THEBUSINESSTHE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE FOR DORSET, WEST HANTS AND SALISBURY

No. 176 MARCH 2014 Established 1994

F o r t h e l a t e s t n e w s v i s i t t h e w e b s i t e a t w w w . b i z m a g . c o . u k

Delivering your news to business leaders for 20 yearsFEATURING: BUSINESS NEWS | FINANCE MATTERS | LAW LINES | SPECIAL FEATURES

Building is looking up

2 people on the move

5 business news

11 finance matters - Tax helpline launched for flood victims

12 special feature - Cloud Computing

15 franchising

16 charity at work

18 employment talk - The recruitment market is changing to a candidate driven market

20 Rowan White Photographic - Telling stories in pictures and words

22 Experts in law - Law firms optimistic despite increased competition

25 special feature - Quality Build

28 transport

30 network news

people on the movesponsored by

Accounting & FinAnce, it, HR, oFFice & commeRciAlwww.bondwilliams.co.uk

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Opinions expressed within this publication are those of the contributors and not necessarily of the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of The Business, but legal responsibility cannot be accepted for errors, omissions or misleading statements. The Business is fully protected by copyright. Nothing contained within this magazine may be reprinted or reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher.

© The Business (Dorset) Ltd 2014 All rights reservedISSN 1354-3806

The Business magazine is mailed free-of-charge to named business people within Dorset, West Hants and Salisbury. Recipients are occasionally contacted to maintain correct mailing details and to provide information regarding special features. Contact us to receive the magazine or to be removed from the mailing list on 01425 471500.

ContentsOn the frontAfter a strong end to 2013, the UK’s construction firms are entering 2014 with growing confidence. See page 25.

Editor: Gill Bevis

Tel: 01425 471500E-mail: mail@bizmag.co.uk

Website: www.bizmag.co.uk

Published by

The Business (Dorset) Ltd9 Gainsborough Road,

Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2HY

Forget Strategy. Get Results.Michael Tobin, founder and CEO of TelecityGroup, is more likely to throw his team to the sharks (literally) than put them in a training seminar. Controversial, thought-provoking and entertaining, his new book ‘Forget Strategy. Get Results.’ outlines his unconventional approach to management and shares his lessons for business success in today’s turbulent economy.A leading global entrepreneur, Tobin provides readers with a fresh way of thinking to successfully manage any sort of business, under any conditions. ‘Forget Strategy. Get Results.’ is ideal for those in search of new ways to motivate their teams to make bolder decisions and handle change with more agility. Published March 2014, by Wiley this book will make managers at all levels rethink and reassess the way they plan and deliver vision.

New chief Micro Nav has further strengthened its management team with the appointment of Stephen Williams as Chief Operating Officer. Stephen joins Micro Nav from Cobham where he was Director of its ATC business.

Photographer of the Year

Karen Wiltshire receiving her award from the judges of The Guild of Photographers.

Karen Wiltshire of Poole-based KW Photography, a specialist in newborn portraits, has been named as ‘Photographer of the Year 2013’ by The Guild of Photographers, a leading membership organisation within the photographic industry.

Hospice patron

Coinciding with the recent Dignity Action Day, Lewis-Manning in Poole is delighted to announce that actress, campaigner, film maker and inspirational speaker, Amanda Waring, has become a Patron for the hospice.

On the Payroll

Ben Pilley (third right) and Nancy Ryder (third left) with Mandy Gardiner, Head of Payroll Services (left); Jane Haines, Office Manager (right), and other members of the PWPS team.

PW Payroll Solutions (PWPS) has taken on two new members of staff after relocating to Poole.Ben Pilley and Nancy Ryder have joined the BACS registered payroll bureau as Payroll Administrators.Their recruitment coincides with PWPS moving to the offices of parent company Princecroft Willis, the chartered accountants and business advisers, at Towngate House in Parkstone Road.

Senior surveyor

Nigel Soloman welcomes Graeme Todd to the team.

Bennington Green, a leading property consultancy in the south, has announced the appointment of a new building surveyor to the team.Graeme Todd, is a Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors with 20 years’ experience and has joined Bennington Green from a FTSE 100 company.

On target for growth

Purbeck Shooting School, one of the finest sporting clay facilities in the UK, has appointed Colin Pennington as the new Operations Manager.

Driving challenge

L-r: Paul Coyne congratulates Andrew Fitzgerald

For most teenagers, passing their car driving test first time on their 18th birthday would be the end of their road craft tuition. It’s not the case for Andrew Fitzgerald, who, as a Bus Driver Apprentice with Eastleigh-based Bluestar, is now starting his PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicles) licence training with the company’s in house instruction team.Paul Coyne, Operations Manager for Bluestar says that Andrew, as with any other trainee bus driver, will now face up to 4 weeks of class room theory and on the road tuition using a 12 metre coach.

Champagne celebration

Peter Williams has been promoted to Head Chef at the 460 cover restaurant at the Haskins Garden Centre at West End, Southampton.

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DSM promotionsTwo former business editors have been promoted at a communications consultancy run by a team of professional journalists in southern England. Andrew Diprose and Ron Wain are now joint Managing Directors at expanding Deep South Media. They were previously Operations and Commercial Directors respectively.Gareth Weekes, the founder of the nine-strong media relations specialist, becomes Executive Chairman, having been Managing Director since inception in 1998.L-r: Ron Wain and Andrew Diprose

Experts in LawDickinson Manser LLP has announced the appointment of three new staff members. Peter Hawker as a Solicitor in the expanding Residential Conveyancing Team. Bryan Scant as a Solicitor in the Family Law Team, and Helen Glatter, a Chartered Accountant, has joined the Private Client Team.

L-r: Peter Hawker, Bryan Scant and Helen Glatter

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Selling your Business? Start by talking to your local Business Brokers.

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Gearing up for golf trolleysGeared motor manufacturer Parvalux has unveiled a new gearbox, which is designed specifically for golf trolleys. A great example of Parvalux’s in-house design capability, the mounting holes on the GB41 have been precisely located to ensure that it can be retrofitted to any golf trolley on the UK market. This offers an enormous outreach into this growing market.

The application engineers at Parvalux’s dedicated test facility carried out an accelerated life test on the GB41 using a golf trolley test rig. In order to apply a variable load on the product, an electromagnetic particle break is used, replicating the steep inclines of a typical golf course. The rig performs 4,000 cycles on the gearbox, simulating 250 rounds of golf!

Bistech expansion creates jobs The management and staff at Bistech, a company that specialises in communications networks, are now enjoying their new building and redesigned offices in Ferndown, on Victoria Road.

The extra space has created room to recruit new staff and facilitate the continuing growth of the business. Bistech currently employs over 50 staff, but is seeking to fill around 10 new vacancies across the business including helpdesk engineer, recruitment specialist, B2B sales executives and a marketing communications executive.

Bistech was established in 1988 and is now a market leader for the provision of business networks and fixed and mobile voice, data and video communications.

l www.bistech.co.uk

Beach Clean 2014In the wake of the winter storms that have been battering the UK, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is calling on coastal communities to volunteer to organise SAS Big Spring Beach Cleans on 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st March to help tackle the marine litter crisis.

l beachcleans@sas.org.uk

Year End Planning Checklist

Using your ISA allowance

Using your annual exemption for inheritance tax

Reviewing Pension contributions

Using your Capital Gains Tax allowance

...and much more

If actioning any of the above sounds daunting, why not call us on 01202 875900 and arrange a

meeting with one of our experts?

you may be able to reduce your tax liabilities by:

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Giving Dorset businesses a new voice

Front l-r: Ian Girling and Lorraine Hubbard, Communications, Training and Patron Relationship ManagerBack l-r: Andrew Diprose, James Tourgout and Ron Wain of Deep South Media.

Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) - which describes itself as the voice of business in the county - has teamed up with Deep South Media (DSM).

DSM is now providing press office and public relations support for the organisation which represents businesses employing 37,000 people across Dorset.

Ian Girling, DCCI Chief Executive, said, ‘The Chamber has great business stories to tell. Deep South Media, with its team of professional journalists, has the necessary skills and experience to bring them to the widest possible audience.’

business news

Style meets performance

AMT brings Finnish design, elegance and quality to the UK with a range of boats that are perfectly suited to Honda’s high performance engines – creating the ultimate package from 15-23 feet open and cabin boats.

Golden Arrow Marine Poole 27 West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HXT 01202 677387 E peter.johnson@goldenarrow.co.uk W goldenarrow.co.uk

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business news

Care Show Bournemouth is taking place from 26th-27th March at the Bournemouth International Centre.

The UK’s largest association of professionals in hearing and balance, The British Academy of Audiology, is to hold it’s annual conference, exhibition and gala dinner at the Bournemouth International Centre for the first time in November 2014.

Southampton Airport has been awarded the title of ‘Top UK Airport’ by Wanderlust readers in the 2014 Wanderlust Readers’ Travel Awards.

Spectrum Housing Group has received a gift aid donation of £260k from subsidiary company Spectrum Property Care. This money will go towards furthering Spectrum Housing Group’s charitable objectives in meeting housing need.

One of Poole’s most popular special events, Dream Machines, returns with a new title sponsor, BLD Group. BLD Dream Machines kicks off Poole’s spectacular events season with 27 weeks of Poole’s motorbike events on 1st April.

Investors in People has announced that Grant Thornton UK LLP will act as the licensed Investors In People centre for the south of England. Grant Thornton will hold the licence from 1st April 2014 for a three year period.

Boating tourism contributed an estimated £3.7bn to the UK economy in 2012/13, according to a new comprehensive report published by the British Marine Federation.

Bournemouth-based Connaught Windows is celebrating 20 years in the industry.

Nominations close on Monday 31st March for the International Association of Book-keepers Finance and Small Business Awards 2014.

l www.iabawards.org/nominations

Navitus Bay Development Ltd is to scale back the proposed wind park in order to reduce its visual impact from all viewpoints along the coast in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

A new survey from the Close Brothers Business Barometer has revealed that 83% of SME business owners in the south west think that energy suppliers may be taking advantage with recent price hikes and over half question the legitimacy of ‘green taxes’ within their energy bill.

Pixelhaus Studios has become one of the elite few Dorset photographic companies to be selected as a ‘Trusted Photographer’ for search engine giant Google.

Only 17% of workers in the south west prefer to meet face-to-face with colleagues, clients and suppliers whilst almost half choose to keep in touch with clients and colleagues via e-mail, according to a new survey by Close Brothers Business.

Uniform Management & Branded Products

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New guide for unfit deskbound office workersAccording to new research on behalf of Sanlam Private Investments, British office workers spend the equivalent of five years of their lives sat at their desk without getting up.

That equates to nearly five hours a day sitting at a desk without moving, which is almost 24 continuous hours a week and around 45 days a year.

The independent research among 1,000 office workers shows that on average, office workers spend 55% of their working day sat down with almost 60% saying they don’t even take a lunch break, and instead eat at their desk.

As a result, 52% are worried about their weight, only 31% are the right weight for their height, 30% say they have worrying stress levels and 53% fear for their health.

While the picture painted by the research of deskbound office workers is in stark contrast to the day in the life of the nation’s professional athletes it could in fact be sports stars to the rescue, with Saracens Rugby Club alongside their sponsors, Sanlam Private Investments, launching the Ultimate Office Fitness Guide to help get office workers active in the work place.

To download The Ultimate Office Fitness Guide visit www.spi.sanlam.co.uk/saracens

SMALLER MANUFACTURERS PLAN INVESTMENT BOOST The UK’s smaller manufacturers are planning to boost investment in the coming year, according to the CBI’s latest SME Trends Survey .

The survey of 335 small and medium-sized manufacturers revealed that total orders and the volume of output increased in the three months to January. Domestic orders rose, while export orders fell. However, in the coming quarter domestic and export orders are both expected to grow more strongly and production is set to rise again.

Firms increased headcount modestly, while optimism about the business situation improved for the third consecutive quarter. Meanwhile, planned investment spending on buildings for the year ahead rose to record levels, and that on plant and machinery strengthened further.

Bridport company wins French armed forces contractAmSafe Bridport Ltd has been awarded a contract from the French Direction Générale de L’armement (DGA) for its requirement for a multipurpose helicopter transport system [designated as système d’hélitransport polyvalent (SHP)] for the French armed forces helicopter fleet.

The SHP is a suite of specialist helicopter cargo lifting equipment capable of safely and efficiently transporting a wide range of cargo loads, both internally and underslung.

The contract is for the supply and support of 256 sets of equipment over a period of seven years. The equipment will be utilised on a wide range of French armed forces helicopters including NH-90, Puma, Super Puma, Cougar and Caracal.

Most of the equipment to be supplied is designed and manufactured by AmSafe Bridport, including its unique QuickDrop remote controlled pendent and hook system which allows loads to be safely dropped by the helicopter crew without the need for the presence of ground crew. QuickDrop enables faster detachment of cargo loads with reduced risks to troops on the ground.

The contract was awarded after a competitive tendering process and is valued at 12.5m euros.

New head office building

L-r: Grahame Pettit presents Condor’s Managing Director David Bayles his Site Safety Pack at Cando House.

Work has started on a £1.7m refurbishment contract on Cando house in Chandlers Ford. The three storey property has been acquired by Condor Office Solutions who will relocate its head office team of 43 personnel once the project has been completed by Amiri Construction in September 2014.

The 951 sq m premises on Bournemouth Road previously served as offices for DIY chain B&Q. The building will be extensively refurbished throughout this year to provide office space, a showroom and workshop spaces.

Amiri Construction has started 2014 with over £14m worth of contracts secured towards its target of £20m.

UK’s high earnersThe UK has the highest paid CEOs in Europe, according to a comprehensive new study released by Vlerick Business School. The study looked at the annual reports of all listed companies in Belgium, France, Germany, and The Netherlands – and those of the FTSE 100 in the UK.

DW NEW 123H X 185W SPRING 28/2/13 13:46 Page 1

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business news

SHINING A LIGHT ON THE UK’S PIONEERING FEMALE TALENTThe search is on to discover the women who have been breaking new ground throughout the UK, across all sectors and industries – from science and the professions to media and public service. The First Women Awards celebrate these achievements and hold them up to inspire the next generation.

Created in 2005 by Real Business and the CBI and held in association with Lloyds Banking Group, the 2014 awards are now open for nominations.

The closing date for entries is Friday 4th April, 2014, with the awards ceremony taking place at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square on Thursday 12th June, 2014.

l http://fwa.realbusiness.co.uk

Celebrity celebrations

Paul Collins presenting the awards together with the recent highest Food Hygiene 5 Rating Certificate to the Head Chef, Rona Robins.

Hotel Celebrity has featured recently on BBC1, BBC Radio, Channel 4, Channel 5 and in the Sun Newspaper. The hotel is attracting the medias’ attention because of its celebrity theming, with each bedroom themed on a particular celebrity, and the display of over 650 celebrity pictures in total.

The hotel is also celebrating receiving three coveted hotel industry awards. Paul Collins, President Dorset Chamber of Commerce, presented Roberto Sbavaglia with the Simply the Best Hotel award from LateRooms; Ewa Lis, Head Receptionist and Ruta Rimko, Head Housekeeper received the Venere, (Expedia), Top Hotel Overall and Top Clean Awards. These awards go to the top 4% of hotels on worldwide ‘client rating’ schemes.

Hotel Celebrity has been chosen, against stiff competition, as the UK 2015 venue for the Institute of Amateur Cinematographers, (film and video). Alan Creamer FACI Vice-Chair confirmed that for the first time the Institute will hold its UK venue in Bournemouth.

l www.hotel-celebrity.com

£100K EXTENSION OPENS

Cllr Terry Cordery officially opens the extension with Dave Wolfenden (left), and Horton’s General Manager Jeff Wentworth (right) and some of the Hortons team.

Councillor Terry Cordery performed a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open a £100,000 extension for Horton Commercials on the Ferndown Industrial Estate. Managing Director Dave Wolfenden who founded the commercial vehicle bodyworks and repair centre in 1987 said that the extra vehicle bay will enable the busy team of 12 skilled body builders and mechanics to meet the increasing demand for their skills by local businesses and authorities.

Every business will sooner or later face a claim from a

customer, however not every business remembers to limit

its liability in its contracts. Failure to do so, or to use the

correct wording, could seriously damage your business in

the event of a claim.

If you are involved in B2B contracts here are some things to bearin mind:- You can’t exclude liability for death or personal injury caused

by your negligence;- Excluding liability for consequential loss doesn’t necessarily

exclude liability for loss of profit and similar matters as theycould be seen as direct loss and even excluding liability forloss of profit may not work if it is not worded properly;

- If you rely on standard terms of business they will be subjectto a “reasonableness” test if challenged. Limiting your liabilityfor property damage to what you are insured for and for liabilityother than death or personal injury, to the contract value isoften upheld;

- Make sure your limitation of liability is actually incorporatedinto the contract, if not it won’t help you;

- The courts tend to be very picky about the wording used – ifyou haven’t worded it properly they will rule it ineffective.

If you are involved in B2C contracts your ability to limit liability ismuch less as there is far greater regulation. For example,excluding consequential loss in B2C contracts is regarded asunfair, as is limiting liability to the price of the contract. Moreover,if you word it wrongly, apart from being ineffective, it can also bea criminal offence.

These issues mean it is important to check with your insurancebrokers that you are adequately insured for things you can insureagainst and that you use the right wording in your contracts.

If you would like furtherinformation, please contactdavid.ashplant@LA-law.com

01202 786165

Protecting your business from claims

Summerhouse wins more advertising businessIntegrated marketing agency Summerhouse has won JE Beale’s media planning and buying business after a competitive 3-way pitch.

JE Beale has 30 stores across the UK, with its flagship store and head office based in Bournemouth.

Summerhouse celebrated 25 years in business in 2013, and counts the Hobbycraft Group and Haskins Garden Centres amongst its key retail clients.

Female entrepreneurs take charge of high street growthFederation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) data used in a BBC report shows the UK’s high streets have seen a dramatic number of women starting-up businesses than at any previous time. Half (49.5%) of small firms established in the past two years in retail, or hotels, catering and leisure are owned primarily by women. This is in stark contrast to high street businesses started more than 20 years ago. When the FSB last surveyed its members it found that only a quarter (24%) of these businesses were primarily female owned.

Further research by the FSB shows women business owners are less likely to take financial risks, borrowing an average of £18,700 for their business compared to £28,800 borrowed by male business owners. The FSB has found that access to finance remains an issue for small firms in every sector, with 40% of firms applying for finance having their applications denied.

In addition, FSB research finds women are more likely to work for a micro business than larger firms. Unemployed women are only 75% as likely to secure a job in a firm employing 11 to 249 employees as they are to work in a micro firm.

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Wanted: Business leaders The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is seeking a prominent business leader to join its Board of Directors.

At the same time, the LEP is also looking for new businesses operating in the Solent to join as members.

l www.solentlep.org.uk

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business news finance matters

TOP ACCOUNTANCY AWARD FOR CHRISTCHURCH FIRM A Dorset-based accountancy practice has triumphed by winning one of the industry’s most prestigious national awards.

Clive and Saron Rusden from Christchurch Accountants were presented with the Accountancy Practice Start-Up Award at the British Accountancy Awards prize giving ceremony held at the Tower of London, attended by over 1,000 guests representing more than 500 companies from across the UK.

Up against fierce competition, the awards programme has been designed not only to celebrate professional standards, but to showcase business excellence in the accountancy field.

Christchurch Accountants LLP was set up three years ago when Saron attracted a number of new clients whilst operating as a sole practitioner. Her husband Clive left his position as Partner at Princecroft Willis LLP to join her, and they have continued to expand their portfolio.

l www.christchurchaccountants.co.uk

Clive and Saron Rusden

50 new jobs on the horizon with pet store expansion programmeIndependent pet-shop retailer PamPurredPets has secured a six figure finance facility from HSBC to support its store expansion programme. The company is planning to increase its store network from 47 to 54 outlets over the next two years, focusing primarily on the M4 corridor and Southern England.

The family-managed company, which was founded in 1981 with its first store in Ferndown, Dorset, opened new stores in Wantage, Oxfordshire, and Rustington, Sussex, just before Christmas, and is due to open further outlets in Bristol and Bordon, Hampshire, in the coming weeks. The store expansion programme will lead to up to 50 new jobs, bringing total staff numbers to 385.

The company has secured a £250,000 funding package from HSBC’s Dorset Commercial Centre in a deal led by Senior International Commercial Manager Andy Farmer. PamPurredPets is a long-standing HSBC customer and the latest finance package further strengthens the relationship between the two organisations.

Business Brains of Bournemouth crowned

The tax status of fixed share members in LLPs has been brought into sharp focus by the Finance Bill 2014 and the expected reclassification is set to affect many.

Since LLP’s were established in 2005, there has been a presumption that all LLP members are self-employed for tax purposes. Last year the government examined this as part of a wide range of measures to clamp down on perceived

tax loopholes. The Finance Bill 2014 sets out a new test of whether a member of an LLP is self employed.

The new test consists of three parts. An LLP member need only satisfy one part to remain self-employed for tax purposes. A member should either:

(a) derive more than 20% of their total remuneration from a variable profit share of the firm as a whole

(b) have a significant influence over the affairs of the LLP or (c) maintain capital in the LLP equal to at least 25% of their fixed

remuneration. The new test will apply to members as at 6th April 2014 although

the Bill itself is not expected to become law until later on in the year. Members who do not pass the new test will be treated as employees for tax purposes unless changes are made before 6th April.

These changes are expected to have a significant impact on professional firms such as accountants and solicitors, who traditionally use a two or three tier partner system to encourage career progression and ultimately succession. The concept of fixed share members works because it allows people a taste of being in business before committing to full equity status.

LLPs should undertake an urgent review of their members’ remuneration now. Some firms may be happy for fixed share members to be reclassified as employees for tax purposes while others will want to ensure that some or all pass the new test.

Firms that are happy for members to be reclassified as employees for tax purposes should bear in mind the financial changes including employers national insurance, pensions and bonus/profit share

Finance Bill 2014 means urgent review needed in tax status of LLP members

By Steven Grant, Head of the Commercial Group at Hampshire law firm Warner Goodman LLP.

arrangements. Firms must also consider whether the change of tax status impacts on a member’s legal status. It is quite possible that a member could be taxed as an employee but remain self-employed for legal purposes, for example where a member has capital and a share of profits below the levels described in the Finance Bill. Firms should review their LLP agreement in view of changes and consider whether it is best to invite members to become employees for legal purposes in which case an employment contract will be needed. Care should be taken to involve members in the discussion to avoid them feeling that they are being demoted. That could have a disastrous impact on management and succession in some firms.

There are clear options available to firms wishing to retain fixed share members. Firms should consider which of the three tests they wish to use. Some firms may use a combination of two or all three. It’s expected that small firms will look closely at the management test whereas this test will be a lot less attractive to larger firms where management is often delegated to a management committee or board.

Most firms are likely to ask members to contribute additional capital, which seems the simplest method. The capital contribution can be by way of a loan and interest can be paid by the LLP to the member so that the member isn’t actually out of pocket. Care should be taken to ensure that the capital contribution satisfies the requirements set out in the Finance Bill. We can help by reviewing or drafting a suitable capital policy and/or loan agreements. Members will need to agree how the capital will be used by the firm. Some members may want to increase their fixed or variable share of profits bearing in mind the new degree of risk that they are taking on.

If you need advice on this or other commercial issues, contact Steven or the commercial team on 02380 717717 or visit the website www.warnergoodman.co.uk

Steve Grant

Tax helpline launched to support people in the south affected by flooding HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a new telephone helpline for anyone affected by the recent floods in the south of England.

The helpline will enable anyone affected to get fast, practical help and advice on a wide range of tax problems they may be facing.

HMRC will also: �� agree instalment arrangements where taxpayers are unable to pay as a result of the floods; �� agree a practical approach when individuals and businesses have lost vital records to the floods;�� suspend debt collection proceedings for those affected by the floods;�� cancel penalties when the taxpayer has missed statutory deadlines. Call the helpline on 0800 904 7900.

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Dorset-based creative agency, The Inspiration Agency, has walked away with the top prize and title of Business Brains of Bournemouth, following the annual quiz of the same name in support of local housing charity, Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA).

The quiz, which took place at The Norfolk Hotel on Richmond Hill, was hosted by quizmaster Andy Edwards in a 9-round knowledge battle, with every subject from business to Broadway being covered.

Rachel Painter-Scott, General Manager of The Norfolk, said, ‘It was such a super evening. A great night which raised £1,000 for BCHA, our chosen charity.’

The Business Brains of Poole 2014 is being held on the 10th June at Patrick’s Restaurant in Ashley Cross.

To register for this event, call Lorna Trent on 01202 410587.

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cloud computing

The network and the cloud: Essential partners for business continuityBy Steve Palmer, Senior Product Manager, Azzurri Communications

The distributed and offsite nature of cloud computing makes it a prime candidate for taking a pivotal role in an organisation’s business continuity planning. But as good as the cloud is for this purpose, firms should be aware that it adds another element of risk to the equation that must be mitigated first, especially if you are considering the cloud as a key component of your business continuity strategy.

Whenever an organisation’s business-critical applications and data are moved offsite, the organisation’s network connection not only comes under greater strain, but its reliability becomes critical also. In fact, with cloud computing as part of a business continuity strategy, your network becomes the most critical single component of your organisation’s entire business

continuity infrastructure. Build a great cloud on a poor network and you may as well not bother.

The organisation’s network must therefore be ‘cloud-ready’ before the cloud can play any meaningful role in business continuity. So what are the key components of a cloud-ready network? We consider a network to be cloud ready if it incorporates the following components:

�� A secure and scalable converged network that is centrally managed: The cloud relies on a robust network infrastructure that is dynamic, secure, scalable and distributed, and can be monitored and managed centrally. The network should also be a converged network i.e. all types of traffic – voice, data, video and mobile – should be managed efficiently within the same network.

�� Built in scalability and redundancy: Scalability to manage the peaks in demand that come from using the cloud, and redundancy in order to keep the lights on if one aspect of the network falls down. A network that is built in this way will also operate on a range of different access technologies (DSL, fibre, wi-fi, cellular etc.) in order to further minimise risk.

�� Virtualised network: With virtualisation, a single ‘best-of-breed’ IP network can be built on a range of different technologies from different suppliers, enabling the organisation to choose the best components to support its business continuity requirements. It facilitates

convergence and flexibility, and since the organisation no longer physically owns its network, it enables it to shift an even greater proportion of its IT costs to the more flexible OpEx model that is more commonly used among cloud suppliers. Lastly, with a virtualisation layer unifiying all technical aspects of the network, application developers only have to develop for one infrastructure.

�� Application performance monitoring: Cloud applications are useless to the organisation if their performance is so poor that it slows everyone down. This not only damages productivity, but may encourage employees to bypass the cloud altogether and return to on-premise applications that are outside of the business continuity

ENHANCED, one of the South’s leading IT consultants, now have another new product to add to their existing portfolio – aCloud CRM.

What is aCloud CRM?

aCloud CRM (Customer Relationship Management) allows businesses to manage business relationships and the data and information associated with them. With aCloud CRM, you can store all your information in one central location, in the cloud so the information is accessible by many, in real time.

Who is aCloud CRM for?

It is for any business who wants to see their company grow and communicate more effectively with both existing and potential cus-tomers. With no initial high cost outlay and minimal running costs it is an effective CRM system which is a proven invaluable tool, avail-able any time, any place, any where.

Why do I need aCloud?

aCloud CRM integrates your business systems into the cloud, making for a more efficient running of marketing, customer services and sales and client management. aCloud CRM is designed to merge with your existing business software, saving you the hassle of integrating multiple systems with one another.

What are the main benefits of aCloud CRM?

• Intuitive pipeline management• Improves marketing ROI• Fully compatible with tablet, iOS and Android devices• Full visibility of customer orders• Real-time information• Cost Effective – no initial outlay

Why should I go to ENHANCED for aCloud CRM?

ENHANCED are renowned for being one of the fastest growing IT consultants on the South coast. They are Access’ number one reseller and award winners for their customer service.

After celebrating 20 years in business, our extensive experience and award winning customer service has helped hundreds of companies to grow and improve their business efficiency. Here’s to another 20! We hope you will join us in our future success.

Cheers!

Accounting & ERP | CRM | eCommerce | ConsultancyDevelopment & Integration Web | Infrastructure | Support

Enhanced work with companies who believe that IT is now at the core of their business growth

Telephone: 01202 308000 Visit us at: www.enhanced.co.uk

C E L E B R A T I N G 2 0 Y E A R S

“ At ENHANCED we help our customers every step of the way, allowing them to get the very best use out of the system. Businesses looking to grow can look to make best use of their salesforce and marketing spend whilst also enhancing the customer experience. This makes the use of aCloud CRM quicker, simpler and more efficient.” Mike Blunden l Sales Manager

Enhanced_17Feb.2h.indd 1 17/02/2014 12:04

sponsored by:

T: 01202 479999 E: enquiries@itecgroup.com W: www.itecgroup.co.uk Itec, 13, Silver Business Park, Airfield Way, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 3TA

infrastructure. The network must therefore be able to monitor the performance of all the applications running on it so that they can be optimised, differentially attaching priority to critical application flows.

Moving critical applications to the cloud without a strong and flexible network in place is like building a house with no foundations. If enterprises fail to ensure their own corporate networks have the right levels of bandwidth, flexibility, latency and security then they will at best never see the benefits of the cloud, and at worst, open up their business to significantly greater operational risk than if they’d remained on-premise. Never is this more important than when thinking of the organisation’s disaster recovery/business continuity strategy.

Case Study: Reed Recruitment’s business continuity cloud network with AzzurriAs one of the UK’s most successful specialist recruitment agencies, Reed Specialist Recruitment operates 300 retail branches throughout the country and www.reed.co.uk, its commercial jobsite, features over 250,000 live employment opportunities at any one time.

With so much sensitive data within its network, Reed is uncomfortable with the idea of storing confidential information about the company’s clients and candidates on third-party systems in the public cloud. However, fully keen to reap the business continuity and cost-saving benefits of cloud computing, Reed has built itself a private cloud infrastructure on Azzurri’s fully resilient Intelligent Cloud Optimised Network (ICON). With resilience and redundancy built right into the network, Reed’s cloud computing strategy has not only saved the company money and improved the speed at which new services are deployed, but it has added an extra layer to the company’s business continuity strategy.

Visit www.bizmag.co.uk March 201412 Advertorial

Blue Chip Wins EMEA-wide Cloud Industry Award

Anthony Green

IT specialist and Cloud Services provider, Blue Chip, has won Best Service Provider at EVault’s EMEA awards, which recognise the reseller and managed service provider partners across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Powered by EVault, Blue Chip’s Cloud Services Backup and Disaster Recovery system – SecureVault - has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2011. The award for Best Service Provider was based on the criteria of business growth, communication, co-operation, commitment and successes alongside a clear demonstration of Blue Chip’s technical competence and skill through higher technical accreditation than the majority of EVault partners.

Anthony Green, Sales and Marketing Director at Blue Chip, said, ‘This award is especially auspicious as EVault was

recognised at the industry Storage, Virtualisation and Cloud (SVC) awards at the end of last year as Cloud Storage Product of the Year. It shows that as a business we are working with and delivering best-of-breed solutions to our customers, with cloud services and online backup and disaster recovery becoming a prominent part of our offering.’

Last year Blue Chip announced substantial investment in its cloud offerings including building an extensive computer platform to enable the business to deliver Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and online backup. Demand has more than doubled in the last year alone, which has led to a further £1m investment over three years to facilitate further increase.

SecureVault is a fully scalable cloud backup solution that can accommodate increased volumes of data as organisations expand. Secured across Blue

Chip’s state-of-art-data centres means that they benefit from robust protection and peace of mind that their data is accessible 24 x 7, should disaster strike. Organisations can also procure this service on a pay-per-usage basis making it an extremely

franchising

QUAYSTONE: THE POWER BEHINDwww.bizmag.co.uk

Total Website Management

Work Made Simple

www.quaystonesoftware.com

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Franchising outstripped the rest of the economy Franchising is a growing industry that offers tried and tested methods backed-up with structured support.

During the past 20 years franchising has grown from an industry that had a turnover of just over £5bn to contributing £13.7bn to the economy in 2013.

Now in its 29th year, the Natwest bfa Franchise Survey has become the benchmark view on the UK franchise industry and this year’s edition continues to demonstrate the robustness of the sector and the business model. Here are a few key facts:

� Industry annual turnover: £13.7bn

� Revenues have grown 20% since 2008 (overall UK economy has contracted 2.5% in the same timeframe)

� Number of franchisors: 930

� Number of franchisee outlets: 39,000

� Number of people employed in franchising: 561,000

� Full-time employment tops 250,000 for the first time ever

� Franchisees reporting profitability (including new businesses): 92%

The survey this year focused on the growth of franchising since 2008 and the onset of the financial crisis, highlighting perfectly the exceptional performance of the sector which has greatly outstripped the rest of the economy. With business confidence now on the up - 9 out of 10 franchisors expect 2014 to be a better year for them than 2013 - ethical UK franchising looks set to experience further rapid growth, to the benefit of all involved in it.

Statistics are from the NatWest/bfa Franchise Survey 2013.

Bartercard plans major franchise expansion The UK’s largest business-to-business trade exchange, Bartercard, is planning a large-scale nationwide expansion via franchising, tapping into the increased appetite for bartering and franchise ownership across the country.

Over the next five years, the company is set to appoint around 200 new business development consultant franchises, which will be tasked with recruiting new Bartercard members, and 40 district brokerage franchises, which will facilitate trading across the UK and Ireland.

Bartercard is seeking business people with strong sales and management experience. Those selected to own franchises will be provided with a comprehensive training programme along with on-going administration, management and marketing support.

Bartercard is opening its latest district franchise office in the south west paving the way for the growth of bartering in the region.

Bartercard Wessex will enable businesses from Gloucestershire to Somerset to use their spare capacity, and to source the goods and services required to run or expand their business whilst protecting their cash reserves. The new franchise owners, Sean Arnold and Angela Elliott, will help complete Bartercard coverage of the south west. The area the Wessex office will cover borders with existing offices in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall helping to boost the opportunities for local businesses in this key region of the UK.

Martin Lawler

Ringing in the New Year with new franchiseesRingtons is laying the foundations for a successful 2014 as it proudly welcomes three new franchisees. Martin Lawler, Jamie Lawrence and Steven Hook all join the Ringtons franchise family and will take to the roads in their brand new VW caddy vans.

Founded in 1907, Ringtons mobile tea and coffee business has a rich heritage of which it is immensely proud, and the core business is still family owned to this day.

As part of the fully comprehensive training and launch package, new franchisees are guaranteed a minimum of 1,800 new customer orders from day one. Ringtons team of expert door-to-door canvassers visit a franchisee’s territory two weeks prior to their launch to spread the good word and secure the new orders. This ensures new franchisees get off to the best possible start with income and often repeat business from their very first day of trading. The package also includes an exclusive territory, in-depth training programme, £3k of stock, a 3-month deposit on a VW caddy van plus all the equipment needed to successfully launch and run the business.

l www.ringtonsfranchise.co.uk

cloud computing

C4L announces BC technologies as associate partner

BC Technologies, the IT leadership and support company, has signed on the dotted line with the C4L partner network to declare a business alliance to achieve a regular relationship utilising C4L’s colocation and cloud infrastructure.

For BC Technologies the partnership offers invaluable access to C4L’s privately owned colocation and cloud infrastructure, allowing its clients to utilise impenetrable platforms without the risk of exposing

sensitive data through regular storage connections. C4L’s CEO Simon Mewett said, ‘We are delighted to be partnered

with BC Technologies who’s name and customer-facing company is becoming well known to companies nationally. They are bettering their services to help their customers, and we are proud to be able to provide sound infrastructure to ensure this success and increased business.’

Simon Mewett

New ultra-secure free cloud storage solution

affordable back up solution.For more information call

0845 034 7222 or visit www.bluechip.uk.com

Prestigio, an international manufacturer of mobile devices, consumer electronics and accessories, and SurDoc, the technology leader of secure, cloud-based storage, have announced the launch of MultiCloud, the most secure cloud storage solution.

Powered by SurDoc, from February 2014, Prestigio MultiCloud will be preloaded on all Prestigio MultiPhones and MultiPads and is also available in Prestigio Installer. Just sign in with Prestigio ID and get the ultimate cloud experience with 200 GB of free storage for one year!

Prestigio MultiCloud is powered by SurDoc TruPrivacy™ technology. This breakthrough

technology uses the file itself as the encryption key, so only the data owner can have it, enabling for the first time 100% security of data in the cloud.

‘With most cloud storage providers, employees can view users’ data,’ commented Martin MacNamara, UK Sales Director for Prestigio. ‘These providers can’t guarantee that a bored, curious, or dishonest employee will not view, reveal or distribute the contents of a customers’ data unless the data is encrypted and the company doesn’t have the encryption key. With TruPrivacy protection technology used in Prestigio MultiCloud nobody but you can read and use your files.’

Pioneering technology ensures franchisee success

New Horizons has released a new version of its multi award-winning Mentored Learning programme. ML 3.0 allows for remote delivery of mentored training for students. This is exciting news for New Horizons as it means that franchisees can provide their services without even having to be in the same room as their clients.

This improved remote learning offering opens up a much wider client demographic for franchisees and ensures New Horizons maintain a leading position worldwide. A major advantage to franchisees, these training methods are not only preferred by customers, but also strategically designed to decrease costs and increase margins, vital in today’s economic climate.

Along with an award-winning training programme and comprehensive support package, new franchisees are offered an exclusive territory in a major city along with training programmes for all employees. In addition, the package includes ongoing training events and annual conferences, a wide variety of live online events, self-paced e-learning resources and a wealth of tools that franchisees can use to train their employees.

l www.newhorizonsfranchise.co.uk

New Horizons computer learning centre, London

Visit www.bizmag.co.uk2014 MarchVisit www.bizmag.co.uk March 201414 15

‘We couldn’t do it without you’Lewis-Manning Hospice in Poole has issued a ‘thank you’ to all the local businesses and companies who supported the charity in 2013 and is looking for others to get involved in 2014.

Sally Goodenough, the charity’s Corporate and Legacies Fundraiser, said, ‘We simply couldn’t do what we do without the corporate support.’

The hospice, which currently supports over 650 local people living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, is about to enter a very exciting phase in 2014, opening the first of its in-patient bedrooms, which will offer respite, rehabilitation and end of life care.

Sally continues, ‘2014 is going to be a big year for the hospice, so this could be the ideal time for business to get involved with our charity in some way or perhaps even become a corporate partner? We would certainly like to hear from anyone who might be interested.

‘And it’s not just financial or fundraising support we are looking for. There are many different ways that we can work together and support each other, so that everyone benefits, because we like to offer something back in return for any support, including PR support, profile-raising in the community, networking opportunities and brand strengthening. It can also help increase employee morale, encourage employee ideas and everyone can benefit from the feel good factor.’

Contact Sally Goodenough on 01202 708470.

charity at work

Remedy Oak Golf Club has helped a number of charities raise in excess of £100k through supporting a series of golfing events at the club throughout 2013. Charities that benefited are wide-ranging and include Wessex Heartbeat, Sparks, Willow Foundation, Bobby Moore Cancer Research, Wessex Cancer Trust, Wessex Neurological, Streetwise, the Sparkle Appeal, CHAOS, Julia’s House and many more.

Aldridge Brownlee Solicitors LLP has committed to continued support for local housing charity, British Churches Housing Association. The firm raised funds for the charity in 2013 through various initiatives.

Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital presented Julia’s House in Poole with a cheque for £500 raised from its annual staff football match.

Hamworthy Heating has donated two new high efficiency boilers to Poole-based Forest Holme Hospice as part of the hospice’s refurbishment.

Ward Goodman is working with The National Children’s foundation, a UK independent charity based in Boscombe, which helps sick and disabled children predominantly living in the Dorset area.

High flyers of Bournemouth take a leap for charityOn the 30th April this year members of the local Bournemouth Business community will come together to take part in a Skydive with the aim of raising £10,000 for Autism Wessex. Owners and staff from Aruba, AFC Bournemouth, Seventa Events,

Upraw Magazine, My Design and 1812 will be travelling to Swindon on 30th April to take the fall at 15,000 feet! With a considerable amount of money raised already, the brave sky-divers are making sure they’re on target for the £10,000.

To make a donation to back these brave divers, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Bournemouthbusinessskydive

Autism Wessex skydive volunteers from AFC Bournemouth, Aruba, West Beach, 1812 and the Royal Exeter at AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Court.

Syrian humanitarian relief

Jasmine Lakey (centre with turquoise jacket) and friends loading the container.

Julia’s House challenges the business community!Julia’s House, the Dorset children’s hospice, is hosting two big corporate fundraising challenges this year and is inviting businesses to sign up for some team-building adventures they’ll never forget!

New for 2014 is the Lake Challenge Weekend – kayaking, paddle boarding and banana boats are among the activities on offer. It is being held at the New Forest Water Park on the 17th and 18th May. Why not get together with colleagues and make up a team?

Managers don’t get off Scot-free either, for Julia’s House is once again running Execs in Wrecks. The three-day road trip to South Wales, in customised bangers, starts on 17th July. Executives can expect canyoning, car racing and even creepy-crawly eating on the menu. Some of the challenges will be dished up by staff voting back in the office – so bosses beware!

Julia’s House needs to raise £3.9m this year and just 7.5% of that is government funded, so the support of the business community is vital

l juliashouse.org

John Pipe International, a Poole based freight and export packing company, has assisted in the delivery of a shipping container of aid to Jordan as part of the Syrian Relief Campaign. Donated by people from all along the south coast, and consisting of children’s clothes, toys and bedding, the consignment will go in through the port of Aqaba and onward to the refugee camps to the east of Jordan.

John Pipe International also annually moves aid to Maputo Hospital, Harare in Zimbabwe with donations from the local area providing the necessary packing case and keeping costs as low as possible.

For more information on how to donate visit Facebook page: SOS – shipping offerings for Syrians.

Brave new heights for Diverse Abilities PlusDiverse Abilities Plus, Dorset’s disability charity, is looking for people to take part in an exhilarating challenge this year. The charity that supports children and adults with profound physical and learning disabilities, across the county, is holding its third ‘Harbourview 110ft Abseil’ overlooking Poole Harbour on Sunday 11th May and is looking to sign participants up now!

The entry fee is £10 and each participant is kindly asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £100. A discount is applicable for teams of four, with the entry fee at £30 per team.

Contact Sharon Wells by calling 01202 718266.

Manitou UK doubles local charity proceeds The Mayor of Verwood’s fund raising efforts for three local charities has received a cash boost of £2,000 donated by Manitou UK Ltd.

The Mayor’s chosen charities are the Verwood Stroke Club, Action on Hearing Loss who hope to start up a Hearing Clinic in Verwood this coming year, and Wessex Assisting Dogs which help local disabled people improve their lives with the aid of their canine partners.

Peter Richardson Mayor of Verwood and Sarah Hunter, Marketing Supervisor for Manitou UK.

Enhanced celebrates launch of 20/20 charity challenge

Cheers to the Boo Charity

Enhanced, one of the south’s leading IT consultants started 2014 with a challenge; to find 20 companies to help raise £20,000 in its 20th year in business to help one very worthy cause, The Boo Charity.

To celebrate the start of the fund raising year, Enhanced hosted a drinks reception at its Poole offices where each of the 20 companies agreed to raise £1,000.

The Boo Charity is a charity established in the memory of Sarah ‘Boo’ Hicks. Sadly, Sarah lost her battle to cancer at the age of 36. During her last years she sought alternative treatment in Kenya where she was touched by the compassion and love shown to her.

Boo’s lasting wish was to help African Children who are disadvantaged through economic poverty. Russell Hicks, her husband, gave an excellent talk about the charity, how it has grown and the projects that they want to develop to keep Boo’s dream alive.

Simon White, Managing Director, Enhanced, explained how the £20,000 will help build new class rooms, fund teachers and help develop extra courses. Enhanced is also launching a basic computing course to increase the knowledge and business acumen of the many willing pupils. Every singe penny raised will go directly to the charity and its projects.

The response to the challenge has been amazing with further companies also wanting to become involved.

Visit www.bizmag.co.uk2014 MarchVisit www.bizmag.co.uk March 201416 17

www.tmb.uk.comhello@tmb.uk.com

According to a recent article by The Guardian, people in the UK are prepared to give an extra £665m per year to charity, if only charities provided more information about how their money is spent. With that in mind it’s worth thinking about your marketing strategy which is the underlying source of your fundraising and donations.

Which is why it’s important to show HOW the money is being spent and the positive outcomes it has generated.

Targets for donationsInstead of just asking for generic donations, ask people to donate to a specific cause. Such as a new hospice building or a new wheelchair so your supporters can feel part of the plan and more personally involved. Once people donate, they can see the progress towards the target and feel their contribution is helping. Putting their donation into perspective helps supporters to see where their money is going.

Don’t be shyFacebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and LinkedIn are great sources for sharing your news. Just make sure your pages are up to date with your charity’s latest branding and update your status daily. Not only is this great for SEO, but it informs your supporters of what you’re up to, who you’re helping and what events are coming up. The younger generations are more likely to use this channel so make sure you stay in touch.

A picture paints a thousand words...Videos and photos can be shared online within seconds and spread like wildfire providing people with important information straight to the palms of their hands. Always accompany a status update with a photo or video to show people how their money is being spent. And watch your donations increase!

MARKETING MASTERY

01202 483244

About the author: Dom Yeadon, e-marketing consultant of 18 years, heads up digital marketing agency TMB in Poole and specialises in increasing revenues through improved marketing communications.

Communication is key

3 in 5 people pay close attention to where their

donation is going

£5 will buy a mosquito net which can save children’s lives£10 will buy a goat which can be used for milk and grazinghelp us raise £500 for a new sensory room

Jobshop UK, 1 The Triangle, Bournemouth BH2 5RY Tel: 01202 674488

www.jobshopuk.com

From temp to full time recruit

P r o v i n g h e r w o r t h a s a n exceptional temp has led 19 year old Emilie Thomas into a full time position with Jobshop UK. An upturn in the economy has led to an impressive increase in business over the past year with a surge in positions to be filled. With a head for finance and strong numeracy skills, Emilie is being trained to help run Jobshop’s temporary staff payroll, as well as assisting in general administration, greeting c a n d i d a t e s a n d a n s we r i n g enquiries on the reception desk.

Jobshop Director, Tracey Wood said: ‘Emilie is a welcome addition to our ever growing team at Jobshop and Engage. We have seen business increase at a tremendous rate over the past year and Emilie will be helping us make sure that everything continues to run smoothly during what we forecast to be an even busier year for the recruitment industry. Our client base has expanded, and both Jobshop and Engage welcome enquiries from new candidates across all levels and sectors to fill the many positions we have available.’

Emilie Thomas at Jobshop UK

employment talk

The recruitment market is changing rapidly from being focused on filling vacancies to the now scarcer commodity of skilled candidates, says Helen Stacey, Director and Owner of Aspire Jobs.

Changing to a candidate driven market – and why you should care

are more jobs available and more certainty of finding new work. Where job security held people back from moving, those people are now open to hear about new opportunities with increasing status and responsibilities. They want the increased salary and benefits package which has been held back for the last few years – they have the weekend city breaks back in view and plan to buy that item that has been on their wish list for ages.

Helen comments, ‘The jobs market in Dorset has been changing for probably around 4/6 months now but this has become much more apparent since 14th January. In one week alone, we have had three candidates pull out of arranged interviews because they have been offered work elsewhere which is hugely frustrating both for us as recruiters but also our clients. I have been working the Dorset marketplace for over 24 years and it hasn’t been this competitive probably since 2006/7. My plea to clients and employers looking to recruit is simple:-

�� Have it clear in your head what it is you are recruiting for and the type of person you want

�� If you see a good CV then get an interview arranged asap – don’t leave it for even a week as you will run the risk of losing those candidates (who will go to interviews with much more proactive employers).’

Helen continues, ‘Speed really is of the essence, don’t advertise a job if you don’t have time in your diary to recruit for 2/3 weeks – you will just waste everyone’s time, and become hugely frustrated in the process.

This has some really important implications for your recruitment strategies and processes, and importantly for staff retention.

�� It is harder to find good people

�� Good people are likely to quite quickly get alternative offers

�� More attractive job opportunities will be advertised – which your current staff will see

��Work/career motivations are changing – is your business responding to this?

Candidate focused�� The focus is now changing to a far more candidate led market. The best candidates are getting multiple interviews and finding work far more quickly. They can pick and choose between employers. Their motivations to move are changing and employers who forget or ignore this do so at their peril. We are changing to a market where candidates with strong skills are the scarcity.

�� The motivations for candidates to move jobs in a recession are far less important when faced with the absolute necessity of finding any kind of work. Otherwise the key driver is job security.

�� This has meant that people have taken jobs for less money, lower status and responsibility than they naturally desire, and often also at the expense of lifestyle (i.e. working away, or shifts) as well as the other lifestyle detractors (such as taking that extra holiday or keeping up the golf club membership).

�� In a candidate driven market motivations change. There

I have two examples in the last week to share. One is a candidate who having been told she was being made redundant from her role secured interviews for numerous jobs and had three job offers on the table within a two week period – she was then able to pick which employer and role she preferred. The other is a client who advertised for a member of staff last week, was inundated with CVs but sifted them quickly, interviewed this week and arranged second interviews which were booked the day after the first interviews finished. There is also a huge amount of candidates rejecting job offers because the offer isn’t quite right for them – they can now afford to do this!

‘Top candidates are interviewing with multiple companies and have multiple offers to consider. Good candidates are becoming more difficult and demanding. Employers haven’t caught up yet. They still think they can get a great candidate cheap. Counter-offers are a reality, especially when it comes to top performers. Since exceptional candidates are frequently recruited from other companies, prospective employers should be prepared to offer a salary and benefits package that the current employer is not likely to beat.’

Finally Helen adds, ‘This is really good news for the Dorset economy and shows that generally the confidence to recruit is really starting to return. If you are looking for staff then call 07974 429217.

l www.aspirejobs.co.uk

Helen Stacey

Visit www.bizmag.co.uk March 201418

CALL: 01202 292888CLICK: www.sosrecruitment.co.uk

COME IN: 181 - 183 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1JUEMAIL US: jobs@sosrecruitment.co.uk

ssss

recruitment

YOUR WORK IS GOING TO FILL A LARGE PART OF YOUR LIFE, AND THE ONLY WAY TO BE TRULY

SATISFIED IS TO DO WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS GREAT WORK. AND THE ONLY WAY TO DO GREAT WORK IS

TO LOVE WHAT YOU DO. IF YOU HAVEN’T FOUND IT YET, KEEP LOOKING. DON’T SETTLE. AS WITH

ALL MATTERS OF THE HEART, YOU’LL KNOW WHEN YOU FIND IT.

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Call, Click or Come in to speak to SOS recruitment about your future. We place exceptional people into exceptional jobs nationwide.

A one-stop shop... for press releases and photography guaranteed to get you noticedRowan White Photographic telling stories in pictures and words for 27 yearsFor all your photographic requirements from Architecture to Web, from Conference to PRA coffee and a chat will cost you nothing... ‘One call to me and I’ll come to you.’

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Mike Lombard

21

Save money, and the environment

If you can’t stand the heat......stay out of the kitchen. This is the maxim many of us live by, but Sharon Gardner of Inspirations Business Gifts and Corporate Clothing insists ‘the more heat the better’, as one of her best sellers is chefs wear.

In this era of on-line anonymity, Sharon is one very good reason to continue to deal with a ‘real person’. With her bubbly personality, and can do attitude, she has the ability to turn business into pleasure, but being in the real world Inspirations also has an on-line presence.

The company began trading, and received its first order, in April 2011. Three years on, with clients all over the country, business is going from strength to strength and Inspirations is now firmly established as one of the leading suppliers of business marketing merchandise. This is, in no small part, due to the repeat business received from its many happy clients, and the referrals they give as a result.

Sharon commented, ‘Inspirations 2014 catalogue is now available and is bigger and better than ever’. She continued, ‘I’m really excited, now my customers have even more to choose from and will be able to surprise and delight their clients, show them they are valued, and help them to stand out from their competitors.’

As part of its ongoing commitment to offering best value, Inspirations is always happy to provide any advice and recommendations required to ensure that every clients brand is seen, recognised and remembered.

With something to suit every budget from pens, balloons and bags, to, at the more exclusive end of the product range, Christmas hampers, leather conference folders and executive pens, Sharon has become used to answering ‘can you do’ questions, and always in the affirmative.

The more usual USBs, mugs and desk pads are also available, but as already mentioned a speciality is chefs wear, as well as general work wear, T-shirts, polo shirts and fleeces. These

can be supplied unbranded, embroidered or printed, and in smaller quantities if required.

You name it, Inspirations can do it, for marketing that lasts, there really is no need to go anywhere else.

If you thought you could save up to 25% on your energy bills, and as much as *£400 a year on toiletries and cleaning products, would you? Well you can, quite simply, by fitting a water softener.

Mike Lombard of UKh2o, a Kinetica water softener specialist, says, ‘Some misconceptions still exist about water softeners, but technology has advanced significantly in recent years. The life span of our products is 25 years with an average pay back time of three to four years’.

He continues, ‘With soft water, up to 75% less detergent, washing powder, soap and shampoo is used, and the latest government figures estimate a saving of up to 25% on energy bills due to washing machines, boilers and hot-water cylinders remaining more efficient’

With ‘green issues’ being so high on the governments agenda it would appear that there may be a case for all new homes to be fitted with a softener. Not only are there significant financial savings to be made, but as energy usage is reduced there will be less emissions contributing to global warming

too, complying with the long term aims to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.

Kinetica softeners are non-electric so have low running costs, and use a system called ion exchange. This removes the elements which cause water to be

hard, magnesium and calcium ions. The unit contains a bed of resin beads that hold sodium ions, and as the water passes through the softener, the resin beads attract and hold the magnesium and calcium ions and release the sodium ions, making the water soft.

Mike has been in the plumbing industry for over 20 years and started fitting water softeners when his wife opened Ripples bathroom showroom in Westbourne. Many families now have ‘wet rooms’ instead of, or as well as, traditional bathrooms. Soft water doesn’t cause staining to the grout between the tiles and no lime-scale can form either, which is perfect for bathrooms, of all types.

Kinetica is a world leading water treatment specialist with over 40 years experience and pioneered the non-electric valve, they still lead the world today. Together, UKh2o and Kinetica offer the perfect solution to all water treatments, with industrial and commercial systems also being available.

Lesley Walford

Don’t be put off...High profile court cases of sexual assault/harassment, with varying degrees of success, have been widely reported recently. In one case, despite the evidence of five women, no prosecution was achieved.

What a difference a year makes

Sally, left, with Charity Event Organiser Rebecca Way.

Because of the poor success rate of prosecutions, the Crown Prosecution Service has been brought into disrepute. But of more concern is that victims in sexual assault/harassment cases may be reluctant to pursue a prosecution against their assailant, for fear of not being believed.

Lesley Walford, of Consensus Employment Law commented, ‘Even though the media has focussed on high profile cases, similar examples exist in the workplace, both toward male and female employees. Harassment in the work environment, whatever form it takes, is not to be tolerated and if proven to exist, can result in severe penalties.’

Employers should note:

�� Harassment involves unwanted conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity, or creating an offensive, intimidating or hostile environment. It is

discriminatory if it is related to someone’s gender. Often, the first an employer knows about harassment is when an employee puts in a written grievance, or goes off sick with stress. By this stage, it may be too late to avoid liability.

�� Allegations of discrimination or harassment are likely to create bad publicity for an employer. It is better to take steps to prevent such claims, than to manage a crisis after a claim has been made.

�� Discrimination law is designed to ensure equality of opportunity at work, protect employees’ dignity and ensure that complaints can be raised without fear of reprisal.

If you need advice on any employment issue, especially in relation to harassment or victimisation in the workplace, then please contact Consensus Employment Law.

To arrange a confidential, no-obligation FREE half hour consultation please phone Lesley Walford on 01202 739249 or e-mail lesley@consensusemploymentlaw.co.uk

You can find out more about Consensus by visiting www.consensusemploymentlaw.co.uk

Fresh from the success of yet another fun filled charity night, at which £3,417 was raised, Sally Pyle, owner of the Twin Sails Wharf Bar and Restaurant, is now gearing up for Mother’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, yet more corporate functions, and yes, it’ll soon be Easter too!

also, almost uniquely, event and conference facilities which are adjacent to, but separate from, the bar and restaurant.

It is clear that customers are delighted with the venue, and the level of service that is provided, as Twin Sails now regularly receives repeat business from happy customers who are also referring their friends and business colleagues.

As tea and coffee are served all day, as well as beer etc, it is just as appropriate to hold a business meeting in the spacious lounge/bar as it is to have ‘a pint’. There is also a large patio area to the rear with extensive seating, which overlooks Poole Harbour and the Twin Sails Bridge.

The Twin Sails is incredibly versatile, it can be almost anything you want it to be. Whether for a wedding, a corporate event or a wake, to a business breakfast meeting, a pilates class or

a drama group, Sally would like to hear from you. And, because there are so many options, don’t forget the fantastic food that is on offer in the restaurant.

Some dates for you diary:�� St Patrick’s Day, Monday 17th March, special menu, and Guinness £3/pint, all day.

��Mother’s Day, Sunday 30th March, special fixed price menu, 2 courses £15, or 3 courses £20 per person. For tables of four or more, all mums who eat at the Twin Sails on Mother’s Day will receive a FREE bottle of house rosé wine.

�� Ladies Cocktail Night, Friday 25th April. No advance booking required. FREE buffet and music. Smart dress.

�� Sunday Lunch, every Sunday. Always popular and fantastic value.

If you would like to book the Twin Sails function suite there is still availability during 2014, but bookings are also being taken for 2015 & 2016.

It’s just a year since Sally opened The Twin Sails, the keys to which she had been given as a surprise! Sally commented, ‘Everyone who knows me will remember that it’s not so long ago that I was wondering what on earth I’d let myself in for, but month on month business has grown, and the response from customers has been overwhelmingly positive.’

Now, only 12 months on, Sally has turned the Twin Sails Wharf into a lively thriving venue offering not only a bar and restaurant, but

You can contact Sally Pyle on 01202 914990 by e-mail sally.pyle@twinsailswharf.co.uk or for more information visit www.twinsailswharf.org

Sharon measures up!

You can contact Inspirations on 01202 248313, by e-mail sales@myinspirations.co.uk or you can find out more, and see Inspirations many testimonials, at www.myinspirations.co.uk

SPECIAL OFFER when you quote this article: Free embroidery origination, up to 10,000 stitches, and free origination in one colour, worth £30, on business gifts. One order per customer.

*£400 saving is based on a family of four.

SPECIAL OFFER: 12 months free salt, for water usage of two people.

If you would like to contact Mike at UKh2o for a no obligation consultation, call 01202 653006 by e-mail mike@ukh2o.co.uk or to find out more you can visit www.ukh2o.com

You can see customer testimonials at www.reviewcentre.com

• Space to let for Zoomba classes, evenings after 5pm.

Visit www.bizmag.co.uk2014 MarchVisit www.bizmag.co.uk March 201420 21

Personal injury is an area of law that has grown rapidly in recent years with more than three million people being injured in accidents each year, at home, in their cars, at work or outdoors.

Victoria Pearson, Partner and Personal Injury Solicitor at Humphries Kirk explains…

If you have been in an accident you may be

able to get payment for your injuries and the earnings you have lost. In these circumstances you will need to appoint a solicitor who can help to minimise the strain of what can be a stressful process, as well as fight hard to secure you compensation where it is due.

“You will need to provide full details of the accident along with legal expenses insurance which can be found in your home or motor insurance policy and let them know if you are a member of a trade union as it may entitle you to free or reduced-cost legal representation.

“To establish the details of your case, solicitors will need to contact witnesses and know your medical diagnosis. In some circumstances they will need to see proof of your loss of earnings and documents to support your claim. In your initial meeting with your solicitor don’t be afraid to take notes and make sure you ask them to send you a letter summarising the advice they have given you.

“The person you are holding responsible for your accident will be sent a letter detailing the claim and will be instructed to investigate the case and reply to the letter within a fixed period. In their reply they must say whether they accept or deny liability for your injury. If they accept liability, your solicitor will try to settle the matter out of court.

“Personal injury cases do go to court and the thought of this can be daunting. It is important to remember that by this stage your solicitor will have prepared your case in detail and will know the correct route to take.

“Unfortunately there is no longer any legal aid for personal injury cases in the UK, but if your case is successful, the respondent should pay most of your basic legal costs. However, if your solicitor acts for you under a ‘no win no fee’ agreement you will be liable to pay the solicitor’s ‘success fee’ as this is not recoverable from the other side.

Please contact Humphries Kirk for a free initial consultation with one of our highly experienced personal claims solicitors.

Taking Care of Business Contact our business law team:

T: 01202 525333 E: email@ellisjones.co.ukwww.ellisjones.co.uk

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Law firm predicts drop in tribunal claims after TUPE changesReforms aimed at cutting red tape when businesses change owners could result in a drop in employment tribunal claims according to a Dorset law firm.

Changes to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations, otherwise known as TUPE, took effect from January.

The TUPE protections ensure that employees don’t unfairly lose out when a transfer takes place and sets out the rules that the old and new businesses have to follow.

According to Jo Swinson, Employment Relations Minister, the changes ‘clear out the cobwebs’ in some of the TUPE rules and cut red tape.

They include:

� Businesses will be able to renegotiate terms and conditions provided for in collective agreements one year after the transfer provided that overall the change is no less favourable.

� If businesses radically change the way they provide services, the change is unlikely to be caught by the TUPE regulations.

� Amending rules on place of work so that any redundancies due to change of location will not be automatically unfair. This means businesses will not face possible unfair dismissal cases simply because of a change in location of the workplace.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has warned that the reforms could substantially weaken pay and harm job security.

In particular, they fear that low paid workers on contracted-out services, such as cleaning, catering and social care, could be hit hard with the changes to collective agreements.

But employment law expert Kate Brooks, an Associate with Dorset and New Forest law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors, said the TUPE changes were less dramatic than originally proposed.

‘In relation to service provision changes the government chose not to remove these provisions. This means that the legislation remains complex for many businesses and individuals who wish to switch between service provider,’ said Kate.

She added, ‘The legislation has been relaxed in some places which means that it is likely that there will be a drop in the amount of TUPE claims lodged in employment tribunals.’

Kate Brooks

Accidents do happen, and when they do, you want the best legal help fighting your corner

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For further information please visit www.hklaw.eu

Law firms optimistic despite increased competitionLaw firms across the south are finding the business environment increasingly competitive, according to new research.

Pressure on fees is a major issue despite optimism reaching its highest level since 2007, the year which marked the start of the worst financial crisis since the 1930s.

A survey by Smith & Williamson of more than 100 law firms from the UK’s top 250, which included Bournemouth, reveals that eight in 10 firms are confident about the year ahead. The figure compares to just six in 10 last year. Firms with 25 partners or less appear the most upbeat, according to the research by the accountancy and investment management group.

Richard Green, Managing Partner at the south coast office, is a sector specialist in professional practices, advising legal firms across Dorset and Hampshire.

He said, ‘Signs of renewed growth in the economy generally look to be the primary factors behind these results, fuelling hopes that a more solid recovery is on the way.

‘However, the environment has become more competitive in the last 12 months and pressure on fees is cited as the greatest challenge.

‘Furthermore, almost nine in every 10 respondents expect to see greater competition as a result of the Legal Services Act.’

In response, firms are adopting a range of strategies. Some firms (39%) have set up a new service line in the last year, whilst 24% expect to do so in the next 12 months.

Richard said, ‘These approaches, in addition to the high number of lateral hires, suggests a focus on cross-selling services to existing clients and a need for an increasing level of diversification.’

Among other measures taken by respondent firms in the past year, 18% have sub-let office space, 15% have de-equitised

partners, 14% have opened a new office in the UK, 12% have opened an overseas office and 11% have centralised functions.

Rapidly approaching is a major overhaul in the tax rules to hit partnerships from 6th April, which will potentially add significantly to costs for firms and individuals alike, warned Richard.

‘We expect that many partnerships will be affected by the rule changes, particularly larger partnerships providing professional services and especially those which include a service company, corporate member or salaried partners.

‘Although the full details of the new rules have yet to be announced, firms must consider their options and work out a plan. The new legislation will affect each firm differently. This matter is now very urgent as it is just weeks before the new rules apply. Even smaller partnerships need to check that they are not caught as the penalties could be severe if they are affected but take no action.’

To request a copy of Smith & Williamson’s report on its survey of more than 100 law firms, contact Sam Greenwood - Samantha.Greenwood@smith.williamson.co.uk

Richard Green

Tax specialist joins Lester AldridgeLester Aldridge has announced the appointment of Richard Light as a Director in the firm’s tax, trusts and wills team.

Richard has a wealth of experience in advising high net worth individuals on all aspects of personal taxation, including income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax, and related off-shore elements.

He also has considerable experience of advising shareholders on their tax planning, with a particular emphasis on the ultimate sale of their business.

He has advised on a large number of trade sales and private equity transactions.

After a period of initial training at HMRC, he worked at the business advisory firm Deloitte for 24 years at a number of locations in London and on the south coast, where he qualified as a Chartered Tax Adviser.

Richard Light

Victoria Pearson

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experts in law

Steele Raymond LLP boosts property practice

Joanna Jackson

Changes to Health & Safety Law poster

Free legal advice in aid of Pilgrim House Trust

Cordelia English

The Dorset firm of solicitors, Blanchards Bailey LLP has announced its commitment to the Pilgrim House Legal and Financial advice surgery.

Blanchards Bailey has long been committed to helping the local communities where possible, and on this occasion the Weymouth Branch of the company will be offering Legal advice for free, in aid of the Pilgrim House Trust (formerly Age Concern).

Blanchards Bailey has put in place, with the valued help of a very popular local financial advisor, a series of surgeries to be held at Pilgrim House offering free legal and financial advice. Matters such as wills, lasting powers of attorney and other legal questions are often covered.

The next surgery date’s are Friday 28th March and Friday 25th April 2014.

Cordelia English had this to say; ‘Blanchards Bailey are pleased to provide this service to local people, giving their families the security of free legal advice, as well as the opportunity to support a popular local charity.’

Book by calling 01305 761828 between 10am and 2pm.

His Worshipful the Mayor of Poole and the Lady Mayoress joined a number of prominent Poole and Bournemouth business people, as well as investors from London for the official opening of Strata House, a prestigious office development, nestled within the historic Old Town of Poole and yards from the Quay.

The development was the inspiration of two local property entrepreneurs who were tired of poor quality, compromised office space, and thought that they deserved better. So, they decided to do something about

it. After painstaking attention to detail they have unveiled their prestigious office development.

Reception drinks welcomed all those attending, before being shown around the exceptional offices. All were impressed at the high quality and attention to detail that were put into the designing of every suite.

Adam Covell, a Partner at Edward Covell, a local architectural company, said, ‘What an accomplishment to get these offices up to such a high spec, I’m really amazed.’

Peter Eales, Co-Founder of ‘Silicon Beach Business Angels’, said, ‘The offices are spacious, modern and light which seems to have a positive effect on my colleagues in the offices there.’

Mark Whittaker, formerly Managing Director at UBS and now a prominent venture capitalist and business angel said, ‘Strata offers the sort of quality that you might expect to find in a London HQ, but not in Dorset. I like the offices so much I am buying one as an investment.’

In its endeavour to support local businesses, Strata House invited a few of Dorset’s makers of fine food and wine to showcase their wares at the opening. Amongst these were English Oak Vineyard, British Fine Foods, Chesil Smokery, Creative Cakes by Nicki and Quality Hampers and Gifts.

For more information on Strata House, to request a brochure or to arrange a viewing, contact Jonathan Sibbett of Sibbett Gregory on 07768 287 222, or Martin Hastelow of Savills on 07968 550 395.

Strata House reception

Official opening of prestigious office development in Poole

His Worshipful the Mayor of Poole and the Lady Mayoress with Emma and David Stapleton of Strata Investment

quality build

Churchill Retirement Living site manager crowned UK champion

L-r: Al Murray, Chris Brinton and NHBC’s Chief Executive, Mike Quinton

Local resident Chris Binton, 46, Site Manager for Churchill Retirement Living, was awarded a top accolade in the National House Building Council’s ‘Pride in the Job’ gala.

Chris was one of five site managers out of 15,000 to scoop the UK’s ‘Supreme Site Managers of the Year’.

Comedian Al Murray, aka ‘The Pub Landlord’, presented Chris with his award at the black-tie event in London.

Chris started work in the building industry 29 years ago as a labourer and bricklayer and he has worked for Churchill Retirement Living since the company’s set up 20 years ago, initially as a labourer and then later as a Site Manager. He has been an integral part of the company and this award win is the first of the company’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

College hat trick Henderson Green is top of its class when it comes to further education thanks to the completion of several prestigious college contracts.

The Southampton-based engineering consultancy, which is at the forefront of sustainable building design, was brought on board by three south coast colleges - the Bournemouth & Poole College, Havant College and Peter Symonds College in Winchester - to undertake mechanical and electrical designs for both new build and refurbishment projects.

Henderson Green provided its expertise for the building of the new £1.2m STEM facility at the Bournemouth & Poole College which was created to enhance the students’ experience of STEM subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

At Havant College, the consultancy worked on the new £1.2m Business School, and at Peter Symonds college Henderson Green facilitated the replacement of 12 oil boilers whilst the facility was still in operation – and during winter. They now offer 90% efficiency and a considerable financial saving.

Battens reports rising property demand as housing market improvesA Dorset law firm says the government’s extended Help to Buy scheme is prompting a dramatic rise in residential property instructions.

Battens Solicitors, which has offices in Weymouth, Dorchester and Sherborne, says new instructions over the past six months are more than 50% up on the previous half-year.

The firm’s 15-strong residential property team has been boosted by the arrival of two new executives, reflecting the improvement in market conditions.

The first phase of Help to Buy started last April with the government helping to provide mortgage guarantees for those keen to buy new-build homes.

The extended scheme, launched in November, applies to all types of homes up to £600,000 in value.

Battens Solicitor Sarah Ford, who has worked from Battens’ Weymouth and Dorchester offices since 2012, said, ‘Rising demand is also being reflected in higher prices regionally. Average house prices for the south west rose from £171,815 in January 2013 to £176,783 in December 2013. We

Property specialists at Battens’ Weymouth and Dorchester offices. L-r: Cate Barnes, Adam Nash, Charlotte Appleby, Nicola Pugsley and Sarah Ford.

Alan & Thomas Insurance is warning local businesses that the deadline for replacing the old Health & Safety Law poster and displaying the new version at their premises is 5th April 2014.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published a new simplified poster and leaflet in April 2009 to replace the 1999 versions and to help avoid any unnecessary burden on businesses, the HSE Board set a five-year transition period for replacing them. This five year grace period runs out on 5th April so all old posters and leaflets must be replaced with the 2009 versions.

‘Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations 1989 to display the approved poster in a prominent position in each workplace, or to provide each worker with a copy of the approved leaflet that outlines British health and safety law’, explains Stewart King, Chief Operations Officer at Alan & Thomas.

Research showed that the 1999 versions of the H&S law poster and leaflet were visually unappealing and rarely read so they were redesigned to be more readable, colourful and engaging. It sets out in simple terms, using numbered lists of basic points, what employers and workers must do, as well as showing what to do if there is a problem.

Under the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, businesses are also obliged to display a current employer’s liability insurance in a prominent position where employees can view it.

expect, given the level of buyer interest we are seeing, that house price expectations will continue to rise.

‘We have been proactive by adding new members Gail Barry and Paul Field to our already strong property team.’

South coast law firm Steele Raymond LLP has announced the appointment of Joanna Jackson as an Associate in the firm’s Commercial Property Team.

Joanna is a very experienced Commercial Property Lawyer with wide ranging property experience.

Visit www.bizmag.co.uk March 201424 Visit www.bizmag.co.uk2014 March 25

Link Park’s direct frontage onto the Chickerell Link Road and proximity to Weymouth’s major roads makes it the ideal location for many businesses. New buildings at Link Park will again be of the highest quality available in south Dorset and have good green credentials. All units will benefit from reduced cost solar PV electricity, upgraded insulation to reduce heating bills and direct access onto Weymouth’s cycle network.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Link Park or commercial property should contact Mickey Jones on 01305 778896.

l www.linkparkweymouth.com or www.djproperty.com

quality build

Building is backSteve McGuckin, UK Managing Director of the global construction consultancy Turner & Townsend, comments:

Building is back. 2013 ended with a bang, not a whimper, after what began as mere movement turned into real

momentum.

‘The first quarter’s modest decline was quickly forgotten as the construction industry went on to rack up three successive quarters of growth for the first time since 2010.

‘Such steady growth through 2013 has driven confidence back up to pre-crisis levels - and January’s purchasing managers survey clocked the highest levels of activity since August 2007.

‘Housebuilding has been the real engine of the industry’s resurgence - with private sector housebuilding in Q4 up 19% on the same time in 2012, and public sector housebuilding jumping by an even more impressive 22.6%.

‘But such strong growth is masking falls elsewhere - industrial sector construction shrank by 18.9% over the year. So for construction industry players who focus entirely on non-residential work, it is far from boom time yet.

‘The industry as a whole has long experience of riding out the peaks and troughs of the economic cycle. Now the good times are back its best firms are steadily rolling out their latent capacity to meet growing demand.

‘Rapid expansion after such a long lean period means some growing pains are inevitable, but with careful cost planning, the business risk associated with growth can be mitigated.

‘Construction has always been a barometer of wider economic sentiment, and it’s revealing that headhunters say they’re busy again as the industry’s big players seek to hire the best talent. And where senior level recruitment leads, more junior jobs will follow.

‘After such a strong end to 2013, the UK’s construction firms are entering 2014 with a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

£8.5m dementia care home set to create 100 jobs

Colten Care Chief Executive Mark Aitchison and Marketing Executive Laura Rolph at Linden House.

The finishing touches are being made to an £8.5m dedicated dementia care home opening in the heart of Lymington at the end of March.

Linden House in New Street will create around 100 direct jobs including posts for nurses, healthcare assistants, activity organisers, social carers and other ancillary staff.

The home, owned and run by Lymington-based Colten Care, incorporates exceptional design standards and will operate in four house groups of 15 residents each.

Every aspect of the 4,250 sq m home has been designed with dementia care in mind including themed rooms, colour schemes, corridor and room features, and navigational aids.

There is a hairdressing salon, cinema, activities room, café, retreat and even a ‘Linden Square’ complete with ‘shop fronts’ evoking the Georgian grandeur of Lymington.

Themed gardens include a gazebo, beach huts and putting green. References to Lymington and the local area throughout the home will

help the overall aim of prompting both interactivity and reminiscence.

SECOND PHASE OF LINK PARK, WEYMOUTH TO GO AHEAD

Mickey Jones at Link Park

Planning permission has now been granted for Phase 2 of Link Park, in Chickerell, Weymouth.

The second phase will consist of seven units measuring between 1,500 sq ft and 2,500 sq ft and will be particularly attractive to small and medium sized local businesses looking to expand their business into high quality new commercial space. The units will again be of market leading quality, with plentiful parking and are very visible from the busy Chickerell Link Road, just what occupiers are demanding. Being situated next to Phase 1, with occupiers Screwfix, Topps Tiles, Toolstation, Euro Car Parts and Halfords, guarantees high footfall.

Mickey Jones, Chief Executive of DJ Property, said, ‘Almost 100% of the units on the Granby Industrial Estate, Lynch Lane Industrial Estate and Link Park are currently occupied, which is the highest level in the past six years. We are entering a period of strong business growth and development after some quieter years and local businesses are demanding high quality business space for expansion.’

Construction of Phase 2 will commence within the next few weeks and the units should be ready for occupation by late summer 2014.

Building quality across all levelsWith an impressive portfolio spanning the sectors of commercial, educational, health, private, special works, interior and electrical, Greendale Construction Ltd continues to build on its reputation for quality, providing building excellence and superior value throughout the south.

The Lantern Community near Ringwood is Greendale’s major ‘eco build’ project due for completion in the spring. The 48 week contract has seen the construction of two new craft workshops at the campus which will enable adults with special needs to benefit from the charity’s holistic approach, and encourage them to contribute and partake in a mutually supportive environment.

Using green and ecological methods wherever appropriate, the roofs of the weavery and pottery are built from cedar shingles with small elements of copper, and the walls in materials to reflect the use of the internal spaces; clay bricks were used for the pottery and flexible workshop with small elements of render, and woven oak lathes used between brick ‘book ends’ for the weavery and seasonal crafts areas within the buildings.

Greendale has a proven ability to work in ‘live’ environments where clients require contracts to be undertaken whilst their establishments continue to remain ‘open for business’. This has ensured Greendale’s skilled workforce is always busy at schools, colleges, doctors surgeries, hospitals and local businesses. Dorchester’s Heritage Automotive showroom benefitted from a refurbishment

One of the eco build projects at The Lantern Community.

A Greendale high spec build at Sandbanks.

C O N S T R U C T I O N L I M I T E D

quality,excellence andcommitment

Commercial | Private | Conservation | Health | Education | Office Interior

We deliver across every sectorOur reputation for delivering an amazing range of quality diverse projects on time and within budget is second to none.We are proud to have firmly established ourselves as part of the fabric of the central south business community over the past 24 years with satisfied customers the length and breadth of this region.

Greendale Construction Limitedunit 6 old Generator House 25 Bourne valley road Poole BH12 1dZPhone 01202 764551 Fax 01202 764221Email enquiries@greendaleconstruction.com WWW.GREENDALECONSTRUCTION.COM

CHARTEREDBUILDINGCOMPANY

Commercial | Private | Conservation | Health | Education | Office Interiors

by Greendale, completed just before Christmas and with minimal disruption. Heritage of Dorchester Brand Manager, Jon Wells, is impressed and comments, ‘Greendale has been incredibly supportive towards our business needs and ensured there was as little disturbance as possible during the build.’

Greendale has seen its portfolio of high spec houses stretch from Dorset to Wiltshire and Hampshire, with its latest private build being Woodlands Farm in Wiltshire, which includes an indoor basement swimming pool. The progress of this, as well as many other builds can be followed on the company blog www.greendaleconstruction.com/blog

The award winning Chartered Building Company’s most recent project for Hampshire County Council, a recladding and refurbishing contract at St Columba Primary Academy, has helped the firm forge new relationships and get closer to its expansion plans of bringing the success of Greendale to a larger client base and geographical area. Greendale’s founding Director, Rob Hooker said, ‘We believe there is an opening in the market to the east of our Poole office and into the M3 corridor for a company like Greendale. We want to offer our professional service to clients in this enterprising and growing market which incorporates Southampton, Portsmouth, the surrounding conurbations and the M3 corridor up toward the London borders – Basingstoke, Berkshire, Surrey, East Sussex.’

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transport road test

Citroën DS3 Cabrio By Tim SaundersA five seat cabriolet with an electronically folding hood that can be operated at speeds of up to 75mph.

The key benefits of the Citroen DS3

Cabrio, which is the only convertible in its class to accommodate so many passengers and to be equipped with a 245 litre boot and split folding rear seat. Making it probably the most versatile convertible on Britain’s roads today. That boot initially looks tiddly but after the lid is lifted it is large enough for a standard pushchair (with the rear wheels removed and packed separately in the boot), which I must say surprises me.

As I sit inside the top-of-the-range 155bhp model I recall testing a Lexus IS250C luxury convertible. I was at the traffic lights when the sun decided to come out and I pressed the button for the roof to go down. Almost instantaneously the lights went to green and I had to get moving. As soon as the car moved the roof stopped going down and so I was driving with it half up and with part of the boot lid still open. I pulled over as soon as it was safe to do so. A ridiculous situation to be in and unsafe. Thank goodness there is finally a convertible that is well suited to the British weather and to impatient motorists like me. Because the roof does not fold back into the boot but above the rear window, it makes it more practical all round, which is why the roof can be operated at speeds of up to 75mph.

The DS3’s high quality canvas roof compliments the bodywork and to the unknowing it appears to be simply a hot hatch but we know otherwise. On first acquaintance the vehicle looks just like the DS3 coupe. My test takes place in the middle of winter with lashing rain and much to my wife’s distaste I have to experience driving with the roof down. Controlled by a button on the overhead console, the hood opens and closes in just 16 seconds flat,

Facts at a glanceDSport THP 1.6-litre 155 6-speed manual Price: £22,100Top speed: 132mph

0-60mph: 8.2secs Economy: 47.9mpg

MOREBUS WILL PRESERVE MANY COUNCIL CUT BUS SERVICES

Andrew Wickham

which is just as well because when the weather gets too unbearable that roof just has to go up. It’s just as well that it is fitted with a hardwearing interior that features leather seats and much plastic, which copes with excess rainwater well. But the great thing is that with the air conditioning turned up to maximum heat you can enjoy all the benefits of open top driving with the advantage of a hot climate. When the DS3 Cabrio’s roof is open an aerodynamic front deflector reduces wind noise and deflects air currents to prevent buffeting.

The sophisticated Infinite Blue roof material is in blue and violet, created by a weave of three different coloured threads. One of these is shiny, with each thread reacting differently to changes in light conditions.

The trouble is that although it is marketed as a five seater, with the best will in the world it doesn’t fit five adults in comfort. Even with our two child seats in the back it is necessary for the front seats to be pushed forward, uncomfortably so for the driver, making it fine for short distances but not longer. The ideal scenario is for three little scamps in the back and then the adults in the front have a reasonable amount of legroom.

At just 3.95m long the DS3 Cabrio is compact enough to get into tight parking spaces, which is extremely important where I live because the council has taken it upon itself to put double yellow lines almost everywhere making the lives of homeowners who do not have driveways and commuters trying to dodge extortionate parking charges, ever more difficult.

Externally the DS3 Cabrio has eye-catching rear lights incorporating a chrome-finished DS logo, 17-inch alloys and a double chrome exhaust further adding to its cool sporting appeal.

It’s a gutsy, fun car to drive with plenty of power, if required. As with all convertibles it makes a great second car.

Watch the video at www.testdrives.biz

Andrew Wickham, Managing Director of morebus, has pledged to keep 70% of bus services running following subsidy cuts announced by Dorset County Council. Three of the morebus routes, the X8 from Poole to Blandford, the 13 which operates between Bournemouth, Ferndown and Wimborne, and the Purbeck Breezer 40 service between Swanage, Wareham and Poole, will see over £215,000 worth of subsidies removed from 1st April which funded off peak travel including evening and Sunday timetables. Daytime weekday and Saturday services will not be affected by the cuts.

He said that with the increasing costs of running bus services the timing of the subsidy cuts could not be worse: ‘Everyone in the transport industry is balancing the cost of running services with need to keep fares as low as possible. We hope that the cuts do not dent the confidence of our customers on these routes and more people realise that they can travel on many of these services for less than £3 a day using our 30 day network ticket!’

Details of time table changes will be made available either on the buses or by visiting www.morebus.co.uk

Model shown is Auris Touring Sports Excel 1.8 VVT-i Hybrid e-CVT £23,245. Offer excludes pearlescent paint extra £650. Prices correct at time of going to press. *Business users only. Initial rental and VAT applies. Available on new sales of model shown when ordered, registered and financed between 3rd December 2013 to 31st March 2014 through Toyota Financial Services. Advertised rental is based on a 3 year non maintained contract hire agreement at 10,000 miles per annum with an initial rental of £1,314+VAT. Excess mileage charges apply. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. Terms and conditions apply. Indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18s only. Toyota Centres are independent of Toyota Financial Services, Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5UZ. Subject to availability. 5 year/100,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty is subject to terms and conditions. †BIK tax calculated for a 20% taxpayer. For full details of terms and conditions applicable to the 72 hour test drive please visit www.72hourtestdrive.co.uk. Vehicles are subject to availability and drivers must be 25 years or older.Auris Touring Sports Range Official Fuel Consumption Figures in mpg (l/100km): Urban 34.9 (8.1) - 78.5 (3.6), Extra Urban 54.3 (5.2) - 78.5 (3.6), Combined 45.6 (6.2) - 76.3 (3.7). CO2 Emissions 140g/km - 85g/km. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results. These are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

Built in Britain

For more information or to arrange a test drive contact us today.

Westover Toyota Bournemouth516 Wallisdown Road, BournemouthTelephone: 01202 974979Steve Johnson, General Sales Managersteve.johnson@westover.toyota.co.ukWestover Toyota SalisburyBrunel Road, Churchfields, SalisburyTelephone: 01722 441157Gary Tranter, Sales Managergary.tranter@westover-salisbury.toyota.co.uk

westover.toyota.co.uk

Persuades the MD. Carries the Board.The Auris Touring Sports. From 85 g/km CO2 and up to 76.3 mpg, with room for five and all the flipcharts you’ll ever need.Auris Hybrid Touring Sports from just £219+VAT per month*

(business users only)

– Petrol, Diesel and Hybrid powertrains

– Class-leading 85 g/km CO2 (1.8 Hybrid Icon)

– From 10% BIK - £36 per month† (1.8 Hybrid Icon)

– 1658-litre loadspace

– 5-star EuroNCAP

WO11486 AurisTSport 123x185clr_BD.indd 1 05/02/2014 12:05

Mercedes-Benz puts customers in ‘holiday mode’

Mercedes-Benz of Poole and Dorchester are giving their C-Class customers a break so they can enjoy one in much sunnier climes!

With an exclusive payment holiday offer, the retailers will pay the first three months’ finance payments for their C-Class customers*, allowing owners the chance to fly off with the money saved as well as drive away in their new Mercedes-Benz.

This value-enhancing opportunity comes at an ideal time when many people are currently considering their summer holiday and the C-Class range has just been enhanced with the new AMG Sport Edition.

This offer finishes at the end of March.*Value of first three months payments provided as cash back at point of registration

and delivery. Not available on C 63 AMG models. Vehicle must be registered and delivered by 31st March 2014. Only available on a Mercedes-Benz Agility Agreement. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG Sport Edition

NEW 2014 KIA SPORTAGE ARRIVES AT WESTOVER KIAThe new Kia Sportage has arrived at Westover Kia in Ferndown. Building on the success of its predecessor, this new Sportage benefits from styling upgrades and new levels of equipment – keeping it firmly at the forefront of the booming crossover sector.

‘Westover Kia’s experience reflects the national picture, with the Sportage grabbing the attention of Dorset drivers ever since we first opened our doors in Ferndown,’ says Gary Clark, Westover Kia Brand Manager. ‘It’s been our best-seller ever since, thanks to its stunning appearance and appealing price tag.

‘Anyone that fancies a test drive should pop in and see us on Wimborne Road East – the showroom’s nearing the end of a complete refurbishment, but we’re open for business as usual and hope to unveil our brand new dealership in just a few weeks.’

Westover Kia’s prices start at £7,795 for a brand new car. The Kia Sportage is available from £17,495.

To find out more, call 0800 999 2295 or go to www.westovergroup.co.uk

Kia Sportage 2014 model

Visit www.bizmag.co.uk2014 March 29Visit www.bizmag.co.uk March 201428 Visit www.bizmag.co.uk28

network news

Boost profitability at free Business Bootcamp

Russell Payne‘If you want to get in shape, you probably won’t succeed if you set a vague goal such as “lose weight”. Instead, you need to set a trackable objective, for example, “lose 4 pounds by April”. Only then are you more likely to make it happen. The same is with business – think in objectives, track your progress towards your business targets and measure it successfully,’ says Russell Payne, a leading business development expert and leader of Business Bootcamp Dorset.

Company owners across Dorset and Hampshire are being encouraged to attend a free business development session in Bournemouth on Thursday 20th March. A half-day Business Bootcamp, led by Russell Payne, is being hosted by Verwood-based Chartered accountancy firm Grant Sellers at the Village Hotel, Bournemouth.

l www.businessbootcampdorset.co.uk

Cooking with royaltyYayu Slocock, who lives in Wimborne, has launced her first cookery book called Yayu’s Simply Indonesian Volume 1. The book includes over 50 recipes taking you through every aspect of an Indonesian meal from tempting starters, to vegetarian courses, rice dishes, poultry, meats, desserts, drinks and some special event dishes just perfect for entertaining.

Yayu hails from Indonesia and has created this very special recipe book based upon her earlier years in Indonesia, where she is Indonesian royalty. Yayu and her family came to the UK after an uprising in her home country.

How to be a business celebrity ‘Business Celebrity Manager,’ Lucy Whittington, kicked off the new, re-vamped Poole Business Lunch Club incorporating Buy Dorset on 26th February with a presentation aimed at helping businesses find their ‘Thing’ and get noticed for it.

Having been featured on the BBC, in The Guardian and Red Magazine, Lucy helps people identify that unique element – the ‘Thing’ - that makes their business stand out from the rest. Using guidance and motivation, Lucy then reveals how to harness that unique element to get noticed with a super charged business!

A seasoned business motivation speaker, with a successful marketing background, Lucy founded her business www.beingabusinesscelebrity.com in order to help businesses who had

reached that stage in their development where they knew they wanted to be bigger and better known, but didn’t know how to go about that. Once a business’s ‘Thing’ has been identified, Lucy then shows them how to get a ‘Fame Name’ to get them noticed fast, tell their story, and use their ‘Personal Selling Point’ to develop their ‘Star Plan’ and get their business back on track for being all it can be.

After almost 14 years as the highly successful Poole Business Women’s Lunch Club (PBWLC) the newly energised format for 2014 sees the Poole Business Lunch Club join together with Buy Dorset to offer exceptional speakers to a wider database of both men and women across Dorset, increasing networking and business opportunities for all who attend. Storm Fish Restaurant remains the Business Lunch Club’s venue for the scheduled quarterly meetings, where a delicious lunch in atmospheric surroundings is guaranteed.

The lunch is priced at £30 and includes a glass of wine. For more information call 01202 674488.

Lucy Whittington

THEBUSINESSTHE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE FOR DORSET, WEST HANTS AND SALISBURY

Mail 4,000 leaflets with this magazine for £200 + VAT

Based on a physical weight of 10 grammes or under.Other prices/weights available on request.

Call 01425 471500 or e-mail mail@bizmag.co.uk

Visit the website www.bizmag.co.uk

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The first Mazars Business Briefing for 2014 will help Dorset businesses look at the potential for growth abroad.

David I’Anson, Partner with the Poole office of international accountancy and business advisory firm, Mazars, who is organising this special briefing says, ‘With the UK economy starting to grow, many organisations are looking abroad for areas of future business growth. This free seminar, in association with experts from UK Trade and Investment, looks at some of the challenges trading across international borders can bring and aims to help businesses start to develop solutions.’

Topics covered include finding out how UK Trade & Investment can help with strategic advice, market research, business

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HELP TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS INTERNATIONALLY

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This seminar takes place on Tuesday 18th March at Goldstands Stadium, AFC Bournemouth, with registration from 7.45am.

To register to attend this free seminar which includes breakfast, contact Sandra Waring at Mazars on 01202 680777 or e-mail: sandra@mazars.co.uk

introductions and overseas exhibitions and travel.

There’s also advice on how the UK government can assist businesses to insure overseas debts and access bonds or working capital for specific export contracts. Looking ahead to matters once you’re trading abroad, global mobility and how best to manage internationally mobile employees will also be discussed.

Speakers include Nicky Busst, International Trade Adviser, UK Trade & Investment, Hugh Francis, Export Finance Advisor, UK Export Finance as well as Steve Asher, Head of Global Mobility Services with Mazars.

The Mazars Business Briefings are a series of breakfast seminars aimed at keeping the finance professional working in business up to date with recent

developments. The seminars are free to all people involved in company finance across Dorset.

David I’Anson explains, ‘Our Business Briefings have become a popular one-stop shop where you can hear expert speakers from Mazars and other advisors talk on a broad range of current topics.

‘In response to feedback, we know that busy professionals don’t want seminars impacting too much on their working day. These breakfast briefings are designed to give an overview within just a couple of hours and will provide an insight to

topics finance professionals and business owners can take away and use immediately in their businesses.’

Visit www.bizmag.co.uk2014 MarchVisit www.bizmag.co.uk March 201430 31

To keep your business running when your IT doesn’tWhether it’s 9.00am on a Monday morning or 11.00pm on a Saturday evening, if your server fails, time is of the essence to minimise the impact to your business. Blue Chip’s team of highly trained experts are on-hand 24/7 to resolve the issue, through remote and on-site support. However, if the problem is a hardware fault, without a prompt on-site repair or part swap-out, the resulting downtime, loss of productivity and potential loss of business could be very painful for your organisation. Blue Chip and our preferred hardware break/fix maintenance provider, Maindec, deliver reliable IT Hardware Maintenance Services 24/7, 365 days a year - wherever you are based - with flexible service levels to match your requirements, from next day business response to two hour fix. Want to know more, please contact us:0845 034 7222

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