West Cheshire & North Wales

Chamber of Commerce

The Big Interview‘Surf’s Up’ in North Wales

for Steve Davies MBE

AUTUMN 2015

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Client: SMART METER Op: Steve Date: 17/03/15

AMV Job No: Publication: London Business Matters/Well Connected/Focus

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 3

News

BCC International Trade ConferenceHIGH growth international markets offer British businesses the chance to trade on the world stage – and with November’s BCC 2015 International Trade Conference on the horizon, it’s your opportunity to seize the day, to explore and grow your exporting potential.

‘Trade the World, Accessing

High Growth Markets’ is the fourth annual international trade conference and will be held on the 3rd November, at the Grand Connaught Rooms, London. It is already a firm fixture as one of the leading national business and exporting conferences.

Winning export orders is tough and though the

rewards are great, there are real challenges along the way. With a network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce covering the breadth of the UK, and British Chambers in every high growth market across the world, the Chamber provides support and advice to

thousands of businesses on their export journey. More information at www.bccexport.co.uk

Bridging the gap between business and educationMANY young people are denied meaningful interactions with the world of work, and many employers are frustrated by the lack of skills and experience they are looking for. Research shows many businesses think more can be done to better prepare young people for the workplace. Key areas that need addressing are improving ‘soft skills’ such as communication, team working and resilience, as well as better careers advice and engagement with business in schools.

The BCC and Chamber Network believe it is a shared responsibility between business, education and government to address this and are committed to bridging the gap between business and education.

The 52 Accredited Chambers of Commerce already have over 2,500 education providers in membership, including over 1,500 schools, often helping them connect with their local business community. Over the coming years Accredited Chambers of Commerce will enhance their membership offer to schools and colleges to help develop stronger links with local businesses.

Already, 110 youth delegates attended the 2014 Annual Conference, where a Youth Delegate Lunch

Q&A with BBC Dragon Theo Paphitis was held.

In the future there will be a series of activities as part of the Bridging the Gap campaign; a survey, national events and youth delegation attendance, a Young Chamber Membership and a new BCC Chamber Award for Education and Business Partnership. This will complement the Young Person in Business Award.

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce already has strong links with local schools and colleges and will be encouraging even stronger links between them and local business members. Watch this space!

Your views count!We are seeking feedback on any magazine content, topics you would like to see coverage on or any opinions you may have about doing business from West Cheshire & North Wales.

Please send your comments and ideas to editor@wcnwchamber.org.uk

CO

NTE

NTS

@ChamberWCNW

/wcnwchamber

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Colin BrewRiverside Innovation Centre1 Castle DriveChesterCH1 1SL

T: +44 (0) 1244 669988e: info@wcnwchamber.org.ukw: www.wcnwchamber.org.uk

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Chamber. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format (including, but not limited to, any online service, any database or any part of the internet), or in any other format in any media whatsoever, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Although every effort is made to

ensure the accuracy of information contained in the magazine, neither the Chamber nor the publisher can accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies it contains.

WCNW magazine is published on behalf of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce by

Excel Publishing Company Ltd6th Floor, Manchester One53 Portland Street, Manchester M1 3LDTel: 0161 236 2782

www.excelpublishing.co.uk

The Big InterviewSteve Davies MBE, Managing Director from Surf Snowdonia.

cover story

The 10th High Sheriff’s Award for Enterprise 2015Is your business in the top ten? 7

Advertising

Andrew Holland

T: 0161 661 4155e: andrew.holland@excelpublishing.co.uk

Printed by Buxton Press

West Cheshire & North WalesChamber of Commerce

West Cheshire & North WalesChamber of Commerce

The Big Interview‘Surf’s Up’ in North Wales for Steve Davies MBE

AUTUMN 2015

24

22

38

42

A closer look at...Bathing Beauty, Georgina Jones

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 5

06 NEWS

A roundup of the region’s news

10 INTERNATIONAL TRADE

12 GETTING STARTED With Paul Young, Director

Anmaleve Calibration Ltd

20 STARTUP CLUB Sharon Shelbourne, Director of

Beehive, Healthcare Limited

22 EVENTS Roundup of all the region’s recent

events.

38 A CLOSER LOOK AT Bathing Beauty, Georgina Jones

39 PRODUCTIVITY Good communication, wins

business

40 NEW MEMBERS A list of our new members

Lion Quay BBQ Recent Events in the area..

6 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

News

Corporate support for the Chester Duck RaceDON’T forget to come along and get involved with Chester’s Duck Race held on the River Dee on the 20th September 2015. At 12pm you will be able to view the Corporate Ducks on display until 2pm and there will also be a children’s colouring competition. At 3pm the Corporate Duck Race and the Baby Duck Race will then begin.

The event is all in aid of the Countess of Chester Hospital

Babygrow Appeal and raised £12,500 for the charity last year. Chamber member JSW Insurance is proud to be part of the race. Look out for the JSW “Ducky” (pictured) on his travels along the River Dee.

Ring 01244 364505 or email janet.ratcliffe1@nhs.net to find out more about the race and perhaps sponsor a duck yourself this or next year.

Chamber members recreating the past

PARK in The Past Community Interest Company (‘Parc y Gorfennol’) has been set up to establish an historical, educational and environmental study centre and visitor attraction. The Park in the former Fagl Lane Quarry site near Wrexham is based on the creation of a Roman fort together with a small Iron Age settlement.

The partnerships involved with PiTP illustrate the huge diversity of knowledge and expertise that can be

found ‘on the doorstep’ in the WCNWCC area. PiTP Director Paul Harston is familiar to many as Roman Tours Ltd of Chester, whilst Ruthin-based landscape and environmental consultants at RML are specialists in the restoration and management of quarries and other disturbed habitats as well as heritage conservation and management. The recently-completed Management Plan will support the planning application for

the change of use of parts of the site, including the construction of a small turf-and-timber Roman fort indicative of the types being built in North Wales during the period. It will also guide the use and management of recreational activities and biodiversity enhancement in the wider site.

Having acquired the former Fagl Lane Quarry site for this project, PiTP engaged Richards, Moorehead & Laing Ltd to develop a plan for the

management, restoration and recreation of various wildlife habitats within the 35ha site, utilising site resources in the way that 1st Century AD communities would have done, and maintaining public access for recreation. The aim will be to recreate something of the biological diversity present in the First Century AD, using management methods from that period.To get involved in the project visit www.parkinthepast.co.uk

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 7

News

Are you one of the best businesses in Cheshire?

THE High Sheriff’s Awards for Enterprise 2015/16, Cheshire’s most prestigious business awards, are now open for entries. In their 10th Anniversary year, the Awards offer thousands of pounds worth of prizes, as well as access to a network of support across Cheshire and a promotional opportunity for local businesses.

The winners will be announced at a presentation evening on March 8, 2016 at Chester Racecourse. Guests will include business leaders, judges and the finalists. This year’s guest speaker will be John Roberts, founding Director of AO World Plc.

The Awards were introduced in 2006 by the then High Sheriff of Cheshire, David Briggs MBE, to recognise outstanding achievement by enterprises in Cheshire. The Awards are now endorsed and developed by each High Sheriff in office.

Thanks to significant contributions from sponsors including the University of Chester, Cheshire and

Warrington LEP, O2, ESL Fuels, Timpson, Mornflake, Roberts Bakery, Cheshire East Council, Click Consult, West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, Oliver Valves, Cheshire Business Leaders, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Warrington Borough Council, Halton Borough Council, Ellis & Co, Chester Racecourse, Marketing Cheshire, Trinity

Mirror Cheshire, Chester Business Club, Expert Logistics, Airbus, Urenco, Knights, DTM Legal, and Barclays, the Awards represent one of the highest values of any competition of its kind in the county.For more information visit www.chester.ac.uk/highsheriff-enterprise. The closing date for entries is October 10, 2015.

BCC says Positive Start but Much More to doBEFORE the General Election, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) published its ‘Business Manifesto’, setting out seven core areas where businesses wanted to see government action to help boost their growth and the UK economy as a whole.

The BCC has reviewed the government’s progress against each priority area for business – and while it has found a strong commitment to keeping Britain open for business, its review found that there is

much more ministers must do to address Britain’s ailing infrastructure and its global trade position.

Commenting on the government’s first 75 days, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“There is no question that this government has a strong commitment to business growth. It has started to take a number of practical steps that businesses will welcome. However, to be remembered

as the government that turbo-charged great growth it must do much more.

“Ministers must maintain their momentum, and take more tough and radical decisions — including on airport capacity — over the coming weeks and months. They’ve made a positive start, but there’s much more to do to secure Britain’s growth and prosperity for the long term.”

Assessing progress against the seven priority areas from the BCC for business, John Longworth gave ‘good

progress’ to developing the talents of our next generation and supporting long-term business investment and ‘variable progress’ to placing business at the heart of local growth and developing a new settlement for Britain in Europe. He raised ‘serious concerns’ for growing Britain’s global trade potential and rebuilding Britain’s business infrastructure.

More information on the Chamber’s news site at www.wcnwchamber.org.uk

News

8 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Homeworking HassleOVER half of local homeworkers say employers don’t contribute to equipping the workspace, having to meet the associated costs of equipping and maintaining their workspace themselves, according to the latest research by leading global workplace provider, Regus.

The survey found that less than half of people working from home (47%) received contributions from their firm towards kitting out their home office. If a company subsidising the cost of a worker’s home office is unusual, an employer

covering all the costs is particularly rare. Eighty-seven percent say most companies that encourage their employees to work from home do not cover all the costs of creating and maintaining a professional workspace.

The costs to equip and maintain a home office can be substantial. Additionally, the survey reveals that the average cost of running a home office in the UK is almost £2000 a year. Over half (53%) think that companies encouraging their employees to work from

home are simply trying to transfer the workspace cost onto the employee.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus added: “Companies could also find themselves flouting health and safety laws as well as lacking the necessary insurance cover. Nevertheless, the financial benefits of remote working for both staff and employer are clear. By cutting commuting times and working more flexibly staff become more productive and more likely to remain loyal.

“Companies can offer workers the chance to use a

fully equipped, professional, flexible workspace close to home. They will know staff have access to the right equipment and technology for a predictable monthly cost.”

New home for national jewellery firm

HAVING outgrown its previous premises in Chester’s city centre, national jewellery brand ChloBo had been on the lookout for bigger premises that reflected the company’s growing image.

The recently opened Honeycomb Chester, located on the Chester Business Park, is a business community featuring turnkey accommodation for up to 15 small- and medium-sized

firms. Nearly two thirds of its space has now been let.

ChloBo creative director, Chloe Moss (pictured above) said; “We had outgrown the building in the city centre. Honeycomb Chester is near

the motorway, has plenty of free parking and is close enough to the city to drive into in a short time.”

She added; “Honeycomb Chester is near the motorway, has plenty of free parking and is close enough to the city to drive into in a short time.”

Business space at Honeycomb Chester is available to let through agents BA Commercial and Legat Owen. Fraser Crewe, director at BA Commercial (left) said: “The market is extremely buoyant at the moment, and Honeycomb Chester really is the only location for office space of this quality in the area.” Will Sadler, Associate Director at Legat Owen, said: “We are currently under offer on a number of units at Honeycomb Chester, but still have availability for office space of between 1,500 and 6,000 sq ft delivered bespoke to each tenant’s requirements.”

For more information, visit www.honeycombchester.com

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 9

News

Chamber of Commerce Focus Group

WILLIAM Hogg, Chairman of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce joined the Chamber Focus Group at its last meeting held in June at Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa. The aim

of the Focus Group is for its members to be Ambassadors for the Chamber.

The meetings held bi-monthly, are a forum for discussion and feedback to enable the Chamber to

continue to move forward positively and to ensure members are receiving the support and services they need. Debbie Stokes Membership Director said; “The Focus Group is an

important link between our members and our Board of Directors, members are extremely supportive to me personally and a valuable sounding board for new ideas covering all aspects of Chamber membership. I would like to thank each member of the Focus group for the help and support they give me in my role.”

Focus Group (L to R): Phill Jones from Insignia Resourcing, Debbie Stokes from the Chamber of Commerce, Pamela Drew of Business Doctors, Lynne Swinnerton from Lomani Luxury Travel Ltd, and William Hogg Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce.

advertorial

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These include our LED

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sales@mjlighting.com +44 (0) 1829 741702 +44 (0) 1829 749113 www.mjlighting.com.

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Today’s Altimex is very different from the one which began trading over 20 years ago.

 WITH the agility you would

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10 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

FeatureInternational tradeadvertorial

Celebrating 7 years...7 YEARS on and there is a lot to look back on as well as a lot to look forward to at KPI Recruiting, the region’s leading supplier of office, industrial and driving personnel.

Ryan Jardine, director ‘It’s a great achievement to reach 7 years, particularly when you look back at the tough times we faced during the recession when we first opened.  I am now pleased to say that period seems a long time ago as we go from strength to strength  as each year passes.  I am particularly pleased with the team I have around me, it seems odd to say this but I feel we have recruited well!!   We look forward to opening 2 new branches in 2016 and continuing to expand further into the North West”

KPI Recruiting has established itself as a leading independent agency across

North Wales, Flintshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire partnering some of the country’s largest organisations.  With a 47% increase in sales in 2015 KPI looks in good shape to report outstanding

performance yet again.“Offering a 24/7 service with

consistent service delivery even over the weekend ensures that our clients are confident that we are the right recruitment business for a long term partnership”   Steve O’Neill, BDM.

Employing over 1000 workers every day, KPI Recruiting is a key recruiter across Flintshire and North Wales.  If you would like to know more about their services you can contact Jon Cope, branch manager on 01244 289800.

£30 million

pounds Turnover

Congratulations to Matthew Hodgson our Export Assistant

After gaining his Certification Procedures qualification in June, Matthew Hodgson an

export assistant at the Chamber, has successfully completed the EUR1 and ATR Course held by the British Chambers of Commerce. This means that Matt can now authenticate movement certification EUR1s and ATRs as well certify EC Certificates of Origin.

Matt said about the experience “Passing my EUR1 and ATR course is a great feeling as it allows me to aid the Chamber’s export team more

effectively. I now feel fully prepared when answering questions from customers about the subject.”

“The next stage of my training is to attend the accredited export training courses run by the Chamber. These start in September with “An Introduction to the Export Process” and will cover a wide range of international trade topics from INCOTERMS to Letters of Credit. Going on these courses will develop my export knowledge and will make me better equipped to aid exporters across the West Cheshire and North Wales region.”

International Trade Forum

In response to members’ wishes, the meetings are held quarterly and you are welcome to come along, whatever your

export knowledge. Neil McCluskey, International Trade

Advisor, UK Trade & Investment North West will give an insight into his work

as an I.T.A. and present a case study on a company he has been involved with on their export journey.

Susana Cordoba, Overseas Business Network Initiative - North West Advisor, Greater Manchester Chamber will present on “How to Access the

Emerging Markets with the Overseas Business Networks”.

We have also developed and will launch a special Trade Forum member area on our website at the meeting. As a Chamber member, you will have exclusive access to this area and access information on current export news and activities in the North Wales and West Cheshire area.

To book please visit the Chamber website. Free of charge to Chamber members, non-members £5.00. Breakfast included.

The Chamber is holding its second International Trade Forum at Riverside Innovation Centre, 1 Castle Drive, Chester, CH1 1SL on Wednesday 23rd September 2015, 8 – 10:30 am.

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 11

advertorial

Celebrating 7 years...7 YEARS on and there is a lot to look back on as well as a lot to look forward to at KPI Recruiting, the region’s leading supplier of office, industrial and driving personnel.

Ryan Jardine, director ‘It’s a great achievement to reach 7 years, particularly when you look back at the tough times we faced during the recession when we first opened.  I am now pleased to say that period seems a long time ago as we go from strength to strength  as each year passes.  I am particularly pleased with the team I have around me, it seems odd to say this but I feel we have recruited well!!   We look forward to opening 2 new branches in 2016 and continuing to expand further into the North West”

KPI Recruiting has established itself as a leading independent agency across

North Wales, Flintshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire partnering some of the country’s largest organisations.  With a 47% increase in sales in 2015 KPI looks in good shape to report outstanding

performance yet again.“Offering a 24/7 service with

consistent service delivery even over the weekend ensures that our clients are confident that we are the right recruitment business for a long term partnership”   Steve O’Neill, BDM.

Employing over 1000 workers every day, KPI Recruiting is a key recruiter across Flintshire and North Wales.  If you would like to know more about their services you can contact Jon Cope, branch manager on 01244 289800.

£30 million

pounds Turnover

t: 01244 289800 w: www.kpir.co.uk

Providing both temporary and permanent recruitment services to companies across Flintshire

Sift surf and selectionWe guarantee every time perfection!

KPI found my details on-line. Here I am now…in a permanent position, I’m glad they found me!

Charlotte Kettle - Administrator

“Its nice to feel valued. I am a happy driver and there are not many of us around!!”

Peter Batewood – C+E Driver

“Found me work quickly, paid on time and correctly and I have been taken on permanently. Good agency!”

Craig Cope – Returns Operative

“Really impressed with thier service. KPI have provided me with a regular job I really enjoy.

Alicja Wiczynska – Production Op

Outstanding Recruitment Of Outstanding People

210435-6-15 WCNW KPI.indd 1 03/06/2015 16:12

12 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

FeatureGetting started

Name: Paul Young Job title: Director From: Anmaleve Calibration Ltd Age: 56

To begin, tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I am a mechanical engineer and did my degree at the University of Surrey. My initial post-graduate training in the aerospace industry gave me a very good technical grounding and appreciation of quality management. I spent 7 years working in Asia, first in Vietnam and then Hong Kong. Moving to Vietnam in the 90’s was quite a challenge, not least for my wife, Vicki and my two daughters who were aged 2 and 4 at the time.

What made you set up the business?

I have always had a desire for my own business, but spent my early career in the corporate world. I have had a successful career working for others but I wanted to be more in control of my own destiny.

How and when did the idea come about?

I was looking for a suitable small business within my field of technical expertise that I could

acquire and use as a vehicle to launch and grow my business. I found a small weighing equipment calibration business that was essentially a sole trader operation with a credible reputation and was run by a gentleman looking to retire. I acquired the business assets and goodwill and retained his services for an initial period to provide support and skills transfer. I formed a new limited company to take over the business and to develop new business initiatives.

Who are your target audience and what is the main aim of the organisation?

Anmaleve Calibration Ltd provides a professional calibration service for precision weighing equipment typically in laboratory and industry quality control applications. Service is at the heart of the business and service quality is something of an obsession with me. We also supply new weighing equipment and a range of products, for example data

loggers and chart recorders. One of the things that make this business so interesting is the different applications of our customers. Accurate weighing is the common thread but we serve customers in research and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, foodstuffs, precision engineered components, etc. We deal with process industries, paper-mills, motorsport, breweries, waste disposal companies, hospitals, schools, universities and we welcome all manor of diverse businesses and organisations. What have been your main achievements?

I am very pleased with the way the business has progressed and customers’ feedbacks have been very positive and encouraging. Our personal service tailored to individual needs have built some great relationships. Customers value our commitment to service quality and the flexibility that we can offer, looking after different brands of weighing equipment.

And difficulties? The adjustment from a

corporate environment to a small business, such as, the lack of people to talk to. I have found the Chamber of Commerce Start-up club really valuable. It provides an informal environment to talk with other new business owners and entrepreneurs.

What attracted you to entrepreneurship? Why was this?

I enjoy a challenge and like to try and be creative in problem solving. Whilst I enjoyed my career working for others, there were always frustrations and I felt there were opportunities that I was missing out on.

What are your career aims and aspirations?

I want to build a business in which I can take pride. I want the business to command respect for its technical capability and its commitment to service quality. Our main aim is to continue to grow our customer-base. There are new products and services in the pipeline but the fundamental that underpins everything is quality of service.

What message would you give to fellow entrepreneurs or people looking to get involved in setting up their own business or organisation?

I would encourage anyone who wants to start up their own business to go ahead and do so. It is very rewarding but you have to be focussed, have a strong sense of purpose and be prepared to put the hard work in. In a small business, I always say that the MD is responsible for strategic planning, unblocking the toilets and everything in between!

“I always say that the MD is responsible for strategic planning,

unblocking the toilets and everything in between!”

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 13

MWL Systems is taking IT to the next level!

MWL Systems is now offering Managed Services, a new IT support package which completely takes care of a company’s IT, taking all the usual headaches away from business managers and helping them increase their profit margins.

Business IT systems have been around for several decades and

the way that they have been supported has been evolving over the years. In the early days, when there weren’t the plethora of applications and complexity we see nowadays, traditional IT support was very much of the ‘fix it if it breaks’ variety.

As technology progressed, IT support companies were able to take a more proactive approach to looking after their customers’ IT by monitoring and reporting on the critical IT systems as well as providing day-to-day helpdesk functions and the traditional break/fix support they always have done.

MWL Systems’ Managed Services is the next stage of

this evolution. It includes all the traditional reactive and proactive support but with an enhanced helpdesk, reporting and account management function. In effect, becoming the customer’s IT department, taking ownership of problems and projects and making continuous, business-driven recommendations for enhancement to the customers’ IT and therefore business productivity.

Forward-thinking companies are realising that this proven form of support minimises the need for internal IT expertise and provides more ‘bang for buck’ in terms of IT investment.

MWL Systems’ Client Services Manager, Paul Bachen, explains:

“We are drawing on our vast experience in providing managed services for public sector organisations and packaging them up for our SME

clients, as they see real value in this. By closer partnering with us, our customers are able to focus on their core business and let us take the strain on their behalf.” For more information about MWL Systems’ support offerings visit www.mwlsystems.co.uk or call one of the team on 01978 858300.

Paul Bachen – Client Services Manager

14 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

College helps XPAND opportunitiesW

est Cheshire College has successfully organised a

project called XPAND to help 14 to 16 year olds re-engage with education. The courses, which to date have been delivered to over 120 young people, aim to re-engage some of the hardest to reach young

people, with taster sessions in subject including Hair and Beauty; Motor Vehicle; Building Trades including Plastering, Brickwork, Joinery and Plumbing; Catering and Sports.

Chris Mitchell, Engagement Coordinator at West Cheshire College said: “During the project, we worked with 11

local secondary schools and other agencies.”

Andy Stewart, Deputy Headteacher of The Bridge Short Stay School in Ellesmere Port said: “We referred eight students onto the XPAND programme. Many of the students were keen to visit us telling stories of everything that they had

done. This was amazing to see from students who at times have been switched off from the idea of learning anything new. Overall, it has been a fantastic experience for the students and will have a lasting impact on their self-regard as learners and their ability to fulfil their long term potential.”

College celebratesW

est Cheshire College is celebrating yet another year of

outstanding achievement and success during the 2014/15 academic year. Students have gone on to secure their dream jobs not only here in the UK, but also abroad as a result of the education and skills training they have received.

The College also continues to grow and develop its successful partnerships across the region. From working with large regional employers developing bespoke training programmes with Jaguar Land Rover, Honeywell and Unilever to high growth SMEs.

Apprenticeships continue to play a vital role for

businesses helping to fill crucial skills gaps and improve competitiveness and productivity. In the College’s bi-annual Apprenticeship survey, 96% of employers agreed that apprentices will continue to play a key role within in their business in 2015.

Nigel Davies, Principal and

Chief Executive of West Cheshire College, said: “We are enormously proud of all the work we do within the region, helping employers with their skills and training development, as well as helping our students achieve their ambitions, all of which helps to ensure the region prospers.”

Colin Jackson presents awards to top studentsT

alented students from West Cheshire College were presented with

awards by World Champion and Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson, CBE, at the College’s Annual Awards Ceremony 2015 in June. During the glittering ceremony, held at the College’s Ellesmere Port Campus, 45 students from across the region gathered alongside their families, employers and tutors to receive their awards.

Shiu Ying Lau was awarded the Student of the Year Award for her hard work and determination during her Electrical Installations City and Guilds Diploma Level 3 course and Courtney Owen, 17, from Ellesmere Port, won the West Cheshire College Award

for Achievement on Work Placement for her supported Internship at Asda.

Guest speaker Colin Jackson added: “It was a pleasure to present West Cheshire College’s students with their awards. The winners have all demonstrated their commitment and dedication to succeed. I had to be the best at whatever I did and I achieved that by preparing well, staying committed and making sure that I delivered. It was wonderful to share my experiences with these students. I hope that I have inspired them to continue with their success.”

For more information about training or employer events at West Cheshire College call 01244 656499 or visit www.west-cheshire.ac.uk/employers

WHEN business computers crash it can cost money and reputation, putting livelihoods and businesses at risk; but help is on hand with cast iron protection and expert IT support. Pro-Networks Ltd, based in Sandycroft, has devised a Business Armour Plan which offers the benefits of a dedicated IT department to any company, no matter how big or how small, by tailoring their outsourced IT support services to the individual needs of the client. “If computers don’t work it’s a whole world of pain,” said Pro-Networks Technical Director, Paul Crudge. “A smaller company may not be able to afford the luxury of a specialist department to take that pain away, or to hopefully make sure it doesn’t happen in the first place. Most of the bigger companies employ a whole room full of people to make sure their employees don’t have to endure that IT pain for very long; their staff call their IT people (but they may not always have the answer). Our customers phone us in exactly the same way, except we’re not in the basement, and we always have the answer!”

Overall Pro-Networks is the IT department for 300 companies, with 120 premier customers who get an enhanced proactive level of support. “Basically the core of our business is making sure that our clients’ IT works, and when it doesn’t Pro-Networks puts it back on track as quickly, and as painlessly as possible”.

“We don’t do fancy software, we don’t do glitzy websites, or mobile phones

and telephone systems; what we do is outstanding IT support- we advise the users and look after their laptops and PCs, and in the background we keep a check on and look after all the back end systems.” Pro-Networks also installs and looks after all the computer wizardry that keeps those laptops and PCs in touch with one another, and in touch with the world.

Its Business Armour protection covers all the vital components that help a company to run efficiently and thrive.

It’s not just making sure there’s no computer downtime, it extends to onsite and off site backups, disaster recovery, anti-virus and anti-spam.

If something goes wrong, Pro-Networks is there to put it right. More importantly,

its Business Armour kicks in even if there’s a potential for things to go wrong, and often Pro-Networks knows about a problem before the customer company.

A klaxon goes off at its Sandycroft headquarters and immediately expert engineers will know which one of their customers, and which individual server, needs assistance. Whether the

problem is in the huge local catchment area or further afield in Europe or Dubai it will be tackled straight away, causing the least amount of ‘pain’ and the least amount of disruption.

“Here at Pro-Networks we are aware of all the options and utilise them to best help our customers. Our mantra is not ‘why we can’t’, it’s ‘how we can’” said Paul.

Even if a company already has an IT department Pro-Networks can work with them and really make a

difference. Pro-Networks, which today

employs 28 staff, has been operating from its current site in Network House, Sandycroft, for 11 years, but it’s been in existence since 2002. Paul Crudge first launched his network computer servicing business in 1996 then in 2002 he and his business partner, Robert Meakin, merged together and Pro-Networks was born. “We’re a full blown Dell and Microsoft partner, we’ve won two gold Microsoft competencies and four silver.

All of our engineers are qualified and certified, from traditional academic degrees to industry specific examinations. Training and

development is a pivotal part of the business; we train all of our staff, and all of them are expected to maintain that same high standard.

When it comes to designing and installing new systems, we are committed to achieving the best result for the client; most clients have a very good idea of what they are trying to achieve but rarely do they know what they need in order to get there

Through consultancy and engaging with the client in a professional manner we will know exactly what they need” said Paul. One satisfied customer has posted a video testimonial on the Pro-Networks website.

In summary he says: “When we moved offices we made the decision that we would invest heavily in upgrading our IT infrastructure. From the moment we engaged with Pro-Networks the whole thing was taken out of our hands - what was promised in terms of service and support we got ten-fold. I would highly recommend Pro-Networks to anybody. If you are a progressive business, like we are, and find yourself in a position where you need help with your IT, don’t even hesitate. Book yourself a meeting with Pro-Networks.”

Pro-Networks, Network House, St Ives Way, Sandycroft, Tel: 0844 414 1940www.pronetworks.co.uk

Protect your business with Armour

pro networks

16 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce16 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Connecting Cheshire Fibre Broadband Programme praised

The Connecting Cheshire programme has reached a major

milestone by ensuring more than 80,000 homes and businesses have access to high-speed fibre broadband.

The news from Connecting Cheshire follows the Government announcement that its nationwide rollout of superfast broadband has now passed more than three million UK homes and businesses. The rollout is on track to reach 95 per cent of the UK by 2017 and is now reaching around 5,000 additional premises every day.

Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey said: “I congratulate Connecting Cheshire on having reached this milestone in Cheshire so far – they’re

making incredible progress.”Mike Blackburn, BT regional

director for the North West, said: “I am delighted that we have hit the original target of providing fibre broadband to 80,000 homes and business premises across Cheshire. We are continuing with the roll-out so that many more users can access the benefits that high speed broadband can deliver to homes, families and the business community.”

Connecting Cheshire is one of many partnerships across the country that are rolling out high-speed broadband to communities not included in the private sector’s commercial fibre broadband plans.

High speed broadband users in Cheshire can achieve download speeds of up to

80 megabits and upload speeds of up to 20 Mbps.*

The £28.5m partnership between four Cheshire councils, BT, the Government and the European Regional Development Fund was launched in April 2013. When the Connecting Cheshire figures are combined with the commercial rollout by BT and

other broadband providers, 96 per cent of the county will be able to benefit from fibre by the end of this year. To check availability in your area you can visit the Connecting Cheshire website and enter a postcode or a telephone number - www.connectingcheshire.org.uk/ check-availability

Dementia friendly boosts business

225,000 people develop dementia every year and although it mainly

affects people over 65, it also affects 1 in 20 under 65.

People with dementia often feel isolated and may have difficulty or stop doing the things they used to enjoy,

like going out socialising with family and friends and taking part in leisure activities. It is often the day-to-day activities such as shopping or going to the bank that become too difficult. Cheshire West and Chester, the Countess of

Chester Hospital and Clinical Commissioning Groups are working to raise awareness of dementia and to inspire and enable businesses to become dementia friendly. For more information about the West Cheshire Dementia

Action Alliance and activities in other areas e-mail Sandie Williams and Andy Tysoe at: dementiafriends@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Cheshire’s business women get Broadband boost

Women entrepreneurs in Cheshire can benefit from a

£90k windfall to support a

series of free masterclasses around the power of fibre optic broadband for small and medium sized businesses.

Connecting Cheshire has partnered with the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub to deliver an inspirational programme known as ‘#Eveolution’ which will offer help to more than 500 businesses and entrepreneurs through a series of masterclasses offering e-learning and one to one support.

One of those already reaping the rewards is Bongo’s Rock & Roll Pickles, from Norley in Cheshire, who make chilli pickles and condiments.

The business was able to upgrade to fibre broadband in February 2015, resulting in a 30 fold increase in speed, and also benefitted from a package of support from the Superfast Business Programme.

Debs Elias, who was instrumental in setting up the business, said: “Slow broadband was holding the business back and turning us into internet monsters! With less than 1Mbps download speeds we were rarely able to update the website or make much use of social media. Since getting fibre, we’ve been able to establish an e-commerce shop on the website and developed a good

social media presence with blogs, videos and customer reviews. This is really helping us grow the business.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council is delighted to be able to continue supporting this programme and build on the excellent progress that has been made in supporting female entrepreneurs. All new and established female-led businesses in the Cheshire West area should find out more about the benefits of superfast broadband for their business and take advantage of the practical and inspiring support to help boost their competitiveness.

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 17

Peace of mind at the push of a button

A leading national telecare provider based in Chester is continuing to mark itself out as one of the best in the business.

In the 18 months since the launch of Sanctuary365, formerly known as Chester

Care, the service has gone from strength to strength, almost tripling the amount of users and doubling its number of employees.

During that time Sanctuary365 has seen the number of its connections soar from 8,000 to around 22,500 with that figure set to increase further over the coming months.

Sanctuary365 enables residents to live independently by offering bespoke assistive technology packages to suit their needs in every area of their home, from personal alarms and pull

cords to fall detectors and carbon monoxide sensors.

Backed by significant infrastructure investment from Sanctuary Group to the tune of £250,000, a total of 400 Sanctuary schemes across the country now benefit from the service located at the organisation’s Chester city centre office. The long-term aim is for every Sanctuary scheme to be brought under its wing.

State-of-the-art technology can monitor for epilepsy and use sirens and visual indicators to alert people with hearing difficulties to smoke detectors or incoming telephone calls.

This lifeline is delivered around the clock by 54 highly-trained staff, up from 30 in January 2014, with 98.5 per cent of calls answered within 60 seconds or less.

Consequently, the provider has enjoyed platinum accreditation from the Telecare Services Association, the highest level possible,

for five years and is one of only 27 nationwide to have achieved that status.

Sanctuary has established a dedicated in-house installations team in Chester, who install and visit residents to check devices are working correctly. In the past six months this service has been rolled out to residents in Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

Part of a not-for-profit organisation, any surplus generated by Sanctuary365 is reinvested for the benefit of residents.

Kelly Miller, Sanctuary’s Head of Assistive Technology, has been at the forefront of the service’s development, overseeing its migration from Chester Care.

She said: “We have spent time building a service that is renowned for quality innovation and growth. I am proud and pleased to say that we feel we have achieved that.

“Going forward, we will continue to see further innovation of services to support all of our customers with a wide range of needs.” For more information, visit www.sanctuary365.co.uk, call 0330 1233 365 or send an email to 365enquiries@sanctuary-housing.co.uk.

Some of the services provided by Sanctuary365:

• Personal pendant and fall detector The wearer can press a help button to generate an alarm call. There is also an additional option where it automatically generates a call if a fall is detected and the wearer is not able to push the button.

• Epilepsy sensor Placed underneath a mattress and monitors seizures.

• Natural gas detector Provides an immediate alert to the call centre the moment a gas leak is detected.

• Sound beacon Siren and visual indicator alert people with hearing difficulties to smoke detector or incoming telephone call.

18 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

News

Chamber member scales dizzy heights for charity

Lynne Swinnerton, Managing Director of Lomani Luxury Travel completed the

Hope House Velocity Zip Wire challenge recently.

The challenge that Lynne

signed up to was to raise much needed funds to reach a seven figure target in order to keep the Hope House and Ty Gobaith hospices open each year.

Talking about the challenge, Lynne said: “Earlier this year I attended the Chamber’s St David’s Day Ball at the Quay Hotel & Spa in Deganwy, which was a fundraising event for

Ty Gobaith. During the course of the evening, the fund raiser from Ty Gobaith mentioned the zip wire challenge. Always wanting to experience a zip wire, I signed up immediately, not realising that I agreed to zip the longest zip wire in Europe and the fastest in the World.

“Although I felt nervous as I was transported up to the starting platform, I just tried to keep in mind that this was for such a worthy cause, and my experience would last seconds. Little wonder that it is said that the Velocity Zip Wire is the nearest thing to flying. I am overjoyed at having raised £610 for the hospices and the fact that I also enjoyed the experience was a complete bonus.”

Lynne added that what kept her going throughout the challenge was thinking about all of the children who attend the hospices that have conditions that are often life limiting, yet they still manage to embrace each day, regardless of their conditions.

Eddie ready for daughter’s wedding day thanks to wife Jan’s life-saving skillsA

builder led his daughter down the aisle this Summer thanks to his

devoted wife and the life-saving skills she learned at the Spire Murrayfield Hospital, near Heswall.

Eddie Power collapsed with a heart attack in a car park but luckily for him his wife, Jan, had been trained in CPR, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation by the hospital’s dedicated expert.

She broke several of his

ribs with the vigorous chest compressions she gave him but she saved his life and in July proud Eddie, 57, gave away his eldest daughter, Nicola, at St. Barnabas’s Church in Bromborough.

Those forceful chest compressions in the moments after Eddie collapsed were crucial, according to Trish Trimmer, the Spire Murrayfield Advanced Life Support teacher. She said: “You have to compress the chest by five or six centimetres and obviously

Jan was doing that, otherwise it wouldn’t have worked. You have to act as a pump to get the oxygenated blood to the brain and the heart before any damage is done. Those minutes after a cardiac arrest are crucial. It’s a life-saving skill and it is contractual here at Spire Murrayfield that you learn at least basic life support. There is refresher training at least once a year because it is crucial to keep

your skills up to date.”Are you confident of your

and your colleague’s life-saving skills?

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 19

News

Evans Halshaw Bretton expands near Broughton

The team at local Ford dealership, Evans Halshaw Bretton, has launched

a brand new showroom following an extensive refurbishment, showcasing the whole range of products from Ford Motor Company.

The dealership on Chester

Road near Broughton has been trading since 1959 and has been undergoing a huge transformation for the past six months. The site, which specialises in business vehicle supply including fleet cars and commercial vehicles, has completely transformed its

previous parts warehouse into the new showroom, allowing the dealership to showcase Ford’s finest, award winning commercial range. The huge investment, which began over six months ago, was unveiled in the same week that the Ford Transit Van celebrated being 50 years young, by Andy Barratt, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford UK.

Scott Burns, Dealer Principal at Evans Halshaw

Bretton said: “We are very excited about our new-look site. It’s great to be able to bring more employment to the area, and we are looking forward to welcoming new team members to the dealership over the next coming weeks. We would like to invite everyone in the local area to come along, meet the team and get a real feel for the new dealership.”

L to R - Andy Barratt and Scott Burns

The re-developed showroom will allow us to display Ford’s latest commercial range and as one of only 100 Transit Centres in the UK, we are incredibly proud

Chamber Export Training Courses provide invaluable basic skills for companies of all sizes. 

11 September An Introduction to the Export Process.

16 September Export Documentation and INCOTERMS.

30 September Agents and Distributors.

9 October Inward and Outward Processing.

14 October Preference Origin Rules Explained.

23 October Methods of Payment and letters of Credit.

4 November Import Procedures and Customs Audit Procedures.

13 November Dangerous Goods and Export Controls.

20 November V.A.T & INTRASTAT.

Chamber Members: £190 + VAT per person, per module. Non Members: £225 + VAT per person per module.  All courses at Llyndir Hall Hotel and 9am. to 4.30pm. 10% discount for booking the first seven. More information from the website or ring Debbie Hancox or Dave Roberts on 01244 669988.

Don’t Miss!

20 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

The Big IdeaBeing a Nurse, I had always worked

within a medical model, but through various injuries of my own, I also believed in the complementary side of healthcare and mixing the two. This has always worked well for me the in the past, but I still had to access a number of different therapies in different places. The concept of Sure Start Children’s Centres where I worked previously and where all agencies worked from one building, and looked at the families as a whole and not in isolation was a concept that I thought would work well in health. It would take a holistic approach to each individual, considers their physical, mental, emotional and social needs to create a package of

care. The building that I acquired lent itself to providing an environment for traditional and complementary therapies to work together within one business and ensure health outcomes for the customer are optimised.

I couldn’t take over the building for over 12 months, so I was able to network with different people to get feedback on the vision and work on my business plan. Our strapline “because there is only one you” was the central focus and I wanted people to feel like they were having a spa like experience in a healthcare setting.

Current projectsCurrently working on engaging

with the NHS. We have recently engaged with the midwifery service and have created a wrap around package that will support pregnant women throughout their pregnancy and in the first six months. We now offer baby yoga and will be soon offering baby massage.

We are engaging with local support

groups that have health issues. I am keen to meet with these groups.

We are also working on the marketing aspect of the business to keep our branding as strong as possible.

So far, so goodInitial feedback is positive. We had a

great launch week and created a lot of buzz locally. During the summer we have had time to reflect on the initial opening and ensure that our marketing was up to date and to start creating a customer base on facebook and twitter. We started interacting with people six weeks ago on facebook and our initial reach was 6,524. Out twitter has now got 150 followers in six weeks. We are putting different articles every day to try and analyse what our customers are interested in and want to read.

Key achievements are that we have over 20 therapists engaged with the business who are committed to integrated working. Our next task is to increase our customer base and ensure their experiences are the best in a healthcare setting.

Startup Club

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce’s Startup Club is made up

of Chamber members from a host of backgrounds and specialisms who are all in their first two years of business and going through the same challenges and hurdles.

More experienced Chamber members can also be called in when required, however there is a vast amount of knowledge and experience shared between the members of the Startup Club

itself. They attend Startup Club events to share ideas, experiences and bounce them off each other. For example if there is a big presentation or pitch coming up and you need to practice it in front of people who understand, bring it with you for constructive help and support!

The Chamber’s Membership Director, Debbie Stokes adds; “The Start Up Club meets once a month and is open to members of the Chamber who are in their first

two years of business, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job. The Startup Club members help to support each other, plus we’ve got a group of members across virtually every sector who want to give a bit back and have kindly volunteered to give their time up for free to offer help, tips and free advice.”

It’s a club by members, for members so why not come along and let your business benefit? More information from d.stokes@wcnwchamber.org.uk

Name: Sharon Shelbourne

Job title: Director of Beehive Healthcare Limited

Startup: April 2015

Age: 54

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 21

Startup Club

Difficulties to overcomeThe delays we encountered moving in

led us straight into the summer holidays and July and August are key times when most people take holidays and a lot of companies close as well in the first two weeks of August. This also included my own staff, but we used the opportunity to get our price lists printed and a banner made to advertise what we do. It gave us time to evaluate the launch week and rectify errors in the booking system and change some of our processes.

Invariably, no matter how much you try and cost out the actual setting up of a business, it always ends up more. I did make sure I completed my business plan and got the start up grant and used this on marketing materials. It also made me look at my outgoings in more detail and I really cut down on things that I didn’t really need, therefore saving money.

Success so farWe have only had positive comments

from all businesses that we have engaged with. They love the concept and our branding; busy bees. We have had lots of former patients walking in and praising the way it has been transformed. They say that it feels like a really calm environment and love the fact that everything is under one roof and that there is choice and flexibility.

Striking out on your ownI never had any aspirations to be

self-employed. I knew I wanted to stay in a health environment and really fell upon this opportunity in a short time after leaving. I am fortunate that I have a very supportive husband and a great Practice Manager who have the same beliefs about health as me.

Role models The one person I tend to look up to is

my husband. He has been self-employed since his early 20’s and his philosophy is that you have to keep working hard in order to keep customers coming back. These are the ones that make your business sustainable.

Lessons for others Be really clear about what you want

to be the end outcome to be. It may be about job satisfaction, more time for yourself or family. Always make sure you

incorporate your own values into the business and follow your own intuition.

One important aspect for me was networking and meeting other self employed people, listening to their positive and negative experiences and mixing with people who have energy and passion for what they do. It creates so much positivity and self belief. Building up relationships is always a must in business.

You need to put a value on what you do as it is easy in the early days to do anything for a quick buck, but sometimes it won’t benefit you long term and it devalues your skills and time.

The Startup Club has been invaluable to me and people have been so willing to give up their time to pass on their skills, knowledge and experience. Always ask for help, if they can’t help, they will know someone who can. Above all, believe in yourself and be yourself.

“I wanted people to feel likethey were having a spa like experience

in a healthcare setting”

22 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Events round up

Lion Quays BBQA

glorious sunny day greeted Chamber members at the Lion

Quays Hotel & Spa, set on the banks of the wonderful and peaceful Shropshire Union Canal.

The fun filled afternoon began with a unique treasure hunt. Under the starter’s orders of Debbie Stokes, Membership Director for the Chamber attendees paired up with other members and scrambled off picking up clues in the hotel and spa, as well as around the hotel’s attractive grounds.  They also competed in a segway challenge and a paint ball target competition.

After the treasure hunt, attendees enjoyed a delicious BBQ on the outdoor dining patio overlooking the Shropshire Union Canal and the prizewinners were announced.

The segway challenge

provided by SegTrek in Chirk included a fun time trial on a mini slalom around giant chess pieces, was won by Phill Jones from Insignia Resourcing Limited. The paint ball target competition provided by Morgan at Combat Rats was won by Claire Davies of Umbrella Marketing Team for accuracy and speed across the target course, with the overall treasure hunt winning pair, David Wall of Mercer & Associates Wealth Management Ltd and Neil Lewis of Forever Living Products picking up hotel and spa breaks and afternoon tea invitations.

Tom of SegTrek Segway Chirk said, “The teams were very focused and competitive in the taster session of the segway challenge, which would include a mini slalom to get used to how to handle a segway safely, progressing

to a gradient obstacle course and can include an off road experience at our Chirk centre set within 500 acres of stunning National Trust Woodland.”

Tansy Rogerson, Business Development Manager of the Lion Quays Hotel and Spa said, “We are delighted to welcome members of the Chamber to our hotel and conference centre. The segway and paintball experience are being launched as additions to our corporate packages and it is fantastic that members told me how much they enjoyed the day.”

All attendees received discounted spa invitations and to bring a guest for free.  Thanking members for their spirited participation and the generosity of the Lion Quays Hotel and Spa, Debbie Stokes said, “I’d like to thank the Lion Quays Hotel and Spa for hosting this fabulous event and for providing lunch. It has been a fantastic afternoon and we were blessed with great weather.  Please let other members know what a great day it has been too because we plan to have more networking events in a similar fun and relaxing format.”

Lunch and networking at Village Urban Resort

Two locally based journalists shared their top ten tips on how to

get your company’s story in the media with members of the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce in a networking lunch hosted by Village Urban Resorts St David’s, Ewloe. The duo, David Atkinson, a journalist,

copywriter and independent media tutor, together with Tracy North, former journalist and founder of Outwrite PR gave practical advice and entertained the audience with tales from their experiences.

Before engaging in an interactive exchange of insights and stories, 44 delegates enjoyed a delicious lunch of salmon with hollandaise sauce, lamb tagine, pappardelle with pea, cashew and parmesan pesto, followed by a truly scrumptious choice of lemon posset and strawberries and cream.

David Atkinson said, “I am delighted to share tips from 15 years in journalism to help some members of the Chamber to think differently about how they present their written communications whether it’s on their blog,

social media or news stories to the media or Chamber magazine. Most stories are too bland and you need to stand back from it and think how can I do it better? There has to be a news hook to a story and the bottom line is no hook, no story.”

Outwrite Managing Director, Tracy North added, “I spotted quite a number of people making notes and there were lots of questions afterwards.  Delegates that apply our tips should see a noticeable boost to their businesses’ profiles.”

Davinder Singh Lotay, Director of MJ Lighting Technology Ltd based in Barrowmore Estate, said, “Debbie and the Chamber have been very supportive and this is a great opportunity to network with other businesses.

We use local suppliers in the North West and work with some exciting clients mostly in London including Hugo Boss, Selfridges, and Nike providing them with bespoke lighting solutions, which we manufacture and, yet not many people in the north know about us.  Today’s insights will help us to start thinking about how we can get our name out there and engage with projects in the North West.”

Debbie Stokes, Membership Director for The West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce said, “Thank you to Jill Kays, Stuart Davies and the team at the Village St David’s for co-hosting this event with the Chamber. Lunch as always was fantastic. A huge thanks to Tracy and David for sharing their top ten tips with us and to all of you for coming.

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 23

Events round up

Summer Cocktail Party T

he West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce’s Summer

Cocktail Party took place on a warm sunny evening on 9 July, at Eaton Estate. Over 130 members of the Chamber and guests attended the annual celebration evening which was held in the spectacular surrounds of the ancestral home of the Chamber’s President, The Duke of Westminster.

Guests meandered through an archway into the old stable courtyard where they were greeted with elegant glasses of sparkling Prosceco Marchesini. The drinks reception canapés included pressed port belly, maple and chilli jam; beef with horseradish cream and many more and mouth-watering delights catered by Dougherty and Allen.

Classical music and conversation filled the courtyard complex, before

a classical performance in the Long Room by Faye Anglesea, a Mezzo Soprano who trained at Cheathams School of Music . After her performance Faye said, “It is a real honour to perform in such a charming and impressive venue. As a freelance singer, the Chamber is very supportive in helping me connect with my target audience, including corporate and private events and tonight is a fantastic way of networking and socialising to build awareness of what I offer.”

William Hogg, Chairman of The West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce said, “I would like to extend our thanks to the Duke of Westminster for once again allowing us to use this magnificent venue for our summer gathering. I also take this opportunity to thank Marketing Cheshire along with Colin and the team for

organising everything and to our caterers Dougherty & Allen for treating us to such beautiful canapés, and of course, to Faye Anglesea and her accompanist, Tim Stewart for treating us to a musical extravaganza. ”

William also thanked Debbie Stokes, Membership Director and her team together with Phil and Janet Jones, Pamela Drew and Lynne Swinnerton from the Focus group for helping to support and develop the Chamber’s activities for members over the year.

Colin Brew, Chief Executive of the Chamber, said, “This cocktail party is an annual

opportunity to celebrate the successes of members and the Chamber and to enjoy the super surroundings of the Eaton Estate, which we are very grateful to His Grace, the Duke of Westminster. Our membership has grown to over 500 members and continues to rise. This annual event is a chance for members and guests to enjoy an evening of entertainment, socialise and network. More importantly members get to know other members on a social basis, building relationships that matter, which often create a lot more strength and trusts in business.”

Chamber Annual Dinner – Get Ready for a Night to Remember!

Prepare to charge your glasses and toast the businesses successes

of 2015 at West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce’s showpiece Annual Celebration Dinner this October 9th at 7pm.

Taking place for the very first time in the stunning surrounds of MacDonald Craxton Wood Hotel, the black tie event will celebrate a year of fantastic achievements by businesses and organisations across our regions, together with a lively and fun mix of food, drink, live music, dancing and entertainment.

As we did last year, the Chamber will be using the event to support the great work of The Hospice of the Good Shepherd. There

will be a live auction with all proceeds going to this amazing charity.

Our Compere for evening is well known comedian and all-round entertainer Ted Robbins, best known for his roles in Phoenix Nights and more recently as ‘The Guv’ in BBC kids TV show The Slammer!

The evening will continue with live music from our live band ‘Le Funk’ and will be rounded off with our DJ playing a few of our favourite tunes for those of you who fancy a boogie!

Colin Brew, Executive Director of West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce said: “There’s no doubt that the Chamber’s Annual Dinner is a major event in the business calendar across our region, so after

listening to feedback from our members we decided to make this special evening even more special.

With a new venue, new menu, new entertainments and new ticket prices we’re extremely looking forward to the event and seeing as many people as possible from businesses and organisations across West Cheshire and

North Wales coming together to celebrate and have a great time.

Tickets always sell out fast so be sure to secure yours as soon as possible!”

Tickets per person cost £49.95 + VAT (Members) and £54.95 + VAT (Non Members), a table of 10 will receive a 10% discount.Book at www.wcnwchamber.org.uk/events/

24 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Name: Steve Davies MBEJob title: Managing Director Surf SnowdoniaFrom: November 2012Age: 56

WCNW: To begin, tell us a little about yourself and your background.

SD: I joined the Army at 16 as an electronics apprentice in the rank of private, but was sent to the commissioning board and started at Sandhurst when I was 18, transferring to The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment as a second lieutenant. I was later to command the Battalion as a Lieutenant Colonel. Later in my career I was posted to Sierra Leone as a Colonel to establish the Ministry of Defence in the wake of the civil war and in my spare time I established the Country’s National Railway Museum, thus accounting for my subsequent career path! I was Chief of Staff 2nd Division in Edinburgh when I got a call enquiring if I was interested in becoming Director of the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, which I was subsequently appointed to. From there I became Director of the National Railway Museum at York, and went on to masterminding the celebrations commemorating Mallard’s world speed record in 1938. This involved the temporary repatriation of two steam locomotives from North America. I’m married to Ruth, from

Preston, and have two children, Harry (26) who is a member of The Baby Jaynes, a band managed by Pete Waterman, and Katie (24) who runs her own music business in Edinburgh.

WCNW: What made you set up the business?

SD: The idea was not mine. Our Chairman, Martin Ainscough, who is synonymous with Ainscough Crane Hire, contacted me to discuss the notion of a surfing facility on land he owned in Dolgarrog. The more I looked at it, the more this crazy idea with its inherent complexity appealed to my sense of challenge.

WCNW: How and when did the idea come about?

SD: Martin had bought a redundant Aluminium factory in Dolgarrog and a chance encounter with Richard Sidi, CEO of Land and Lakes Ltd. revealed that a Spanish company was developing an artificial surfing technology, which might be just what the site could be used for. Further investigation continued to whet our appetite.

WCNW: Once the idea was formed, what did you do next?

SD: The first step was to negotiate a deal with the Wavegarden company, but this was closely followed by a major communication campaign to get the idea into the “in” trays of local, regional and national government officials. I don’t leave anything to chance and it seemed to me that a project of this complexity needed to gain friends at the top. I have to say that all three layers of government have been utterly brilliant in their dealings with us. Dolgarrog and its community could clearly see the benefits economically. Conwy County Borough Council saw us as a major pillar in their very successful strategy to attract dramatic, prestigious attractions to their area, and indeed were supportive literally from day one. Ministers and officials in the Welsh Government, from the First Minister onwards, gave us unstinting support throughout. Given the century of industrial activity on the site, it was important that workmanlike relations were developed with Natural Resources Wales, and a positive partnership with them resulted in an efficient land reclamation and decontamination process.

WCNW: What are your main responsibilities?

SD: I head up the overall team, from design, negotiations, fund raising and coordination of the significant number of contractors and consultants involved. This is a complex challenge and my Army career prepared me well for the task. Now that we are operational, my function has switched to developing it as a commercial going concern.

WCNW: What does a typical day involve?

SD: Coordination of the day’s activities and horizon scanning over the coming days, weeks and months occupies the first part of the day. As the operation beds in, I can find myself at one extreme discussing progress with Welsh Government, at the other checking that the toilets are being cleaned regularly. My biggest focus is checking that the wave making machinery is working reliably, day in day out, as this is absolutely core to our operation.

The BigInterview

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 25

The Big Interview

WCNW: Who are your target audience and what is the main aim of the organisation?

SD: We aim to attract a broad audience, from accomplished surfers to complete novices, with a big focus on family groups. We are promoting a very healthy lifestyle, and it is interesting to see the way in which the very extensive grounds have developed into an exercise area, with walks around the 705m lagoon perimeter track proving very popular. We have also been proved right in our assessment that we would attract a lot of people who do not want to get wet but simply want to enjoy the dramatic waves over a coffee or a meal. Our annual visitor forecast was 75,000 but we are already seeing 1,000 visitors daily, so we hope to exceed this target.

WCNW: What projects are you currently working on?

SD: Simply getting the park into a state of operational efficiency.

WCNW: How have things gone so far? What have been your main achievements?

SD: Opening after only 14 months of construction time was a major achievement given the complexity of the construction. Not everything was completed but our audiences have been understanding and patient in this respect.

WCNW: Was it hard getting others to see your vision? Or invest?

SD: Because we were delivering the first commercial Wavegarden in the world, so the facility is literally unique, it was not difficult to excite the senses, particularly internationally. There was considerable scepticism that this could ever be achieved, but this only heightened our sense of achievement. Martin was our principle investor, but Welsh Government recognised it had a role to play in bringing this amazing facility to Wales, and also made an appropriate contribution.

WCNW: Any difficulties? If so how did you overcome them?

SD: Where do I start? We had poor ground, industrial contamination, a high

water table, a flood plain, and a SSSI. This was never going to be straightforward. Our contractors were excellent, and our Project Managers had busy days every day. The key, though, was that our Board, and especially my business partner Andy Ainscough, always stayed closely engaged in the action. That way the construction team would always get timely, clear direction.

WCNW: Did you ever think ‘I’ve taken on too big a risk’? If so, how did you overcome it?

SD: The combination of new, novel technology and the ground conditions gave us the odd sleepless night, and we ended up driving 30% more piles than anticipated, 10km in total, but our philosophy was to keep a very close eye on the overall objective. The result of our grim determination is a spectacular facility.

WCNW: Looking ahead, what are your main aims for the organisation and how would you like it to develop?

SD: We want to get Surf Snowdonia operationally efficient and very remunerative in the short to medium term. Thereafter we are considering other offers we can bring to the site including potential use of the hinterland.

WCNW: How have businesses and individuals responded to what you’re offering?

SD: Enthusiastically! We have created 100 new jobs in the Conwy Valley with all the spending power that that implies. The bulk of our suppliers are also very local. Interestingly, we have built up an excellent relationship with Arriva Trains North Wales and Arriva Buses, to the extent that the latter’s No19 service is to be formally diverted into Surf Snowdonia from 30th August. Hotels and other accommodation providers also report that they are benefitting.

WCNW: What attracted you to entrepreneurship? Why was this?

SD: I don’t think I would call myself an entrepreneur. I get my kick from delivering big, dramatic, prestigious projects, including Mallard 75, which

was BIG in this respect and was dubbed “mission impossible”, as was my creation of the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum which we now support through a charitable arm, high water table, a flood plain, and a SSSI, Site of Special Scientific Interest.

WCNW: Are there any particular people, business leaders or others you look up to? What have you learned from them?

SD: I hope he doesn’t read this, but Martin Ainscough certainly sits high on my list of people whose vision is so effortlessly translated into action.

WCNW: What are your career aims and aspirations? Is there anything else in particular you’d like to achieve in your lifetime?

SD: At 56 there is still plenty of firepower in my arsenal and I see myself playing a major role, either leading my own enterprise or heading up an existing organisation, beyond this appointment. I am particularly keen to impart the leadership skills I have undoubtedly developed in my time in the Army, and which have directly benefitted me in business, to a younger talent group.

WCNW: What message would you give to fellow entrepreneurs or people looking to get involved in setting up their own business or organisation?

SD: Overcome the fear of failure. If you can, it will strengthen your resolve significantly and enable you to think very clearly under pressure.

26 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Apprenticeships

Your table awaits…

EN North West Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2015Wednesday 21 October The Mere, Knutsford

Celebrating its 14th year as the North West’s premier business awards evening, the EN Entrepreneur of the Year Awards are the region’s top accolade for owner-managed businesses.

� e evening brings together over 500 of the most successful business leaders, corporate advisors and investorsin the region, and returns to � e Mere, Knutsford, on Wednesday 21 October.

■ Family Business of the Year■ Start-up Company of the Year■ Most Entrepreneurial Company

of the Year

■ Technology Entrepreneur of the Year ■ Property Entrepreneur of the Year ■ Retail & Leisure Entrepreneur of the Year ■ International Trade Award

■ North West Entrepreneur of the Year ■ Young Entrepreneur of the Year ■ Digital Entrepreneur of the Year ■ Media Entrepreneur of the Year

2015 Categories:

Enter for fr ee online at awards.enforbusiness.comTicket enquiries: Joe Broun, Events Manager 0161 661 4189 joe.broun@excelpublishing.co.

EN Dinner advert (53°).indd 1 08/06/2015 14:31

Businesses across Cheshire West and Chester are being invited to a series of jobs and careers events across the region early next year to boost productivity and grow their own workforce through apprenticeships.

The four events come after a successful pilot event in Warrington earlier this

year which saw more than 450 apprenticeship vacancies advertised, 45 employers and organisations exhibiting and more than 900 young people and parents attending.

The events are aimed at

young people and their parents to enable them to meet with high profile employers in the area, discuss apprenticeship opportunities and talk about how to apply for one of their vacancies in 2016.

A series of four Apprenticeship Job and Careers events will be held across the three Local

Authorities – Cheshire West and Chester, Warrington and Cheshire East. The first is Birchwood Apprenticeship Jobs and Careers Fair on 21st January at The Centre, Birchwood Park, Warrington. This will be followed by Crewe Apprenticeship Jobs and Careers Fair on 4th February, venue to be confirmed, then Chester Apprenticeship Jobs and Careers Fair on 25th February, venue to be confirmed. The final event will be Barclays Apprenticeship Jobs and Careers Fair on 16th March at Barclays Technology Centre, Radbroke Hall, Stocks Lane.

Organised by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with C&W LEP, and other stakeholders, the events will be free to employers, learners and their parents. Representatives from the

National Apprenticeship Service, training providers and other organisations will also be there on the night to offer advice.

Apprenticeships help businesses develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce and bring about many business benefits - including improved skills levels, service, morale and productivity. Almost nine out of every ten apprenticeship employers hoping to achieve business benefits say apprenticeships deliver – including 89% reporting that it has helped their business improve the quality of their product or service.

Boosting productivity through apprenticeships

Pictures by: Lucy Marcella Baird

Your table awaits…

EN North West Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2015Wednesday 21 October The Mere, Knutsford

Celebrating its 14th year as the North West’s premier business awards evening, the EN Entrepreneur of the Year Awards are the region’s top accolade for owner-managed businesses.

� e evening brings together over 500 of the most successful business leaders, corporate advisors and investorsin the region, and returns to � e Mere, Knutsford, on Wednesday 21 October.

■ Family Business of the Year■ Start-up Company of the Year■ Most Entrepreneurial Company

of the Year

■ Technology Entrepreneur of the Year ■ Property Entrepreneur of the Year ■ Retail & Leisure Entrepreneur of the Year ■ International Trade Award

■ North West Entrepreneur of the Year ■ Young Entrepreneur of the Year ■ Digital Entrepreneur of the Year ■ Media Entrepreneur of the Year

2015 Categories:

Enter for fr ee online at awards.enforbusiness.comTicket enquiries: Joe Broun, Events Manager 0161 661 4189 joe.broun@excelpublishing.co.

EN Dinner advert (53°).indd 1 08/06/2015 14:31

Managing Risk in Supply Chains AD2Improving Competitiveness of Supply Chains AD3

Module Title CODE

Negotiating & Contracting in P & S D4Managing Contracts & Relationships D5

Leadership in Procurement & Supply PD1Strategic Supply Chain Management PD3

Corporate & Business Strategy PD2

Modules for examination in January

Modules for examination in November

Business Needs in Procurement D2Category Management in P & S AD4Supply Chain Diligence PD4

Modules for examination in March

Contexts of Procurement & Supply D1Operations Management in Supply Chains AD6Legal Aspects in Procurement & Supply PD6

Modules for examination in May

Modules for examination in July

Sourcing In Procurement & Supply D3Sustainability in Supply Chains AD5Leadership in Procurement & Supply PD1Strategic Supply Chain Management PD3

Management in Procurement & Supply AD1Programme & Project Management PD5

Why take years to get thoseimportant qualifications?…

Who are we? We can help!

Training & Consultancy - Our success is your success

Your success is our success

September 2015 – July 2016Weekend & weekday programme of study

Neil Fuller Associates Ltd is a CIPS Centre of Excellence and has been delivering courses for 15 years. Our tutors are all fully quali�ed professionals with many years experience in procurement and course delivery. We pride ourselves on the quality of our courses and the service we provide to our students and for CIPS.

Where are we?

Wirral Centre - Burleydam, Childer Thornton, South Wirral CH66 IQW

Our established training venue on the Wirral is based in Childer Thornton. This has easy access from all areas in the North West, Cheshire and North Wales by car and rail. There is a Premiere Inn and free parking on site.

Liverpool Centre - 100 Old Hall Street, Liverpool L3 9QJ

We are delighted to announce the opening of ournew city centre training venue in the heart of thebusiness community in Liverpool. Leave the car athome. Travel by train and the venue is in the Plaza Building in St Peters Square opposite the Passport Of�ce approximately 3/5 minute walk from the Old Hall Street exit of Moor�elds underground station. Please contact us if you need more precise directions.

September 2015 – July 2016

Our timetable is structured to allow students tocomplete a level and move up to the next level within the same academic year. This considerablyreduces the time it takes to complete all the elements and graduate MCIPS.

Please apply to the address below to receive a copy of our 2015/2016 brochure and enrolment form.

5 Woodslee Cottages, Spital Road, Bromborough, Wirral CH62 2BJ Tel: 0151 334 1366 | Fax 0870 052 7721 | Email: neil@nfassociates.demon.co.uk | www.neilfuller.com

We offer a wide range of training and consultancy opportunities tailored to your company’s requirements

• One and two day training courses are offered at our Wirral venue throughout the year. Our most popular courses are: • Improving Negotiation Skills • Improving Buyer Performance Developing Contracts • Contract and Commercial Law •

•• An Introduction to Purchasing Managing Contracts

•• Consultancy and Train the Trainer • We work in conjunction with you to implement the smooth running of procurement in the workplace including best practice and sustainability

• Our client base is from both the Public and Private Sector and includes prestigious car manufacturers, NHS, The Fire Service and Utility Companies

We will come to you to deliver In-house training courses in all aspects of procurement speci�cally designed to meet your needs

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 29

Apprenticeships

Reforms to apprenticeships are putting employers in the driving seat when it comes to designing apprenticeships. These reforms are replacing the existing frameworks with short, simple, accessible apprenticeship standards written by employers and are also giving employers control of apprenticeship funding so they are able to select the training that best meets their skills needs. Employer-led Trailblazers are leading the way in implementing new standards in apprenticeships, collaborating to design apprenticeship standards and assessment approaches to make them world class. More than 1,200 employers are involved so far.

The National Apprenticeship Service supports the delivery of apprenticeships and traineeships in England. It offers free impartial advice and support to employers looking to recruit for the first time or expand their programme.  This includes simplifying the process of recruiting an apprentice or trainee through the support of employer focused teams and Find an apprenticeship and Find a traineeship recruitment sites on GOV.UK where employers can advertise

their vacancies and potential apprentices or trainees can apply. Small businesses can get grant to help cover the cost of employing new apprentices aged 16 to 24 years old. More information about the criteria is available here

Over the last few years, the North West Ambassador Network has contributed to the apprenticeship agenda significantly. The network has helped to promote apprenticeships, encouraged new employers to take on apprentices and supported schools to provide sound careers advice, which has promoted the benefits of apprenticeships to young people. The National Apprenticeship Service is

now hoping to build on this success by rolling out a Cheshire and Warrington specific Ambassador Network whose remit will be to tackle individual issues relating to apprenticeships the area.

The aim of the group will be to focus on opening doors to new employers, increase the proportion of workplaces engaged in apprenticeships and share good practice between businesses.

Richard Harrington, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Apprenticeships and Joint

Chairman of the Apprenticeship Delivery Board, said:

“There has never been a better time to employ an apprentice. Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular option for businesses.

Apprentice employers report real business benefits but it’s vital that we get more employers engaged with apprenticeships to help them grow and become more productive.

“Events such as these provide young people and their parents with the opportunity to meet top employers who are offering a range of fantastic apprenticeships, face to face, all in one place. And they enable employers to meet with young talent and the workforce of the future. I would encourage all businesses to consider how employing an apprentice can help them grow.”

For further information about the events and the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, contact Olivia.hoque@sfa.bis.gov.uk

“They enable companiesto grow their own workforce,

providing highly-qualifiedand motivated employees.”

30 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Vauxhall launches up to 50 new Apprenticeship rolesV

auxhall Motors in Ellesmere Port, in conjunction with

training partner West Cheshire College and Unite the union,

is set to appoint up to 50 new Apprenticeship positions to work in the manufacturing areas of the plant.

The new Apprenticeship

roles support Vauxhall’s on-going training and succession planning to ensure the success of the New Generation Astra

which is being launched in September 2015.

Val Thomas, Plant Personnel Manager, said: “Apprenticeships have always formed an essential part of our training and skills development planning helping to ensure that our workforce has the right skills now and in the future.”

Maria Davison, Director of Business Development at West Cheshire College, said: “Vauxhall has always been a huge supporter of Apprenticeships as they recognise the value of bringing in fresh new talent and training them into highly skilled, qualified and valued team members for the future.”

Approximately 1,800 people work at the Vauxhall Ellesmere Port Plant building up to 148,854 new Astra’s every year.

Limitless futuresW

est Cheshire College has launched its latest student

recruitment campaign ‘Limitless’ at the College’s Annual Awards. It focuses on the endless possibilities available to young people who choose to study at West Cheshire College.

Sarah Wiggins, Student Union President at the College said; “I witness every day the amazing achievements of our students. The opportunities here are truly limitless, whether that is achieving Distinctions on your course, excelling in your Apprenticeship, taking part in once-in-a-lifetime trips, meeting inspirational people, securing fantastic careers or going on to study at university. All of which is possible when young people choose to study here thanks to the incredible facilities, courses and tutors.”

The campaign follows last year’s successful InspiringTALENT campaign, which has been nominated for a national education award, the Heist Award.

For more information about training or employer events at West Cheshire College call 01244 656499 or visit www.west-cheshire.ac.uk/employers

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 31

The Northern Powerhouse T

he airport has always been an invaluable economic asset for the

North of England, and for many people in the region, whether they flying for leisure or business purposes, we are truly are a global gateway and a key component of the Northern Powerhouse.

Transport has been the lifeblood of economies, be they regional, national or international, ever since the beginning of human civilization. To capitalise on the growth that the North West has seen in recent years, it is vital that regional connectivity remains one of the government’s top priorities. Without effective rail and road links connecting not only the North to the South but also the western and eastern sides of this region, the Northern Powerhouse will be unachievable.

22 million people and over 60% of UK businesses lie within two hours of Manchester Airport but better transport connectivity would

cast our net even further. With the proposed plans for HS2’s second phase including a station at the airport and with the momentum behind HS3 gaining further momentum, there are encouraging signs that long term infrastructural planning is giving greater consideration of how to best link road, rail and air more closely for the benefit of the UK’s economy.

The prospect of HS3 is certainly an exciting one, proposing a much needed rail link between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Hull that will allow the major cities in the Northern economy to prosper. Proposals to cut travel times to Liverpool to twenty minutes and Leeds to thirty minutes are just a few examples that showcase the opportunity to exploit the full potential of Manchester Airport for the benefit of our region.

Financial Results MAG has delivered a

fifth consecutive year of strong growth, investment

and development that has enabled us to exceed expectations across many of our key measures, including the delivery of industry leading passenger numbers and trading performance.

The success of MAG’s commercial and operational strategy is reflected in the fact that we have welcomed nearly 5 million more passengers into our four airports in the last year and have been able to offer them an increasingly diverse range of facilities, unparalleled

choice of airlines and range of destinations that has taken them all over the world.

Manchester Airport has been a significant contributor to the Group’s growth. We are very much the UK’s Global Gateway for the North; a vital connection to the rest of the world.

The year so far has been a busybut hugely successful one for

Manchester Airport, and we continueto enjoy strong growth in both the

numbers of passenger that are usingthe airport and the variety of

routes availableto them.

Business Travel

Ken O’Toole – Managing Director, Manchester Airport

Holywell Travel was first established in 2007, and has quickly grown into one of the top travel agents in North Wales. Brian Loynton, the owner of Holywell Travel and staff have many years’ experience in the travel industry and pride ourselves on the individual service that we offer our customers. We are well known in the travel industry and are therefore able to arrange exclusive offers which are not just cheap late deals but holidays departing sometimes months ahead which we have selected due to their value and destination. Since our opening in Holywell we have been working closely with Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines with a focus on their sailings from Liverpool. Fred.Olsen are a family-run company and prefer a more personal approach to service. They favour smaller, more intimately-sized ships which help to create a

warmer, more sociable atmosphere on-board. Everything is designed to make the ship feel just like a home-from-home, where everyone can relax and be themselves. Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines brings the world closer to you – and that starts with the convenience of departures closer to home. The appealing combination of choice and value offered by Fred.Olsen makes the decision to use your local port and sail from Liverpool an easy one. Our two special offers feature Fred.Olsen’s Boudicca which was originally designed for world cruising and this is reflected in its high proportion of large cabins and suites – many of which have sea views – and the spacious environment. This ambience is emphasised by the large windows in the elegant public rooms. These also offer fabulous sea views which can be enjoyed in the ship’s restaurants, or simply while relaxing with a drink.

NEW 2016 CRUISES SAILING FROM LIVERPOOL

To book, call Holywell Travel on 01352 717 680 or email sales@holywelltravel.co.ukOpen: Mon-Fri 09:30-17:00 Sat 09:00-14:00Holywell Travel, 46c High Street, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 7LH

Fares are per person, based on twin occupancy of the lead-in twin cabin, subject to availability. Offers may be amended or withdrawn at any time without prior notice, are subject to availability & cannot be applied retrospectively. All bookings are subject to Fred. Olsen's standard terms & conditions, available on our website & on request. Some ports may be at anchor, intermediate days are at sea. FOCL reserve the right to amend itineraries for operational reasons. E&OE. All Inclusive Upgrade offer covers selected beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, subject to availability. Tours, tips, premium drinks, medical facilities and other optional spend, during travel to the ship and while on board, are not included. Any additional expenditure will need to be paid separately. All Inclusive Upgrade Package must be booked at least 6 days prior to departure. On board credit is per person and cannot be exchanged for cash. Amount is dependent on cruise.

LiverpoolBelfast

Killybegs

Cork (from Cobh)

Dublin (overnight)

Bilbao (from Getxo)

La Rochelle(from La Pallice)

Lorient

El Ferrol

Liverpool

Cruising the Emerald Isle France & Spain Escape

30th May 2016 7 nights • D1608

Boudicca

Prices from Inside cabin £699pp

Outside cabin £799pp

30th September 2016 8 nights • D1619

Boudicca

Prices from

Inside cabin £799pp

Outside cabin £899pp

Plus £70pp on board spend Plus £80pp on board spend

FOC311573_HolywellTravel_A4_Flyer_1pp_July2015_V3.indd 1 12/08/2015 15:20

To book, call Holywell Travel on 01352 717 680 or email sales@holywelltravel.co.ukOpen: Mon-Fri 09:30-17:00 Sat 09:00-14:00Holywell Travel, 46c High Street, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 7LH

Fares are per person, based on twin occupancy of the lead-in twin cabin, subject to availability. Offers may be amended or withdrawn at any time without prior notice, are subject to availability & cannot be applied retrospectively. All bookings are subject to Fred. Olsen's standard terms & conditions, available on our website & on request. Some ports may be at anchor, intermediate days are at sea. FOCL reserve the right to amend itineraries for operational reasons. E&OE. All Inclusive Upgrade offer covers selected beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, subject to availability. Tours, tips, premium drinks, medical facilities and other optional spend, during travel to the ship and while on board, are not included. Any additional expenditure will need to be paid separately. All Inclusive Upgrade Package must be booked at least 6 days prior to departure. On board credit is per person and cannot be exchanged for cash. Amount is dependent on cruise.

LiverpoolBelfast

Killybegs

Cork (from Cobh)

Dublin (overnight)

Bilbao (from Getxo)

La Rochelle(from La Pallice)

Lorient

El Ferrol

Liverpool

Cruising the Emerald Isle France & Spain Escape

30th May 2016 7 nights • D1608

Boudicca

Prices from Inside cabin £699pp

Outside cabin £799pp

30th September 2016 8 nights • D1619

Boudicca

Prices from

Inside cabin £799pp

Outside cabin £899pp

Plus £70pp on board spend Plus £80pp on board spend

FOC311573_HolywellTravel_A4_Flyer_1pp_July2015_V3.indd 1 12/08/2015 15:20

To book, call Holywell Travel on 01352 717 680

or email sales@holywelltravel.co.ukOpen: Mon-Fri 09:30-17:00 Sat 09:00-14:00Holywell Travel, 46c High Street, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 7LHFares are per person, based on twin occupancy of the lead-in twin cabin, subject to availability. Offers may be amended or withdrawn at any time without prior notice, are subject to availability & cannot

be applied retrospectively. All bookings are subject to Fred. Olsen's standard terms & conditions, available on our website & on request. Some ports may be at anchor, intermediate days are at sea. FOCL

reserve the right to amend itineraries for operational reasons. E&OE. All Inclusive Upgrade offer covers selected beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, subject to availability. Tours, tips,

premium drinks, medical facilities and other optional spend, during travel to the ship and while on board, are not included. Any additional expenditure will need to be paid separately.

All Inclusive Upgrade Package must be booked at least 6 days prior to departure. On board credit is per person and cannot be exchanged for cash. Amount is dependent on cruise.

CRUISE FROM LIVERPOOL

Liverpool

Belfast

Killybegs

Cork (from Cobh)

Dublin (overnight)

Bilbao (from Getxo)

La Rochelle(from La Pallice)

Lorient

El Ferrol

Liverpool

Cruising the Emerald Isle

France & Spain Escape

CRUISE FROM Upgrade to All Inclusive from just

£10 pppn

30th May 2016 7 nights • D1608 BoudiccaPrices from Inside cabin £699ppOutside cabin £799pp

30th September 2016 8 nights • D1619BoudiccaPrices fromInside cabin £799ppOutside cabin £899pp

Plus £70pp on board spend

Plus £80pp on board spend

At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, we believe cruising should be a relaxing experience from start

to fi nish – which is why we offer convenient departures from your local port.

Sailing from and/or returning to Liverpool you can start you holiday at sea with ease.

FOC311573_HolywellTravel_A4_Flyer_1pp_July2015_V3.indd 1

12/08/2015 15:20

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 33

In the last year, we saw passenger numbers rise by over 7% to deliver an all-time high of over 22 million. These passengers have the choice of over 70 airlines and 200 destinations – our most diverse range ever. From budget airlines to luxury long haul flights, all can be found at Manchester. The benefits of such a large organisation are felt locally too, with around 20,000 local people employed on site.

Transformation Programme In June of this year,

we were delighted to announce the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme – a £1 billion phased redevelopment of the airport – that will completely transform its look and feel and in doing so enable us to solidify Manchester’s position as the UK’s global gateway to

and from the North. Amongst the goals of

the project is the task of increasing the size of Terminal Two by 140%, which will become the airport’s primary terminal. Around 1,500 jobs are expected to be created by the Programme which will combine a complete redesign of the terminals with state of the art services. This isn’t a simple task, but I have no doubt the region will reap the benefits of a reimagined airport and continue to excel.

Much of the Programme is focussed on increasing efficiency and improved customer experience; whether in security, flight schedules or travel around and to the airport.

The improvements will be delivered inside the existing footprint of the airport and are consistent with the established guidance provided

by the Manchester Airport Master Plan; that growth will be phased, incremental and making best use of the existing terminal campus area.

Alongside the Transformation Programme is MAG’s Airport City project, an ambitious £800 million property development scheme that is also sits within the City’s Enterprise Zone. Airport City has 5 million sq ft of development opportunities for offices, hotels, advanced manufacturing, logistics, retail and leisure and will stimulate and nurture growth in Greater Manchester and the wider region. Super-fast broadband, subsidies in the form of business rate discounts worth up to £275,000 and unparalleled connectivity have all been factored in to help attract foreign investment into the project.

The USA, the Caribbean and beyond

It’s no secret that Manchester’s ongoing growth and reputation serves as a magnet for airlines. In the past 12 months we have been lucky enough to announce a raft of new routes - Thomas Cook will soon begin new routes to both Los Angeles and Boston, whilst also

increasing the frequency of its flights to Las Vegas, Orlando and New York. This has built on Thomas Cook’s previous commitment to Manchester Airport after it opened its Miami route in March this year. Meanwhile, Thomson has expanded its Caribbean routes to include Aruba, beginning 2016.

In recent months, Cathay Pacific has begun a direct route to Hong Kong, which runs four times a week from Manchester- the only airport outside of London to have such a connection. The direct route to Hong Kong also supports our Airport City development, providing additional connectivity for companies that will be based on site in the future.

The FutureThe future looks bright for

Manchester Airport and I’m excited about the months ahead. The team here has invested a huge amount of time in further developing our route network and continuing to improve the customer experience and I am confident that we have the foundations in place from which we can really push on and deliver an even stronger proposition to our stakeholders in the future.

Business Travel

34 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Key Points• Zero hours contracts

normally mean there is no obligation for employers to offer work, or for workers to accept it.

• Most zero hours contracts will give staff ‘worker’ employment status.

• Zero hours workers have the same employment rights as regular workers, although they may have breaks in their contracts, which affect rights that accrue over time.

• Zero hours workers are entitled to annual leave, the National Minimum Wage and pay for work-related travel in the same way as regular workers.

What are they?The term ‘zero hours’ is not

defined in legislation, but is generally understood to be a employment contract between an employer and a worker,

which means the employer is not obliged to provide the worker with any minimum working hours, and the worker is not obliged to accept any of the hours offered.

It is important that both the employer and worker are aware of the fact that a zero hours contract can make their relationship different to other employment contract arrangements.

When are zero hours contracts used?• Zero hours’ contracts can

be used to provide a flexible workforce to meet a temporary or changeable need for staff. Examples may include a need for workers to cover:

• unexpected or last-minute events (e.g. a restaurant needs extra staff to cater for a wedding party that just had their original venue cancel on them)

• temporary staff shortages (e.g. an office loses an essential specialist worker for a few weeks due to bereavement)

• on-call/bank work (e.g. one of the clients of a care-worker company requires extra care for a short period of time).

It is important for employers to actively monitor their need for zero hours contracts. In many cases, it may be more effective or appropriate to make use of agency workers, or recruit staff on fixed-term contracts - or it may turn out that the need is permanent and therefore a permanent member of staff can be recruited.

Breaks between employmentDepending on the specific

agreements in the contract, a ‘zero hours’ contract might mean that the contract only exists when the work is provided.

Where a zero hours contract does mean that the contract only exists when the work is provided, a full calendar week without work from Sunday to Saturday is required to bring about a break in employment.

When employment is continuous, certain employment rights accumulate over time. For example, after their first year, workers don’t need to accrue their annual leave before taking it.

Equally, when employment is broken, an employer has certain responsibilities too. This includes a need to pay the worker for any accrued and untaken holiday pay.

Employment statusIn most cases zero

hours contracts mean that an employer recruits a ‘worker.’ However the way the relationship with

Legal & Finance

Zero Hour Contracts – what are they all about?

Considerations for the employer Considerations for the worker

Easily accessed pool of staff to assist when demand arises

No ongoing requirement to provide guaranteed levels of work for staff

Can be cheaper alternative to agency fees

Provides flexible employment on same basic terms as most workers

No ongoing requirement to accept offers of work and no consequences

Gives employment experience and skills

“Zero hours contractshave recently received

significant media coverageas a result of their

alleged abuse by someemployers.”

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 35

File: 215366-9-WCNWNAlternative BAd size: BV 1/2L (181mm wide x 116mm high)

The Alternative Board (TAB) is positioned tohelp local business owners grow theircompanies, increase profitability and improvetheir lives by participating in peer advisoryboards. The boards that we create, manageand facilitate comprise owners, managingdirectors and CEOs who run non-competingbusinesses.Board members meet monthly to learn fromeach others' successes and challenges, andgain advice on how to take their business tothe next level. Members benefit from 1-2-1executive coaching sessions, as well as havingaccess to TAB’s business improvement tools.

The Alternative Board arrives in North Wales!

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To find out more and take advantage of a 3 month no-cost ‘Test Drive’, contact David Roberts on 07899 910293 | DRoberts@TheAlternativeBoard.co.uk

http://NE-Wales.TheAlternativeBoard.co.uk

that worker develops may enhance the employment status to that of an ‘employee’, who has additional employment rights. For example, employee status provides statutory notice

rights. Developments that contribute to such a change could include subjecting the worker to disciplinary procedures or punishing them in some way if they don’t accept all the hours they are offered.

Zero hours status also has to stand up on paper (in the contract) as well as in practice. Where there is a dispute over this, an employment tribunal may decide for themselves what contractual relationship

exists between employer and worker and any associated employment rights, including enhancements such as accruing the right to take maternity leave or pay and the right to ask to request flexible working.

Legal & Finance

Zero Hours Myth Busting FACT: Zero hours workers are entitled to annual leave

Any worker or employee starts to accrue their annual leave from the moment they begin working. This includes anyone working on a ‘zero hours’ contract.

If the ‘zero hours’ contract means that employment is continuous (see Zero hours contracts), then a worker should arrange when they take the annual leave with

their employer.If the zero hours contract

means that the employment will be broken on occasion (seeZero hours contracts), then a worker should receive a payment for any accrued but untaken annual leave.

FACT: Zero hours workers are not obliged to accept work

If the zero hours contract is a genuinely casual arrangement, the worker is

not obliged to accept any of the hours offered.

There is a risk that a worker who persistently refuses work when an employer offers it may ultimately influence the employer to terminate the arrangement. However, it is not good practice for an employer to try and force the worker to work, as this may call into question whether or not this is a genuinely casual

arrangement, and it is also unlikely to help with staff morale and productivity.

For further workplace advice and guidance please visit www.acas.org.uk

36 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

The person behind the business

An overview of yourself and your current role.

At 58 years young, I have been employed in the public service sector for over 30 years and have travelled extensively. I see InXpress as a new challenge which allows me to use all the skills I have developed over the years. Basically, from my centre in the UK, I move documents, parcels, boxes, pallets and freight around the world utilising only certified couriers and freight forwarders. I can move anything, anywhere. For example, the contents of a whole house to Houston in Texas, family heirlooms

to Australia and a car back from India.

I retired at 55 and since I missed out as a teenager, took a ‘gap year’ with my wife, travelling to Australia via Singapore and returning through Thailand. As nomadic backpackers we lived the dream, sleeping in hostels, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. When we returned I realised that finding a job at the wrong side of 50 was likely to be a non-starter, but knew I still had much to offer.

My first thought was to consider franchising as proven models provide a stable platform to start a

business and so reduce the risk. Furthermore, I wanted to use my existing skills gained from many years of experience. In particular, one of my strengths is organising people and systems, while operating under pressure, so I selected the Courier and Freight Industry as a suitable sector. Currently I have been running this business for two and a half years and it’s growing steadily year on year.

What are your aims? I have a simple aim: to

grow my business, create employment for others then retire again!

Describe your role.I do everything, from

ensuring speedy collection and deliveries, performing administrative duties, negotiating attractive rates, marketing, sales, resolution of border control problems, invoicing and accounts.

What’s the best bit of having a job like yours?

Complete autonomy! I work long hours but my day is varied and enjoyable.

Was a role like this always what you aspired to?

I started in farming when I was 15 years old and wanted to be a fireman when I was at school, fulfilling my ambition for 10 years, specialising in aircraft with the RAF and then working in civilian airports in Saudi Arabia. After an exciting time travelling, I returned to the UK to look for a way to secure a settled future, especially since I had already met my

wife, Jane. Consequently I became a police officer with North Wales Police Force and served for 26 years until I retired from what was a fulfilling career.

Any special memories to share?

There’s so many stories that, sadly, I can’t share, but one very proud moment was seeing the royal yacht, Britannia, sail into Saudi Arabia. I saw for myself the number of business deals that were accomplished that week.

Tell us a bit about what you do outside of work to relax.

I was in the local Mountain Rescue Team for 23 years prior to my retirement from the police. I am a keen cyclist and try to get out into the countryside every weekend, weather permitting. I keep bees and have done so for the last 15 years. Then my three dogs take me out for a walk every day.

In an ideal world, what else would you like to be?

My one unfulfilled ambition is to be a pilot. Having spent so much time working on the ground at airports, I always wanted to fly the actual aircraft. it’s never too late!

What advice would you give to anyone starting out?

Just keep an open mind. Everyone encounters obstacles and can find ways to overcome them. However, if you find yourself in a dead end then move on quickly.

Dave Lewis, InXpress

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 37

Where Acas could save you up to £21,000THE AVERAGE cost awarded at an employment tribunal now stands at £12,148, where the British Chambers of Commerce has put the average cost for an employer defending themselves at an Employment Tribunal at £8500. Defending a claim can be a daunting prospect for any organisation.

To avoid being faced with these costs and challenges, Acas are providing employers with the opportunity to see a Mock Employment Tribunal in action in both North and South Wales in collaboration with Law firm NWSSP Legal & Risk Service Solicitors.

 Apart from these one off events, did you know that Acas provide:

free, impartial information and advice to employers and employees on all aspects of workplace relations and employment law. We support good relationships between employers and employees which underpin business success. But when things go wrong our expertise in conciliation to resolve workplace problems comes to the fore. We also provide good value, high quality training and tailored advice to employers. Our

expertise is based on millions of contacts with employers and employees each year.

Practical Solutions to every day employment problems

Whether you are an employer, employee or representative, you can call the Acas helpline for free and impartial advice.

Call our helpline on 0300 123 1100 or access Helpline Online at www.acas.org.uk for free support and advice.

From recruiting your first employee to managing the unmanageable, we promote good practice by offering tailored training based on our respected guidance; we provide free online training through the Acas Learning Online site and other tools for organisations to diagnose themselves; and we offer a range of training courses and employer network forums.

Last year we trained around 30,000 people.

Helping people to resolve disputes at the earliest stage and avoid conflict in the future

We believe in nipping issues in the bud and as informally as possible. We provide mediation to help organisations resolve conflicts

that arise between individuals or within workgroups. We help organisations set up their own mediation schemes and provide their staff with accredited training to become internal mediators. When a dispute does arise, our Early Conciliation Service helps both sides reach a mutually acceptable solution, which avoids the potential cost, time and stress of the tribunal system as detailed above.

Our collective conciliation service helps employers and employees’ representatives (Trade Unions) to reach agreement on issues affecting groups of employees, such as pay, and terms and conditions.

Through good times and tough times, we work with

employers and employees across Wales to improve organisations and working life.

As part of our engaging with business strategy we realise how important it is for us to connect with Welsh businesses. With planned roll out to businesses across the region, we are holding free events on 06th January in Cardiff, 15th January in Llandudno & 22nd January in Swansea 2016 to share how Acas can support and work with your organisation.

Gareth PettyAcas Wales Director

Testimonial

Attended managing extreme persistent and difficult workplace behaviours (part 1). What a great course! Really inspirational and has boosted my self confidence and ability to deal with difficult situations. The course was really informative and dealt in real-life situations which participants could relate to. Thank you very much.

Regional Manager

advertorial

Improving organisations and working life through better employment relations

38 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

A closer look at...

Bathing Beauty, Georgina Jones

A career in front of the camera fashioned the notion of potions

and lotions that founder of Bathing Beauty, Georgina Jones developed into an award winning and successful skincare brand.

Georgina grew up on Dartmoor with her two younger brothers and her parents, both dentists. While mucking out her beloved horses, making dens and mixing potions from petals and leaves, life was a far cry from the world of couture, billboards and glossy magazines.

In her Upper Sixth year, the would be model won the South West heats of the BBC Clothes Show and came third in the nationals. Having completed her A levels, Georgina decided to defer a university place to study a law degree and moved to London for a gap year, where she was soon signed to a top agency, Models One. By the following January she found herself living in Milan. Her gap year turned into seven, shuttling between the Italian couture capital, Paris and London working with the world’s best photographers, hair & makeup artists and stylists.

Georgina became the face for Burberry, De Beers Diamonds, Emporio Armani and many luxury brands. Her love of mixing petals into potions continued during the height of her modeling career when she started to experiment with making simple skincare preparations to help her to maintain a clear complexion, a major asset for a model in the pre-Photoshop era. Soon her friends were asking her to make skin care preparations especially for them too.

It would be some years later before Bathing Beauty was to be conceived. Georgina explained why she decided to retire from modeling, and how she came up with the idea to manufacture a skincare range and said, “Although I loved the photo shoots, I found the constant travelling very stressful. After a sleep walking accident I decided it was time to choose a different career. One, which didn’t make me sleepwalk! I applied and was accepted to study a four years degree course in Osteopathy.

“Several years later, while I was weaning my son Titus, I discovered he had very sensitive skin. He developed eczema and nothing prescribed seemed to help. I set out with my knowledge of anatomy and physiology, a deep understanding of what women want from their skincare and a burning ambition to provide a chemical free alternative to traditional skin products.”  

Georgina read around the subjects of herbalism, aromatherapy and homeopathy, therapies she was very familiar with, and pored over soap making books from her local library, and surfed the internet. When she completed her research of the legalities and responsibilities, she set up her skincare enterprise, Bathing Beauty with a vision to produce the purest most effective skin care products, whilst avoiding the use of all synthetic fragrance oils, emulsifiers and preservatives, for use on the most sensitive of skins.

The Bathing Beauty range now extends to over 30 products and at least another 20 are in the

pipeline. The

company mainly manufactures all the products in house, at its headquarters, nestled in the Clywdian Range, in a converted Victorian cart shed. Georgina manages the marketing, invoicing, social media, direct sales and acquisition of new clients. She is supported by a modest team, which includes Caroline Parry and Alison Young. Geoff Graham has also joined the team as Director of Finance.

Swapping her days as Burberry beauty to Bathing Beauty has seen Georgina draw on many of her experiences and disciplines working in the modeling industry, including early morning starts to get on set for photo shoots as well as juggling a variety of jobs and roles including being mum to 3 young children.  

The company has won 13 national awards including two silvers at The Free From Skincare Awards, and has been third on The Beauty Shortlist twice to global brands such as Dermalogica and L’Oreal. Georgina also won Welsh Hair And Beauty Guru 2014, for services to the industry.

Asked to comment on the success of Bathing Beauty and what message

she would share with other entrepreneurs, Georgina said, “I pick up tips and tricks from everyone including patients and remain open, flexible and reactive. TED Talks are also very inspiring. Be totally committed to your plan but balance the passion with the understanding that you need people’s goodwill and help to succeed. My mother once said, ‘Everyone you pass on the way up will pass you on the way back down and it is those people who will choose whether to give you a hand back up, or push you under.’ I would like to be able to leave a legacy, whether that is a scholarship scheme or Well Being Centre, I’m not sure.”

The company recently launched a set of Vegan Makeup Brushes in collaboration with Caroline James, Katie Mellua’s make-up artist. In between a busy schedule, this ambitious entrepreneur hopes to have some time to develop a natural range of shampoos and shower gels and next year will launch a Mother and Baby Range.

To find out more about Bathing Beauty, visit their website www.bathing-beauty.co.uk.

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 39

Productivity

Good communication wins business

The most valuable asset of any law firm is its client base. It needs

to be protected. But it also needs developing, building and refining. The firm can do this by selling additional services to current clients or by finding new contacts.

More importantly, ensuring these enquiries are handled in the right way is a challenge.

Ever since the Legal Services Bill (2007) and Act (2010), lawyers are on a much more even footing with their increasingly confident and discerning clients and prospects. Both the communication and service experience that a client or prospect receives is the difference between success and failure – whether we like it or not.

If you invest in your marketing, you will see the return. Believe it or not, a 100 person law firm spending reasonable money on their website, online and offline collateral, as well as networking and events, can generate over 500 enquiries a

month. If they convert just 25% these enquiries (at a modest £500 per file), it’s worth £750k per annum to the firm. Make this a 50% conversion and we are talking about £1.5million. Scale it for your own firm and the numbers are stunning.

Or, to look at it another way, if you’re losing or not winning 500 projects from existing clients, you get the same numbers but in reverse – hardly an ideal situation.

Firms that are very good at the communications and service experience are the one’s who’ll win new business – and be taking away your existing clients if

you’re not providing the experience they expect.

Typically, clients want reassurance and to be put at ease. If a customer has a bad experience he tells as many as 26 people, who then pass it on further. On the other hand, good experiences aren’t spread as far and wide. Maybe one person gets to hear. But we all need to develop references and build our referral network.

The MCM Mystery Shopper Report, ‘Customer Experience – Law Firms’, and Ian Cooper’s ‘Survey Report For Lawyers on Converting Telephone Enquiries Into Profitable Business’ confirm how poor law firms are at handling inbound enquiries: 97% fail to put their clients at ease, it takes too long for calls to be answered and there are poor call transfers.

To test out this situation, Concert Networks previously carried out a mystery shopper exercise, conducting 150 new business calls. Focusing on

professional services firms in the North West, it uncovered a startling statistic: only 17% reached a person that could help – the beginning and end of the day were worse. Where are the other 83% going with their business?

Other equally concerning statistics were:

• 20% of the calls resulted in disconnects

• 36% resulted in non-availability

• 29% were answered with an office closed message.

• The average hold time 42 seconds – people start to become frustrated after 20.

How does your firm stack up against these results?

What can you do about it?

If you want to find out more information contact Scott Armstrong on 01565 748 231 or email: sarmstrong@concertnetworks.co.uk

40 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

New Members

Altimex LtdDavinder LotayUnit 2 Barrowmore Estate, Village Road, Great Barrow, Chester, Cheshire CH3 7JST: 01829 741262E: davinder@altimex.co.ukwww.altimex.co.uk

Amanda ChambersAmanda ChambersEllesmere PortT: 07720 940401E: mlchambers@btinternet.com

Anglesey Sea ZooFrankie HobroBrynsiencyn, AngleseyLL61 6TQT: 01248 430411E: frankie@angleseyseazoo.co.ukwww.angleseyseazoo.co.uk

Ann Sturla - Forever Living ProductsAnn SturlaThe Beeches, Llanasa Road, Gwespyr, Holywell, FlintshireCH8 9LTT: 07590 851171E: ann@aloeverasupplies.co.ukwww.aloeverasupplies.flp.com

Bathing BeautyGeorge JonesThe Source, Ty Coch Barns, Llangyn-hafal, Denbigh, DenbighshireLL16 4LNT: 01824 790641E: bathingbeauty@btinternet.comwww.bathing-beauty.co.uk

Big HeritageDean PatonRiverside Innovation Centre, 1 Castle Drive, Chester, CheshireCH1 1SLT: 01244 515567E: info@bigheritage.co.ukwww.bigheritage.co.uk

Blue Ocean Business Development & TrainingAlexis MasonChesterT:07780 877651E: alexisjanemason@yahoo.co.uk

BODHI360Dougie EagleshamOffice 25, Oaktree Court Business Centre, Mill Lane, Neston, CheshireCH64 8TPT: 07771 927648E: dougie@bodhi360.ukwww.bodhi360.uk

Boulting Group LtdBob BianchiUnit 14, Turnstone Business Park, Mulberry Avenue, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0WNT: 0151 5569290E: bobbianchi@boulting.co.ukwww.boulting.co.uk

Brook Mollington Banastre Hotel and SpaAmit UmmatParkgate Road, Mollington, Chester, Cheshire CH1 6NNT: 01244 851471E: amit@brook-hotels.co.ukwww.brook-hotels.co.uk/mollington

Clwyd Concrete Products LtdPeter WhalleyLlay Road, Llay, Wrexham, Wrexham, County Borough LL12 0TLT: 01978 799070E: peterw@cheshireconcrete.co.ukwww.cheshireconcrete.co.uk

CPD Works LimitedIan Walker1 Queens Drive, Queens Park, Chester, Cheshire CH4 7BDT: 0870 8802673E: ianwalker@cpdworks.co.ukwww.cpdworks.co.uk

Delyn Safety UK LtdMike Joy6 Queens Lane, Mold, Flintshire CH7 1JRT: 01352 756114E: info@delynsafety.co.ukwww.delynsafety.co.uk

E.E.G. ConsultantsEdward GreenhalghPO Box 107, Warrington, Cheshire WA1 1LUT:01925 261260E: eegconsultants@btconnect.com

FAUN Trackway LimitedRachael WilliamsUnit 6, Bryn Cefni Industrial EstateLlangefni, Gwynedd, LL77 7XAT: 01248 722777E: info@fauntrackway.co.ukwww.fauntrackway.co.uk

Firewave Technology Services LtdChris RoseChesterT: 02034 757870E: chris.rose@firewavetech.comwww.firewavetech.com

Flintshire Local Voluntary CouncilAnn Woods CorlanUnit 3, Mold Business Park, Wrexham Road, Mold, Flintshire CH7 1XPT: 01352 744000E: info@flvc.org.ukwww.flvc.org.uk

Golf and Business Together Chester LtdSimon GeeThe Pod, Gleaves Garden VillageMill Lane, Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 7JAT: 07788 203255E: simon.gee@gbtevents.co.ukwww.gbtevents.co.uk

JP Durham AssociatesJohn Durham9 Neville Crescent, Acton, Wrexham, Cheshire LL12 7HDT: 07895 402556E: jpdurhamassociates@gmail.comwww.jpdurhamassociates.wix.com/jpdurham

TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED 41

New Members

Keen Digital MarketingLorraine RobinsonOaktree Court Business Centre, Mill Lane, Neston, Cheshire CH64 8TPT: 07810 446461E: lorraine@wearekeen.co.ukwww.wearekeen.co.uk

Kogan CoachingMarina KoganColwyn BayT: 07957 245635E: info@kogancoaching.comwww.kogancoaching.com

Lukes Eating House and Gin RickeysEmilia Lommano10 St Johns Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1DAT: 01244 555060E: info@lukesandginrickeys.comwww.lukesandginrickeys.com

Machurian LtdPaul Verinder52 Bury Old Road, Whitefield, Man-chester, Greater Manchester M45 6TLT: 0844 3713595E: paulv@machurian.co.ukwww.machurian.co.uk

Mingle for BusinessSandra Donoghue1 Vale Park, Colomendy, DenbighDenbighshire, LL16 5TAT: 07748 528505E: sandra@mingleforbusiness.co.ukwww.mingleforbusiness.co.uk

MJ Lighting Technology LtdDavinder LotayUnit 2, Barrowmore Estate, Great Bar-row, Chester, Cheshire CH3 7JST: 01829 741702E: davinder@mjlighting.comwww.mjlighting.com

National Apprenticeship Service Skills Funding AgencyElizabeth Delight3rd Floor, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester M1 2WDT: 0161 2610319E: elizabeth.delight@sfa.bis.gov.ukwww.apprenticeships.gov.uk

Netfloor UKKeith LittlerMilton Brook Estate, Barrow Lane, Chester, Cheshire CH3 7HWT: 01829 771000E: keith@netfloor.co.ukwww.netfloor.co.uk

Newpeg LtdMarcus EvansThe Clock House, Park Lane, Pulford, Chester, Cheshire CH4 9HBT: 07801 663033E: marcus.evans@ibd-uk.comwww.ibd-uk.com

Office Force LtdSimon Argent97c Bowen Court, St Asaph Business Park, St.Asaph, Denbighshire LL17 0JET: 01745 472039E: sargent@office-force.co.ukwww.office-force.co.uk

Out Of The WoodsColin StokesUnit 18 Lake Enterprise Park, Dinsdale Road, Bromborough, Wirral, Merseyside, CH62 3PWT: 07468 610826E: outofthewoods14@gmail.com

Rhino SafetySimon Walter12 Ruscoe Avenue, Sandbach, Cheshire, CW11 3HGT: 01270 440341E: simon@rhinosafety.co.ukwww.rhinosafety.co.uk

Ridgetek Web SolutionsPeter Surridge23 St Georges Way, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 8XGT: 07557 261107E: peter@ridgetek.co.ukwww.ridgetek.co.uk

TechnosparkJosh BrownRiverside Innovation Centre, 1 Castle Drive, Chester, CheshireCH1 1SLT: 07717 805226E: josh@technospark.netwww.technospark.net

The Gold Star EffectDebbie LongChesterT: 07565 414792E: info@thegoldstareffect.comwww.thegoldstareffect.com

The Larkton Group LtdChris GreenSuite 34, 67-68 Hatton Garden,London EC14 8JYT: 01829 262404E: chris@thelarktongroup.comwww.thelarktongroup.com

The Mobile FD LtdRichard Stone21 Dee Banks, Chester, CheshireCH3 5UUT: 0845 8354774E: richardstone@themobilefd.comwww.themobilefd.com

Tip Top Smart ShopPamela Worley9 Queens Lane, Bromfield Ind Estate,Mold, Flintshire CH7 1JRT: 01352 750189E: sales@tiptopsmartshop.co.ukwww.tiptopsmartshop.co.uk

Touchstone Commercial Finance LtdEd Hewitt-SymondsPO Box 2320, Bridge Street, Wrexham, Wrexham County Borough LL11 0GLT: 07595 219921E: touchstonecf@hotmail.co.ukwww.touchstonecommercialfinance.co.uk

FeatureWhat I’m passionate about

Your opportunity to get to know the Chamber Board: Robert Ellis, Director of accountants and business advisors Ellis & Co.

42 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

File: 215409-9-WCNW Furnace FarmAd size: Product Size (210mm wide x 270mm high)

bodnant-welshfood.co.uk/hampers01492 651100 retail@bodnant-welshfood.co.uk

to employees and clients

say the perfect

Thank YouI AM PASSIONATE about working with businesses to maximise their profits, help them achieve their goals and find solutions to overcome business challenges. Providing the right encouragement to clients helps these issues to be faced, discussed and resolved rather than parked!

Running a business advisory and accounting practice, we act for over 300 businesses and many of our companies face similar issues. The life of the entrepreneur is often lonely and I am privileged to be the trusted advisor whom they are likely to call when guidance is needed.

What I love about my role is that no two days are the same. I may be advising a company to set up a group structure to separate higher risk activities away from the main trading company or I may be advising a brand new business. For example, group structures have been successfully implemented when a UK company was being unfairly targeted by a foreign VAT claim which threatened the closure of the company and also when a company wished to purchase a property on contaminated land.

It’s really important that a start-up business gets the right advice and I am always happy to offer a free meeting. This covers the trading status of the business, VAT registration, working capital, putting money aside for tax liabilities and other topics. Good advice at the beginning can make all the difference and increases that business’ survival rate. We work closely with businesses at the Innovation Centre as these small businesses are likely to become the life blood of the future. The University of Chester also plays a leading advisory role.

Important to our clients is minimising business taxes and often developing a specific tax strategy results in considerable savings. Recent wins for Ellis & Co have been in advising businesses for sale

to maximise the exit price and also in mitigating inheritance tax. Last minute wills and deeds of variation have saved clients a lot of money.

I have been advising clients for over 25 years and the most enjoyable role is meeting new people, hearing about their business plans and seeing them come to fruition.

Away from the office I am passionate about sailing and enjoy class racing in Trearddur Bay.

As a director of the Chamber of Commerce, Robert brings to the Board an understanding of smaller businesses and their day to day issues. Either he or one of his colleagues always attends the Chamber’s smaller business advisory clinics.

File: 215409-9-WCNW Furnace FarmAd size: Product Size (210mm wide x 270mm high)

bodnant-welshfood.co.uk/hampers01492 651100 retail@bodnant-welshfood.co.uk

to employees and clients

say the perfect

Thank You

File: 215408-9-WCNW BMAd size: Product Size (210mm wide x 270mm high)

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