to the application process and enhance thelikelihood that a bid will be successful.

“Non-bank finance is already an established option and we anticipatethat it will become increasingly attractive to business borrowers. AtLudgate, we’re always monitoring the funding landscape to assessnew non-bank lenders entering the market, in order to provide thebest fundraising and advisory service to our clients.”

Steve Grice of Ludgate Finance at the Willenhall office

The Ludgate Team-From left-Steve Grice, David Grocott,Richard Mason

Red Advertising-From Left Steve Grice (Ludgate Finance),Richard Clarke (red Advertising), Kevin Caley (Thincats)

13


Every time we open a newspaper, switch on the televisionor listen to the radio, the main topic seems to be money;interest rates, banks, inflation, pensions. If you have somemoney to invest, what will achieve the best return? If yourbusiness needs money, where will you find it at areasonable rate of interest? Such questions are dominatingthe business and financial sectors.

Banks are failing to meet the targets set by the government underProject Merlin. Small and start up companies, even with excellentbusiness plans are struggling to finance their projects, while evenproven businesses are finding that the banks are reluctant torelease funding. The economy is stalling for lack of investmentwhile investors are standing ready to do business and looking forsuitable prospects.

Midlands direct lending group, ThinCats.com, is helping to bridgethe gap, offering high quality secured lending opportunities forexperienced investors. They are an on-line market for securedbusiness loans, and operate throughout the UK, linkingexperienced investors with established business borrowers toprovide a serious alternative to high street banks.

Part of The Business Loan Network, ThinCats.com wasestablished by the successful team that created the AdvantageEarly Growth Fund (AEGF). Based in Tamworth, the co-foundersare Kevin Caley, Paul Meier and Peter Brown, all from the WestMidlands. It had become apparent to Kevin Caley, MD of AEGF,and his colleagues, during November 2009, that there was ademand from private investors for lower risk investments thatwould produce a regular predictable return. Kevin and Paulmembers of The Claret Club, a group of business angels that meetin Abberley every month, and Paul Meier had access to thetechnological capabilities to run an on line site and to facilitatebusiness loans by way of auctions and peer to peer lending.

By April 2010 the business plan was ready, Kevin, Paul and Peterapproached several of their friends and contacts who areexperienced business angel investors to raise the equity capital

with which to establish the business and at the same time find 10founder investors who were also interested in making loansthrough ThinCats.

The founder shareholders are therefore particularly interested in theway the business develops, have a range of skills and experiencesto bring to the project and most are active lenders. All threefounders are all particularly skilled at project management andshare a philosophy of avoiding unnecessary costs; an approachwhich is disappointingly rare in the financial services industry.

This is an exciting approach where lenders make their owninvestment decisions and set their own interest rates, and howmuch they would like to lend. Borrowers ask for the loans theyneed ranging from £50k and £1million for periods ranging from afew months to 5 years and by bypassing the banks both lenderand borrower get an attractive deal.

The format is a breath of fresh air blowing through the investmentmarkets, where it has become extremely difficult to manage aninvestment portfolio satisfactorily, due to very low returns, risinginflation, and the unpredictability of the markets. The concepttherefore of setting your own lending criteria and choosing from arange of secured investments is especially attractive to theexperienced investor.

ThinCats.comBusiness Loan Network Ltd

The Business Loan Network Founders (L-R) Paul Meier, Kevin Caley, Peter Brown

Front Row - Peter Brown, Stuart Le Cornu, David KeeneMiddle Row - Kevin Caley, Nigel Luckett, Tom MooreBack Row - Paul Meier, Mike Wade

14


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.

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The Barford ExchangeWellesbourne RoadBarfordWarwickshireCV35 8AQ

Tel: 0870 700 0214Fax: 0870 700 0215Email: [email protected]

Business FinanceAsset FinanceBusiness Funding Business FinancingWhether your business is one week old, just emerged from CVA or in the FTSE 100 we can provide the finance

Give us a call.. you really do have nothing to lose!

www.bellfinance.co.uk

BellF i n a n c eWe are proud to be associated with

ThinCatsand wish them all the best

for the new year

15

For borrowers the availability of loans at competitive rates provides areal shot in the arm, enabling companies to get moving again. Thereare no penalties or additional costs for early repayment of the loanand so businesses can borrow the maximum they will need and payof all or part of the loan early if they no longer need the funds.

For lenders, ThinCats are offering a different type of low risk,predictable investment which is inherently less volatile thaninvestments linked to financial markets. All ThinCats’ loans arebacked by debentures and /or personal guarantees to the samelevel that a bank manager would require. The borrower’s detailedinformation pack has been vetted and compiled with the help of anexperienced “Sponsor”, who has frequently come from thebanking sector. Lenders make their decisions after reviewing theinformation pack and decide how much they wish to lend andwhat interest rate they require.

Lending Members take part in an on-line auction to join a lendingsyndicate for each loan. At the end of the auction the lowest bidsneeded to make up the loan are accepted and the lenders get therate of interest they actually offered. The borrower is offered a loanat the weighted average of the accepted bids plus 1.5% to coveroperating, deal management and monitoring costs. This class ofinherently stable investment provides a regular fixed monthlyincome with an attractive rate of interest set by the investor.Interest rates have been ranging between 7% and 15% but arelikely to settle at around 8-10% as the market develops.

ThinCats manages the deal completion including legal documentsand security and without the costs and profit margin of the banks,both borrower and lender get a good deal.

There are no charges or fees and no obligation to lend butinvestors are expected to have the experience and time needed tostudy the detailed information provided and make their owninvestment decisions.

These are not “soft loans”; the only way that a business can gettheir loan application featured in an auction is to attract the supportof a "Sponsor". Sponsors are generally experienced former bankand corporate finance specialists. They work with the borrower tohelp them prepare their case. However, these sponsors are riskingtheir hard earned reputations, and will scrupulously check everydetail, as lenders will soon recognise those sponsors who havehigher standards and better track records.

Those lenders offering the best interest rates are selected to makeup the lending syndicate and get the interest rate they have askedfor. ThinCats manages the deal completion including legaldocuments and security. Without the costs and profit margin of thebanks, both borrower and lender get a good deal.

ThinCats are very keen to establish a reputation for high quality,low risk lending opportunities. Only those applicants that candemonstrate their ability to repay the loan and have good securityto offer lenders are likely to be successful. Security is alwaysrequired but is a secondary consideration

Talk is all very well, but the figures speak for themselves, in the firstyear of operation the average interest earned by lenders is 10.82%,they have £3.7m under management, and 347 lending members,Individual investments range from £1k to £132k, at an average £7kwith 22 completed deals since January 2011 totalling £2.8m.

For more information please

Call: 01827 425827Email: [email protected] Web: www.thincats.com


16

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Building Services Design is an independent specialistmechanical and electrical design consultancy. Theirprimary business is mechanical and electrical servicesdesign; they are low carbon consultants, BREEAMassessors, project managers and CDM-C. (Construction Design Management Coordinators)

They have 6 strategically placed regional offices. The Birminghamoffice is based in the Grade A listed Fort Dunlop, the landmarkbuilding next to the M6 motorway, near to junction 5.

The company are M&E design specialists and place greatemphasis on understanding what you hope your project willachieve, and realising your aims by the utilisation of theirexperience and expertise. You can rely on BSD to bring an openand innovative approach to your project and to consult with youevery step of the way. Their focus on integrity and mutual respectis why their clients choose to work with them time after time.

Sustainability is at the root of everything BSD does, so they investin the latest design technology to develop effective, sustainablesolutions that have reduced CO2 emissions significantly. Their workhas cut the running costs of existing buildings, and new buildingshave achieved ‘Excellent’ BREEAM ratings. Their commitment tosustainability means that they operate to ISO 14001.

BSD have two qualified BREEAM accredited professionals, twoDEC/EPC accredited assessors and accredited Low CarbonConsultants. The group expertise covers low and zero carbontechnologies including CHP, solar thermal, wind turbines,photovoltaics, biomass and biofuel, air and ground source heatingand cooling. They also offer expertise on water managementstrategies including rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling andblack water treatment.

Whatever the project, or market sector, BSD will bring theirprofessional experience to bear. Each office has a strong technicalteam, and all projects have direct director level oversight andcontrol. Just part of the approach this customer focused company

offers as standard. Services cover the complete package of M&Edesign consultancy services. As well as mechanical, electrical andpublic health engineering design management, they offer life safetyand fire suppression engineering design.

They work with architects and professional bodies, contractorsand directly with end users. Their diverse client portfolio meansthat they work across all sectors of the construction industryincluding housing, offices, schools, factories, business parks,hospitals, sports and leisure and MOD. Their experience within theeducation sector includes framework agreements from primaryand secondary schools, student accommodation to high techresearch laboratories and lecture theatres.

They strongly believe that their work ethic, investment in stafftraining and professional development, capital and technology iswhy their people are so highly motivated to deliver every time.

Contact them to hear some more good reasons to putBirmingham’s expertise and service at the core of your next project.

Building Services Design

Suite 323 Fort Dunlop

Fort Parkway

Birmingham

B24 9FD

Telephone: 0121 749 3509

Building Services Design is pleased to be associated with Thin Cats.com

www.buildingservicesdesign.co.uk

A sustainable buildingstarts with a healthy core

Food for thought

17


18

Personalised clothing is a simple and stylish way toestablish brand identity, be it for corporate recognition,workwear or sports club identity.

Yazzoo print and embroider garments, and are the UK’s leadingsupplier of custom hoodies to universities; they supply over 80student unions with club and society hoodies, leavers hoodiesand graduation hoodies. Their Cottonridge custom hoodies arethe most popular personalised hoodies used in the universitymarketplace.

The business started in a small unit in Wolverhampton, oneperson screen printing, one person packing. Over the years thecompany has experienced substantial growth and is now basedin a factory at Conduit road in Norton Canes, near Cannock.

This level of growth required major reorganisation and in order tofocus on the customer service aspect of the business theystarted to outsource the printing and embroidery. The companythat ran the printing and embroidery was called ApparelSolutions but once they started outsourcing that, it was decidedto start trading through their website www.yazzoo.co.uk.Recognising the popularity of the internet and utilising it to theiradvantage. Yazzoo.co.uk has built over the past few years andthe original director, Richard, is gradually passing more controlto his son, Robert.

In a nod to the company’s origins they have started doing someprinting in house again, but only transfer printing, not screenprinting. This side of the business is developing well withcompanies who outsource their printing calling on theirexpertise. Yazzoo are investing in this side of the business toturn it into what Rob described as a “well oiled machine.”

Rob is very proud of the new website currently underdevelopment which will incorporate a system to increase the

efficiency of the order process so that there will be less manualwork involved and things will be more automatic.

This is personalised clothing made easy. If you’re looking forcustom hoodies or printed polo shirts for your club, company orevent, then you’ve come to the right place. At Yazzoo you’ll findquality cotton workwear and leisurewear that can be printed orembroidered with a design of your choosing. Whether you wantto solidify your company brand, give your sports club livery asmarter edge or put in an order for graduation hoodies, theuser-friendly website and affable customer service can have youkitted out in no time.

The company’s ethical standards are a point of pride. All theirgarments are made in factories that do not employ child labourand pay employees a fair rate. They are a leading supplier ofFairtrade custom hoodies or an organic range of clothing shouldyou so wish.

Rob attributes the company’s growth to excellent customerservice, he says “a lot of people come back to us and come tous through referrals, so it’s very important to keep yourcustomer happy. If you’ve messed up a job, do whatever ittakes to sort it out”.

For more information, it’s all there on the website

Visit: www.yazzoo.co.uk

015 43279059

CallUs


19

FOR company owners whothrive on the cut and thrust ofrunning a business but balk at abalance sheet, having MAS Associates on board is worthits weight in gold.

The family firm of charteredaccountants understands howstressful the paperwork side can

be for those who want to concentrate on building their businessand is firmly focussed on letting them do just that by removing theadministrative burden.

Its in-house book-keeping facility helps owners control andmanage all aspects of their business and they can also benefitfrom its other services: accountancy, tax consultancy, VAT, payroll,Registered Office facility, company secretarial services, businessacquisitions, mergers and disposals.

Unlimited free telephone support, free meetings scheduled to aclient’s convenience and advice delivered in straightforward easy-to-understand terms also play key roles in MAS Associates’personal, friendly and professional approach.

“We speak to you openly and honestly and will not blind you with jargon,” promises senior partner Mervyn Sargeant.

“We want you to feel comfortable to pick up the phone to uswhenever you need, for whatever you want and know you'll getgood sound, understandable advice. We will work with you in theway that suits you - in person, on the phone or online.”

Founded in 1989, this proactive practice with a staff of seven hasbuilt itself upon customer recommendation and, today, has clientsranging from sole traders and partnerships through SMEs to largerenterprises. It moved to its current offices at Spear House, CobbettRoad, Burntwood, Staffordshire, just over a year ago and is alreadylooking to expand and acquire an additional local practice.

“We specialise in providing an integrated range of services, helping clients realise their potential and achieve their objectives,”says Mervyn.

“As SME specialists, we offer practical ideas and strategiestailored to each company, providing business growth opportunitiesthrough marketing, sales and profit optimisation.Our aim is to help

small and medium-sized owner-managed businesses to becomefinancially sound while minimising the amount of tax they pay.”

For many, MAS Associates is proving itself the dream solution toan administrative nightmare as VAT, tax and company secretarial requirements placed on businesses increase.

“VAT or tax calculations and returns can be a complex area butour professionally qualified and experienced staff can relieve you ofthe burden of completing these necessary returns, ensuring that allare completed correctly and accurately. As long as information isprovided on time, accounts are guaranteed for completion within30 days.” says Mervyn.

With quality also a byword - the company gained its ACCA ‘QualityChecked’ award last year - MAS Associates is proud to deliver ahighly competitive and cost-effective service, that is tailoredspecifically to individual customers no matter the size of theorganisation, and is also relaxed, friendly, efficient and confidential.

“We are proud of our excellent client retention record and countmany of them among our friends,” Adds Mervyn. “At MASAssociates you will always be more than just another client.”

For further information or to make an enquiryVisit: www.masassociates.co.uk

Telephone: 01543 273830

MASA s s o c i a t e sChartered Certified Accountants

MASS

MASA s s o c i a t e sChartered Certified Accountants

Mervyn Sargeant – SeniorPartner

Hannah Shevket – Bookkeeper Steve Denny – Tax Consultant

Trudi Knowles - Accs/Payroll Joanne Hunt – Accs Technician


20

With savings rates at historic lows, interest rates set to remain low for a long period and government bonds providing poor value, one of the most pressing questions for savers and investors is where to find a steady source of income in the current economic environment?

Principal Investment Management, one of the UK’s leading investment managers, is in the business of protecting and increasing investors’ wealth, and has just supplied a potentially attractive answer to this question with the launch its new Monthly Income Investment Grade Bond Fund.

Principal believes there is currently an excellent strategic investment opportunity in corporate bonds, with company balance sheets the strongest they have been for several years, and the yield enhancement being particularly attractive versus government bonds. This new Fund opens the opportunity to a wider audience, as Principal will not just be offering its best fixed income ideas to clients in their discretionary service, but to outside investors as well.

Principal’s Monthly Investment Grade Bond Fund is aimed at investors seeking an attractive and consistent level of income and the potential for capital growth. In line with the company’s cautious approach to investing, the Fund will invest in a portfolio of high quality ‘Investment Grade’ corporate and government bonds, both in the UK and overseas – with specific restrictions on credit quality.

The Fund aims to produce a yield of c. 5.5% and an income that can be received monthly or simply reinvested each month. A further attraction is that it can be held in an ISA, investment bond or self invested pension. Not only will it bring a valuable element of diversification in a portfolio with other asset classes, such as equities and property, it also aims to provide enhanced investment returns.

Founded in 1987, the Principal Group specialises in providing a range of discretionary management services for clients. It invests in a wide range of asset types and classes, including shares, investment trusts, gilts, unit trusts, hedge funds and cash deposits. The Group manages c. £1.6 billion of assets on behalf of its clients and operates from offices in Bath, Harrogate, Kirkby Lonsdale, London and Sevenoaks.

PRINCIPAL’S NEW BOND FUNDLead Manager of the new Fund is Principal’s Head of Fixed Income, Craig Veysey who has 14 years investment experience, and who has been responsible for directly held bond investments at Principal, including the success of its in-house Directly Invested Bond Portfolio, for the past three years. Craig said:

“We think our new Fund is unique in the way it combines monthly income provision with Investment Grade Bonds. This underpins Principal’s conservative approach within the sector and our commitment to investing in higher quality securities for investors. This Fund should be among the lowest risk strategic bond funds in the market, enabling investors to meet income requirements not being met by low cash deposit rates.

Investment Grade corporate bonds offer a great opportunity for investors. They are particularly attractive at a time when the balance sheets of many developed economy governments are likely to remain under pressure for years to come – and especially in the face of the ongoing eurozone debt crisis.”

PRINCIPALInvestment Management Limited

Discretionary investment managers For an investment management specialist who truly understands the needs of private clients and IFAs,

please call us for more information.

www.principalinvestment.co.uk [email protected]

020 7280 8700

Important informationThe value of investments and the income from them

may fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the original amount invested.

The views expressed above are based on information which we believe to be reliable, but are not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness by Principal, and any expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice.

This article is for information purposes and should not be treated as advice to buy or sell any particular investment.Principal Investment Management Limited is part of the Sanlam Group and is authorised and regulated by the

Financial Services Authority. Border Asset Management is a trading name of Principal Investment Management Limited. Registered office: 16 South Park, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1AN. Registered in England and Wales No 2041819

Bath | Harrogate | Kirkby Lonsdale | London | Sevenoaks

The Principal Monthly Investment Grade Bond Fund can either be bought from Principal, through its discretionary portfolios, via the Sanlam Portal investment platform or direct from JP Morgan Administration Services.

PRINCIPAL’S NEW BOND FUND


21

SWITCHED-ON business people are queuing up to join anew initiative to help them cut through swathes of day-to-day distractions and information overload to deliverextraordinary results.

The 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity programme is thelatest boost for businesses from FranklinCovey, the globalconsultancy and training provider whose mission is to enablegreatness in people and organisations everywhere.

FranklinCovey is probably best known for The 7 Habits of HighlyEffective People programme, developed by Dr Stephen R. Coveyand co-founder of FranklinCovey.

Following this world renownedprogramme FranklinCovey hasdeveloped a series of highlysuccessful personal andorganisational developmentprogrammes covering strategyexecution, customer loyalty,leadership and individualeffectiveness, which have beendelivered to thousands ofbusinesses of all sizes,numerous government entitiesand educational institutions inover 147 countries.

Launched in the UK at the end of 2011, the 5 Choices toExtraordinary Productivity programme is a brand new solution fromFranklinCovey and it is already generating great feedback andmuch excitement from all those taking part.

In a world filled with opportunities to accomplish extraordinarygoals, many are hampered by the demands of their jobs, coupledwith the barrage of information arriving through texts, emails,reports, tweets, blogs, web-sites, etc and end up overwhelmed,exhausted and distracted.

The result is a threat to the ability to think clearly and make gooddecisions, thus sinking into a sea of irrelevancy and failure toaccomplish the things that matter.

By paying attention to the most important things, it’s possible toharness the opportunities and technologies available today andFranklinCovey says its 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivityprogramme will teach participants a process which, whenfollowed, will dramatically increase their ability to achieve life’smost important outcomes.

“Backed by science and years of experience, this course willproduce a measurable increase in productivity and an inner senseof fulfillment and accomplishment,” says UK marketing managerMichele Stanley.

Participants will learn five key choices:

1. To act on the important - rather than reacting to the urgent.

2. To go for the extraordinary - not settle for ordinary.

3. To schedule the big rocks - rather than sorting the gravel.

4. To rule the technology - not letting it take charge.

5. To fuel the fire - and not burn out

The programme also includes a participant guide, a technicalguide with instructions on how to maximize use of platforms suchas Outlook, Lotus Notes, Google Apps and three additionallearning CDs featuring toolkits on office organisation, brain health,and goal setting.

There’s also the 5Choices website with access to assessments,instructions on how to apply the content to SMART phones,tablets, and web-based applications such as Google Apps

The next set of 5Choices programme dates are fixed for March 15and April 24 and will be held at FranklinCovey’s UK and IrelandLearning Centre, Grimsbury Manor, Grimsbury Green, Banbury.

For further information about the programme, orother training opportunities from FranklinCovey,

Visit: www.franklincovey.co.ukCall: 01295 274103


extraordinary and mediocre

is a choice.

LITT LEBEN.

Launches... The 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity

Be selective, make high-impact choices about where toinvest valuable time, attention and energy.

attention and energy.

Measurably increase your organisation’s productivitywith FranklinCovey.

Call 01295 274166 or visit www.franklincovey.co.uk

OFFICENIRVANA

5

Dr Stephen R CoveyFranklinCovey’s Co-Founder &Author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People


22

At the end of our first day with a newcustomer, we asked him his thoughts. Hisanswer? “I didn’t know what to expect fromtoday, but I certainly never expected you toclearly define how I can put an extra zero onthe value of my business!”

A real challenge for many businesses is to stay ‘incontrol’ of their people, processes, systems andinformation as they aspire to grow and achieve theirambitions. Unfortunately, in today’s volatile climate,many companies are simply focusing on ‘shrinkingto fit’ – surviving through cost cutting. This iseffectively selling tomorrow to survive today. Thereal winners in today’s climate (and they do exist)are those companies that are courageous enoughto seek opportunity everywhere; realising that beingsmarter, not smaller, is the way to go. Significantfinancial benefit is waiting for those who changetheir mindset from one of ‘reduce costs’ and intoone of ‘being better’.

SEVEN Collaborative Solutions Ltd has gained areputation for helping companies to rapidly identifyvalue opportunities and turn them into quick-winsand efficiency gains. The focus has to be on thecustomer and this often requires companiesmodifying the way they view, manage and measuretheir end-to-end business to become morecustomer-centric.

SEVEN is passionate about helping UK businessessucceed by implementing that which bringstangible business benefit to you and yourcustomers; while remaining aligned to and focusedon your business strategy and objectives.

Sean Culey, ChiefExecutive at SEVEN,said: “Ourexpertise is inconverting businessand supply chainopportunity into valueadding reality for ourcustomers.

We offer independentthought-leadingsolutions delivered inaffordable, structuredand achievable plansthat can energise and

transform your business. The most successfulbusinesses are those that are the most effective –agile, responsive, low cost and able to ‘planupstream’ activities from suppliers every bit as wellas they ‘execute downstream’ activities tocustomers.”

Culey added, “Fit for purpose systems, smartprocesses, and timely and accurate data are allcritical factors in running a successful business; butit’s the people that ultimately make the difference.SEVEN is vastly experienced at coordinating all ofthese important components and we are confidentthat we can help make your business moreefficient, more effective and most importantly –more profitable.”

“Our passion comes from knowing we providea value adding, cost effective, service to ourcustomers and that we played a part inhelping them succeed. And we will never,ever get tired of that.”

SEVEN is offering a free, no obligation, initialmeeting (or chat) to companies to discuss how wecan help you achieve your business aspirations.

Further information is available by

Emailing: [email protected]

Visiting: www.sevencsl.com

Calling: 0800 298 7293

Helping UK Businesses Thrive

SEVEN: “Expect results”


Call: 01793 688990Email: [email protected] Web: www.imsm.com

In the line of fire

Your competition has stolen all of your valued customers fromunder your nose. You lose business. You are forced to fold.

Your customers’ contact details are like gold dust to thecompetition. With ease they can know, straight away, what isbeing sold, to whom and at what price. Why wouldn’t they wantto steal it?

Your information and data resources are one of the mostimportant assets your business holds.

Number 1 target

Information and data resources remain a number one target forhackers and cyber criminals; they have a real value in, and from,any marketplace.

Hackers and fraudsters are working overtime, over the Internet,to ensure they can break into the known forms of protectionavailable at any time.

Information security is a major area critical to the survival of abusiness. A system that is not secure and maintained with greatvigilance is going to be at threat, with catastrophic results.Ultimate loss of reputation and business are the minimum youwould expect as a result, a massive cost that most business willnever recover from.

The fall out

From a recent Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) survey; 82% ofsmall and 93% of large companies suffered an information

security incident in 2010. These incidents typically cost therespective businesses between £27,000 and £690,000. Thisfigure is expected to increase and the exposure will cost dearly.

A breach of information security can result in other cost areas;crippling fines for the business and in certain casesimprisonment may be levied upon the personnel responsible.

Taking cover

In a competitive and threatened marketplace an effectiveInformation Security Management System (ISMS) monitors andmaintains your business’ information security. The ISMS for anybusiness must protect the three main areas required of it;confidentiality, integrity and availability.

ISO/ IEC 27001: 2005 Information Security ManagementStandard has been designed to ensure the correct and effectiveimplementation, operation, maintaining and improving thebusiness ISMS.

ISO/ IEC 27001 is the best way of demonstrating to all concernedthat you take the security of all your information seriously.

Contact IMSM today on 01793 688990 to arrange ano-obligation meeting with your local Area Manager

to discuss your business’ ISMS.

Email: [email protected] Web: www.imsm.com

How well is your data protected?

www.imsm.com

Easy Target

Call: 01793 688990Email: [email protected]

Web: www.imsm.com

23


24

2xl CommercialBusiness or property finance is increasingly difficult to find, in thecurrent climate; many lenders are either calling in existing loans ormaking the availability of new loans increasingly difficult... Somaybe your bank manager shouldn’t be your first port of call…

Many people are familiar with brokers, utilising them to get thebest deal when financing insurance, holidays or mortgages, etc.Increasingly businesses large and small are also turning to brokersto finance their business or projects. 2XL Commercial was set upto fight your corner and act as a broker for multiple lenders. Todate we have placed approx £130m of funding, freeing cash for awide variety of businesses.

2XL are a useful and effective tool in the bags of numerousprofessionals such as accountants, solicitors, IFAs, commercialand business agents, all of whom are often consulted aboutavailable funding options.

At 2XL Commercial during the initial discussion with the client, we

assess their requirements and gather the appropriate financialinformation that a lender would require. After a more formalinterview, we complete the credit proposal on behalf of the bank,the application is sent to those lenders with the appropriatefunding criteria, formal agreement on the funding is usuallyachieved with 5 – 7 days.

In a recent, fairly typical example, a client approached his bank tofund a Self Administered pension scheme for £500k – The bankquoted Base +5.5% ...yet when approached via 2XL Commercialthe same bank quoted Base +3%, a saving of over £300k ininterest over the lifetime of the loan.

2XL in your corner can be the crucial difference in a bankapproving or declining a case.

For more information, to discuss any business funding requirementor to become an introducer to 2xL Commercial contact DarrenWilloughby.

Call: 07736 359 413Email: [email protected]

www.2xlcommercial.com

a: 14 Phoenix Park, Telford Way, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3HBt: 01530 833474 f: 01530 812712 w: www.marlow-proactive.co.uk

Accountancy, Tax Planning & Wealth Management

are pleased to be associated with

2XL Commercial Finance

Fitness by women forwomen, specialist gym,Women Only Workout,or WOW as it’s fastbecome known, is thebrainchild of GymInstructor BryonyWalters and qualifiedNurse and TherapistSara Beardsley.

Bryony and Sara took overan existing gym facility fortheir new business, andhave worked hard totransform the space intosomething friendlier and

more suitable for their clients. The warm, relaxing environmentimmediately puts members at their ease.

This really is a gym with a difference; forget those rows ofintimidating machines and complex looking equipment, men and

perspiring Lycra clad bodies. Designed by women, for women, thegym’s entire team is female, giving the business a very special feel.“Many ladies find gyms quite daunting and associate them withpeople who are already very fit. Bryony and Sarah are very keen todispel this illusion. They believe getting fit shouldn’t be a chore ortime-consuming, it should be convenient and fun, which is whythey work closely with each of their members to help achieve theirgoals, whether it’s losing weight, toning up, improving fitness, orgaining confidence. They also have a beauty room on site offeringtraditional treatments and a range of holistic therapies likereflexology, body massage, and Hopi ear candling.

Unlike most gyms, members are not tied into long contracts, butbecause they believe members should only pay for services theyare actually using and enjoying, membership runs on a rollingmonth-to-month basis, with no minimum term, that way, there’sno pressure to commit to a costly long-term contract.

Members are comfortable just dropping in because there willalways be some one to chat to in the gym, making a workout funrather than a chore.

Unit 13 Horton | Court | Telford | TF1 7GYCall: 01952 677101 Visit: www.womenonlyworkout.co.uk

We are proud to be associated with Woman Only Workout

44 Atcham Business ParkAtcham, Shrewsbury SY4 4UGtel 01743 761688 fax 01743 761848 www.shropshirevendingservices.co.uk

SHROPSHIREVENDINGSERVICES.....delivering promises DRINKS

SNACKS

CANS

FOOD

Bryony and Sara


In this Budget the Chancellor pursued the objectivesset out in November 2010’s Plan for Growth, part ofthe Government’s strategy to create a climate inwhich business could flourish, by removing thebarriers that had held back growth in the UK. Theirintention is to create the most competitive tax systemwithin the G20; making the UK the best place inEurope to start, finance and grow a business. Thegovernment aims to encourage investment andexports in order to balance the economy.

Although this budget has made some progresstowards these goals, it has received a mixed welcomefrom businesses. The further reduction in CorporationTax has been broadly welcomed; the extra onepercentage point reduces the rate to 24%, one of thelowest rates among developed economies. GeorgeOsborne has indicated further reductions still, 22% by2014 and ultimately down to 20% - aligning it with thebasic rate of income tax and the tax rate levied onsmall businesses. By making our corporate taxsystem more internationally competitive, theChancellor hopes to encourage inward investment,and by attracting businesses to the UK, job creation.However, many business leaders would havepreferred the Chancellor to go further, faster.

Small businesses get a boost from the simplificationof tax systems for small business, changing the wayin which they have to calculate their tax payments.From April 2013, companies with sales of up to

£77,000 per year will be allowedto change their accounting, fromthe established accrual method, toa system where tax is calculatedon money actually received ratherthan on forward orders. Givingsmall businesses, the backbone ofthe economy, something to actuallyaddress some day to dayconcerns, is widely welcomed.

The integration of income tax andnational insurance, which wasannounced in last year's Budget,should also help simplifybookkeeping. While the increase inpersonal allowances should makemore spending power available,hopefully, boosting the retail sector.

It was disappointing that theplanned increase in Fuel Duty of3.02 pence per litre will still takeeffect on 1st August, driving upcosts and hitting the road transportindustry particularly hard. Theincrease signals the government’sdetermination to pursue its policyof “greening the business fleet”,and means that businessesshould seriously consider thecarbon foot print of their fleet inorder to control costs. The lowertax thresholds for low emissionvehicles, and The Low CarbonVehicle Procurement Programme,a scheme to help localauthorities to buy more fuelefficient vehicles, confirm thegovernment’s commitment toreducing emissions.

Our regional airports are veryimportant to the localeconomies and contribute tojobs and growth. Aviationindustry officials fear thatincreases in Air PassengerDuty, will damage the tourismindustry and jeopardise therecovery of the economy as a whole.

Only time will tell, if theChancellor’s strategy willprove to be justified, and ifthis rather mixed Budgetwill, in fact, be “Good forBusiness.”

the 2012

CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS

The governments intention is to

create the most competitive tax

system within the G20; making the

UK the best place in Europe to start,

finance and grow a business

They have also made a further

reduction in Corporation Tax

Small businesses get a boost from

the simplification of tax systems

VISIT

www.decc.gov.uk

www.hmrc.gov.uk

www.hm-treasury.gov.uk

25


26

The Birmingham based factory/office site is in New Town Row,Birmingham, has on site parking and is conveniently situatedfor the city centre and the motorway.

They produce quality, fast and competitive litho printing, shortrun colour digital work, creative design, large format postersand display boards, long run black and white photocopying,direct mail and fulfilment, CD duplication, binding and pull upbanners and much, much more.

Contact Paul by [email protected]

or call on 0121 359 0880 for a quick, competitive quote,

to discuss your next print project, or simply for advice.

On the first of December 2011 Pat Taylor and PaulPaintain came out of their highly successfulProntaprint franchise to become Prestige Print andDesign. They are working from the same base, withthe same friendly and professional team, offeringthe same standards of service and quality thatmade them so successful under the banner ofProntaprint Birmingham Central.

Paul and business partner, Pat, have developed thebusiness substantially since first taking over in 1988.“Back then, the centre had just four staff and reliedmainly on walk-in business”, Paul explains. “From thevery beginning we set out to target the kind of businesswe really wanted.”

The client base increased dramatically due to Pat and Paul’sproactive approach, and soon they were ready to make the next leap.

Paul continued “In 1999, we moved to larger commercialpremises – a 6,500 sq foot factory unit with all the facilities youwould expect from a true commercial printer.” Since then, Patand Paul have continued to go from strength to strength. Theyare so busy that production has to run as a 2 shift system overand up to 7 days a week.

They havesuccessfullyproduced anddelivered worldclass printrequirements totheir customersfor over 22 years across the globe. In 2010 they gained FSCaccreditation and offer all their customers not just a high quality, fast and efficient service, but one using responsiblysourced materials.


27

C U T T E R S

U N I T E 2 S A L F O R D S T R E E T

B I R M I N G H A M B 6 7 S H

T . 0 1 2 1 3 2 8 0 5 5 4 F . 0 1 2 1 3 2 6 0 2 7 4

E . v c c u t t e r s @ b t c o n n e c t . c o m

w w w . v c c u t t e r s . c o . u k

VC Cutters manufacture cutting formes, we can cut a whole host of materials.

We also offer an in-house cutting and creasing service from A4 up to a B1

We are proud to support Prestige Print & Design

and wish them all the best for the futureprint engineers

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Tel: 01543 263377Email: [email protected]

wwwwww..llaarrccuukk..ccoomm

Mason’s Paper, Birmingham’s local supplier of paper, board, packaging and print consumables to the print industry, is proud to support Prestige Print and Design as a customer and wish them every success in the next chapter of their business.

Call your local Mason’s Paper branch today for more information...

Birmingham 0121 326 1020

Good luck!

We hold

1500 tonnes of stock for fast SAME DAY or

NEXT DAY delivery.


REFLECTION MARKETING WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO OUR THIRD CHARITY BALL

www.reflectionmarketing.co.uk

ALL THATGLITTERS IS GOLD C

HA

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LL

16June 2012

LEA MARSTON HOTEL

DRESS CODE JAMES BOND THEME

DINNER 7.30PM — 3 COURSE DINNER PREPARED BY ROSETTE AWARDED CHEFS

AUCTION & RAFFLE 9.00PM ONWARDS

TICKETS & ROOM PRICES £45 PER HEAD, £75 ROOM + BREAKFAST FOR 2PP

FURTHER INFO & CONTACT CLAIRE NICHOLLS TEL: 0845 519 2201 [email protected]

CALL

0845 519 2201

TO BOOK

YOUR TICKETS

| | | | |

28


Businesses with property to protect are going overboard forSurveillance UK.

The newest division of security specialist Turners PrivateInvestigations and Security, has been established in response todemand for its expert surveillance, employed using some of themost cutting-edge equipment available.

Bespoke covert cameras, recording technology, devices invisible tothe human naked eye and GPS tracking that is designed to militarystandards and used by more than 54 UK police forces - it all soundsvery James Bond and glamorous - but actually it’s more aboutprotection of valuable equipment and assets for the company’scommercial clients.

While the business, which has offices in cities across the UK, includingBirmingham, Glasgow, Belfast, Lincoln, Cardiff, London and Plymouth,handles many private assignments, its commercial sector helpscompanies and Goverment departments combat issues as diverse asmetals theft, insurance fraud, benefit cheats, fly tipping and diesel theft.

It’s also called upon by firms looking to stamp out internalwrongdoing, such as employee theft, and cover "goods in transit" orhigh valued asset surveillance.

Team director Lee Turner says that it’s not always the most obvioushigh-status vehicles - like Range Rovers - that are thieves’ targets.

“JCBs, tractors, diggers, tractor/trailers, arctic trucks/trailer units,”he suggests. “We use very small devices, no bigger than a smallmobile phone, which can be well hidden so that unless you’re theperson who fitted it you’d never know it was there.

“We can then keep track of the vehicle on a live feed from anycomputer in the world. It relays the information to us every twoseconds; as the car’s moving you’re moving with it, if it stops, tellsyou where it’s stopped, how fast it’s going, basically everything thatvehicle does.

“It can be followed all over Europe and we can also set up links iftraveling further abroad.”

With a brand new JCB costing about £200,000, many businessescan see the value in taking out a yearly subscription on a trackingdevice which, Lee points out, can then also help reduce insurance costs.

Being able to provide bespoke tracking devices means SurveillanceUK can apply them to a wide variety of circumstances, not justcommercial. Lee cites the example of one fashioned like a beltbuckle and worn by an Altzheimer’s sufferer, whose family were ableto locate him at all times.

“They can be disguised as lipstick holders, cigarette boxes, we canhave them made to adapt to anything.” he says.

Currently hot in demand are tracking devices that look like copperpiping, which Surveillance UK is using to combat the rising trend ofcopper and metals theft.

“They are mixed in with all the other copper and thieves don’t knowanything different but it enables us to alert the police,” Lee says.

Tracking devices are now also being used by companies to ensuredrivers are delivering when and where they’re supposed to be.

Lee accepts there’s a ‘big brother element’ to this but says hisclients don’t keep it a secret.

He says: “At the end of the day, companies have to keep on runningand all they’re doing is ensuring that their vehicles are being usedfor what they should be used for, are going exactly where theyshould be and, if they’re stolen, there’s a greater chance ofretrieving them so it also gives them peace of mind.”

For further details about the full range of services available

Visit: www.surveillanceuk.co.uk Telephone: 0121 284 0722

Surveillance UK

REFLECTION MARKETING WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO OUR THIRD CHARITY BALL

www.reflectionmarketing.co.uk

ALL THATGLITTERS IS GOLD C

HA

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Y

BA

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16June 2012

LEA MARSTON HOTEL

DRESS CODE JAMES BOND THEME

DINNER 7.30PM — 3 COURSE DINNER PREPARED BY ROSETTE AWARDED CHEFS

AUCTION & RAFFLE 9.00PM ONWARDS

TICKETS & ROOM PRICES £45 PER HEAD, £75 ROOM + BREAKFAST FOR 2PP

FURTHER INFO & CONTACT CLAIRE NICHOLLS TEL: 0845 519 2201 [email protected]

CALL

0845 519 2201

TO BOOK

YOUR TICKETS

| | | | |

29


30

Join The Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy forour 9th year of Birmingham’s biggest bike ride throughthe picturesque Warwickshire, Gloucestershire andOxfordshire countryside.

This cycle challenge kicks off at Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham,and follows a stunning 77 mile route through the beautiful countrylanes of the Cotswold Hills. The ride comes to an end at OxpensMeadows, where you can enjoy refreshments, live music and awell-earned drink in the beer tent!

This event provides an excitingchallenge, as it climbs steadily out ofBirmingham, before dropping tocross the River Avon nearLeamington Spa. It then peaks at600ft in the Cotswold Hills providingfantastic views of the surroundingarea! The ride is well signposted,with marshals, mechanics and firstaiders available, and with plenty ofrefreshment stops along the way.Coaches run in the morning fromOxford to the start, and at set timesthroughout the afternoon.

For just £18 for individual entry, and£17 for team entry, you can join this

well established cycle ride! This covers the cost of running the ridesafely, but by raising sponsorship, you can take part and helpsupport children and adults with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).Last year, the Birmingham to Oxford bike ride raised over £19,500which made a huge difference – this year you can help us make itbigger and better!

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic neuromuscularcondition which causes muscle weakness in varying degrees ofseverity. In its severest form, Type l SMA is the largest geneticcause of infant death in the UK today. Children affected by Type llSMA will never walk and rely on electrically powered wheelchairsto gain independence and mobility. 1 in 40-60 of us carries the

faulty gene that causes SMA, and around 1 in 6,500 babies borneach year have the condition. There is no treatment and no cure.

Here at The Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, we aim toprovide ‘help for today and hope for tomorrow’ to all those affectedby SMA. We provide a range of services including OutreachWorkers, Contact Volunteer Network, Information and EducationSupport, Multisensory Toy Packs, and Fast Response Grants. Wereceive no government funding, and the Birmingham to Oxford BikeRide is one of our biggest fundraising events of 2012!

For more information, Visit: www.jtsma.org.uk/box_ride_2012.html

Email: [email protected] Alternatively you can register today at

www.bike-events.co.uk

Registered Charity No: 1106815. Company Limited by Guarantee No: 5137534.

Registered in England and Wales.

Contact Us On Tel

01789 267520We are Happy To Call You Back

Email The JTSMA Office

Help for today, hope for tomorrow

Birmingham to Oxford Cycle RideSunday 1st July 2012


31

Body 2 Soul has been providing the very best beauty andholistic treatments at 7, Nelson Street, in the heart ofpicturesque of Tewksbury for 8 years.

The salon has recently been refurbished and provides a calmwelcoming environment, for both men and women away fromthe stresses and strains of everyday life. Complimentaryrefreshments are available and clients are requested to put their mobile phones on silent. Just relax, unwind and be takencare of.

Body 2 Soul offer treatments to pamper and rejuvenate; antiageing treatments, body care, tanning, manicures andpedicures, waxing, threading, and holistic therapies. Treatmentsfor men are becoming popular; salons are no longer a male free zone!

A range of specialist treatments are carried out by their qualifiedtherapists with over 17 years experience in skin care, andinclude the removal of Red Thread Veins, Milia, Skin Tags, BloodSpots, Moles, and Botox, and Restylane treatments.

Holistic treatments, which provide the ultimate in relaxation,such as Hot Stone Massage, Indian Head Massage, ReikiPalliative Massage, Reflexology, and Aromatherapy Massage are also carried out in one of the 4 comfortable private treatment rooms.

Appointments are not always necessary as there is a walk inservice for beautiful lashes, and eyebrows. The treatment of themoment is the fabulous Nouveau lash extensions; clients arealways delighted with the results. During May Body 2 Soul havea 50% discount promotion on semi permanent Nouveau lashes.

Body 2 Soul offer a great range of packages, for weddings, henparties, pamper days, little miss parties, or just a special treat,they will create a package to suit you, even bringing theirservices to you via their mobile offering.

Body 2 Soul has just installed a Flabelos express exercise room.Flabelos is a balancing plate system that utilises the naturalbalancing mechanism of the inner ear for a programme ofeffective weight loss.

Make Body 2 Soul your beauty destination,whatever your requirements and

expectations they are sure to fulfil them.

Telephone: 01684 273014 Visit: www.body2soul.co.uk

Body

Soul


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33

Daines and Hathaway, one of the UK's leading luxuryleather goods manufacturers, known worldwide for theirquality and craftsmanship, is now owned by Pittards plc.

This merging of two major names in English fine quality leather andleather goods is a natural pairing, as Pittards is also a worldwidequality brand, renowned for its beautiful leathers.

Daines and Hathawaywas founded in 1922and is based in theheart of the Midlandsat Walsall, thetraditional home ofthe Leather GoodsIndustry.

Demonstrating Britishcraftsmanship at itsbest, the companymanufactures anextensive range of thefinest hand madeleather products toexacting standards,utilizing traditional skillsdating back over thelast century. They useonly the finest qualityleathers to producetimeless pieces that

will endure and give pleasure in use for many years to come. Theirmaster craftsmen choose between a wonderful range of classicEnglish bridle hides, beautiful supple calf skins, exquisite printedleathers and a comprehensive range of incredible exotics. Many oftheir leathers are sourced from Pittards, to produce both classic andinnovative modern pieces, keeping up with today’s demands.

Daines and Hathaway’s products are all made at Walsall and arestocked by some of the top prestige leather and luxury sportinggoods retailers catering for the most discerning clients, who demandonly the highest quality finish and styling. The range includes smarttravelling jewellery cases, document folders, iPad cases, wallets,

flask holders, and a range of elegant travel goods andaccessories, many embellished with the distinctive Daines andHathaway buckle, in a wide choice of colour and finish. Amongtheir celebrated pieces is the iconic military wet pack, first issuedto the British forces in the early 20th century. Daines andHathaway’s products are available to purchase on-line atwww.dainesandhathaway.com

Pittards is probably the best known and most highly regardedproducer of fine leathers in the UK. Pittards have been producingleather at their Somerset factory since 1826, and have alwaysmaintained the highest quality and service as primary objectives.Although steeped in tradition and using many traditional methodsthey are constantly developing new leathers through innovativetechnologies to meet the demands of an ever changingmarketplace. The company’s largely long serving workforce is ahuge repository of leather lore and expertise, knowledge which hascontributed to establish them as one of the world's leading leatherproducers. In 2010 The UK Fashion and Textile council gavePittards their award for Export Achievement.

It will readily be seen, therefore, that this is a “marriage made inheaven.” Exquisite leathers crafted into wonderful products, reflectingthe best traditions of British production, craftsmanship and design.

Is proud to work with Daines and Hathaway

‘A Great British Company Making Fine Leather Goods

in the heart of England’

Or shop online www.pittardsleather.co.uk

Ladies Leather Glovesfrom £25

Handbags and PursesBag illustrated £39

Call in and see us - Sherborne Rd, Yeovil, Somerset

Ladies Pink LeatherCoin Purse £25

Belts Hats JewelleryScarves Spectacle Cases Clothing

DAINES & HATHAWAYMADE IN ENGLAND

SINCE 1922

British, traditional quality.


34

bespoke, handmade suits, are made-to-measure shirts andsuits and an alterations service, a home/business visiting servicefor those clients who may not have time to visit the premises inAlcester’s High Street.

Combine this ability to meet every individual need in women ormen’s styling with PJ Robinson & Son’s consistent commitmentto excellence, heritage, experience and expertise and it’s nowonder the company is in such demand.

“At some point in life every person should own some form of‘bespoke’ garment,” maintains Lawrence - but he and everyoneat PJ Robinson & Son realise that in today’s challenging climate,that’s not always possible.

“2009/2010 was my first experience of the business goingquiet,” he says. “Many of my father’s regulars stopped wearingsuits due to retirement etc and we found ourselves almosthaving to kickstart the business.

MORE than 100 years ofthe finest tailoringcraftsmanship are pouredinto a suit from PJRobinson & Son, but itsmodern approach isensuring the familybusiness is forgingahead into the 21stcentury.

Current managingdirector LawrenceRobinson says as withany other company ofsuch an age, it’s seenits fair share of ups anddowns - but the latesteconomic turmoil hasonly prompted its

forward thinking peopleto come up with innovative ideas that have

reinvigorated and kickstarted the business.

Here is where four generations have carried the Great Britishtradition of tailoring and it’s a burden none of them have evertaken lightly.

Over the years they have proved to their peers that they reallycan cut it - Lawrence’s grandfather and aunt won bronze in the1970 London tailor and cutter competition while his father andcousin made military tunics for the Colstream Guards

Lawrence himself came second in a competition at a recentNEC Clothes Show event and achieved fourth at The GoldenShears 2007 competition.

“We are a really family-run business, from great grandfather,grandfather, father, aunties, cousins, myself and, hopefully soon,my daughter,” he says.

“We still make the same way my grandfather did with, perhaps,a few modern day improvements”

The latest innovations, fitting in comfortably alongside fully


35

“We started a coat-making service for the trade and madejackets for other tailors around the country, which was a mixedexperience as it meant we did suits for sports stars like LeeWestwood, Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Darren Clark.

“In 2010 we had a stand at the big CLA Game fair at Ragley Halland launched our website. Now things have gone from strengthto strength and we are at the stage where we have had to stopmaking for the trade.”

There are plans to take stands at wedding fairs in the regionlater in the year but, for now, PJ Robinson & Son is busy enoughproviding a - well tailor-made - service to many satisfied clients.

“In keeping old traditions and combining them with new freshideas we have achieved a balance that has made us one of the most renowned bespoke tailors in the Midlands,” saysLawrence.

“In a garment from us you will enjoy superb tailoring, a friendlyrelaxed atmosphere and will also have the pleasure of knowingthat you have made a wise sartorial investment.”

PJ Robinson & Son pen Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm,

Fridays 9am-4pm and Saturdays 9am-noon.

For further information

Visit: www.pjrobinsonandson.comTelephone: 01789 765519


WWW.DUGDALEBROS.COMUnit B5 Warhurst Road, Lowfields Business Park, Elland HX5 9DF

www.hfwltd.com

Suits Us to Work with P J Robinson & Sons Ltd

Fine Cloths for Discerning Tailors

J & J MINNISSavile Row London of London

JOHN G. HARDY

To arrange a FREE consultationCall:01905 775 022M: 07816 669 910 F: 01905 771 647 E: [email protected]

We provide a personal cost effective solution

We are proud to support PJ Robinson and wishthem all the best for the future

www.njraccountancy.co.uk

Compliance Services Support Services Business start-up Taxation

Value Added Tax National Insurance / PAYE HMRC Enquiries

For all your accountancy needs...

Call: 0844 800 3630www.theliningcompany.co.uk

The Lining Companyare proud to supportPJ Robinsonand wish them luck in the future

The Lining the UK's leading lining merchant

Company

and wish them luck in the futurePJ Robinsonare proud to supportThe Lining Company

and wish them luck in the future


One hears of businesses starting on the kitchen table butMask-arade started round the dinner table. Chris O'Nyan cutout a picture of Terry Wogan from a magazine and mounted itonto cardboard with holes for the eyes. He produced themask at a dinner party and it became the focus of the get-together. Other masks became such a great hit with friendsand family that his bit of fun became the basis for a business.

He pitched the idea to two of his friends Dean Walton and RayDuffy, and 4 years ago Mask-arade was born. Ray said of thefirst few months: “We didn’t have any proper cutting equipmentand would do everything by hand.”

The business had been running for 3 months when theopportunity to go on Dragons’ Den came up. They went on theprogramme hoping to raise £50,000 for premises, a printer andother equipment; but the Dragons scoffed at their idea and themen left the Den empty-handed, warned by the panel that theywould never hit the big time.

But Maskateers, Ray Duffy, Chris O’Nyan and Dean Walton arehaving the last laugh, because the show boosted their profileand business has been booming ever since – and it is all thanksto the Dragons.”

Mask-arade has grown into a unique company, which confidentlypredicts turn-over reaching the one million mark this year; theirpersonalised face masks, celebrity masks and life size standees, areselling more than ever through online orders and can be found in

more than 1,800 retail outlets across the country. Mask-arade maskshave become a 'must-have' accessory for any self-respecting stagor hen night, birthday party, bah mitzvah or leaving do.


www.mask-arade.comMask-arade Limited

Albion HouseSouthfield Road

Kineton Road Industrial EstateSouthamCV47 0FB

Mask-arade masks - the best thingto happen to parties since the

balloon!!!

36


A HEREFORD film production company has forged adynamic partnership with an online business-to-businessdirectory to enable them both to harness the power ofinternet communications for clients.

Bubble Production, will be applying the full force of itsmessage delivery expertise to creating promotional filmsfor customers of Applegate Ltd, which is based atBarnstaple in north Devon.

Those wanting to boost their profiles and drive theircommunications forward via the burgeoning world ofvideo-driven visual engagement can call on Bubble, based atBurcott Park, to create informative, engaging and entertainingfilms to promote and market their services and products.

“Video is an invaluable sales tool, allowing our customers theopportunity to get their message across in the most informative andeffective way possible and we’re delighted to be a key part of thatprocess,” says Bubble’s managing director Graham Essenhigh.

“Today’s iPads, smartphones and their viewers demand moreand more visual engagement and video is supplying this.

“YouTube alone has more than three billion viewers per day, withthe number of advertisers using display ads increasing tenfold.

“Video keeps viewers on websites longer, creates a greater levelof trust and better conversion rates and higher traffic fromenhanced SEO.

“This increase in SEO directly helps Applegate’s and our clientswith worldwide promotion.”

If anybody knows about delivering an effective message that willenable businesses to achieve immediate market penetration in afast-paced world, it’s Bubble Production.

Established in 1988, the company is an impact-creatingbusiness communicator, drawing on 20 years of shooting andediting to provide broadcast news and current affairsprogrammes for the likes of the BBC, the ITV network, Channel4, CNN and many more.

It means Applegate films are created by teams wellversed with working in unusual environments and to tightdeadlines and who come equipped with the productionvalues learned over many years with national broadcasters.

Says Graham: “Our background in news is what moulds us,makes us unique and sets us out from the crowd of productioncompanies today.

“We are experts in clarifying and crystallising messages;planning and then creating high-impact picture releases.

“Speed, efficiency, quality and passion are all just words: we putthe pictures to them to create productions that deliver messagesof distinction.”

Today, even those companies who are the best in their businessdo not remain untouched by the harsh economic climate butBubble Productions believes that the new collaboration withApplegate is one that can only bring success to both of them.

“It gives us frontline exposure to a diverse, UK-wide audience ofsmall to medium-sized enterprises and Applegate the securitythat their clients will get a first-class video produced bybroadcast experts,” says Graham.

“Our philosophy is ‘don’t just say it, show it’ and we arepassionate about everything we do.

We truly love our work at Bubble and like to think that thisshows in the way we approach each and every job: our passioncan be your profit.”

For further information

Visit: www.bubbleproduction.co.uk


Call: 01432 358 555

PRODUCTION Limited

PRODUCTION Limited

Call01432 358 555

37


The radio station at the heart of the community is back,from September 2011 Stafford FM was heard once againacross the county!

There has been a real need for radio coverage for the county town,and local people are really excited by the station’s return after 8years since the four initial trial broadcasts in 2001 and 2004.

The station features some of the old guard plus some newfaces, and will focus on local issues important to the community.Along with providing national and international news they will beout in the community reporting on local stories and interests,working alongside the borough council and emergency services,to keep the listener up to date with breaking local news. Notforgetting light hearted stories from around the area, andencouraging support for local events.

Stafford FM’s News team also intends to deliver sport dedicatedto the town and beyond. Their Stafford Rangers FC man, GaryHazlehurst, will report from every Rangers game and will also befirst with comments from the manager, players and officials fromthe club, keeping Rangers fans right up to date. There is moresport to discover in the town, Stafford Town FC is on the rise,sharing a ground with the rugby club, right next to the cricketpavilion, in fact the station will be covering stories on all aspectsof sport across the town.

Stafford FM will play a wide range of music, including melodicpopular music during daytimes, catering for all sorts of tastesand genres, including local music, northern soul and Motown,rock ‘n roll, country, classic rock, album tracks and much, more.A local dedicated breakfast show will have news, information,sport, and traffic and travel news.

In short, a station for Stafford, by Stafford people from Stafford!

For further information Visit: www.staffordfm.com

Call: 01785 53 20 20 (if you have a story to tell..)

C E L E B R A T I N G

175Y E A R S

BUILDING JOINERY PAINTING TOOLS LANDSCAPE

www.jewson.co.uk

T: 01785257788 F: 01785256718 E: [email protected] Avenue Baswich Stafford ST18 0YJ

38


39

When Sarah Hillman took early redundancy 3 years ago itwas to realise the dream of a business of her own.Consultancy was one option, but a chance remark duringa conversation with a friend that the owner of a local woolshop was considering selling, led her in another direction.

Sarah freely admits that when she thought of her own business,she hadn’t any intention of buying a wool shop, and revealedthat the purchasing process was something out of “How not tobuy a Business”! However, the chance paid off, and business isso good that they are having trouble keeping up with demand.

The first year showed sufficient promise for the business to berelocated to larger premises in a better location, and theirsuccess continues; so much so, that the business has beennominated for an award by the Coventry Evening Telegraph.

Their customers range from charity knitters, through to the budgetand mid price knitters who knit for family and friends, to thedesigner knitters who appreciate the range of beautiful yarnsincluding silk and alpaca that Sarah sources from all over the world.

Wool Mountain also stocks a full range of patterns,haberdashery and knitting accessories, Sarah says “If wehaven’t got it it’s because I haven’t heard of it.”

One of Sarah’s friendly team is always on hand to help andadvise, and the shop is developing a real community feel. Theirinformal knitting and crochet club, Cro-Knits, is a great place tolearn new skills, or pass them on to others over a cuppa. Sarahalso has an on-line store for those unfortunate enough not to beable to visit in person

For more information call in at Wool Mountain, Unit 11,

Abbeygate Shopping Centre, Nuneaton,

Call: 02476 346222Email: [email protected] Web: www.woolmountain.co.uk

Call: 01535 609798www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk

are proud to supportWool Mountainand wish them luck in the future

woolountain

cole Completely devoted to the art of knitting

We are proud to supply Wool Mountainand wish them luck in the future

Email: [email protected] Tel: 01535 650230

www.kingcole.co.uk


A CLEVER, but simple, solution for growing familiesstruggling to find enough storage space within the homehas arrived in Birmingham.

Clever Closet is the product from Smart Storage Ltd that hastaken Ireland by storm since it launched there in 2010.

Having now brought the easily accessible home storage systemto Britain’s second city, and with plans to launch in many of thecountry’s larger urban areas, the company is determined tobecome the market leader in home storage solutions.

Nowadays, as couples becomefamilies, and families expand, it’s notso easy to go out and purchase alarger house to accommodate the ever-growing demands for space.

However, those feeling the squeeze have found that the CleverCloset can provide a simple, quick and cost-effective answer.

Says managing director Paul Jacob: “Clever Closet is a fantasticsolution and we are going all out to show people that it is easyto install - it can be fitted in a day by our expert teams - intoterraced or semi-detached houses and maximises storagespace for school bags, shoes, toys etc.”

The Clever Closet unit is custom-designed to fit under a mainstairwell, maximising space by installing slide-out drawer units.

These fold away seamlessly into the wall space using a softclose push panel mechanism, leaving no drawer handles toobstruct the hallway.

Perfect for shoes and gear bags and big enough to store golfbags and vacuum cleaners, the units can also be customised forindividual uses such as wine racks.

With prices starting from £270 for a single drawer unit, and themost popular units which measure 1,200mm by 1,200mm (4ftby 4ft) and fit perfectly into the standard semi or mid-terracedhouse, retailing for £500, it’s easy o see why they are so popularfor families where budgets as well as space are under pressure.

Paul, the director of a construction company, came up with theidea for Clever Closet after his business, like many others in thesector, was affected by the economic downtown and herecognised the need to transfer his skills and expertise.

“With fewer people trading up to bigger homes, we identified ademand for clever and neat additional storage in their existinghome,” he says.

“With this in mind, we developed a storage unit that would fit into the unused space under the stairs and attic.”

He installed the first prototype in his own home and the rest, as theysay, is history, with his company, Smart Storage Ltd, employing threefitters and planning to launch further products in the coming year.

It’s also ready to keep up with the expected demand expectedfollowing Clever Closet’s Birmingham launch, not least via itsbusy Facebook page or through its website,www.clevercloset.co.uk where clients can submitmeasurements in return for a quotation.

“The UK has a potential market of over 10 million suitablehousing units, we are looking for a minor percentage of this perannum,” states Paul.

With spring is just around the corner, we can’t escape theniggling need to declutter the mess that’s been lurking under thestairs since autumn.

With the quick and easy installation of Clever Closet, the pain ofsifting through that mess of rackets, odd shoes, bats andfootball gear can be eliminated altogether.

For further information Visit: www.clevercloset.co.uk


Call us on 0800 011 4804Email us [email protected]

Websitewww.clevercloset.co.uk

Clever Closet, Unit 2, Beach Court Kilcoole, Co Wicklow

Clever Closet is an under stairsstorage solution.Catering for your storage requirements

Call0800 011 4804

40


41

team of highly experienced craftsmen combined with the latestcutting edge technology produce the highest quality staircasesavailable anywhere in the UK.

Neil says: “Total Customer satisfaction is our company ethos,from first order through manufacture, delivery and installation (ifrequired) we take great pride in everything we do, striving toexceed expectations and developing valued relationships withcustomers large and small for many years to come.”

If you have a project in mind that needs astaircase contact the company

t: 01283 212142w: www.centraljoinery.co.uke: [email protected]

New from Central Joinery Ltd, is a range of top quality doors and windows.

a: Cadley Hill Industrial Estate | Ryder CloseSwadlincote | Derbyshire | DE11 9EU

Central Joinery Ltd is aspecialist manufacturerof bespoke woodenstaircases. Fromstandard softwoodflights to one-off

stunning architect designed hardwood andchrome feature installations, Central Joinery can do it all.

Whatever the style, traditional or contemporary, straight, winding,cut string, open or closed, a wooden staircase is one of the mostimportant features of a home. Central Joinery’s designers willwork with you and your architect, to supply a staircase perfectfor the application, tailored to suit your home.

Neil Bark MD, who founded thecompany in 1993, is very proud ofthe way the company hasdeveloped. Their success, due to areputation for quality, first rateservice and value for money, hasresulted in the company becomingone of the UK’s leading producersof timber staircases.

In 2004 the company invested over£1.5 million in moving to anenvironmentally friendlymanufacturing facility in Swadlincote,where they employ over 40 people.Central Joinery is fully accredited to

manufacture and supply staircases in accordance with FSC andPEFC policies. The company’s environmental credentials werefurther enhanced by the installation of a biomass heating systemwhich utilises the waste materials generated within themanufacturing process and thus reduces the level of waste sentto landfill. In such awareness of environmental issues CentralJoinery is certainly in tune with the times, and the growing publicdemand for natural materials, but only those that have beenresponsibly sourced.

They have establishedpartnerships with several ofthe UK’s leading housebuildersand in recognition of thestandard of service and thehigh quality of their productshave received several NHBCCertification and preferredsupplier awards. Although stillsupplying basic softwood flightsto developers, the company isincreasing its penetration of thebespoke market, supplying toarchitects, the higher end of thebuilding trade and to individual clients looking for somethingreally special. The sheer satisfaction of working in beautifulhardwoods such as Ash or Oak and creating a stunningstatement for a special property which delights the end usercannot be overstated. The woodworking skills of their superb

ReachingAs key business advisers to Central Joinery Limited,we’re delighted the firm continues on the up and up.

t • 01332 295544e • [email protected]

DERBY / LEICESTER / LONDON / NOTTINGHAM

heightsnew


TIMBER | TOOLS | MACHINERY | HOBBIES | GIFTS

Call us: 01935 822207

Yandle & Sons LtdHurst Works | Martock | Somerset | TA12 6JU

We supply everything for the woodworker

from machinery, hand and power tools to

hundreds of accessories and of course

the one thing that all woodworkers require..

..timber !

IN what is seen as a very staid andtraditional market, Steve Soult Ltd’sinnovative approach is becomingincreasingly sought after.

A manufacturer supplying coffins to theregion’s funeral directors, the award-winning company is proud to be theonly one of its kind in the country tooffer certain products and services.

It’s also England’s only coffin maker tobe a member of the Guild of MasterCraftsmen – an indication of thequality, traditional skill and care thatgoes into the creation of every item.

In June it opened a second workshop, a short distance away fromits headquarters on the Lowmoor Business Park at Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, specifically to manufacture a range ofcoffins which, until now, have been imported from Italy.

With the recruitment of a new van driver, two new vans and anexpansion of its customer base, the continued investment seesthe business looking confidently ahead to marking its 10thanniversary in 2012.

Founded by Steve Soult, the 25-employee company’s coffinshave graced the funerals of many local dignitaries, servicemenand women.

Every coffin is handcrafted to order and can be delivered within24 hours – or even on the same day - be it in solid wood, studiopainted or from the company’s unique, personalised, engravedrange; “Artiste”.

“We are the only one in the industry offering engraved coffins, havinginvested hugely in new CNC machinery to do this,” says Steve.

The company has done the most “outrageous things” and themost “beautiful things”, but whether it’s simply a person’s nameor nickname, the Lord’s Prayer, a depiction of a favourite hobby,it can meet every detailed personal request.

“We give people the best. Even if a coffin is the lowest price item inour collection, it’s still made beautifully and with care,” adds Steve.

“The whole point is everybody wants something that’sremembered and treasured and having a name engraved on theside has very strong impact.”

It was Steve Soult Limited’s ability to respond to these whollypersonal demands, with such uncompromising quality, thatenabled it to secure a major contract for more specialised work.

The company was approached, explains Steve, to see if it couldsupply a range of grand coffins which, for years, have only beenavailable from Italy and, more recently, as lower quality versionsfrom the Far East.

“We developed the ornate range in our workshops and feel thatours are nicer than the ones coming in from Europe,” he says.

“We also developed two other colours; white and medium oak otherthan the usual dark mahogany, and promoted them to the trade atexhibitions earlier this year and they’ve been very successful.”

The new “Signature” workshop was then set up to accommodatethe new contract and our handmade solid wood coffins.

In a sector which has already seen several coffin manufacturerscome and go within the last few years, Steve is proud of hiscompany’s sustained success and is looking forward to markingits decade this spring.

Receiving requests for its engraved coffins coming in from funeraldirectors customers, it is clear the quality products and servicefrom Steve Soult Ltd will be in demand for a long time yet.

For further information,

Call: 01623 721123 Web: www.stevesoult.com

42


43

In this incisive practical guide from one of Britain’s mostsuccessful entrepreneurs, James Caan offers his 30 years ofexpertise which could save budding entrepreneurs years ofwasted time and thousands of pounds of wasted money

Caan hit our TV screens when he joined the panel of the BBC'sDragons' Den in 2007. He is a regular commentator in thenational and business press, advises Government on businesspolicies, and initiates a number of philanthropic projects via TheJames Caan Foundation.

He says ‘Everybody wants to be an entrepreneur. Every day ofmy life I am being pitched by people with new business ideas.But sadly 90% of new businesses are still failing. Entrepreneursjust need to ask themselves the right questions before they starttheir business journey.’

What questions are those?

“You must ask yourself whether or not you possess the DNA ofan entrepreneur? Can you identify your personal “Power ofWhy”? Do you have the inner blend of determination, hungerand fearlessness that you will need to succeed?”

How do you know whether your idea is worth pursuing?

“Your idea does not have to be ‘unique’. You don’t have tochange the world. The most successful business ideas are oftensimple, ingenious tweaks on an existing way of doing business,but delivering it faster, better, cheaper or more easily. You needto find your compelling selling point. Your first idea does nothave to be your final idea. Be strong enough to say ‘I’m out’early on and move on to another idea that might be the one that works.”

He says: “Share your ideas. Tell as many people as you can. Askfor feedback and you’ll be amazed what you can learn.Somebody will give you a piece of advice or the one angle youhadn’t thought of that could make all the difference betweensuccess and failure.” He added: “Research is absolutelyfundamental to your ability to succeed.”

So OK, got the idea, done the research, what next?

“Concentrate on landing your first order as early as possible.Don’t get distracted by all the peripherals of setting up websites,designing logos or choosing the office door, find out ifsomebody is prepared to put down good money for what youare selling. If a buyer is interested, listen carefully to what theytell you about pricing, size, packaging, delivery times. Theyknow their market inside out, far better than you. It’s front-lineresearch.

He added, “When it comes to costings, work out the moneythat’s coming in, the money going out, and what’s left is yourprofit. If there is no profit, there is no business”.

Start Your Business in 7 Days is a book for absolutely anybodywith a good idea; Caan will provide you with the ammunition andadvice you need and guide you towards the right decisions foryour business.

Published in paperback by Portfolio Penguin, priced £12.99

James Caan

James Caan

I can save you years of wasted time and thousands of pounds of wasted money by giving you the ammunition to ask the right questions, and helping you make the decision that is right for you.

I will show you how to spend a maximum of seven days deciding if your idea is workable and bankable. How to say ‘I’m in’, but equally importantly, to have the courage to say ‘I’m out’. How to become your own Dragon.

Each piece of advice in this book is based on my thirty years of starting businesses. You will find all the fundamental ingredients for any new company, whatever sector you want to be in, whatever size of business you have in mind, along with the tools to make it work.

Answer all the tough questions I am going to get you to ask yourself and you will have a business that genuinely has a chance of success. You can be one of the 10% of businesses that do make it.

£0.00PENGUIN Business / Self-help and Personal Development

JAMES CAAN

START YOUR BU

SINESS IN7

DAYS

Everybody wants to be an entrepreneur. Every single

day of my life I am bombarded by people with pitches.

But 90% of new businesses fail, because their founders

failed to ask themselves the simplest of questions.

‘

’‘ Many people achieve success in business, but not everyone is willing to share their blueprint for success. The information in this book is priceless’Bev James, CEO of the Entrepreneurs’ Business Academy and bestselling author of Do It! or Ditch It

Turn yourbusiness ideainto alife-changingsuccess


44

Versatile, spacious and comfortable, with superb top floor views of the spectacular Malvern Hills …

PERFECT FOR• Conferences & Seminars• Exhibitions & Trade Fairs• Product Launches & Video Shoots• Training and Team Building Days• Parties & Weddings

EXCELLENT FACILITIES• More than 300 square metres of space on each of two

floors• An additional 2,200 square metres of exhibition space• Fully equipped for audio visual, internet and plasma• Provision for catering and bars• Break-out rooms• Ample parking and access

FIRST CLASS SERVICE• Accomplished event organisers• Established venue• Tailor-made packages and multi-day discounts to suit

your business budget

Don’t take our word for it, come and see for yourself!

Contact: Olivia Buxton, Venue Hire Co-ordinator,Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire. WR13 6NW. Telephone: 01684 584924

THE NEW SPACE FOR

BUSINESS & PLEASURE

Clean Air for Clear Thinking ...

For more information on the Three Counties Centre visit: [email protected]

bham business post.indd 1 03/04/2012 08:48


COMPANIES happily esconced in the Orega offices inBirmingham know they are in a fantastic workingenvironment - but the serviced office provider wantseveryone else to know that too!

Orega, which runs business centres across the country, plans tomake its Birmingham building, Colmore Plaza, THE place towork and meet for quality service, not only from the grandentrance, but right down to the quality of refreshments, furniture,and customer service.

For the last two years the former Birmingham Post & Mail tower hasbeen a 17,000 sq ft home to a selection of recruitment agencies,financial firms and insurance companies, with office and meetingroom space on a mezzanine floor which overlooks a stunning hotel-like reception where visitors and guests check in and are directed toautomated pedestrian turnstiles leading to high-tech intelligent lifts.

Being an Orega centre, it bears all the company’s hallmarkfeatures: stylish conferencing suites and executive lounges inwhich to hold interviews or big events, fresh, vibrant, and moderninteriors and award-winning customer service.

Says marketing manager Jessica Cox: “Everything about this14-storey, landmark building in the prime business district of thecity shouts style and quality and we are proud to offer over17,000 sqft as premium serviced office and meeting room spacestrategically designed to help businesses flourish.

“Rivaling the most prestigious buildings in the City of Londonand Canary Wharf, Colmore Plaza not only offers superbfacilities for its occupants but is one of the highest profileaddresses available in Birmingham.”

All are fitted with the latest IT and telecoms solutions - new thisyear is the MPLS system for IT and Telco, meaning clients canwork in multiple buildings in the same network, and broadbandis even more reliable and faster.

On hand is the Orega team of four comprising business centremanager Caron Salter-Hill, her assistant Sarah Richards andcustomer service representatives Natasha Silk and AngelaHargreaves who handle calls to reception, mail, customerservice to the office clients, serve refreshments at meetings,maintain the building, oversee the arrival of any new clients andhelp with any ad hoc requests.

Caron also welcomes prospective customers to show them aroundthe building and its outstanding facilities and advise on which officespace and services would cater to their individual needs best.

All in all, Comore Plaza is a shining example of how Orega, whichopened its first centre in Staines back in 2001 and is now about to

open its 10th centre in Hammersmith, London, has become one ofthe most sought after providers of professional serviced offices,virtual offices and meeting rooms in a quality environment.

Also, Orega are able to reach out to start-up or consultancybusinesses with its virtual office products, which give homeworkersand businesses on the move the opportunity to take advantage ofColmore Plaza’s address, phone number and meeting rooms.

“We believe strongly that the right environment enhances businessproductivity: colourful space encourages creativity, buildings thatimpress encourage inspiration and a great location meansemployees work longer,” says Jessica.

“It is therefore our mission to not just offer businesses workspace,but provide them with intelligent offices.

“We listen and cater for the needs and requirements of our clientsand offer the perfect solutions so that they have the space andservices needed to not only function, but improve their business.”

To find out more about Orega and its services, or tobook a tour of Colmore Plaza, go to www.orega.com

SPACE TO INSPIRE

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space to inspire

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45


An exciting future beckons for West Bromwich - and The Public is destined to be at the forefront of all thedevelopments.

The venue - housed in an eye-catching building which has beenturning heads since it arrived in Sandwell in 2009 and is nowlisted as one of the world’s 1001 ‘Must Sees’ - is a thriving hiveof activity that is set to increase as the area’s regeneration planscome to fruition.

“We will capitalise on the major changes and the new peoplethis will bring to build ourselves a regional role – as leaders ininteractive and digital art, as a business venue for conferencesand location, as an amazing place to visit,” says LindaSaunders, Managing Director.

“The new college opens at the end of February, building work isunder way for the new retail development due to be completedin 2013 and major work to improve the public realm begins inMay, giving us some really exciting opportunities.”

Set in the heart of one of the UK’s most deprived areas, ThePublic is a creative, community, cultural and business space -home to a gallery, music venue, theatre, learning centre, meetingplace, community centre and work space.

It is run by the Sandwell Arts Trust, a registered charity and anyone day’s activities can see an apprentice challenge on theground floor, tea dancing in the Long Room, school childrendrawing robots in the Learning Area, a product launch in thetheatre and people simply visiting and enjoying the interactivegalleries or a drink in the café.

There is also a regular, eclectic events programme of music,comedy, theatre and film; the last 12 months have seenappearances from artists such as Toyah Wilcox and PatrickMonahan, upcoming comics and local bands while the visualarts programme has included new commissions for local andregional artists and work by international artists.

The area’s residents regularly call in for activities as diverse as theannual St Patrick’s Day celebrations or fortnightly tea dancingwhile 18 companies, employing roughly 120 people between themand providing placements for 150 apprentices, call it home.

Add a busy daily conference and room hire programme and youcan see why The Public has clocked up more than 380,000visitors since it opened.

Not even the economic climate can dampen enthusiasm. “We havecontinued to grow our earned income from conferences, lettings,ticket sales year on year thus reducing our dependence on publicsubsidy, which dropped by 25% last April,” Linda reveals.

“We were able to respond to this and continue to grow because ofthe sound basis we are building for our earned income.”

Part of The Public’s success has been down to overcoming thechallenge of changing people’s perceptions of it, helping themunderstand what it offers.

46


“We work hard to ensure we offer value for money – controllingour costs but also ensuring that our prices reflect the difficulttimes,” Linda says.

“Many local people are now regular visitors and we have wonthe trust of local businesses.

“Our ever-increasing visitor numbers and the positive feedbackwe receive are both testament to the extent to which we haveresponded to this challenge.

“We look forward to establishing The Public as a place foropportunity and innovation – through our approach to digital andinteractive art, performance, business opportunities in anexciting work space.”

To find out more about The Public,

Call: 0121 533 7161www.thepublic.com

whitehouseeveryone.need great creative?give usmainwaring.0121 233 4845Whitehouse Mainwaring Design Consultants Ltd The Fireworks, 3-6 The Old Fire Station, Albion Street, Hockley, Birmingham B1 3EAE: [email protected] W: whitehousemainwaring.com

Brand strategy | Design | Digital | Evaluation

concept design print communicationsWe are proud to support The Public

by providing literature design, print and signage. Studio Six, 153 Middleton Hall Road, Kings Norton, Birmingham B30 1AS [email protected] 0121 605 0741 07779 0000 25

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47


Curve – Not just a stunning new theatre, but acreative way to do business.

Business and the arts have longenjoyed a mutually beneficialrelationship, but Curve theatre,Leicester’s magnificent home fortheatre and the performing arts,situated at the heart of the city’sCultural Quarter, is initiating anumber of mutually beneficialschemes involving businessesfurther in the life and work of thetheatre.

Curve is at the forefront ofinnovation in the arts and isproud to support new writersand directors, but is also lookingat initiatives to bring the building

into use by the wider community, particularly local businesses.So in addition to seeing some great performances at Curvethere are now a multitude of ways for businesses to getinvolved. From joining Curve’s Business Club, to attendingnetworking events with a unique twist, sponsoring just oneperformance or a whole production, corporate hospitality,holding a meeting in one of the rehearsal rooms, a conference intheir practical seminar rooms or an AGM in the main theatre.

To add an extra dimension to training days, Curve offers arange of arts-based training sessions, led by an actor ordirector. Let Curve create unique workshops for your businessto help develop presentation skills, without the use ofPowerpoint; networking, communication and team-building.Led by a professional who can communicate to an audiencewith just the raise of an eyebrow or command a space withoutshouting, business speakers can get tips to help in being amore confident presenter and the management of nerves and‘stage-fright’.

So look at your local theatre in a new light, not just for anevening out, but as an exciting venue with a multiplicity of uses.

For more information on any of these initiatives pleasecontact Hannah Hallam, Head of Business Development


or visit the website for more details of this season’sprogramme of events at www.curveonline.co.uk

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48


Redditch Golf Club is busily preparing to celebrate itsCentenary year in 2013, and there is a real buzz ofanticipation throughout this popular club.

As part of the Centenary celebrations Redditch Golf Club areintroducing a new corporate membership programme. Many oftheir members already use the facilities for corporate events so aspecial Centenary Corporate Membership seemed a naturalprogression.

The Centenary Corporate Membership package givesbusinesses the opportunity to offer clients the enjoyment of oneof the finest golf clubs in the Midlands. And, there are manyinclusive benefits; conference facilities, free WiFi, teesponsorship, corporate log-in and links to your web site, superb

catering, bar facilities, special events, competitions and ofcourse networking opportunities with other businesses at the club.

The deal includes a year’s worth of two four-balls per week, oneto be taken on a weekday, for only £2,000.00, a significantsaving on individual green fees!

For more information please contact the club on 01527 543079or visit their web site www.redditchgolfclub.com.

Originally founded in 1913, the club relocated to its presentCallow Hill site in November 1972 due to the expansion ofRedditch town centre. The parkland course is recognised as oneof the finest in Worcestershire and was the imagination of theworld renowned golf course designer Frank Pennick.

As part of a continuous improvement programme at the club,the greens were reconstructed to USGA specifications. As thecourse progresses the holes become more challenging, golfersof every level will find the last 6 holes particularly testing. Fornew golfers, or those seeking to improve their game, the ClubProfessional is always on hand to help and advise.

Redditch runs a number of Open competitions throughout theyear, with visitors from all over the Midlands attending. They areusually fully subscribed and typically followed by vibrant eveningdinners and presentations.

Redditch Golf Club

Lower Grinsty, Green Lane, Callow Hill

Redditch, Worcestershire B97 5PJ

Open for Business!

49


Broadway Casino

1-4 Broadway Plaza

220 Ladywood Middleway

Birmingham

Call: 0121 456 5557


Visit: www.broadwaycasino.co.uk

Broadway Casino was opened in April 2005 in the buildingthat housed the former Birmingham Children’s’ Hospital,the striking listed building forms an exciting setting forthe city’s leading independently owned casino.

Despite competing with 6 other casinos 5 of which are ownedby multinational casino chains they are now recognised as theleading casino in the West Midlands and have the mostsuccessful casino card room outside London. Broadway Casinoprovides a fantastic mix of first class gaming, friendlyatmosphere and excellent dining all within a relaxed andwelcoming environment.

Their excllent facilities extend through a spacious and stylishlounge area to the Mirage Fusion restaurant. Launched in 2009,the Mirage Fusion restaurant offers an eclectic mix of Indian,Chinese, Italian and Thai cuisine for up to 100 diners. If you’relooking for a bite to eat during the day, choose from the MirageFusion's delicious snack menu.

In addition to The Mirage the two well stocked bars also offer animpressive selection of wines and cocktails. This year thefacilities are to be extended with a new private area for privateparties, corporate entertaining and conferences. There are multiscreen televisions showing Sky Sports, Free Wi Fi, full disabledaccess and plenty of secure, free parking.

On their fantastic gaming floor, guests play American Roulette,Touchbet Roulette, Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Punto Bancoand a range of fantastic slot machines which are changed on aregular basis, to add variety.

Broadway Casino offers something for everyone and enjoys welcoming customers back time and time again.

Everyone here at Heinekenwould like to raise a glass to

Broadway Casino wish them continued su ccess

for the future... cheers!

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50


The nation’s hoteliers are celebrating as new figuresfor the last 12 months reveal that domestic trips andholidays were at their highest levels for five years.

More than 104 million domestic overnight trips weretaken in England alone during 2011, an increase ofnine per cent on 2010 and the highest since thesurvey began in 2006.

Meanwhile, the number of domestic holidaysremained above pre-recession levels for the thirdconsecutive year, indicating that the ‘staycation’ trend is still strong.

Further figures released by the national tourist boardVisitEngland show that total spend rose by 13 percent year on year, representing almost £18bn.

James Berresford, VisitEngland’s Chief Executivecommented: “These totals, coupled with our recentDay Visits research which revealed that 1.3 billiondomestic day trips were taken in England last year,clearly demonstrates that Brits are increasinglyinspired to discover the fantastic destination that is ontheir doorstep.”

Holiday trips in particular grew by six per cent to 46million, and holiday spend hit £10bn; an increase of11 per cent from 2010.

In terms of location type, 2011 saw an increaseacross the board – domestic overnight trips to towns,cities and the countryside were all up by just under 14per cent each compared to 2010, while trips to theseaside were up by just over 11 per cent.

Business trips and trips to visitfriends and relatives also showedrecovery after a number of yearsspent in decline, with an increase of15 per cent and 10 per centrespectively.

However, neither trip type hasregained the peak volumesrecorded in 2006, before the onsetof the recession.

VisitEngland has also released thelatest wave of its ‘Staycation Tracker’research this month, which revealedthat the majority of UK residents whotook a holiday at home in 2011 had apositive overall experience, 85 percent reporting it as either ‘excellent’or ‘very good’.

Value for money was also ratedhighly, with 78 per cent of thosepolled saying their holiday in Englandoffered ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’value.

Looking forward, the number of tripstaken is expected to be broadlysimilar in 2012 as in 2011; beyond2012, the positive domestic holidayexperience means that almost halfexpect they will take more domesticbreaks than they used to before therecession.

While welcoming the good news forthe industry, Mr Berresford warnedthat challenges still lay ahead.

“We have seen a double-digitgrowth in holiday spend and this ispart due to inflation, and increasedoperating costs while, as weapproached the Easter break, oneof our most important holidayperiods of the year, the news wassaturated with talk of a potentialfuel shortage, which could haveseriously hindered a successfulstart to the holiday season.

“As an industry, we will onlyovercome challenges such asthese, if we continue to workclosely together, maximiseopportunities that 2012, thisspecial year, with theOlympics and the Queen’sDiamond Jubilee, brings, andsupport the development ofone of the country’s fewgrowth industries."

growthCUSTOMER SOLUTIONS

Brits are increasingly inspired to

discover the fantastic destination

that is on their doorstep

UK residents who took a holiday at

home in 2011 had a positive overall

experience, 85 per cent reporting it

as either ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’

Value for money was also rated

highly, with 78 per cent of those

polled saying their holiday in

England offered ‘excellent’ or

‘very good’ value

VISITwww.visitengland.com

www.enjoyengland.com

51


Birmingham’s newest city centre hotel has opened with morethan £1m in advance booking inquiries.

The £24m venue in Albert Street has been built by independentoperator Hotel La Tour and it is the first of five properties plannedover the next five years.

In a prime city centre location, the new hotel is within easy walkingdistance of the Bullring shopping centre and Selfridges, and bothNew Street and Moor Street railway stations.

It features 174 bedrooms and suites, Aalto Restaurant inspired byMichelin-starred Chef Marcus Wareing, a stylish bar, coffee shopplus dedicated conference and events floor accommodating up to140 delegates.

The company is headed up by the former management team ofHayley Conference Centres which was sold to private equity firmPermira in a £358 million deal in May 2007. Much of the privateequity for the development and planned future properties has comefrom the sale of Hayley.

Managing Director, Jane Schofield, explained: “We’ve developing anew hotel concept where the emphasis is on having helpful andhospitable people delivering superb customer service in stylishsurroundings. As always, our focus is on looking after our guests so,following our March 26 opening, we’re getting on with the businessof delivering great customer service.

“To see the hotel open to guests after five years’ research, planning,designing and building, is a watershed moment in what we hope willbe a long and successful history for Hotel La Tour. We prideourselves on being a four star-standard hotel with a five star attitudeto service, so now the hard work begins.”

The 90-cover Aalto Restaurant features Modern Classics inspired byMarcus Wareing with main courses ranging from £12 to £21. Dishesinclude Cornish sea bass with creamed leek, mussels and grainmustard; Hereford beef rib eye steak with red wine sauce,horseradish and chips and Field mushroom and thyme crumble withsmoked Applewood cheese and a herb salad.

At Alvar Bar, cocktails have a local theme – including TheChamberlain (named after father and son Joseph and Neville, one an MP, the other PM) – and bar snacks are available throughoutthe day.

The Auden Rooms offers a stylish venue for business events with achoice of flexible meeting spaces, business lounge, plus a team ofdedicated hosts to ensure your event goes without a hitch.

Discover more at

www.hotel-latour.co.uk

Aalto BUSINESS LUNCHES2 courses for £9.95!Dine in 45 minutes or stay all afternoon with free wi-fi access.

Available 12-2pm Monday-Friday.

Book now at hotel-latour.co.uk/restaurantor call us on 0121 718 8000

Modern Classics inspired by Marcus Wareing, cooked for you by Alex Penhaligon & his team.

Jane Schofield, Managing Director, and Adrian Colman Operations Director, celebrate the

opening of Hotel La Tour Birmingham

52


On a cold blustery evening our party ofseven met at Birmingham’s mostexciting new venue, the Hotel La Tour’sAalto Restaurant.

We had booked the Kitchen Table, astylish semi circular table that seats upto eight, and faces into the kitchen,enabling diners to interact with HeadChef Alex Penhaligon and his team, anexperience which made the eveningextra special.

Michelin-starred Chef Marcus Wareing isthe inspiration and driving force behind the brasserie style menuwhich Alex interprets using fresh local produce. He is veryenthusiastic about the quality of our regional ingredients, and isespecially keen to support small artisan producers, waxing lyricalabout some of the products he is discovering.

The Kitchen Table gave us the opportunity to discuss the menu withAlex himself, two of our party chose the starters that herecommended, the mulligatawny soup prepared with haddock, curryspice and lentils was pronounced “very tasty” and the bacon olives,“too good to share”. A choice from the lunchtime menu presentedno problem, and the celeriac and roast garlic soup was servedwithout the egg as requested and much enjoyed. Unfortunately, theSmoked Beetroot Tart was spoilt by the beetroot’s overwhelmingsmokiness.

For the main course, our fish lover wavered between Cornish SeaBass, creamed leek, mussels and grain mustard, and my choice,salmon served on a really delicious fennel puree. Claire was temptedby Suffolk Stew, a mixture of mutton, barley, lentils and mash beforejoining the rest of the party in Hereford Beef Rib Eye Steak with ared wine reduction, horseradish and chips. The 5 steaks were allbrought to the table at the same time, cooked perfectly to individualtaste, tender and flavoursome. The red wine reduction was superb

with an intense depth of flavour perfectly offset by a blend ofhorseradish and creme fraiche. The hand cut chips were satisfyinglychunky with a good texture.

We asked Daniel to recommend wines and he brought several for usto taste, we went for Loredona, a Montray Pinot Noir a warm fruityred that stood up to the steaks and Mad Fish a light, slightly spicywhite with fragrant finish.

Among the desserts the Jaffa Cake Pudding was voted a winner aswas the Bread and Butter pudding with caramelised banana andrum and raisin ice cream. A carefully chosen selection of localcheeses served with walnut crisps rounded off the meal.

The hotel aims to differentiate on customer service, and certainlyDaniel was extremely attentive and professional without beingobtrusive; our delightful waitress was very helpful but needs a littlemore polish for an establishment of this standing.

We had a very pleasant, interesting evening, with good foodimaginatively presented and charming service. The Kitchen Table isa great experience, and one I would recommend.

Main courses range from £12 to £21

Business lunches available 12-2pm Mon to Fri: two courses for£9.95 dine in 45 minutes or stay all afternoon with free wi-fi access

Tables at Aalto Restaurant can be booked online

Visit: www.hotel-latour.co.uk Call: 0121 718 8000

to book the Kitchen Table and for other inquiries

53


Tel 0870 4100 800Visit [email protected] Broad Street Birmingham B1 2HQ

445 Refurbished Standard Bedrooms - Bar and Restaurant

-

25 Syndicate Rooms -

- Public car park on site

*ra

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&B

THE verdict’s unanimous on Jurys Inn Birmingham. Everyvisit there is exceptional.

The hotel team’s quest for the ultimate home-from-home staybegins the minute guests step across the threshold andexperience the facilities.

It could be the welcoming bar atmosphere or the relaxed qualityof the restaurant.

Check into the newly refurbished bedrooms and the hotel’ssuperb features are even more noticeable.

With 445 en suite double bedrooms in total - a number of whichare fully wheelchair accessible - Jurys Inn Birmingham is thelargest hotel in the city centre.

Spacious enough to accommodate three adults or two adultswith two children, or just one guest, these well-lit relaxingspaces have been designed around occupants’ comfort andboast a range of features essential for every modern traveller.

They include air-conditioning, multi-channel flat screen TV, tea andcoffee refreshments dock, high-speed internet access, hair dryingfacilities and spacious bathrooms with complementary spa toiletries.

As any modern hotelier will agree, the hotel industry is not justabout providing a comfortable place to rest weary heads at night -it’s providing valuable support and meeting places for dynamicbusinesses which demand the very best 21st century facilities.

For Jurys Inn Birmingham, based in Broad Street, that’s noproblem. It has a dedicated meeting floor comprising 20 modernconference rooms, with natural daylight and air-conditioning andwhich come complete with state-of-the-art audio-visualequipment, multi-media projectors, screens, audio systems, andhigh-speed internet access.

Whether the gathering is for two or up to 275 delegates, thehotel has the appropriate room for the event - and can coverbanqueting for up to 200.

With a team of meeting and event specialists dedicated tounderstanding individual requirements, every space can betailored to the specific event, be it a conference, wedding,interviews or private dining.

Or something slightly different - previous successes includehosting the teams for a wheelchair basketball event, tumblingand badminton events and Liberal Democrat fringe gatherings.

With many hotels situated in the city centre, there’s no doubtthe competition is strong but Jurys Inn Birmingham is one of theleading contenders.

Established nearly 11 years ago in Britain’s Second City, it is partof the Jurys Inns organisation which offers great value, stylishand comfortable accommodation in the very best city centrelocations throughout the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.

The company was awardedBest Independent Brand atthe 2012 and 2010 BusinessTravel awards, named MostImproved Business Brand in2009 by BDRC, and 2012Best Irish Hotel Chain.

Based within walking distance of world-class convention centresincluding the National Exhibition Centre, the InternationalConvention Centre and the National Indoor Arena, as well as theworld-leading Symphony Hall, the Birmingham Rep and theUK’s second largest retail centre, Jurys Inn Birmingham is theideal base for business or leisure travelers.

With special deals always available - such as the Friday orSaturday night Comedy Highlights offer, a family break atCadbury World or an Advance Purchase rate when bookedseven days ahead - when you’re choosing accommodation inBirmingham, this is where the jury is definitely in.

For further details & booking for Jurys Inn B’ham, Visit: www.birminghamhotels.jurysinns.com/

54


A RIGHT royal welcome, with all the comforts of homeawaits those checking in to The Old Hall at Madeley.

Here is a place steeped in history; it has sheltered two crownedheads and provides a five-star welcome and luxury to bed andbreakfast guests that make every one of them feel like a king or queen.

Or even princesses for aday - brides eagerlybring their grooms to the16th century countryhouse, located in thevillage of Madeley, nearKeele, drawn by itsuniqueness as a venue,specialising in smallercelebrations of up to 70 people.

Civil ceremony or weddings, couples looking to plight their trothcan choose the spectacular two-acre gardens, or a cosy indoorceremony, complete with log fires, candles and special ambience.

Event organisers also have the beautiful Tudor black and whitebuilding high on their list for meetings and conferences, its originaldining room proving a perfect function/meeting room, with othersavailable for breakaway sessions.

Owners Simon and Gary White really want their guests to feel athome, that’s why they’re happy to give the whole building over toa celebration, be it a wedding, anniversary, christening or otherspecial event.

Parties of up to 50 can use the downstairs rooms, plus two otherreception rooms and the Orangery, and have the option of a sit-down meal or buffet and the provision of a bar service.

All organisers need to do is discuss their individual requirements -for flexibility is one of the cornerstones of The Old Hall’s success.

Built circa 1530, Simon and Gary have run it as a top class bedand breakfast for more than four years, the combination of itsrelaxed atmosphere, luxurious and historical surroundings provingan absolute winner - as an appearance on Channel Four’s 4 In aBed series proved.

The TV competition which sees B&B owners visiting and voting on each other’s establishments, was won by The Old Hall atMadeley, prompting a busy six months in the wake of theprogramme’s broadcast.

Originally a farmhouse, it was built as part of the the Crewe estateand it’s believed that in Tudor times, Queen Margaret is believed tohave stayed here.

Famously, during the Civil War, the future Charles II hid himselffrom the Roundheads in its priest hole.

Since Simon and Gary’s arrival in 2008, the business has gonefrom strength to strength.

“Our bed and breakfast occupancy rates trebled in that time andwe now get booked up for months in advance, particularly atweekends,” says Gary.

“Launching the weddings was a particular challenge as neither ofus had experience in this field but we learnt as we went, withoutcustomers realising! Now we are very experienced and our guestsenjoy a seamless, relaxed and unforgettable day.”

Already things are looking good for 2012, thanks to various initiatives.

“We have a new guest lounge boasting two comfy couches, a logfire and huge 50” plasma TV so guests can enjoy themselves,”Gary explains. “It is very common for friends and family to book allour rooms and have the house to themselves.

“We also plan to continue expanding the weddings business andthen market our unique B&B experience overseas.”

The Old Hall at Madeley may date back to the 16th century but it’swell and truly sorted for the 21st.

For more information, visit www.theoldhallatmadeley.com

For bookings and further enquiries, call 01782 752543or email [email protected].

Delivering a quality service

The Old Hall Country House

E S T D 1 876

S O L I C I T O R S

“We are proud to support The Old Hall at Madeleyand wish them great success in the future”

T:01253 766 866 F:01253 766 [email protected]

303 Whitegate Drive | Blackpool | FY3 9JS

www.ascroftwhiteside.co.uk

For all your conveyancing needs...

55


Unit 10, Atlas Trading Estate, Colebrook Road, Birmingham B11 2NTTel: 0121 772 6020 Fax: 0121 772 6877 Email [email protected]

www.charismaprint.com

Charisma Design & Print are proudto support Holiday Inn BirminghamCity Centre and wish themcontinued success in the future.

Design & Print Limited

Holiday Inn Birmingham City is a Licensed 3*modern, yet stylish hotel which offers: 241 highspecification air-conditioned guestrooms with sleekflat screen TV, and a laptop safe. The double glazedwindows and choice of pillows help to ensure thatguests enjoy a good night’s sleep.

It is one of the most iconic buildings in the City Centre. Itopened as an Albany Hotel in 1962. By the late 70’s it wastaken over by Trust House Forte then by Granada. In early2000, it became a Holiday Inn. Since becoming a Holiday Innthe hotel has undergone a total refurbishment programme andwas re-branded with the latest IHG brand standards.

The hotel is looking forward to another busy year hosting manynational and international business guests attending events atthe NEC and ICC and is also a favourite stop over for localcorporate clients.

The large conference facilities are popular with eventsorganisers, who return time and again. The Albany Suite is idealfor Weddings, Conferences, and Exhibitions.

They aim to carry on offering the excellent service on whichthey pride themselves. By measuring guests’ commentsregularly, they confidently adapt to accommodate everchanging guest expectations. Their attention to detail and levelsof customer service have resulted in winning the local award forresident bar, and are the proud recipients of the TorchbearerAward through EMEA .

The hotel is proud to be one of the ‘Great Hotels Guests Love’.

We are looking forward to welcoming ourregular and new guests to the Holiday InnBirmingham City. 2012 promises to be a greatyear with fantastic opportunities for the City.

Bora Sayar, General Manager

For further information,

Call: 0121 634 6200Web: www.holidayinn.co.uk/birminghamcity

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“ “We are proud to be associated with the Holiday Inn, Birmingham as their nominated suppliers of Security Services.

56


57

B I R M I N G H A M C I T Y

The Ramada city centre hotel is situated at the vibrantheart of Birmingham within the stylish MailboxDevelopment, and conveniently placed for theInternational Convention Centre and the National Indoor

Arena.

The location is ideal for shoppers and business people alike andprovides an oasis of calm near with views of the canal to unwind witha coffee, light lunch or indulgent treat in the smart-in house Starbucksrestaurant. The hotel’s lounge bar serves drinks throughout the dayand evening and has free WiFi.

Staying? The Ramada offers all the facilities this luxurious chain isknown for. All 90 bedrooms are en suite with power showers andoffer free broadband internet access. Cots & family rooms areavailable. Standard rooms offer either a double bed or twin beds (twosingle beds). For business guests, executive rooms are available witha larger working space, mini fridge, and fresh filter coffee andenhanced toiletries. Rooms with canal views are available on request.

The Ramada BirminghamCity Centre Hotel offers 5accessible rooms. Small petsare accepted.

The Lounge Restaurant andBar offers traditional cuisineprepared with locally sourcedingredients, the superb menuoffers something for everyoneto enjoy, from a full Englishbuffet breakfast, a specialintimate dinner or a largergroup or business event.

Ramada Birmingham Cityhotel offers a conveniently located convention centre in Birmingham.Their fully equipped meeting rooms are all situated on the same floorwith a spacious breakout area for coffee breaks and registration.

For further information or to make a booking

Call: 0121 643 [email protected]

quick bitesc a f e

The warmth of the welcome, and the freshness and goodvalue of the food, brings Fresh Bites’ customers throughthe door again and again, to this friendly traditional café,in Duke Street, Staveley.

Whether for just a cuppa or a bite to eat, you are sure to findsomething to enjoy. For full English breakfasts, Regular at £3.00,Whopper Breakfast Bap, £3.45, or for those with a really hearty

appetite, Monster at £4.10, with the optional extras of hash brownsor black pudding, they simply can’t be beaten in the area for portionsizes and prices. Breakfasts are served from opening at 7.30 amthrough to closing time at 2.00pm.

They offer a great range of freshly made, generously filled,sandwiches hot or cold, to eat in or take away served on small orlarge cobs. There is a tasty range of jacket potatoes, burgers,

toasties, pies and pasties, and omelettes with a good choice offillings. Chips are served as a side or in a butty, and there is always achoice of healthy or vegetarian options.

Owner Diane Davis prides herself on the standard of their food,particularly their home baked offerings, all the large pies are homemade; as she said, “That way, we know what’s in them!” Diane’shome made scones are very popular, generously studded withsultanas or cherries they taste far superior to commercially madescones.

The café offers a 10% discount on production of a loyalty card toschoolchildren and pensioners.

Quick Bites’ outside catering buffets are becoming increasinglypopular for business meetings and family occasions due to the widechoice and quality of the food at very competitive prices, offering realvalue for money.

For more information speak to Diane

Call: 01246 474718Visit: www.quick-bites.co.uk

Offering an extensive range of chilled, frozen and ambient foods.all available at highly competitive prices.

Call us on01977 613053


Fir Tree InnDunhampstead

DroitwichWR9 7JXRing on:

01905 774094 or visit:

www.thefirtreeinn.co.uk

Offering warm hospitality for over 200 years, The Fir TreeInn is situated in the village of Dunhampstead, in the heartof the Worcestershire countryside, between the Worcester– Birmingham Canal and Trench Wood.

The Fir Tree is a traditional Country Inn and Restaurant, with afascinating history, the Murderers Bar tells the story of theOddingley Murders, which took place nearby in the early 1800’s.But there is nothing in the least sinister about the Fir Treenowadays, it is just a comfortable informal place to enjoy greatfood, drink and meet up with friends.

When Martyn and Tracy Perrins took over the business as freeholdproprietors, 8 years ago, it was rather run down, and their firstweek’s takings were so low, that they did wonder, in Martyn’s ownwords, whether they had been “Nuts” to take it on. However bothMartyn and Tracy have many years experience in the hospitalityindustry, and had recognised the inn’s potential immediately.

After a major refurbishment was carried out in 2007 the Fir TreeInn provides a comfortable refuge to motorists, boaters, walkersand cyclists in search of a good meal freshly prepared from localingredients, complemented by a comprehensive selection ofReal Ales, Beers and Wines. There are two very comfortabledining areas, a sheltered patio and garden.

The Fir Tree Inn prides itself on its warm informal welcome,everyone feels comfortable and at home. Their menu varies toreflect the seasonal availability of local produce and is based onthe best traditional cuisine with contemporary touches. Whetheryou are looking for a romantic dinner, a meal for family, or abusiness event, lunch, bar snack, or simply a freshly prepared,and served at your table, traditional Sunday lunch. You will findsomething to please everyone.

Open 7 days a week.

Fir Tree Inn

58


VISITwww.thrishnarestaurant.com

Thrishna is in the pretty riverside town of Upton upon Severn inWorcestershire, and specialises in authentic Bangladeshi andIndian cuisine. The cosy, candlelit restaurant provides a warmwelcome and offers an extensive menu of freshly prepared dishesusing home-ground spices.

We visited Thrishna early one evening for a family meal, in a largeparty ranging in age from mid sixties to a young baby. From themoment we stepped through the door we were made warmlywelcome by Chondon Miah and his team. The staff rearranged thetables to make space for us all including the baby, and fussed overthe children, chatting to them and making them just as welcomeas the adults.

The restaurant was established in 2007 by Miah, who has over 20years experience of preparing and serving original and traditionalBangladeshi and Indian cuisine. The menu is very extensive, andincludes many dishes, that although I enjoy Indian food, I had not

come across before. I definitely needed help! The waiters are reallyfriendly and take real pleasure in discussing the menu with you. Wechose a mixed selection from the starter menu to begin, including amixed Tikka platter, onion bahjis, butterfly king prawns, pakoras,poppodums and pickles. My son was especially enthusiastic aboutthe small, freshly prepared and cooked onion bahjis, which werelight and crispy; a far cry from the heavy lumps one is often served.

For our main courses,while the waitersuggested ChickenKorma for the children,we chose Lamb RahadGreen Herb, a delicious,medium spiced dishcooked with tomatoes,green peppers and freshcoriander; the flavours

subtly enhanced by a sprinkling of ginger and a garnish of choppedspring onions. Another of the house specialities, South Indian GarlicChilli Chicken, which is one of their more popular dishes; is steamcooked chicken, in a hot chilli garlic sauce, garnished withcoriander. Hot Chicken Massala which Miah prepared to taste withextra fresh lemon juice to compliment the flavours of the spices.Lamb Rezella, a classic North Bengali dish cooked with herbs andspices, green pepper, tomatoes, butter chilli, coriander and yoghurtsauce. From the exotic fish section of the menu we had MasliTanisha, marinated salmon, barbequed in a clay oven and servedwith potatoes and cauliflower and Sea Range a medium spicedselection of seafood, deep fried prawns, and tandoori king prawns.

All the dishes were prepared toorder, and to taste and werethoroughly enjoyed. Our waiters hadguided us through the menu,discussing our choices andpreferences regarding spices andrelayed these to the chefs, whothen, provided precisely what eachof us had ordered. All the team takea great interest in making sure thatyou enjoy your food and will makeevery effort to ensure thatenjoyment.

Thrishna is licenced and stocks a comprehensive list of wines,beers, lagers and soft drinks. They have a take away service andoffer an outside catering service.

34 Old St | Upton-upon-Severn | WR8 0HWCall: 01684 594900

RestaurantReview

Bangladeshi | Indian Cuisine

59


JAYNE Devlin has an Olympian challenge in front of her -and she can’t wait to get stuck in.

The catering and hospitalitymanagement expert is workingwith one of the Olympics’ officialhospitality caterer - Smart EventCatering - and will be on duty atthe world’s biggest sportingevent later this year.

“I’m delighted to have beenselected,” says Jayne, whosecompany, Devlin Consultingbrings a range of hospitalityexpertise to some of thiscountry’s biggest blue chipcaterers and destination venues.

“My project managing role has started with client meetings andoperational planning and will culminate in being on site for sixweeks during the mobilisation phase and the Games themselves.”

London 2012 is a real gold medal for Jayne’s Harborne-basedbusiness that is already accustomed to the winner’s podiumwithin its sector. Having spent 12 years leading the outdoorcatering division of The NEC Group, Jayne, who has alsoworked for four and five-star London hotels and luxury outdoorcatering company Payne & Gunter, launched Devlin Consultingin 2010.

“My first contract was to provide a hospitality management serviceto the official caterer for the Farnborough Air Show,” she recalls.

“I was subsequently retained by Twycross Zoo to develop themanagement team and its catering product and services alongsideCommercial Director Rob Bracken and this is ongoing.”

Last year the client portfolio was boosted by a number ofbespoke caterers who were seeking advice on tender documentcontent and presentation and the opportunity to work withleading wedding planner Linda Cooper to project manage twoceremonies in France. In December, Jayne was appointed asvenue manager for The Greatest Party Ever for Quantum LeapEvents at Event City, Manchester.

“This was very exciting as I was responsible for managing theentertainment, security, catering, licensing, for up to 1,600guests per night,” she smiles.

“My time at Twycross has also been rewarding. We have

established a professional management team, launched theconference and banqueting and wedding business, seen thecatering spend grow while delivering a quality product usinglocally sourced suppliers which gives real value to customers. Ibelieve my contribution has made a difference and created apositive legacy.”

All in all it’s been a busy and exciting 18 months, with Jaynetackling the new challenges of running her own business,concentrating on building the brand and establishing strongbusiness foundations. Now more and more prestigious companiesare seeking out her services which cover project managingcatering facilities at large-scale events, researching andimplementing successful catering strategies, planning, auditingand tendering catering and hospitality requirement at events andvenues, guidance on winning tenders and mentoring.

And to broaden Devlin Consulting’s reach even further, she nowhas three experienced associates who can provide HR, logisticsand marketing expertise.

“Clients chose Devlin Consulting for various reasons,” she says.“Maybe it's because they like our long track record in the industry,perhaps it's the way we're able to quickly understand each clientand get the vision they're trying to achieve. It might be becausethey appreciate our honesty, clarity and straightforward approach -and presumably they like the fact we deliver great customerexperiences and significantly boost revenues.”

“Whether catering is your sole focus or part of a wider businesswe can help raise your standards, develop your team andstrengthen your business to improve profitability.”

For further information about Devlin Consulting and its services,

Visit: www.devlinconsulting.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

To book please call:

0844 474 1777www.twycrosszoo.orgWe are 5 minutes from Junction 11 of the M42

NEW table service restaurant Reserved car parking Private entrance Panoramic view of aviary Delicious 3 course a la carte lunch

Adults £14.95, Children £8.95 (under 12 years old)

Offering a delicious menu featuring locally sourced ingredients from our suppliers, this fantastic Sunday Lunch is perfect for celebrations and special occasions to treat all your family and includes:

More than just a Sunday Lunch

Twycross Zoo, Burton Road, Atherstone, Warks CV9 3PX

Jayne Devlin

60


Companies Falling Down on their Delivery Promisesare Jeopardising the Growth of On Line Sales

GOOD communication and living up to deliverypromises are key to sustained success for thoseoffering online sales, according to two recent surveys.

The studies, carried out by Prolog, one of thecountry’s leading privately owned communicationsand logistics outsourcing services companies, saw e-retailers quizzed on a range of subjects, includingwhat they offer and promise their customers regardingthe delivery of their orders.

They were also asked about how theycommunicated with clients during the goods orderand despatch process.

The surveys showed that while email is the medium ofchoice for the vast majority when sending out theirorder and despatch confirmations, information, suchas the expected delivery timescale, was often lacking.

And where details were provided, not only was therea wide variety in delivery promises, too many werefailing to be met.

The results have highlighted issues which thecountry’s online sales companies need to take onboard, says Prolog Commercial Director Ian Dignum.

"With online shopping being more popular than ever,this survey has found that there are positive lessons tobe learned for all those who manage online saleswithin the UK,” he maintains.

“They need to provide the right detail andcommunication channels to ensure that the customerexperience is positive.

“With so many companies trying to increase theirmarket share, those that support their customersthrough all stages of the process will be the winners."

When it came to providinginformation, the survey found that,of those questionned, 30% ofemails did not advise the expecteddelivery timescale for the product -something of key importance to allonline shoppers.

Proactive customer service waseven more lacking, with 60% ofcommunications not allowing self-serve order tracking and 80% notcontaining a customer servicecontact to aid clients.

Today’s fast-paced society also wantsits items to be delivered more quickly- but the Prolog survey showed ahuge variance in delivery promises.

The average was 4.97 days, the bestwas one day and the worst was 14days - yet, only 90.12% of the ordersplaced, as part of this survey, weredelivered on time and within theretailer’s delivery promise.

The studies also went on to showthat customers are being chargedon average £3.38 for standarddelivery and £6.70 on average forthe next day option.

Furthermore, some e-retailers werelooking to improve even further and22.58% of those orders placedoffered free standard delivery, butneeded to have an average basketvalue of £72.86 to apply.

"Online shopping is increasing inthe UK and with challenges on theHigh Street, should be animportant part of a retailer's plansfor growth,” said Ian.

“This part of our survey showedthe significant range in promisesto customers, that people willpay more for premium services,but, during the survey period,9.88% of deliveries were notmade within the retailers ownpromises - a figure that issimply too high to encouragecustomer loyalty."

For more details on the survey visitwww.prolog.co.uk

failingJeopardising On Line Sales

delivery promises

CUSTOMER SOLUTIONSOnline shopping is increasing in the

UK, retailer’s delivery promises

should be an important part of a

retailer's plans for growth

Today’s fast-paced society wants its

items to be delivered more quickly

VISITwww.prolog.co.uk

61


62

offering competitive prices and quotes across the completerange of freight forwarding services.

“We have a professional team that is dedicated and enthusiastic,that pays close attention to customers at all times and providesa friendly and reliable service,” says Alan.

“We also enjoy strong relationship with excellent carriers, bothfor air and sea.”

A member of BIFA (British International Freight Association), BKInternational Freight’s tailor-made services also include roadtransport, packing and personal effects along with storagefacilities for those wishing to hold their goods until they are readyto be received at the destination point.

When it comes to moving freight by road, the company has itsown fleet of vehicles covering the UK but also has establishedrelationships with other companies to cover clients’ every need, including global trailer operators, meaning that whereverin the world an order needs to be, BK International Freight canget it there.

Making sure that it gets there in one piece is a key priority too.“We can pack items of any size and of any shape,” says Alan.

“We have specialist knowledge in the packing and casing ofvarious consignments, ranging from antiques, furniture, andpersonal effects to automotive equipment and commercialmachinery, and can provide made-to-measure pallets and casesor standard/euro-size pallets.

NO wonder BK International Freight’s MD Alan Cave issmiling - three decades in business and a host of loyalcustomers and staff are all cause for celebration.

“Thirty years of keeping customers happy and loyal - we mustbe doing something right!” he declares happily.

“Some of our customers have been with us right from the startand many for more than 15 years while our staff are incrediblyloyal too. We have one who has been with us for 23 years andothers for 10.”

However, Alan and his team are not just looking back, there’smuch to celebrate in the months to come, not least an extensivecontract involving the transportation of telecom equipmentalongside regular shipments of household effects to Cyprus.

Be it air, sea or land, BK International Freight, based on theMaguire Industrial Estate in Coventry, can provide the means of moving goods around the globe; goods of all sizes and in all quantities.

“We send anything from a jiffy bag to a full 40’ container,”promises Alan.

In its 30-year history the company has evolved from a one-manoperation handling the shipping requirements for a machinetooling company to an established member of the industry

BK

Export | Import Shipping | Airfreight | Courier | Transport | Export Packing | Marine Insurance | International Removals | Export | Import Shipping | Airfreight | Courier | Transport | Export Packing | Marine Insurance | International Removals

1982 2012FreightForwarding

YearsFreight

ForwardingForwardingFreightYears

1982

(L-R) Bob Knight founder of BK Internationalwith current Director Alan Cave.


63

Call Mike Orton on 07778 928289Email: [email protected]

Towergate Insurance is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Registered Office: Towergate House, Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3ENAuthorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Congratulations to B K International Freight Ltd on 30 years of trading!Towergate Insurance is pleased to provide insurance solutions to B K International Freight Ltd and wish them continued success in the future

“All our cases are marked with international shipping marks to meet regulations and our wooden cases are made towithstand the constant lifting and moving and other rigours of transportation.”

It’s not just the physical moving of goods - BK InternationalFreight’s decades of expertise prove invaluable when it comesto all the associated tasks, such as arranging insurance andcomplying with international rules and requirements.

Its very independence is also a bonus for those needing seafreight because, it is not tied to any specific shipping line norrestricted by agency agreements.

Definitely a company worth its ‘freight’ in gold.

For further information about BK International Freight Ltd

Visit: www.bkfreight.co.ukTo make an enquiry

Call: 024 7646 4983

Fox EvansChartered Accountants

“More than your average accountant”Pleased to have acted for

B.K. International Freight Limited for the past thirty years

Abbey House Manor Road Coventry CV1 2FW 024 7625 7317 [email protected]

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

We offer fixed fees and a free initial consultation

Air Conditioning & Building Services Never Ever Beaten on Price...

Export | Import Shipping | Airfreight | Courier | Transport | Export Packing | Marine Insurance | International Removals | Export | Import Shipping | Airfreight | Courier | Transport | Export Packing | Marine Insurance | International Removals


In a world where cost savings are critical and fuelconsumption key, CC Tuning Ltd is certainly putting itselfon the map.

The Burton upon Trent business has written more than 6,000economy engine tuning remaps, saving thousands of pounds forprivate customers, companies and fleet operators across the region.

Combined with its in-house custom engine control unitprogramming, two-wheel drive rolling road services andworkshop carrying out repairs and services to all makes andmodels, the company is a powerful partner for those looking toreduce their carbon footprint.

CC Tuning aims to carry out every job to the highest quality but atthe most competitive price - not just in the region but in the UK.

Members of the public and trade bring their vehicles to CCTuning’s Green Line Business Park site as well as the numerousdealers located throughout the UK.

Twenty years’ motor trade experience and expertise areharnessed in the form of expertly trained technicians who are

proud to provide the wide rangeof professional car tuningprogrammes using some of thefinest equipment around.

“All our software is developed in-house using various diagnostictools at hand and we are alwayskeeping up with new technology togive our customers the bestpossible outcome,” statesmanaging director Chris Wells.

“We are constantly investing in the future of tuning and, havingalready reprogrammed cars for Derby Audi and other main dealers,we are increasing our already UK-wide dealer network all the time.”

With prices higher than ever before and global warmingconcerns, the need for fuel economy and greener living hasnever been more important.

Diesel remapping, advises Chris, can provide up to 20% fuelsaving and helps to lower your carbon foot print.

For the non-technical, economy remapping is the mapping of acar for specific needs like better fuel consumption, or thespecialised needs of modified cars.

For years remapping or chipping have been the preserve of theperformance vehicle market but now fleet operators andindividuals are seeking to make substantial economies.

CC Tuning has developed software which can not only enhance acar’s performance but also give huge savings of as much as 25%.

“The products work by reorganising the software so that, innormal driving, fuel consumption is minimised by reducing thenumber of gear changes and the number of instances of wideopen throttle,” he explains.

“So, on an average of 20,000 miles a year, with fuel at £1.32 perlitre, a vehicle doing 30mpg before an upgrade could save £1,092.

“Add to this 7 to 15 fewer fill-ups each year and, for fleet ownersthat means less vehicle downtime and less expense.

“If you multiply these savings to numbers of vehicles and theamount of money saved increases dramatically.

“For example, a small fleet operator running 10 typical largevans, covering 40K miles per annum per vehicle would savemore than £31,000 each year.”

The figures are impressive but CC Tuning sets out to be impressive ineverything it does, ensuring the customer enjoys long-lived results.

To find out more about its full range of services,Visit: www.cctuning.co.uk

Telephone: 01283 515616 or 07967 007 947Email: [email protected]

www.cctuning.co.uk

We are a full-service remapping facilityoffering a wide range of professional car tuning programmes We also specialise in vehicle repair and servicing.

Call us now on01283 515616cctuningUnit 9 Greenline Business Park | Wellington Street

Burton upon Trent | DE14 2DS 814 Wolverhampton Road | Oldbury | B69 4RY | 07836 359677

Performance MapsECU RemappingChip TuningEconomy Remaps20% fuel efficientMobile Service Available

64


AWARD-winning Viezu Technologies is all revved up andraring to motor into an exciting 2012.

The UK’s leading vehicle tuning company - one of the fastestgrowing globally - is planning to launch a host of products in thecoming months, and has just become fully ISO 9001 certified, notjust for its products, but the supply of ECU enhancement servicesincluding training and program development. All this whilecontinuing to watch its dealership network expand from thecurrent 340 across 32 countries.

CEO Paul Busby and his team of ten know exactly what it is tobe tuned to perfection.

At its state-of-the-art trainingand research centre onBromsgrove’s Aston FieldsIndustrial Estate, Viezuspecialises in a range of tuningupgrades and services for justabout every modern petrol andturbo-diesel vehicle, resulting

in either improved fuel economy and the lowering of CO2, orperformance.

If required, it can provide a bespoke combination of both, thusenhancing the overall driving experience, and it is also a sought-after research and development establishment, carrying outspecial projects for select customers and organisations.

All tuning files are developed on its 300bhp environmentallycontrolled rolling road and emission testing system and Viezu is

proud of the fact that no other tuning company spends so muchtime and money developing its range.

Explains Paul: “An economy tune can provide up to 15% betterfuel economy, although it is dependent on the vehicle - whether it’spetrol or diesel, its, age etc - and driving style.

“A performance tune can result in an increase in power of up to40% for a turbo diesel.

“Viezu Technologies, the result of years of research, developmentand experience in automobile technology and car tuning, offersonly the very best in custom ECU remapping, car tuning andengine tuning and uses the latest ECU programming techniquesand software available to do so.

“Our core technical skills are combined with a passion foroutstanding performance car tuning and customer service tothousands of motorists and businesses worldwide.”

Further peace of mind for those clients comes with the fact that allViezu’s products are fully insured and come with a full money backguarantee.

It was the technical skills and innovative qualities, along with someimpressive figures - the company has helped motorists save50,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions - that were recognised last yearwith the national Innovation through Technology Award 2011,following its Midlands win, at the Chamber of Commerce Awards.

Viezu, a member of the Society of Motor Manufacturers andTraders and UK Trade & Investment, was also a finalist in theInternational Business category and more recently was nominatedin the 2011 Midlands Business awards for Exporter of the year,Innovation in Business and Entrepreneur of the year.

All in all there are plenty of reasons to welcome in the new year atViezu and plenty of new products to look out for, including theaward-winning Blue Optimize fuel economy tuning.

2012 is starting on a really high note for this tuning specialist.

For further information about the company andits services, including a range of experience days

for the true motoring enthusiast, Visit: www.viezu.com Telephone: 01527 579 345


SGM Sports Limited, Unit 132Hartlebury Trading Estate

DY10 4JBtel: 01299 250009

www. sgmsportsltd.com

ECU Remapping in Kidderminster and the surrounding areas

Sales and Servicing Specialists for Ferrari, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin and Maserati

SGMPerformance Engineering

PM AUTO ELECTRICSMOBILE AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST

TEL: 01664 852 605MOBILE: 07828 617 080

Diagnostics - 99.9% of Makes & Models Remapping / Engine Tuning Keys & Immobilizers

O ELECTRICSUTM APTIVE ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST

Remapping / Engine T

OBILE: 07828 617 080TEL: 01664 852 605

OMOUTOBILE AM

O ELECTRICSTIVE ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST

Remapping / Engine T

OBILE: 07828 617 080TEL: 01664 852 605

O ELECTRICS

t: 01684 566 656 w: www.straightlineperformance.co.uk

are pleased to be associated withViezu Technologies Ltd

StraightlineP E R F O R M A N C E

Specialist for all Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda & SEAT servicing, mechanical repairs and performance tuning

a: Unit 1, Spring Lane North, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1BU

mance tuning

t: 01684 566 656 w: www.straightlineperformance.co.uka: Unit 1, Spring Lane North, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1BU

roffos and pers and perfr mechanical repai,vicingrseoda & SEk S,olkswagenV,Audior allffor allSpecialist

StraightlineStraightlineO R M A N C

StraightlineF

StraightlineR

StraightlineP E

Viezu Technologies Ltdare pleased to be associated with

t: 01684 566 656 w: www.straightlineperformance.co.uka: Unit 1, Spring Lane North, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1BU

mance tuningT AAT oda & SE

StraightlineEO R M A N C

Viezu Technologies Ltdare pleased to be associated with

65


66

CLASSIC motors and traditional friendly, top-classservice plus the most modern of facilities for the 21stcentury motorist can all be found under Birmingham’sWindmill Motors roof.

Here is where the day-to-day requirements of today’s drivers -MOTs, repairs and servicing - are catered for while the salesdivision focuses entirely on the golden age of motoring’s past.

Windmill Motors is Birmingham’s only classic car dealership.

Founded in 1972 by by Mike Yarm, he and his expert team pridethemselves on their seamless integration of the motoring ages.

“We don’t do restorations of classic cars,” he points out, “but wedo have customers with semi-modern classics like MGBs andMorris Minors, things like that as we’re good with those –it’s hardto find a mechanic who can do carburettors nowadays.

“Sometimes people think we only do old cars but we don’t, we doeverything: general servicing and MOTS. We don’t do bodywork onsite but we’ve enjoyed a close professional relationship with a verygood bodyman for many years whom we recommend to clients.

“Our prices are very competitive and we have access to the latestdiagnostic equipment for the most up-to-date vehicles.”

It’s the friendly personal service that has resulted in strong customerloyalty throughout the area, with many on first-name term with Mikeand his staff of six, all of whom have spent years with the business.

“Christine Humphries, who does our books, was here when Icame 28 years ago while our main mechanic Mark Hawkins hasbeen with me for 25 years,” reveals Mike.

“I have a part-time mechanic, Martin, who has been here for 15years while our junior mechanic is Mark’s son Daniel who I’ve

known since he was a baby and has been with us since he leftcollege. Our driver/delivery man Michael has been with us about15 years. We’re a very close-knit team.”

But the customer loyalty is not confined to Birmingham - throughits established - and esteemed - classic car sales division,Windmill Motors has a strong network of clients and contacts thatspans the globe.

“I’ve sold cars all over Europe, in Australia, America and up anddown this country,” says Mike. “People will buy vehicles from menow from a description of the car and photos that I give them, theydon’t always come and see them.

“We say that if, when we deliver, they don’t like it you don’t have tohave it but we’ve never had one back.”

Apart from Mike himself, albeit under different circumstances. Aclassic car is not just for Christmas it seems.

He owns three himself: a Mk 1 Jaguar, a 1959 Mercedes and a1929 Rover - which has been in his possession on five separateoccasions.

He explains: “The first owner had it for 40 years and it spent 30 ina museum. After that it came back into the trade and, over thenext 10 year period it was returned to me five times. The last timeit came back my wife said ‘I think it’s trying to tell you something’and we kept it.”

For further information about the full range of motoring servicesavailable from Windmill Motors or to see a selection of classic carscurrently for sale, go to www.windmillmotors.co.uk.

Opening times are Mondays-Fridays from 9am-6pm and onSundays (most weeks, ring first to check), from 10am-1pm. To make an enquiry,


www.windmillmotors.co.uk

Congratulations to theWindmill Collection

With more than 25 years experience in the industry

we have the knowledge and understanding to

ensure customer satisfaction for

classic and modern vehicles.

Don’t forget our unique part numbering system that

tells you if a part is Genuine Jaguar,

OE manufactured or a high quality replacement, this

lets you know exactly what you’re getting.

Give us a call or visit our website where you can view

prices, stock availability and securely purchase

your parts the fast way!

0121 544 40 40

PARTS 4 CARS GROUPJaguar - Daimler - MG - Triumph - MX5 - Mini - Morris Minor

WindmillCollection


PLANS to site outsize handbags around London for a bigpublicity drive were suddenly threatened by safety concerns- until GCA (UK) Ltd got involved.

It was 2pm on a Friday afternoon last November whenWestminster City Council contacted the Company, desperatelyneeding calculations to validate the stability of the huge structureswhich were due to be erected in Covent Garden and TrafalgarSquare among other places.

However it didn’t take long for GCA’s unflappable, alwaysprofessional number crunchers to resolve the problem.

The required calculations were on their client’s desk by 9.30amthe next day - and the handbags were erected as scheduled.

Not every job undertaken by GCA requires such a fast turnaroundbut it enabled the company to demonstrate just why its civil,structural and highway engineering professional services are insuch demand from public and private clients in all sectors

“We pride ourselves on being able to apply our engineeringknowledge to add value to any project,” says Chairman Geoff Collett.

“We can provide advice from the earliest feasibility stage through todetailed design and construction with services including the designof new-build, repairs, alterations and refurbishment, appraisal ofexisting structures, pre-purchase inspections and appraisals.

“We also handle CDM Co-ordinator and Party Wall Surveyor work.”

Established in Derby in 1975, GCA also has offices in Stafford,Warwick, Leicester, Worcester and a staff of highly experiencedengineers working in all construction sectors, on projects acrossthe UK ranging from multi-million pound landmark buildings tosmall-scale domestic work.

Its chartered engineers and technicians are accompanied by animpressive list of professional qualifications, memberships andawards, including: the Institution of Civil

Engineers, the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Institution ofArchitectural Technicians, the Institution of Engineering & Technology,the Institution of Highways & Transportation, the Association forProject Management and the Steel Construction Institute.

Clamouring for space on the accreditations wall is British StandardISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, IIP and ConstructionLine andawards for its conservation work and Small Business of the Year2005.

Only last December it picked up another plaudit - being cited bythe Forum for the Built Environment, for its contribution to aflagship low carbon housing development in Derby.

“We’re a family run business with strong ethical values and alwaysstrive to build good relationships with clients,” says Geoff.

“We strongly believe that, through our extensive engineeringexperience we can provide significant added value combined withdedicated, personal service.

“For example, we have a long relationship with Birmingham Airportand have been providing civil and structural services to JCB formore than 30 years.”

Happy to enjoy long-term professional relationships, GCA alwayswelcomes new initiatives.

It recently won a three-year commission from Birmingham CityCouncil for structural appraisal of its Building Regulationsapplications and, as the market recovers and opportunities arrive,is actively planning expansion with the firm intention of opening aBirmingham office later this year.

2012, it seems, is in the handbag.

For further information about GCA (UK) Ltd Visit: www.gca-consulting.com Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 01332 362411

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67


WHEN Nottingham’s Practical Minds team celebrated itsmove into new, larger premises recently, the occasionmarked the culmination of three and a half years’determination, hard work and success.

Managing director Andrew Winstanley is the first to admit thatlaunching a top-class shopfitting service in the economicallyharsh October 2008 meant the going was initially tough - but thetough got going and, thanks to sheer grit and persistence, plusa quality cost-effective service, the company is now well andtruly on the shopfitting map.

No longer operating out of a small loft office on a farm betweenDerby and Nottingham, it is housed in a 22,000 sq ft building inthe city centre, which incorporates a full workshop, spray shopand storage facilities.

The company has also re-launched its website -www.practicalminds.co.uk - providing an upmarket window on its work.

Practical Minds is proud to offer a full and comprehensive first-class shopfitting service covering all aspects of a project; fromshopfront and roller shutters to the installation of flooring,suspended ceilings, walls, joinery, shelving, cash desks, fixturesand fittings, specialist panelling, skirting as well as plumbing,electrical and mechanical services.

All the services are undertaken by skilled teams of tradesmen whoare, in turn, managed and controlled by experienced projectmanagers with more than 25 years of individual experience in thebusiness and, indeed, it is the vast industry knowledgeaccumulated by the entire team that, says Andrew, ensuresclients’ expectations are met and that they have peace of mind.

“We have provided fulldesign and installationservices ranging from smallcoffee shops and leisure parkretail units to full departmentstores both nationally andinternationally,” he adds.

“We recently completed anumber successful fitoutprojects, including a

collaboration with London agency Barber Design on RobbieWilliams’s new clothing brand concessions, Farrell, in numerousHouse of Fraser stores throughout the UK.

“Our professional approach and our understanding of customers'expectations ensure that we offer a quality, cost-effectivesolution, with commitment and integrity, taking the stress of aproject away from the client, allowing them to concentrate ontheir day-to-day business.”

A key part of Practical Minds’ success is its access to a core ofreliable and cost-effective suppliers.

Explains Andrew: “Our large base of contractors and suppliersenables us to establish cost-effective budgets from the early stageof a project, providing clients with clear, accurate and honestadvice that supports effective project decisions before significantdevelopment costs have been incurred.

“From these vital early phases, our team then manages the projectmaterial procurement, design and construction processes,employing robust programme and cost management techniquesto ensure timely, cost-effective implementation.”

Critical to ongoing development, is the feedback Practical Mindswelcomes from its clients - it’s not enough for the team members justto sign off a project and congratulate themselves on a job well done.

“Feedback enables us to not only promote ourselves but is also auseful tool to judge our performance on each project and look forways to constantly improve the services we offer,” says Andrew.

To see some of the glowing testimonials or to find out moreabout Practical Minds visit the website

Visit: www.practicalminds.co.uk Call: 0115 9865575

Practical MindsShop Fitting Exhibitions Point of Purchase

Nottinghamshire’s glazing and double glazing experts


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69

JMS Solar is part of the established family run specialistroofing company JMS Roofing and Building Ltd which wasestablished in 1978. JMS already had a widely spread clientbase in both the commercial and domestic sectors, whenJude Kennefick, second generation, decided to build ontheir existing expertise and move into the rapidly growingfield of solar panels, and set up JMS Solar.

The sun is certainly shining on the project, with the companyachieving the sought after MCS accreditation in June 2011. Thisaccreditation gives customers access to the government’s feed intariff which guarantees them a minimum payment for all electricitygenerated whether you are using it for yourself or not. The tariff(rate) for the electricity exported to the national grid is guaranteedfor 25 years. Tariffs are even index-linked so the income will holdits value for the entire life of the installation.

Despite an unexpected recent reduction the the Feed in Tariff rate,the technology still remains an attractive investment opportunity. The price of solar components has recently come downdramatically allowing JMS to offer complete installations at a muchmore affordable cost.

The benefits of solar photovoltaic energy aren’t limited tohomeowners – JMS Solar has found that the technology is also agreat investment for the commercial and business sector. As wellas offering great financial returns, it also has numerousenvironmental benefits.

With energy costs constantly rising, along with environmental andpolitical negatives, Solar offers a clean green energy for our homesand businesses that doesn't cost the earth.

At JMS, they believe that the main beneficiary of solar energyshould be the customer, and know from experience thatcustomers want realistic pay back periods and factual feed in tariffestimates, technical assurance and the reassurance of supportonce the technology has been installed.

Serving the local community for over 30 years, JMS Solar hasearned itself an outstanding reputation for guaranteedworkmanship and customer care. So if you are considering SolarPanels, and want to be able to rely on good, honest experiencedadvice from a well established company, backed bycomprehensive 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


IT may have been a tough few years but hard work anddetermination are really paying off for Richard Hadley, thepartners and the rest of the property team.

In just a few short years - and through one of the toughesteconomic climates in a lifetime - he has taken Hadley & Co froma home-based business to a respected part of the Redditchbusiness scene, responsible for the care of many millions ofpounds worth of clients' property assets throughout the region.

In fact, ask him what his greatest business challenge has beento date and he admits - getting through 2009.

“We moved to very large prestigious offices in Church GreenEast, Redditch in 2008, I had my first child shortly afterwardsand that, with a combination of the world going into meltdown,was tough,” he admits.

“We also started selling property which came with additionaloverheads. However that, due to a lot of hard work, is nowpaying off and we have built up an extremely good reputationwhich I am proud of. However, I have to learn you cannot pleaseall the people all of the time.”

Today, with an ever-growing portfolio, Hadley & Co is one of thelargest letting agents in the district and now also renowned foroffering high quality estate agency in general. “In no small partdue to my partners, Steven Cruickshank MNAEA (SalesDirector), Richard Potter (Commercial Director), Kathryn Loynes

(Lettings Manager) and theirdiligent staff.” acknowledgesRichard.

He launched the company in2004 and, quickly gaining areputation for quality,professional and personalisedservices tailored to clients’needs, within two years wasable to move from home to,first, a serviced office and thencommercial premises.

“A year later we moved to a larger office and then in 2008 toChurch Green East,” says Richard. “We currently fully managearound 180 properties, 80% of them within Redditch and theoutlying area, with properties in Bromsgrove, Alvechurch,Dudley, Alcester and Solihull.

“We have to act for morethan 800 properties from letonly and renewals to fullmanagement and now havea prominent position in theresidential sales market anda growing commercialproperty department.”

Years of professional experience and listening to clients'requirements have enabled Richard and his team to develop andprovide the full range of services in a way designed to givepeace of mind and achieve the best results.

Underpinning everything is the skilled and qualified staff’s in-depth knowledge of all aspects of property while efficientadministration and up-to-date management and office softwaresystems bring additional strength.

“This means we are able to satisfy the requirements of clients inthis varied and ever changing market,” says Richard who keepshis eye firmly on the future and potential opportunities, such asexpanding the portfolio by taking on further areas.

“It has long been my aspiration to move into Bromsgrove &Solihull in a large way,” he additionally reveals.

He’s also spotted the potential of the internet, suggesting that aweb based approach could help the company expand intoSolihull - and beyond?

“I believe that if a business offers first-class services there isreally no need to have high street offices,” he maintains.

“The internet and other correspondence methods are becomingthe norm for communicating in business.”

For further information about Hadley and Co and its services, visit www.hadleyandco.co.uk To make an enquiry, telephone 01527 60889

or email [email protected]

HADLEY & CO

70


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Hawkstone Properties Plc is a privately owned PropertyDevelopment and Investment Company, founded by PhilipNoott in 1997.

Their main area of business is developing retail, office, residential andleisure schemes across the UK, which once completed, are generallyretained as part of their long term investment portfolio, whichcurrently has a value in excess of £125m.

They also work in partnership with some of the UK’s leading financialinstitutions, and use their expertise and contacts to assist them bothwith the redevelopment of assets within their existing portfolio, andwith new opportunities which Hawkstone introduce to them.

One of the key strengths of Hawkstone is their in-house expertise inconstruction and project management. They are able to addsignificant additional value by having the ability to analyse costs,manage the professional team, procure the build and oversee theconstruction, delivering an institutionally acceptable product at theend of the project.

Their success over the last 15 years is a direct result of the closeworking relationships they have maintained with tenants, agents,banks, financial institutions and consultants. It is theserelationships which have enabled them to successfully survive the

recent downturn in the market, and which means that they arenow well placed to take advantage of the expected recovery overthe next few years.

Hawkstone are in the process of developing a number of larger siteswith joint venture partners. These include construction companies,investors and property funds, all keen to take advantage of theexpertise that Hawkstone have to offer, enabling a mutual benefit toboth parties through the development process. A recent example,Hawkstone have just exchanged contracts on a site in Kent wherethey will create a retail led scheme of up to 40,000 sq ft.

Hawkstone are actively seeking new development opportunitiesthroughout the UK, in a variety of sectors including retail – in and outof town, supermarkets, hotel, office and mixed use.

For further information on live projects or to introduce newopportunities please do not hesitate to contact Andy Kirton,Managing Director, or Simon Handslip, Development Manager on 01562 886670

[email protected] / [email protected]

hawkstoneP R O P E R T I E S P L C

the key to our success is our

ProfessionalExpertise

hawkstoneP R O P E R T I E S P L C

Boston Shopping Park,Boston

This former ASDA food storewas redeveloped in 2005 into a 110,000 sq ft Retail Park with open A1 consent.Tenants include Morrison'sfood store, Brantano, HomeBargains, Sports Direct andTK Maxx. This development isheld within the investment portfolio.

Davygate, York:

A joint venture with StandardLife Investment Fund whichinvolved the redevelopment ofa 1960’s retail block adjacentto a Grade I listed church, andincorporating a Grade II listedchapel. The scheme wascompleted and let to BordersBooks, JJB Sports andFrench Connection.

72


Our competitive prices, range of products and efficient service havegiven us an excellent reputation with customers and suppliers andwe are now able to supply other merchants in the area.”

Raj is proud of his company’s ability to offer one of the largeststock ranges for an independent merchant in the region, frombricks (more than one million in stock) and blocks, fencing anddecking, and accessories to insulation, roofing, doors and slabs -in fact every household DIY need imaginable.

Corporate clients are also well served, with building contractors ofall sizes, private developers, housing associations and businessesfrom the rail construction industry also on its order books.

If, in the rare instance DMB doesn’t have exactly what thecustomer needs, its knowledgeable, expert and friendly staff aremore than happy to source it.

“We are fortunate enough to have built excellent relationships withnumerous suppliers over the years and can now obtain and offercompetitive prices on all requirements,” says Raj.

“Our personal service is just one of the things that gives us the edgeon our competitors and our committed staff are happy to help andanswer any questions that you have about the products we sell.”

The depots are open from 8.30am-5.30pm seven days a weekand the company operates a 24-hour turnaround for the deliveryof goods within the yards until 5pm.

“Working as a team to achieve the overall aim of growing salesprofitably, DBM works on the principle that if you have the rightpeople with a great attitude, carrying out the right activities, with theappropriate skills, that you will get the right result,” comments Raj.

As the company continues to build on its success it’s a principlethat is obviously proving a very effective cement.

If you have a project in mind then contact the company

t: 0121 554 4500a: 11-13 Holyhead RdHandsworth | B’ham

B21 OLA

w: www.discountbuilders.co.uk

YEARS of helping the professionals and members of thepublic with their construction projects mean that DiscountBuilders Merchants is living up to its name - building asuccessful reputation for itself.

Part of the Birmingham-based Gill Group of companies, thebusiness (DBM) is also continuing to build in size, with its sightsfirmly fixed on opening more depots around the Midlands.

DBM currently has four sizeable depots, in Tipton, Handsworth,Kent and Medway, and all are fully equipped to serve itsdomestic and commercial clients and packed with a vast rangeof products at fully competitive prices.

Each is between one and two acres in size and operates a largefleet of crane off -load vehicles.

In Tipton and Handsworth alone, it’s just been one long successstory for DBM.

The Tipton branch was the first to open, in 2002, with Handsworth,also serving as a major distribution centre, opening in 2008.

In that time, reports managing director Raj Gill, DBM has startedmanufacturing its own concrete products and sales have tripled.

“We started from a small individual depot with a single vehicle yet,through our continued effort to provide customers with anexcellent service, we have been able to expand rapidly,” he states.

“We have an extensive fleet of vehicles ranging from transit vansup to articulated lorries and this vast range enables us to send themost suitable vehicle, thus minimizing costs and pollution.

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“Our commercial turnover has fluctuated between £10 and 12million consistently over the past few years and is forecast toincrease even further over the next few years,” says Chris.

“This success has enabled Mechatherm to become verycommercially sound and enjoy good banking facilities, ensuringwe can continually overcome the arduous commercialchallenges in processing multi-million pound projects.”

Not every project is a multi-million pound scheme though;ever flexible, the company’swork covers all sizes, rightdown to small existingequipment re-builds.

“Our projects can either be'part supply', where weonly supply detaileddesign, critical items andassistance for installation and commissioning andthe client would then supply all steelwork, refractories, pipeworketc to our design drawings and specifications,” explains Chris.

“However, the majority of schemes are for 'turnkey' supply,where the client awards a single source contract for the supplyof our equipment plus the ancillary equipment required for theoverall process.

“We then complete all the project management and co-ordination between client and subcontractors.”

THE chill winds of economic hardship may be putting the freeze on the activities of many companies - but theonly thing on ice at Mechatherm International Ltd is the champagne.

This year glasses are being raised to toast the West Midlandscompany’s spectacular feat of achieving a cumulative totalturnover of £200 million since 1991.

The pause for congratulations will be momentary however, asMechatherm, which has been designing and supplyingequipment predominantly for the aluminium industry since 1973,is pushing on with its goal to attain a £20 million annual turnover.

That should be noproblem for thisforward-thinking,innovative and world-leadingmanufacturer, whichhas done nothingbut progress instature, size and turnoverfrom the start.

“We have become a worldwide brand-name for melting, holdingand heat treatment furnaces,” says Managing Director Chris Emes.

“We specialise in equipment for casthouse technology, includingall types of melting furnaces, casting equipment and ancillaryequipment to complete a turnkey aluminium process line.

“We also provide air recirculation heat treatment and re-heatingfurnaces for flat, rolled, forged, extruded and cast products forthe aluminium market.”

More than 50 people, mainly professional and experiencedengineers with some administrative staff, are based atMechatherm’s office in Kingswinford, from where it oversees itsglobal operation - but its reach was not always so far.

The company was launched as Mechatherm Engineering by thefathers of Chris and Chairman Andrew Riley, Bryan Emes andLou Riley, together with a third engineer John Gardner.

Those early days saw the business focus on aluminium heattreatment, extrusion and steel with most of the custom UKbased - with some exports to South Africa, Europe Scandinaviaand the Middle East.

Annual turnover was soon marching upwards, from £2-3millionto £15million over the years and, in 1991, when Andrew andChris became the major shareholders upon the retirement of thefounder members, exports rose dramatically.

With the move reflected in its name change to MechathermInternational Ltd, orders from the Far East, Middle East andAustralia accounted for up to 90% of the company’s businessduring the 1990s.

echatherm

Stafford Court . Boundary Industrial Estate . Wolverhampton . WV10 7ELt: 01902 780060

We are proud to support

Mechatherm Internationaland wish them luck in the future

SERVICESWright Electrical

t: 01283 790740 e: [email protected]

are pleased to be associated withMechatherm International

and wish them all the best

a: 9 Long Lane | Fradley | Lich�eld | Sta�ordshire | WS13 8NS

S&H Installationsspecialists in furnaces

74


LimitedUnit 27-28, Industrial Estate, East Goscote, Leicester, LE7 3SLTel: 0116 260 1001 Fax: 0116 264 0186

e-mail: [email protected] Site: www.andrewshydraulics.co.uk

Proud to supply Mechatherm International Ltdwith Hydraulic Power Units, Manifolds &

System Design Support

Johnson PorterJPI

“Therefore employee training and development is criticallyimportant. These needs are regularly assed via our ongoingappraisal scheme and training needs are constantly planned,implemented and their effectiveness reviewed.”

The efforts to provide and supply only the very best are not justbeing rewarded by business success, Mechatherm, a member”

of the British Industrial Furnace Constructors Association, TMS,USA and America’s Aluminium Association, is now the proudholder of a lengthy list of awards.

They include: the Queen’s Award for Export (1996), the Queen’sAward for Enterprise - International Trade (2001), Exporter of theYear Award (2008), the West Midlands Regional Winner for ExportAchievement (1998) and Growing Business Awards (1999).

For Mechatherm and its workforce there’s much to look back onwith pride - and there’s much to look forward to.

There’ve been many challenges - technical, legal, financial andlogistical - along the way and, doubtless, many more to come butChris, who sees the company’s growth to its current level of turnoveras one of his biggest business achievements remains practical.

“Engineering,” he states with a smile, “is a long learning curve.”

For more information about Mechatherm and its services,

Visit: www.mechatherm.comTelephone: 01384 279132


All Mechatherm’s equipment is custom engineered to suit’ individualrequirements; its expert personnel working closely with them todesign and supply the optimum equipment for the specification.

A combination of design concepts based on proven technologyand experience gained during this period, forward thinking andnew innovative ideas ensures that the end result features thelatest available technology.

With its order book spanning the globe, the staff hasconsiderable expertise in customising furnace designs to suitspecific locations, local standards and regulations and theclients’ own specific internal standards.

“We use many differentcontractors for thefabrication, componentsupply and labour usuallylocally to where theequipment will beinstalled,” adds Chris.

“We have a widenetwork and goodrelationship with manylocal fabrication and

construction companies and also work closely with ourlicensees and local collaborators / partners to service the manydifferent continents in which we operate.

“We have working partners in Thailand, China, South Africa,Russia and India plus many other worldwide non exclusivityagreements with local representatives.”

The absence of parent companies, external shareholders or anyother third parties, he adds, means active, unhindered andefficient roles in the company's activities.

It almost goes without saying that you don’t become aworldwide brand name without a certain commitment to qualityand, for Mechatherm, quality is infused with everything it doesand always has been.

It was certified with ISO9001 in 1992 and has further improvedon this with a fully comprehensive 'Total Quality Management'program, which every single person in the business has signedup to, and ongoing implementation of the 'Investors in People'scheme, a status originally achieved in 2001.

“To achieve our goal of 100% customer satisfaction we realise wehave to continuously develop the knowledge, skills andcompetencies of our most important asset - our people,” adds Chris.

echatherm

75


Automation UniversitySpecial25 - 26 April 2012Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham

How can you achieve and maintain a competitive edge in today’s manufacturing industry?If your role is in management, engineering, IT or purchasing, visit Automation University Special 2012 for invaluable, up-to-date latest news, views, trends and technologies of integrated information and automation solutions.

Check out Rockwell Automation and partner products and technologies Meet participants who work in similar �elds Get exclusive access to course materials after the event Completely free of charge

Registering is easy: www.automationuniversity.eu

Salem St, Great BridgeTipton DY4 7JH Tel: 0121 520 1422 Fax: 0121 520 1431 Email: [email protected]

T. Masters& Son Ltd

We are specialists in the design and production of Ingot Casting Machines and specialized equipment for the Non-Ferrous and Ferrous Secondary and Primary Metal Re�ning Industries.

www.tmasters.co.uk

T.Masters& Son Ltd

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77


TELFORD’S Eurofilms Extrusion Ltd may be the largest ofits kind in the UK but it’s determined to be top of thewraps in Europe too.

Based in Shropshire, at the centre of the UK’s plastic processingindustry, the company manufactures pallet wrap stretch film,collation shrink film and a wide selection of other flexible filmproducts which it delivers the length and breadth of the countryand into Europe.

And it’s Europe that is offering even greater opportunity for abusiness which prides itself on its continuous investment inproduct development and an ever-expanding productioncapacity that keeps it at the forefront of the latest filmdevelopments.

Last year alone saw 15%to 18% of EurofilmsExtrusion’s productionexported to France,Benelux and Germanybut, as chairman GrahamHumphreys explains, thetarget is boost that figureto 50% to mainlandEurope by 2013.

“Collectively thesecountries are a far bigger market forindustrial pallet wrapstretch film than the UK,”he points out.

“We are currently the number two manufacturer of pallet wrappre-stretch films within Europe, marketed under our Euro-literange, and our continuous investment policy signifies ourcommitment to supporting our very important customer base -we are striving to be number one!”

The powerhouse behindthis drive to the top isEurofilms Extrusion’s newstate-of-the-art bespoke70,000sq ft extrusion andwarehouse facility whichoperates on a 24/7 basisand contains the latest filmextrusion lines andtechnologically advancedrewind systems.

Add to this the exciting new product manufacturingdevelopments of the hugely successful Euro-lite stretch film palletwrap range and the arrival of new thinner 12 and 15 micron filmproduction for standard machine pallet wrap film products, and itlooks as if the top Euro-slot is unlikely to be far away.

“Our continuous investment in product development and ever-expanding production capacity have allowed us to be a highlysuccessful market leader and ensures our customers are alwaysbenefiting from packaging cost efficiencies,” says Graham. “Wewill continue to grow and invest.

“We can pass on dramatic savings to clients through improvedyields, and the added benefit of using less film and, therefore,increased environmental benefits, for these and waste savingsare always at the forefront of our product development strategy.”

Of course, the drive to succeed has never been at the expenseof sound business sense and Graham says one of the bigchallenges has been to ensure that Eurofilms Extrusion hasconstantly ensured its medium and long capital investmenttiming is in line with market and product developments.

“It involves essential planning and good future market insight,and it’s critical to ensure all areas of the business, includingsales and finance, align and keep pace with large assetpurchases,” he says.

Hercules Business Park, Lostock Lane, Bolton BL6 4BR

Tel.01204 675150 Fax.01204 675151 Email [email protected]

www.corenso.com

FOR PLASTIC FILMS AND FLEXIBLE PACKAGINGCorenso develops and supplies tailor-made

solutions for the special needs of the flexible

packaging and plastic film industries, paying

particular attention to smoothness, strength

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We also produce a wide variety of edge

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and warehousing

CORES

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51

ton BL6 4BR

78


It’s certainly a challenge that has been overcome, however.From it’s launch in 1995, Eurofilms Extrusion has grown to theextent that its turnover today is almost £25 million.

It’s only a matter of time before the European top spot will be allwrapped up.

For further information about Eurofilms Extrusion Ltd,

Visit: www.eurofilms.comCall: 01952 60 66 33


www.sheldonclaytongroup.co.uk

0121 520 7070

Sheldon Clayton Logistics Groupin conjunction with Mike Williams Haulageare proud to be supporting Eurofilms Extrusion Ltd with their warehousing and national distribution

Sheldon Clayton logistics group

Cygnus Point, Black Country New Road, West Bromwich B70 0BD

email: [email protected] fax: 0121 521 5919

79


During the turbulent economic conditionsof the past few years, many businessesacross the UK have struggled butBirmingham based time and attendancespecialist Auto Time Solutions is aremarkable exception having bucked thetrend to record strong year-on-yeargrowth for the past three years.The company is a leading supplier of time and attendancesolutions and is at the cutting edge of the latest technology,offering an extensive range of time management solutionsincluding swipe card and proximity systems as well as the latestbiometric and web-based applications.

Its products are used across a wide variety of industries acrossthe UK to monitor the working time of employees – includingfacilities management, manufacturing, retail, leisure, recruitmentand sports stadiums.

Over the past couple of years Auto Time has secured significantcontract wins and has strengthened its position within theindustry through the formation of key partnership agreementswhich have helped the company to enhance its product rangeand customer service delivery.

In the past 12 months alone Auto Time’s turnover has grownby 25% with a contracted 52% increase already secured forthis year.

The company is well placed for increasing future growth andis currently looking to expand its sales force in 2012.

Christian Berenger, Business Development Director atAuto Time explains the reasons behind the company’s

success during theeconomic downturn.

He says: “To be ableto experience growth

during this economicclimate has been

a tremendousachievement.Over the past

few years we’veinvested heavilyin the latest

AUTO TIME solutions

Growth throughtough economic times

For further information call 0121 773 7222

technology to ensure we’re at the forefront of the industry andthis has paid dividends.

“Since the recession more and more companies haverecognised the cost savings that can be achieved through theaccurate monitoring of staff time and attendance. When youconsider that staff typically account for up to 80% of acompany’s overall costs, it’s an area that cannot be overlooked.

“Traditional ‘9 to 5’ jobs are gradually becoming a thing of thepast and have been replaced in many businesses by flexibleworking practices and complex 24/7 shift patterns, socompanies need systems in place to help them stay in control.”

Auto Time attributes much of its success to its continuedproduct development and innovative use of technology tocreate solutions to meet customers’ needs.

Auto Time’s recent performance has been fuelled by thesuccessful launch of its flagship product Vanquish, an advancedmobile workforce management solution that allows businessesto centrally manage mulitple sites and remote workers.

With Vanquish workers can verify their attendance usingbiometric Handpunch and fingerprint terminals as well asweb-enabled devices, such as laptops, tablets andsmartphones, which communicate via GPRS mobile networksso that managers can monitor the time and attendance of theiremployees wherever their location.

This allows organisations to be increasingly flexible with theirworking patterns and enable staff to work from home if need be.

Vanquish offers a host of features that enable companies topro–actively manage staff attendance and absences, andremove the administrative burden and errors associated withprocessing manual timesheets.

80


case study 1

Auto Time Solutions has successfully installed abiometric time and attendance system at DraytonManor ThemePark tomanage theworkingtime ofover 500part-timepersonnelemployed during thepark’s peak visitor period.

Prior to the installation the theme park was operating12 different time management solutions at ten locationsthroughout the park. Due to this diverse range of timemanagement equipment on site it was proving difficult forthe HR department at Drayton Manor to monitor which staffwere present on site at any one time. Auto Time Solutionssuccessfully replaced the system with an integratedweb-based solution with 10 biometric terminals locatedacross the park.

The new system allows the HR department to centrally manage its staff and run comprehensive reports on individuals’ time and attendance records.

The software highlights to management when areas of thepark are short staffed and when staff fail to attend work. Thisis vital in areas of the park where animals need cleaning outand feeding, for security issues, and for the safety of thegeneral public on the rides.

As well as automating the time and attendance process thebiometric solution has also helped to streamline the payrollprocess, which now takes only two to four hours tocomplete.

Clare Beasley from Drayton Manor says: “Instead ofprocessing everyone’s clock card, the HR department cannow simply look at a screen to monitor the staff in the park.The report facilities also allow us to look in depth atemployee attendance and featureslike that will prove very helpful asthe theme park continues toexpand.

“A key priority for us was to ensurethat the new system did not causedisruption for our users, particularlyin the run up to the peak season.Auto Time understood the impactthis would have on the theme parkand made sure the solution wasimplemented professionally and inline with our requirements.”

Recruitment agencies across the UK are harnessing the features of Auto Time’s flagship product, Vanquish, toassist them in their compliance with new AgencyWorkers Regulations.

The Agency Workers Regulations, which came into force on1 October 2011 represented the biggest change regardingthe employment of temporary staff, with workers now receiving the same pay and conditions as permanent staff atthe same employer after 12 weeks on assignment.

To support agencies with their compliance to AWRAuto Time have made significant developments to Vanquishto protect them from unknown breaches of the regulation.

This includes an alert system which identifies and highlightsto managers when workers are approaching the 12 weekqualifying period, whilst scheduling features enable managers to plan their resources more effectively.

In addition Vanquish is helping recruitment agencies withthe administration of travel and subsistence dispensationschemes by recording evidence and storing history ofemployee claims.

Drayton ManorTheme Park clockson with Auto Time

Furthermore the system assists companies with theircompliance to EU Working Time Regulations and Health andSafety legislations.

Christian says: “At Auto Time we are always striving to be at thecutting edge of innovative workforce management solutions.With Vanquish we’ve created a whole new platform for mobileworkforce management by gathering real-time data fromweb-enabled devices.

“As well as ensuring the welfare of remote workers, ourcustomers can also turn this data into meaningful information toautomate the payroll process, pro-actively manage absencesand remove the burden of manual timesheets."

Since the launch of Vanquish, Auto Time has enjoyedoverwhelming success in industry sectors that supply lowmargin services such as the contract cleaning industry andmost notably the recruitment sector, where it has quicklyestablished itself as an essential industry tool in assistingagencies with the management of temporary staff and with theircompliance to new Agency Workers Regulations.

Christian adds: “We’re pleased that our efforts over the pastcouple of years have produced such great results. We feel thatwe have laid the cornerstone for future growth and are excitedby the opportunities that the next 12 months may bring.”

For more information contact0121 773 7222


helping recruitment agenciesconform to AWR regulations

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The software has also helped to improve the health andsafety of Conference & Hospitality workers on matchdays as

management at the stadium can nowsee in real-time which staff haveregistered their attendance at anygiven time.

Carol Deakin from Birmingham CityFootball Club says: “It is absolutelyimperative that we monitor the time andattendance of our conference/events andhospitality matchday staff.

“With Auto:Time Premium we know at aglance in real-time which members ofstaff are on the premises at any giventime. This is essential not only for healthand safety reasons but also in theunfortunate event of a fire breaking outat the stadium.

“The software also helps us monitor thelevels of staffing hours, which in turn hasimproved the accuracy of our payrollprocess and eradicated disputes overhours worked by staff.

“I highly recommend Auto Time Solutions.Any queries I have with the system is justone phone call away and there is alwayssomeone on hand to assist me.”

case study 2

Auto Time Solutions has helped Birmingham City FootballClub to streamline its payroll process and improve the healthand safety of its 160 Conference andMatchday staff with the successfulinstallation of a time and attendancesystem at St Andrews.

For a long time staff had to registertheir attendance on matchdays usingmanual timesheets which werecalculated, formulated onto aspreadsheet and then emailed to theclub’s payroll department.

Over time this was proving a timeconsuming task to perform and wasoften open to administrative errors.

To help automate and streamline theentire process, the club sought asolution which would allow them toautomatically verify workers’attendance in real-time and ensurepayroll accuracy.

The club commissioned Auto TimeSolutions to install two proximityclocking terminals linked to Auto:TimePremium, a powerful time andattendance software solution.

The software accurately monitors thestart and finish times of Conference and Hospitality Matchdayworkers, and automatically calculates the hours which theyhave worked. This has helped to streamline the payrollprocess which now only takes approximately ½ hour tocomplete compared to 4 ½ hours when manual timesheetshad to be calculated previously.

All staff data is stored in the system and if any member of staffhas a payroll query the information is instantly accessible atthe touch of a button rather than having to trawl throughendless sheets of paperwork. This has made liaising with thepayroll department much easier for staff. Meanwhile anydiscrepancies and disputes about hours worked have beenremoved as staff attendance is now documented in‘black and white’.

Auto Time scores with The Blues!New time and attendance solution assists Birmingham City FCwith management of Conference & Matchday hospitality staff

Clocking On (from left to right) Adam Lamb fromBirmingham City Football Club pictured with James Manning,

Business Development Manager at Auto Time Solutions.

For further information call 0121 773 7222

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case study 3

Valen Fittings, one of the UK’sleading manufacturers ofspecialist butt weld fittingsbased in Walsall, hasreplaced its card clockingsystem with an advancedbiometric solution installedby Auto Time Solutions.

As a manufacturer employing 80members of staff, of which20 employees work night shifts, it isessential for Valen Fittings to have an accurate time andattendance system to ensure an efficient payroll process.

For many years Valen Fittings used a conventional magstripecard clocking system to monitor staff time but this wasproving inadequate at managing the shift patterns worked byemployees and subsequently increased the workload placedon the desks of the company’s payroll staff.

Having recently extended their premises Valen Fittings saw itas a perfect time to ‘modernise’ their time and attendancesystem with an advanced biometric solution linked toAuto:Time Express software.

When staff now clock in they simply place their hand on ahandscan terminal and their identity is verified within seconds.Because the system measures the shape and height of thehand it guarantees that all clocking in transactions aregenuine and eliminates buddy punching – the act of peopleclocking in for one another.

All employee data is instantly relayed to the company server– without the need for human intervention – from whichmanagers can check the arrival time of each employee. Bygaining immediate confirmation of staff attendance managersare able to confirm that employees have clocked in and outas scheduled.

Nigel Genner, Operations Director from Valen Fittings says:“The new biometric system verifies staff identity in seconds sowe can see almost instantly which staff are on site at any giventime. This has made the administrative process more efficient,resulting in increased cost savings and a more accuratepayroll process.

“Not only that but the introduction of the biometric system hasalso improved our compliance to Health and Safety standardsas the system is able to automatically generate roll call reportsin the event of an on-site emergency.”

With the extra bank holiday for the Queen’s Jubilee,European football championships, Wimbledon andLondon Olympics all taking place during the summerin addition to the general school holidayperiod, businesses could be faced withmore requests for time off than normal.James Manning, BusinessDevelopment Manager atAuto Time Solutions says: “Workforceabsence is a constant concern foremployers, but one which could peak this year between Juneand August because of the Jubilee Weekend, Euro 2012 and theLondon Olympics all taking place within a short period of time.

“With people across the UK attending Olympic events and otherslooking to stay home to watch their favourite sporting events ontelevision, employers could see a significant increase inabsences, both planned and unscheduled.”

Auto Time’s advanced time and attendance systems canhelp businesses to significantly reduce the impact ofabsenteeism by accurately managing staff attendance andcomplex working patterns.

Employers urged to prepare for ‘Summer of Sickies’Valen Fittings boosts

payroll efficiency withbiometric solution


...plus enjoy 12months free system

support with this offer!

Call us now on 0121 773 7222

To experience these benefits for yourselfwhy not take advantage of our exclusiveFREE Proof of Concept trial*

AUTO TIME solutions

*Subject to terms and conditions. Offer must end 31st May 2012.

Auto Time'sworkforcemanagementsolutions canhelp youmanage yourstaff moreefficiently whilereducingadministrative burdenand operational costs.

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The Midlands Leading Business & Lifestyle Publication

Tel: 08000 807 809Email: [email protected]


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Documents

Birmingham Business Post Edition 32